Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 102708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 514(@200wpm)___ 411(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 514(@200wpm)___ 411(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
“You don’t belong here,” he stated all in one breath. “You’re just evidence.”
Am I?
He narrowed his gaze at me, cocking his head to the side. “Because my brother is ignoring the fact that you’re the brightest red fucking flag I’ve ever seen doesn’t mean I will. Let’s get that clear first.”
His words were laced with venom and ice cold against my skin.
“We don’t need any more problems,” he crudely added. “And you come with an arsenal of them. That much I’m sure of.”
I looked away. I had to. I couldn’t withstand his hatred for me. I read him all wrong… he wasn’t with me, he was against me, not a friend, but a foe.
He grabbed my chin this time, making me look at him as he spoke with conviction. “You can’t hide from me. I know you’re not scared of me, so just give me a reason to make you be.”
I yanked my chin away because I never surrendered to anyone.
“Kraven!” Julius unexpectedly shouted, abruptly walking into the room. “For fuck’s sake, she just woke up.” He stepped right into his face, getting between us. “Can you give her a minute?”
“I’ve given her two days.”
Two days? Damn, I was out for a while.
“During which she was unconscious,” Julius replied.
“Yeah, well,” Kraven snapped, looking back at me. “Your time is up.”
Julius’s aggression seemed to slightly subside when he glanced at me, ordering, “Don’t mind him, his bark is always worse than his bite.”
“Yeah, and she’s about to find out my bite leaves a mark.”
Little did we know it wouldn’t just be marks. They’d be scars I’d carry for life.
“Kraven, enough!” Julius demanded, not backing down for one second.
“I’m not your dog,” Kraven spewed, standing taller. “You can’t order me around. Try that on your new bitch.” He nodded at me. “She’s the one who needs to learn the rules.”
Julius reacted by shoving him, roaring, “Get the hell out of my room.”
This might have been the first time I felt like a pawn in a game I didn’t understand, but it was far from the last.
Nobody told me that once I learned the rules, they’d change into something unrecognizable.
Over and over and over again.
With one last menacing regard, Kraven shoulder checked Julius and stormed out of his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. As soon as he was gone, Julius’s expression swiftly faded into immediate regret.
“He’s a lot,” he somberly announced, taking a step back to give me some space before acknowledging the IV on the floor. “Roland would have taken that out. He only lives down the street.”
My face furrowed a bit, and he understood my soundless expression, informing, “He’s the doctor who fixed you up on our dining room table.”
My stare widened.
“You’ll be okay. At least physically.”
Did he know? No, how can he know?
“Your backpack is in my closet.” He gestured to it behind me. “I didn’t want to go through your things. It’s why you’re wearing my shirt.”
I stood there, listening intently to what he was saying.
Leaning against his dresser, he coaxed, “You can stay here as long as you want. And not just in my room, but the house. Don’t worry about Kraven. He’s my problem, not yours, alright?”
Unsure of where this was going, I held his gaze.
It was enough for him to understand. “I’ll sleep in my parents’ room.”
I pursed my lips with another silent question on the tip of my tongue.
“It’s just Kraven and me,” he reassured.
There was so much I wanted to confess, to ask, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised he wasn’t attempting to find out the very same information his brother sought.
Instead, he continued, “Feel free to use any of my clothes. Everything’s clean, too. And uhhh…” He rubbed the back of his neck.
Is he nervous?
“The bathroom is across the hall. There’s not much girl stuff in there, but I got you a few toiletries at the store. The towels are located under the sink. If you need anything else, please let me know. I can run out and get it for you.” He paused for a moment, giving me time to process everything he offered. “There are some snacks in the drawer of the right nightstand and there’s food in the pantry and fridge. You’re welcome to whatever. Anyway, we’re heading out to the subway on 8th Street for the rest of the day. Sleep, eat, wash up, or whatever. You can relax here.”
Can I? Do I believe him?
My mind might have been conflicted, but my body didn’t miss a beat. My feet were about to run. To seek its own escape, protecting me from a future that would eventually destroy us all in ways we never could have imagined or predicted.
I should have left.
I should have hauled ass out of that house and never looked back.
I should have done something other than allowing him to grab my hand.