Maria is a witch in disguise.
I won’t let her fool my allies as she fooled me.
Chapter 12 - Maria
It’s been a week since we got back to the mansion after a few nights in the safe house. A week of the same walls. The same views. The same things over and over again. The guys doubled security around the estate, and no matter where I look, I see guards. I’ve got nothing to do and nowhere to go.
I’ve explored the mansion so many times I could tell you every mark and scuff in this entire place. I’ve browsed the library and read books, and I’m tired of sitting doing nothing.
I need an outlet, but no matter what I do, they aren’t letting me out of their sight.
Bored out of my mind, I roam the upper floors, slowly heading toward the gym in my workout gear. It’s pure desperation. But going to the gym is a logical attempt at letting off some steam. It’s a way to release all of this pent-up frustration.
Not only am I going crazy from boredom, but I’m also locked in a house with four devilishly gorgeous men! How am I supposed to deal with all of this?
Not that I like the gym. I hate it. I hate running on those stupid treadmill things, and I hate lifting weights. I never know what I’m supposed to do with any of the machines or how to move my body without causing a potentially serious injury. It’s all a bit embarrassing, and I’ve never had someone to teach me, so I just avoid it.
But now, stuck in the mansion, I figure I’ll take my time and try to work things out by myself. I apparently have all the time in the world. Still, even though I’m dressed up and ready to get into it, mentally I’m dragging my feet, stopping at the libraryagain, looking out of the upstairs hallway window, dawdling and procrastinating.
But when I’ve used up all my delay tactics, the only thing left to do is to go there.
The gym is at the end of a long hallway. Double glass doors stand open, and as I walk toward them, I see Artur and Benedikt in the middle of a big black floor mat doing some type of combat training.
A moment’s hesitation passes through me. I didn’t count on anyone else being here. But then again, I have every right to be here. In fact, I am forced to be here.
I should walk in there like I own the place.
I stride boldly into the gym, holding my chin high and not caring if I’m interrupting them.
Sitting on the bench near the window, I watch them fight. I’ll do my workout when they’re done. For now, at least I have entertainment.
They don’t hold back when hitting or punching each other. Benedikt is surprisingly fast for his bulky, solid size. I thought he’d be more force than finesse, but the man has style.
Between the two of them, it’s impossible to say who is the better fighter.
And between the two of them, it’s impossible to say who is more of a tease to watch. Neither of them opted to wear a shirt.Thanks for that.Their bodies are glistening with sweat as muscles ripple and causing me to bite my lip. Sitting here quietly, I let my gaze drift over both of them.
Dammit, Maria! You’ve been stuck inside too long. Perving Artur? Are you insane!
I huff loudly, annoyed at my own thoughts. Yes, I had a crush on him. But it was so long ago, I like to pretend it never actually happened.
I try to focus only on Benedikt, but it’s nearly impossible. They are bothgorgeous.
I used to be so shy around Artur, back in the day when I was young and naive. Obviously, it was because he was my older brother’ssexybest friend. And he was kind and friendly and funny and sweet. But it turns out he wasnoneof those things, and I am terrible at reading people. I can’t beat myself up about it, though. He fooled Misha, too. Misha thought they were close. It affected him really badly when Artur stabbed him in the back. So badly that he wouldn’t even talk to me about it.
Then one day Artur skipped town and disappeared, and I didn’t see him again until the day he snuck into my room and took me.
Ugh. He’s such an asshole.
There’s a loud thud-smack sound when Ben’s fist connects with Artur’s jaw.
He stumbles backward, horrified, clutching his chin. “Fuck, thathurt,” he mutters.
“Well, why did you look away? You didn’t even try and dodge it,” Ben chuckles. His deep, playful laughter makes me grin. Artur notices my amusement, and he immediately becomes more annoyed.
“I can’t focus with her in the gym,” Artur grumbles. “She’s distracting.”
“Excuses, man. Just accept that I’m the better fighter and we can get on with it,” he grins.
