Page 297 of Axis of Fire

Then I'd run.

Tarven had no idea how complicated things were between me and his sisters.

Of course he didn't.

I'd never told him.

I wasn't about to force him to choose between me and his family.

Because I already knew who he'd choose.

And honestly...

He had every right to.

“Actually,” I said evenly, “I'd rather call a taxi and head back to Isthmond. It's only about an hour and a half from here.”

Tarven's expression hardened immediately.

The way it always did whenever something displeased him.

“Stasia, while you're wearing that bracelet, you're not returning to your room.

Especially not when the person who threatened you is still there.”

“Tarven, I didn't even bring a change of clothes.”

I could feel irritation slowly coiling inside me.

The whole situation was beginning to suffocate me.

A situation he'd dragged me into in the first place.

“I'm sure you'll be provided with everything you need.”

He winked again, slipping effortlessly back into that dangerously charming smile.

“I do have three sisters.

Not three brothers.”

That smile.

The exact reason I'd learned how to weaponize one myself.

“There are things I'm used to,” I said carefully, trying to make him understand.

“Things that make me feel comfortable.”

Our eyes met.

Both serious.

Both refusing to yield.

“There are things that make me feel safe.

And I hate it when someone makes decisions for me without warning and takes that comfort away.”