Page 86 of Merciless Union
Elena stares at me for a moment before she slowly nods. “Ok. Let’s do it.”
We look behind at our tied up hands.
“I swear, I’m not trying to be cynical” Elena says, “but how the hell are we getting out of this.”
“Together. Whether we want to or not.”
Elena rolls her eyes. “That was so cheesy.”
I smile. “Just keeping it real, Sis.”
“Ugh,” she groans but offers me a tiny smile. “Fine. We’re in this together. Let’s save our asses.”
I couldn’t agree more.
CHAPTER20
Maxim
Nik lets out a groan as he tries to stand up. I reach out a hand. He shrugs me off. “Don’t. I got this.”
“Fine.” I step back.
He pushes himself up from the hospital bed, finally standing upright even though it’s taking all his strength.
“Good, so you can finally stand. That’s improvement.”
Nik makes a face. “Hey, it is an improvement. Just a few days ago, I could barely move. I was shitting into a bedpan. At least now I can take myself to the restroom to piss in peace.”
I smirk. “All right, tough guy. Take easy now. I don’t have time today to babysit you in case you hurt yourself.”
He grumbles but sits back down. “You in a weird mood today.”
“Don’t ask,” I respond, my smile slipping away.
I think back to this morning, when Arina told me she was heading over to her dad’s house. She had looked at me over the table – expecting me to respond. I’ve been keeping my distance ever since I saw her painting. I know I hurt her feelings and clearly she hadn’t meant to draw me in such cold way but it was just a reminder of who I really am – cold, cruel, merciless. I don’t have time for weaknesses. Even though it stings seeing Arina pull away from me again.
She just walked off, without looking back. I can’t blame her.
“But I want to know,” Nik says, bringing me back to the present.
“Just because you’re my best friend and second in command doesn’t entail you to all the goings-on in my life.”
Nik huffs, slumping back on the bed. “I think it would entail some things.”
I just shake my head.
My phone rings. It’s Arina calling. The sight of her name on my phone makes my heart pick up speed. I turn away from Nik before answering.
“Arina?”
Her voice is frantic as she answers. “Stepan’s here.”
I stand up straighter, my body full of tension. “Where are you?”
“I’m outside but my father and him are inside. I don’t know what’s happening. The guard was shot.” She pauses. “Just get here, quick.”
“Find a place to hide. I’m on my way.”
