Page 173 of Nemesync
“Little Z, are you sure you’re not attached to Elijah with invisible strings? You’re always glued to him.”
She smiled and retorted, “As long as he’s not complaining. Are you, Elijah?” She raised her eyes at me, drinking her wine.
I pulled her even closer. “She’s right where she belongs. Now, I can still glue you to the ground with my hand if you want, Niko.”
“I’ve never seen someone so territorial as Volkov. It’s almost adorable,” he replied.
“Adorable can turn dangerous, Moretti.Ne zastavlyay menya vstavat.”
Niko chuckled and answered, “Net nuzhdy.”
Ben turned to Zanae who was confused as hell, and said, “I hate when they do this, I don’t understand a word of Russian.”
She shook her head and then looked at me with a content smile.
My gaze on hers, I asked in a soft tone, “What’s making you smile,Milaya?”
She grinned. “You. Niko and Benny, this, our home.”
Nikolai, pretending to wipe away a tear, said, “This is the most heartwarming, tear-fucking-jerking family moment, Little Z. Someone passes me a goddamn tissue.”
Ben smiled and added to Niko, “It’s because I listened to her when she was talking about those books in the bookstore. That’s what made her soft for me too.”
I never realized how much fresher the air could feel until I started sharing the same breath with her nearby. It’s absolutely fucking mind-blowing to think that I survived a life without tasting this kind of feeling.
I was dead inside, I just lived through my will to avenge the little boy who lost his parents and himself that night. I stalkedher, protected her because I needed my anchor and craved to see the pain in her eyes that I so deeply adore.
I turned toward her, looking at how good she fits in my arms. She was smiling at Niko and Ben and having a good time.
I loved looking at her.
I couldn’t help but admire her openly, it was like my mind clears at her sight.
Niko cut my thoughts and suggested a round of cards.
We gathered around the table, Zanae leaned into me, and I instinctively wrapped an arm around her.
“How about a friendly bet? What would it take for Eli to admit he’s head over heels for you?”
Unimpressed, I took a sip of my glass, while Zanae chuckled.
He’s completely right, I’m more than just head over heels for her. It’s a lot to take in but I know I would fucking end anyone’s life for her to never stop smiling if I have to.
“I’d say a miracle for him to do so, but we can discuss terms later Niko,” Zanae spoke.
She doesn’t even know how much control she has over me.
“Alright, Niko, what’s with the constant teasing? You seem overly invested in my life.”
“Aren’t you like my partner, Elijah!? Of course I’m invested.”
Zanae, nestled against me, couldn’t help but smile. “Nonsense, you should focus on your miserable game, Niko. Tonight, I’m winning your credit card. Got some revenge plans in mind.”
Unnoticed by the others, I slipped my card between her waist and her panties under the table, whispering, “You’ve got all you need with me,Milaya.Take him something else.”
Around the table, she played with a damn flair, winning hand after hand. My smart girl.
“You’re letting her win, Elijah. I know you’re cheating.”
