Then I move slowly towards the woods.
They’re still far enough away that they don’t notice me yet. Markev stands rigid, mask on his head, his shoulders squared, looking one second away from violence.
Something tightens in my chest.
I keep moving, careful with my steps. The ground crunches softly beneath my boots. A shiver runs through me as the wind sweeps past.
“You have a death wish,” he says.
Talia’s voice isn’t what I expect, she doesn’t seem scared, just sweet, almost coaxing.
“I told you I would do it,” she says quietly. “I warned you.”
Markev takes a step towards her, his eyes narrowing. He looks confused, then angry.
Very angry.
His hands curl into fists at his sides.
“You’re just a stupid girl who thought she mattered because I let you play a role.”
She flinches, but recovers quickly.
“Tell me exactly what you said,” he continues. “I need it word for word.”
Then his voice drops. “What did you say to my girl, to make her…”
Talia’s face twists, and she speaks over him. “She’s not your girl,” she snaps. “I am.”
Markev laughs, but there is no humour in the sound.
“You’re more delusional than I thought,” he says. “You’re certifiable. But don’t worry, if you won’t tell me, I’ll find out anyway, and then I will fucking kill you.”
He smirks.
“So here’s how this goes. You tell me, and I kill you. Or you don’t, and I still kill you. See? In the end it’s all the same. We arrive at the same conclusion.”
His cruel smile widens. “Me killing you, that is.”
He takes another step towards her, and my heart starts to hammer.
“Step away from her,” I say, barely keeping the disgust from my voice.
They both turn at the sound of my voice.
“Talia,” I say. “Explain yourself.”
I move closer, closing the space between us. Markev’s eyes flick to me, a smirk tugging at his mouth.
“Gorgeous,” he says.
“Don’t call me that,” I snap.
“What are you doing alone with her?” I demand.
His smile widens. “Jealous? Fuck, I love it when you’re possessive of me.”
I ignore his comment. There is no reasoning with this psycho.
