Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78587 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78587 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“We?” I gasped, thinking about how painful it would be to put my foot in a shoe. “I don’t think today is the best day for that.”
“Oh?” He whipped around, and I dipped my head toward the floor, reminding him of my toe. “Ah, shit. I’d forgotten about that. I need to get you some ice.”
He started out of the room, then stopped cold and turned back around. Without saying a word, he came up to me and slipped his arm beneath me, lifting me into his arms. “What are you doing?”
“You need to stay off it.”
“It’s a toe, Sergei. I’m more than capable of walking.”
“Maybe, but I’m not taking any chances.”
It was clear he was set on carrying me, so I didn’t bother arguing. I simply slipped my arm around his neck and let him carry me into the living room. As he lowered me down on the sofa, I giggled and said, “My very own Prince Charming.”
“Not even close.”
He gave me a wink, then made his way into the kitchen. Seconds later, he returned with a bag of frozen peas and a cup of coffee. He propped my foot up on a pillow and placed the peas on my bruised toe. “How’s that?”
“It’s great, but truly unnecessary.”
“Maybe, but it’ll help with the bruising.”
“Well, thank you.”
He nodded, then left again, only to return with my sketchpad and pencils, some toast, and a blanket. “Okay, this is too much. You can stop now. I’m not a total invalid.”
“The sooner you get better, the sooner I can get you out of here and stop holding you prisoner.”
“I’ve never once thought you were keeping me prisoner here, Sergei. You were, and still are, protecting me, and I will forever be grateful for that.”
“I have a way you can pay me back.”
“Oh? And what’s that?”
“Stay off that foot, so I can get you out some tomorrow.”
“Okay. I can do that.”
“Great.” As he started out of the room, he announced, “I’m going to take a quick shower and get some things done in the office, but I’ll be around if you need anything.”
“Does that mean you aren’t avoiding me anymore?”
“Avoiding you?” I didn’t respond. I just glanced over my shoulder and gave him a look. He scoffed and shook his head before continuing to his room. “Yeah, I’m done avoiding you.”
“Okay, good. I’m glad we cleared that up.”
“Um-hmm.”
With that, he disappeared into his room. I heard him moving about, but for the most part, he left me to my own devices. I watched a little TV, listened to some music, and did a sketch or two. This time, I wasn’t completely focused on Sergei. I did one of Moya and even one of Viktor, but inevitably, I found myself drawing Sergei.
As I sat there staring at those gorgeous, intense eyes, it wasn’t long before the words started to flow:
I know the darkness buried beneath his cold exterior.
Deep. Vast. Terrifying.
I know I can’t save him from himself.
But I can’t help but find the warm glimmer in his eyes when they meet mine.
I should be afraid.
I should run for the hills,
but I’m a moth drawn to an endless void of flame that lights his dark tunnels.
I have a longing,
an undeniable need,
that keeps me ever peeking behind his mask.
I was lost in a world of thoughts when I heard Sergei asked, “You ready for some dinner?”
“Sure.” I quickly closed my pad and asked, “What do you have in mind?”
“That’s up to you. What are you in the mood for?”
“I don’t know. How about some of that Italian takeout that you had Malcolm pick up for us before? We could eat and watch a movie.”
“Yeah, we could do that.”
With that, Sergei picked up his phone and called Malcolm. Half an hour later, I had changed into pajamas, and we were eating in front of the fire. Once we were done, Sergei found us a movie, and we settled on the sofa. Sergei placed a pillow against his thigh like an invitation, and I took it.
I curled up next to him and placed my head on the pillow. I felt utterly content as I lay there next to him. Maybe that was why I felt like I could ask the question that had been weighing on me for weeks. “Can I ask you something?”
“Yeah. You can ask me anything.” He chuckled as he added, “I’m not sure I’ll answer, but you can ask.”
“Well, then there’s probably no point in me asking.”
“Won’t know unless you try.”
“Why didn’t you tell Viktor that I was here?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Complicated how?”
“It’s hard to explain.”
“Try.”
“Let’s just say I had my reasons.” He shrugged. “Some good. Some not so good.”
“How so?”
“At first, it wasn’t intentional. I just needed time to get things in order and make sure you were out of harm’s way.”
My eyes narrowed. “And after that?”