Aleks’s attention dropped to the mask in my hand. “That thing is something else,” he remarked, his lip curled slightly in disgust.
Snorting, I replied, “I’m sorry it d-doesn’t do it for you. I mean, you’re not the t-type I’m trying to attract.”
“I think it’s more the voice thing that is creepy as hell.”
At my slight wince, he cursed under his breath. “Fuck, Maks, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
“No. I was being stupid, especially when I know the reason why you wear an automator.”
I reached over to ruffle his hair, which he hated. “It’s all g-good.”
After side-stepping me, Aleks said, “I know I should change the subject after putting my foot in my mouth, but can I ask one more thing?”
“I d-doubt I could stop you.”
“Like why the fuck were you still wearing that fucking thing on the drive here?”
“In case Sarah woke up in the car.” When Aleks remained looking at me with furrowed brows, I said, “I want t-to keep the Beast’s persona separate from mine.”
Aleks cocked his head at me. “So, the Beast is going to be the bad guy who kidnapped her while you play the poor, pitiful guy who needs her services?”
I narrowed my eyes. “Fuck you. T-That’s not it at all.”
Aleks crossed his arms over his chest. “All right. Enlighten me”
“It’s about protecting my identity and in t-turn t-the family’s.”
With a maniacal laugh, he said, “Bullshit.”
“Excuse me?”
“Are you forgetting how you had me waltz into her office in broad daylight to proposition her? I’m pretty sure she would have no trouble identifying me.”
“All she knows is you were my associate. You had nothing to do with her kidnapping.”
“Yeah, I’m sure she won’t put two and two together,” Aleks mused.
“Look, it’s simple. With me wearing the mask, she won’t ever have a name t-to g-go with a face. By having her treat “the client” via closed-circuit, she won’t ever see my face. The Beast willremain just the client’s associate–the one who was with her last when she was kidnapped.”
“You seriously expect me to believe that you’re not doing this split persona thing so you can put a move on this chick?”
Shrugging, replied, “You d-don’t have t-to b-believe shit. I’m just t-telling you the plan.”
Fuck. Aleks had both my emotions and speech all rattled. It didn’t help that he was able to see through me so easily to know my plan was absolute bullshit.
“Whatever,brat,” Aleks muttered as Lev came out the side door.
He must’ve noticed the tension because he glanced between the two of us. “Did your abduction go okay?”
“Fuck. You,” I growled.
“Ah, I guess that means it did,” he mused.
Aleks snorted. “Maksim was just telling me how he’s going to wear the mask to protect his identity in front of the doctor.”
Lev frowned. “Seriously?”
