Page 51 of Captive Union
My sister is hardly one for physical affection, so it means the world that she’s hugging me. I let myself exist in her embrace for a few seconds before pulling away.
“What are you doing here?” Elena asks before I can speak. “Did that monster finally let you go?”
“Wait, is he here?” Arina asks, looking around. Ana huddles in closer to her. A year ago, when Erik tried to get revenge on Alexei, he kidnapped Ana to lure my brother out. I don’t blame her for being afraid, even though Erik never physically hurt her.
“No,” I breath out. “I’m fine. But I can’t stay long.”
“I need to call Maxim.” Arina grabs her phone.
“No, wait.” I clamp my hand down onto her wrist. She pauses, starting at me in confusion.
“What’s going on?” Elena demands.
“Just wait. Before you call anyone, just let me talk to you guys. Can you do that for me? Please.”
The three of them share a look before nodding.
“What is it, Kira?” Ana asks softly.
“I’m fine,” I repeat. “Truly,” I add as Elena gives me a dubious expression. “I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“My sister was kidnapped. How do you think I’m doing?”
I flinch at her words. “Are you angry with me?”
The tension in Elena deflates. “No, of course not. Why would I be?”
“It’s just … I didn’t stop Erik from marrying me.”
“And that isn’t your fault,” Arina says, rubbing my arm. “Kira, let’s just get you out of here and back home. How does that sound?”
“Wait.” Elena holds up a hand. “Is this a trap? Is Erik lying wait somewhere?”
“No.” My frustration is building. “Listen, Erik isn’t evil like everyone makes him out to be. He’s a good man.”
Elena snorts. “He has you brainwashed. Come on. Let’s just get you home.” She grabs my arm.
“No!” I whip my arm away from her. A few of the restaurant-goers look over at us. “No. I’m happy with Erik. I want you to know that. I just want to be able to see you guys and talk.”
“What are you talking about? Kira, this mankidnappedyou and hurt you. Has he raped you?” Fury enters Elena’s eyes. “I’ll kill him myself if he has. I don’t know why you’re just standing here.”
Arina lifts her phone. “I should really call Maxim.”
“And I should call Alexei,” Ana murmurs, pulling her phone out.
This is getting out of hand, but what did I expect? Of course, they’d want to take me back home and make sure I’m safe. But If I’m taken back home, I’ll be a prisoner for the rest of my life. No way will Maxim let me out ever again for my “safety.”
“No, just wait,” I beg. “Just listen. I’m fine. Please tell my brothers that. Tell Maxim to call off the hunt on Erik.”
“Why would we do that?” Elena places her hands on her hips.
“Because …”I love him. Do I? I think I might.
Elena shrugs. “Because?”
“Just know that I’m happy, ok?”
Elena looks me over. “I don’t know what’s going on with you, but I don’t like it.”
