Page 187 of Nemesync
ELIJAH
We were in the car, having just left the office after meeting with Nikolai to pick up the files and records I had been working on a few days before Zanae’s surprise. She was at the café catching up with her friend Miranda, so we were patiently waiting for her to return.
“So, Eli, about that tattoo we were supposed to get...”
Nikolai had to bring up the damn tattoo again.
I grunted, “Don’t remind me, Niko.”
His hand found its way on my shoulder. “Come on, Volkov. It could be the best thing ever, our initials next to our hearts.”
I looked at him and with the most sarcastic tone ever I answered, “That’s right, because nothing says ‘brotherhood’ like our names on each other’s heart.”
He laughed. “You’re a softie now, so maybe it’s the right time to ask.”
“Keep pushing Niko, and I might reconsider that punch I owe you.”
Zanae strolled out of the café, grinning beautifully. She waved at the car next to us, our guards nodded to salute her inreturn, and with curiosity she asked, “Why do you want to punch him this time?”
Nikolai spilled, “Just discussing our missed opportunity for matching tattoos.”
“Matching tattoos? Seriously?”
I shrugged, “It was his idea,Little nightmare.”
Nikolai insisted, “Yeah, but you were totally on board, Elijah.”
The truth is, I was never on board for this; in fact, I hated the idea. “Niko, listen to me, the day I die, you can do that.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Don’t make me kill you just to see that, Elijah.”
“You’ll have to try it, Nikolai.”
“Never, I love you way too much to kill you, my Pakhan.”
“You little asshole.”
Zanae raised an eyebrow, tilting her head like she was studying us.
“Are you guys in love?”
My gaze found her and softened when I saw her smile. “Don’t listen to him. Are you ready to go home?”
She grinned. “I am, let’s go.”
Nikolai nodded. “I mean, you’re not always going to have a sexy man like Elijah behind the wheel.”
I shot him a warning gaze, “Moretti, I might leave you on the side of the road, all while keeping the wheels turning.”
Zanae giggled, grabbing my hand. “Don’t do this, we need him, Elijah.”
Even when driving, I needed to touch her. So, I just would occasionally reach back to stroke her leg and kiss her hand when she puts it on my shoulders. Of course, Nikolai can’t let this slide without saying anything, “I swear, if you two don’t stop this shit, I might need a barf bag.”
This man was just here to be a hater. “Nikolai, one more word...”
Zanae laughed, “He’s stupid.”
The journey in the car felt brief.
