Iperk up as soon as we pull into Alek’s driveway an hour later. For a split second, I let my heart leap.
But trouble follows me everywhere. What am I bringing to my brother and his girlfriend? They’ve been together for a year and whenever he speaks of her, Alek gets all mushy and reminds me of how he used to be with me. Every time Alek mentions her name, his face softens, and his voice becomes honey. He loves her. I’m pretty sure about it, even though I haven’t met the girl and he hasn’t said those words. I wish Alek and I could talk the way we used to as kids—no filters, no secrets, no lies.
As soon as the car comes to a stop, I open the door, put one shaky foot on the ground, and take a deep breath.
The plan hasn’t changed. Only the date and time. I have to order my heart not to remember how much love I have for Alek. If I can only forget the good memories I have with my brother, it will be that much easier to keep my distance emotionally and physically. It will be that much easier to execute my plan to run away for good.
If… no,whenmy kidnapper realizes it was my brother who saved me, he’ll be back with a vengeance. Alek may have rescued me today, but he won’t be able to save me from Charlie.
Charlie sent someone to kidnap me. He won’t hesitate to do the same at Alek’s place. My plan to stay away from Alek is not awant, but amust. It’s not an“if”—it’s a“when.”
Will Alek be better off when I disappear?
I turn and inspect the seat for blood stains as soon as I’m out of the car.Phew! I shut the door and follow Alek, who is already carrying my suitcases. With one hand I’m gripping my dream board and purse and with the other hand I fluff my long hair, concealing the shoulder wound.
I must hide it.
I take a whiff once I’m inside, walking behind Alek. For a place where two college guys live, the hallway appears and smells clean. Lots of running shoes are neatly stacked on a shoe rack and above it, car keys are hanging on a hook. My brother hasn’t told me any details about his roommate, although I know they are good friends and have lived together for three years.
“Twinkle is here. Long story,” Alek says to someone in the living room. Then, the clinking of glass rings in the otherwise silent space.
Alek’s never invited me to his apartment and never introduced his roommate to me. He is watching me with a frown on his face. Well, I’m not particularly happy how things turned out either, but here we are.
I only manage to take two steps into the living room before my gaze locks on a pair of bright, piercing eyes. For a moment the man on the other side of the room gives me a blood-heating, dreamy-eyed look that makes me self-conscious. The air goes out of my lungs, and I’m still as a statue.
Keep your eyes on his face, Tia.
My gaze roams his body and I can’t help myself from gaping.
Damn it.
Hold on… he’s bare-chested? Who is this guy? As I lower my gazeinvoluntarily,my eyes wander to a tribal tattoo of a bull’s head spread across a broad chest. The angry bull is staring at me, the head placed between bulging pecs while the two horns are spread across hard nipples.
Oh crap.I just stared at his nipples.
Hot flashes settle on my face, turning it blood red, for sure.
He’s so tall, with extensive shoulders and rippling muscles. Is he related to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? How is it humanly possible for a guy to become so big? I bet he was genetically modified.
My legs are fixed in one spot, and I’m finally able to draw my gaze back to his eyes. He hasn’t moved an inch, mimicking my posture—frozen in the middle of cleaning beer bottles off a small coffee table. One hand is holding a bottle and the other holds a small white trash can.
“Twinkle, what’s this blood on your shirt?” My brother’s voice comes from behind me.
I’m immediately pulled out of my trance and face Alek.
“Oh, it’s probably that jerk’s blood. Nothing to worry about.” I give him a small smile.
My brother frowns.
“It’snothing?! You’re seriously gonna downplay this. The asshole was going to strangle you. Do you understand the magnitude of this?” Alek’s words come out in a rush, and he curses under his breath.
I shiver at his words.
“But he didn’t. I just need to change my shirt. I’m going to be okay, Alek.”
I’m definitely not okay, but we all will be okay once I’m away from here.
It’s not the first time I’ve pretended everything is fine while my whole world is falling apart.
