Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 52178 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52178 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
“It’s wonderful to see you too, brother. I’m so glad you missed me.”
His accent is as strong as Marek’s, but he has a slightly more American twist to his words. I’m guessing he has spent more time travelling and speaking to people than his brother. Marek isn’t the chatty type, and I’m certain if he doesn’t have to, he doesn’t have conversations with anyone.
“You fucking left and never looked back, Aleksander. I want nothing to do with you.”
Aleksander.
I like it.
Marek didn’t tell me much about his brother, apart from the fact that he was evil, and he never bothered looking for him. He didn’t elaborate as to why.
“Come now,” Aleksander grins. “Let’s leave the past in the past and come over and give your brother a hug.”
Marek looks murderous.
I step in because I’m not entirely sure that he won’t actually kill him.
Aleksander’s eyes swing to me, and his smile widens. “Well, hello. You must be the star of the show. I can see why...”
He extends his hand and I take it, flushing as he brings it to his mouth and kisses it.
He’s the opposite to Marek in every way.
“Ellie,” I say, my voice a little shaky.
He makes me weirdly nervous.
“Beautiful,” he murmurs. “I hope my brother here is treating you well. We all saw the article. I thought I might come and check out this free show...”
So that’s how he found us.
He releases my hand.
“I’m certain you’ll enjoy it,” I say, offering him my most dazzling smile.
“Oh, I’m certain I will, too. Tell me, Ellie, are you taken?”
“Enough,” Marek barks, putting his hand across my chest and pushing me back a step.
I shove his hand away, giving him a scolding expression. It might be childish, but something inside me swirls at the idea he doesn’t like me talking to his brother. He wants to treat me poorly, I can return the favor.
“I am,” I answer Aleksander.
Aleksander’s eyes darken and his smile widens. “Well, it’s my lucky day. Would you like to come to lunch with me?”
“She’s training,” Marek growls, his voice edgy and ready for a fight.
“I could use a break,” I smile at Aleksander, ignoring Marek. “Lunch would be great.”
“Excellent,” he claps his hands together, but doesn’t get to take a step before Marek is in his face, his fists clenched, rage pouring from every pore in his body as he backs Aleksander up until he slams into the center pole.
“I don’t know what the fuck you think you’re doing here, but you are not welcome. Leave, before I make you leave.”
Aleksander keeps the smile, only it turns a little darker now, more twisted. “Now, brother. I’m sure we can get along. I just wanted to see what you’re doing with yourself these days. I’ve heard stories, of course. I thought it would be good to check in.”
“You’re not interested in a single fucking thing I’m doing and whatever you heard, it’s fucking true, so I suggest you get the fuck out of my camp before I have you removed.”
Oh boy.
Aleksander shoves Marek back, and the two of them hold each other’s gaze, their faces hard.
“It’s open to the public, a free show. I’m sure you don’t want me to make a scene, brother?”
Marek’s jaw ticks.
He clearly knows something about his brother that I don’t because he steps back. “Watch the show, then get the fuck out.”
Aleksander is grinning again as he turns to me. “Are you ready, sweetheart?”
I smile. “Sure.”
“She is not going alone,” Marek raises a hand and clicks his finger until one of his men approaches. “Fred will escort the both of you.”
Aleksander stares at his brother, with shock and slight disgust. “She’s a free woman, is she not?”
“Of course I am,” I say, holding Marek’s furious glare. “But for safety reasons, it’s best if Fred comes. He won’t get in our way.”
I can see Marek’s eyes flash, and part of me wonders if he was hoping I wouldn’t bother going if he made Fred come. I don’t mind, actually, because I don’t know Aleksander and I don’t want to just go off with him alone. Fred makes me feel a little safer. I know I’m pushing all the wrong buttons, but my strong determination isn’t wavering.
Marek deserves it for locking me in that damned cage.
“One hour,” Marek growls, before turning and disappearing out of the tent.
“He’s a moody one,” Aleksander mutters, before offering me his arm.
I take it.
I don’t know him, but I sure as hell know it bugs Marek that I’m going, so I’ll take it.
He can stew on that for a while.
“TELL ME, ELLIE,” ALEKSANDER asks, taking a sip of his coffee. “How did you get wound up with my brother? Were the stories true, did he kidnap you?”
I should tell the truth, but I’m not going to feed into the stories when we’re trying our hardest to stomp them out. Nobody needs to know that this all started in the darkest possible way. They only need to know that it is different now and we’re going to make something of this show.