47 Women are complicated
Neven Darga had finished his tasks and returned to Vienna that same evening. If he was lucky, he would have met Vera again. If she hadn't solved the case yet, he could watch her sleep another night.
It would have been the last time, he decided. After that, he would have found a way to meet her normally.
He was waiting for Florian's report, refreshing the mail on his office computer. It was getting late, and he would have left the company building at some point.
However, he first wanted to see the report!
He heard steps in the hallway, and his door opened without a knock.
«Hey!» he heard, and he rolled his eyes.
He was busy; what was that brat doing there?
«What do you need, Ogi?» he asked.
«Nothing. I just heard you were back from the summit and wanted to see you,» replied the other. «You know, it's been a good couple of days for me.»
«You went out to play in the subway. Again,» Neven said. «Your agent called me for the umpteenth time just to complain. Why does he even call me?»
«You know dad wouldn't bother to listen.»
«I know, but... I'm not your tutor, Ogi.»
«No. I'm old enough!» the other said, laughing out loud. «By the way, I met a person! She said my music is good! Can't you believe it?»
«Really? Are you sure she was honest?»
«Quite sure. Especially because she didn't end up in my bed. That means she truly thought what she said. She wasn't trying to flatter me.»
«Ogi, women... Women know how to be complicated,» Neven said. «Be careful. You know it's not her fault, in the end.»
«No, I'm telling you! This woman doesn't lose her mind. She's the right one! I even gave her my number, but don't tell Chris. He'd kill me if he knew.»
Neven rolled his eyes, leaning back on the chair and losing hope of actually getting the mail in time.
If only he knew whether Vera would have dinner at the hotel, he could - by chance - appear there. But he had no clue!
Time for dinner was long over, either way. Maybe breakfast?
But he would hate to go there and not see her in the end. It would have hurt his nerves too much. And his nerves were already at their limit when it regarded her.
«I heard you also found a woman,» Ogi said. «Florian is out following her, right? You know, that's not how you're supposed to woo a lady. You might frighten her. You should just appear in front of her, smile, and ask her to marry you. Shouldn't be too difficult for you.»
«Don't tell me what to do,» Neven said.
He didn't want her by his side at any cost. He wanted her to choose, and that was the hardest part. He and his brother were naturally attracting women. It was difficult to say no to them.
He didn't want to trap Vera. Rather, he wanted her to choose him of her free will... Even if it meant sweating more to have her.
«I'll ask Chris to end the break,» Ogi said.
«Your voice...»
«You know it's bullshit. I can sing for days, and I'd be fine. I want to hold a concert with the guys. It's been really too long.»
«Barely four months.»
«Too long! Also, my woman said she would come to listen. I promised her tickets for my concert, but how can I meet her again if I hold no concert?»
«Ogi,» Neven said, furrowing his brows, «you... She's not interested in you. She just wants the tickets.»
«You can't know it!»
«Why don't you call her, then? No need to interrupt your break for a girl.»
«I can't call her.»
«Why?»
«I don't have her number.»
«You...» Neven sighed. What a naive brat. «She doesn't like you, then.»
«She likes my violin music! It's more than any other fan does.»
«She didn't give you her number, but I guess she has yours. You have been swindled, Ogi. Also, where did you meet? In the subway?»
«Yes!»
«Wait... She noticed you?»
«Oh, yes,» he sighed, sitting on the chair in front of the desk. He stared at a spot in the void, lovestruck.
«You fool,» said Neven. But it was not like he couldn't understand. He wasn't so different from his brother, all things considered.
«I can lend you a team to find her,» he said, his face warming up.
«No need. I won't become a stalker like you.»
«You should check her out before letting yourself loose. Just in case. Women can be dangerous.»
«I heard you checked out your woman. And she turned out pretty dangerous... Your investigators don't talk, but they all think she's not the right one. And, after finding out all her faults, have you changed your mind? I don't think so!»
«No one is perfect, Ogi. But I know she wasn't targeting me. We just happened to meet. Also, I'm sure you'll like her too when you meet.»
«Already planning to introduce her to your family? You haven't talked with her yet,» Ogi pointed out. «But, how is she?»
Neven shrugged.
«I can't stop thinking about her. Even though I know I shouldn't do this. But I can't stop myself.»
«Fool,» Ogi replied.
But his brother was right: women were dangerous. Especially the one who could make his elder brother lose his mind like that. What was she?
A dangerous temptress managed to get his heart. She must have been outstanding.
Not as much as the girl he had met, Ogi thought. That one was one in a billion. And those eyes... He couldn't believe such a colour could exist. So vivid, almost hypnotic.
«One day, we will introduce our women to each other,» Ogi exclaimed, his mood high to the stars.
«I'm older. I should get married first.»
«If you continue tailing her like this, I highly doubt you'll make it in time, bro. Seriously, stop it.»
«I will,» Neven said. He knew well he couldn't continue watching her from the shadows.
It was time to take a step forward. Even at the risk of looking like a fool to her.
