Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 153544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 768(@200wpm)___ 614(@250wpm)___ 512(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 153544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 768(@200wpm)___ 614(@250wpm)___ 512(@300wpm)
She nods enthusiastically, her features making her look so young, way younger than me. Countless ribbons decorate her hair, dress, wrists, and even her giant boots. She gets A+ for the fashion sense.
Now, I feel completely stupid for thinking she’s a romantic interest. I knew I’d seen her somewhere—she was in some pictures with Nikolai.
After watching me for a beat, Mia signs to Killian.
“What did she say?” I ask him without fully looking at him, because I’m just not ready to face the devil right now.
“She’s asking me whether or not you’re mean like your tool of a brother, Landon.”
“She…she met him?” My voice shakes and Bran holds my arm.
Killian narrows his eyes. “Earlier, when he showed up at my school, vandalized my car, and threatened me to break up with you or else he’ll do worse.”
Yup, sounds like my brother.
Mia signs to Killian again and he translates, “She says Landon is the biggest tool she’s met in years and that says something since she’s used to seeing all shapes of tools. Oh, and it’s a shame that he shares looks with such a sweetheart like Bran. If it weren’t for that, she would cut his face while he sleeps.”
Bran laughs loudly, genuinely, and I smile, too. This girl isn’t afraid of Lan. I like that.
“Meet Glyn, Mia,” Bran says, holding my shoulder. “She’s definitely more like me than Lan.”
“Nice to meet you,” Killian translates, the rumble of his voice next to my ear, then lowers until only I can hear him. “You should treat my cousin—as in, me—well.”
I glare at him. “Are you sure she said that last part?”
“She would if she could.”
“Let’s go back, Bran.” I grab his arm and try to get out of the situation before it becomes muddier.
“Mia and I have the finals now. Just wait a bit.”
“But—”
Mia shakes her head at me with pure determination, grabs her controller, and tosses the other to Bran.
He catches it and looks at me. “We can go if you’re not feeling well.”
I do want to leave, but if I say that, then I’ll just ruin the whole mood.
“Are you okay?” Bran watches me closely.
“Yeah.”
“You sure? Because you have a lot of explaining to do, little princess.”
I wince. “I know. We’ll talk later. Go on and finish your game.”
It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen Brandon enjoying himself without feeling so…sad.
Mia signs something to Killian and he stares at her blankly. “I’m not saying that.”
Her brow furrows and she signs again, angrily this time.
“What?” I ask.
“She says your accents are hot, and fuck you, too, baby Sokolov.” He stalks to my brother’s side. “Guess I’m rooting for Bran this round.”
Since when does he call my brother Bran? And how are they so close when they barely hung out today?
Though maybe I’m underestimating Killian’s ability to charm people.
“I’ll be right back,” I announce, though I’m not sure any of them hears since the video game is loud and they’re arguing.
One more reason why I chose this opportunity to slip away.
I’ll hide in the loo until Bran is finished with his game and we can leave.
My steps quicken to the guest bathroom on the lower level, which is next to the game room.
Steps sound behind me and a sudden chill goes down my spine.
“If you run, I’ll chase you.” Killian’s dark voice permeates the air with the thickness of smoke. “And if I chase you, I’ll catch you.” His voice gets nearer. “And if I catch you, I’ll fuck you, baby.”
I don’t allow myself to think about it as I run the short distance to the bathroom and slam the door shut with all my might.
But a hand slips through like in a horror film, complete with the scare and the terrified yelp.
I try to push the door shut, but my effort doesn’t compare to his brute strength.
To the power behind it.
To the twisted intent coating it.
I’m physically flung back when he bangs the door open, appearing nonchalant, effortless, as if he found no trouble eliminating an obstacle that’s in his way.
Which I honestly think he didn’t.
He stalks inside the bathroom, letting the door close with haunting slowness.
I’m trapped with a monster.
One with beautifully cruel features, a sinful physique, and no mask.
He won’t even pretend he’ll take it easy on me now, will he? No promises of I won’t hurt you much, or I won’t fuck you if you suck me off.
This is him uncut.
I wish it was merely a scarface, that if I tried to peel it off, it’d collapse. But it’s his true face. No scars to uncover, and no alternate reality to find.
And I need out of his reach.
Now.
I turn to the toilet’s door; my last resort is to lock myself in there.
Two steps are all I take before I’m wrenched back by a merciless grip on my hair.