Gaia
Iwanted to blame it on the alcohol, or maybe the annoyance of his continued demands. Perhaps I was just grateful that he hadn’t killed us yet. But I knew better. I knew when I woke with an ache between my thighs and a yearning for his tongue to ease it I that wanted him last night, and I still did. I reminded myself that this was part of my game, that I would lure him in then end him. But it did not stop me from feeling like a traitor, to my brother and to myself. Because I’d enjoyed it, and I wanted more. That was not part of the plan. I was not supposed to want the enemy. I didn’t even know what he had planned for Gabe and me.
I threw the covers off me and walked into the adjoining bathroom, turning the shower on. I washed and then stood under the spray until my fingers were wrinkled, thoughts of him, making me slip my finger between my thighs to relieve some of the pressure.
I walked into the dining room, and he wasn’t there. Maybe he regretted last night.
A man who looked to be a few years younger than me entered the room. He looked every bit the bad boy in his leather jacket and dark jeans. One of Arthur’s men, I guessed. I hadn’t realized he recruited them that young.
“Hi, I’m Seth. Arthur asked me to take you down to see your brother, if you’d like?”
“Yes, please.”
He nodded curtly. He didn’t seem to want to be around me for some reason, none of them did. “Whenever you’re ready.”
“We can go now,” I said, pushing away the plate in front of me. “I wasn’t really that hungry.”
I followed after him. “Where is he?” He gave me a quizzical look. “Arthur.”
He seemed amused by my question. “He’s busy.”
“Doing what?” I pushed.
“Nothing you need to worry about.” He grinned, unable to hide his amusement.
“He was supposed to eat with me, but he hasn’t done so twice now.”
We stood at the elevator, and he cast me a sidelong glance. “Arthur does what he wants when he wants. He doesn’t answer to anyone, so I’d suggest you remember that.”
“Well, you tell him that I won’t be eating with him any longer.” I folded my arms. He chuckled.
He led me to my brother’s quarters and left. I was surprised he didn’t stay to guard me.
“Hi, Yana.” I greeted, and she flashed me a bright smile.
“It’s good to see you, Gaia.”
“How has he been?” I asked as I stopped in front of the doors that led to Gabriel’s bedroom.
“He’s making progress every day. There are bad days when he’s more edgy and withdrawn, but he’s getting there. He’s stronger than most.”
I walked through the doors and wondered how someone as lovely as Yana could work for someone like Arthur. I had no idea the extent of his power, but I knew he had it. There were two things I was sure of, my father did not care enough to get us, secondly he was afraid of Arthur and he was willing to let us remain captives here. Arthur was powerful. The size of his property, the vehicles him and his men drove, all indicated that he was wealthy.
Gabe stood when he saw me, enveloping me in a hug. “How are you, sis?’ He asked, and for a moment I felt as if I had been transported to a time long ago when he was just a boy and I a young girl. It seemed like centuries ago, after all that we’d been through.
“Better than I thought I’d be. They treat me pretty well up here.” “Arthur says he’ll move me soon, but I’m pretty content.” He cast a glance at Yana.
“Don’t get comfortable, Gabe. He’s a bad man.” I felt like such a hypocrite. Here I was, preaching to my brother when I’d been spread out on Arthur’s desk just the night before. I was doing what was needed to get close to him, so I could find a way out. That is all that last night was.
“I don’t want to go back there, Gaia.”
“Then, we won’t. We’ll get far away from here.” I held his hands, yet he didn’t meet my gaze.
“He’s offered me a job, if I want it, after they get father.” I narrowed my eyes.
“A job? Are you kidding me? You’d stay here?”
“He says it’ll be over soon and that neither of us will have to remain here unless we wanted to, then-”
