Arie shot up to his full height, which had an advantage over Viktor by two inches. "I only wish to comfort her in her time of need."
Viktor looked dumbfounded, and then his eyes lit up like burning coal. "I am the only man to comfort Audrianna in her time of need."
"Arie, I am really okay. There was no need for you to come here at all. Please, go now and I will see you next week at prayer service at Immaculate Conception."
"Praise be you, you are so brave. Yes, I see you there." He bent down and kissed her forehead lightly.
"Pray, may I see you outside a moment, Father?" Viktor managed through clenched teeth.
They departed the room and Elyzabel tried hard to contain her laughter. "Talk about a cock fight."
Audrianna couldn't help herself, she laughed along with Elyzabel.
* * *
"That poor, poor woman. Such a brave face."
Viktor opened his mouth to speak-
"You do realize that the poor woman is feigning joviality?"
"Father Arie-"
"I hope you do not intend to…" Arie raised one eyebrow significantly at Viktor. "Stress her out, too soon."
The priest gave Viktor such a look it was impossible not to deduce what particular type of stress Arie was implying.
"Look here." Viktor could hardly contain his fury. "Audrianna is my wife, you will cease to be so familiar with her as to lay your hands on her shoulder or your lips on her," Viktor struggled to grasp the right word. "ANYWHERE! Have I made myself clear?"
Arie looked contrite; he sighed and nodded placidly.
Viktor was not fooled, though. He crooked his head at him, not believing his sincerity. "Do you wish to harm my wife, to harm me, to harm my marriage?"
Arie blinked, and was at once red. "Good Viktor, no! I mean no harm to you or to anyone."
"Then you would keep a safe distance from my wife." Viktor's eyes were candid. "Do not doubt that I will take action against her, the fault to be your own doing."
Arie blanched. "Do you mean you would harm her if ever you would suspect…"
"You value her life, you will keep away from her. I have made myself clear."
Viktor walked past the priest and returned to his wife's side. "Elyzabel, I will take care of her. Please, leave."
Elyzabel's eyes flashed from Viktor's hot glare to Audrianna's lowered gaze. "Alright, I'll just leave everything right here. Call me if you need anything. Later."
Elyzabel left and they were alone.
Audrianna looked at Viktor with anxiety.
Is he going to go anal on me now?