Yulian leans down, his eyes peering into my face, and that’s when I see the most curious view.
The brown flecks in his blue eye. Talk about rare and…stunning.
“Russian royalty, huh? Hmm. That makes sense,” he whispers near my cheek, his breath spreading across my skin.
A shudder ripples through me as unease tightens my chest.
I loathe the guy so much, my body is revolting at his closeness.
I lift a fist and punch him, finally forcing him to release me.
Fucking prick got blood on my hair after all.
As I’m about to pummel him to the ground again, we’re pulled away from each other by Cyrus, Nikolai, and the others.
“Come on, don’t be selfish.” Nikolai grins, his eyes brightening. “It’s my turn to fight.”
“Me!” Yulian shakes off the guy who was holding him and jumps into the middle of the arena. “I want to fight again. I’ll beat you, Niko.”
“You wish, motherfucker!” Nikolai screams back, laughing.
And so it begins—one of their daily fights that even the mentors don’t bother to interfere in anymore.
I stand there for a while, my arms crossed, occasionally darting my tongue out to lick my cut lip and tasting copper.
Not sure why I don’t get out of there right away, but something’s bothering me.
The discomfort. It still hasn’t disappeared, even though Yulian’s left me alone.
If anything, it’s spreading in my chest.
I shake my head and leave, my eyes flitting back to Yulian one final time as he exchanges blows with Nikolai, both of them laughing like maniacs.
Why the hell would I care that he instantly directed his attention toNikolai?
3
VAUGHN
I’m doing handrail pull-ups in the gym when Nikolai walks in, half naked, sweaty, and with his long hair damp.
I was hoping I’d have the gym to myself before I had to go up the mountain with the clown from Chicago.
And I needed to work out, because I’m still bubbling with pent-up energy from after the fight.
“Who won?” I ask Nikolai, unable to eradicate my curiosity.
“Me, of course.” He laughs. “Guess I have to thank you for tiring the bull.”
“Good.”
“He wants another fight after he comes back later, so I’ll be working my arms.” He grabs a few weights, then stands in front of the mirror and flexes, showcasing the random scattered tattoos he’s started to get. “Wanna spot me?”
“Give me a minute.”
Nikolai continues flexing during the whole minute, rolling his muscles and tightening his stomach.
Even though Niko and I are around the same age, we couldn’t be any more different. Where he’s too outward, I’mtoo inward. The reason we get along, however, is because we’re both loyal to the people we care about.
