Page 76 of Fight

“You’re crazy,” he said finally, his voice ringing with finality.

For some reason, his words made me smile, and when I did, he dropped me to my feet.

On instinct, I stood, but I continued to stare at him as he stared back at me, frowning.

“Ciprian? What are you waiting for?” Markov yelled.

I kept my eyes on him, but he turned his huge back to me, looked at Markov.

“She’s crazy,” he said.

“And soon she’ll be dead,” Markov said. “Continue!”

Ciprian turned to look at me again, his face twisted in confusion. I understood how he felt.

I was confused myself, anxious for that confusion to be over.

From somewhere, I found my voice. “It’s okay,” I said.

He frowned and I whispered again. “It’s okay.”

I’d intended my words to calm him, but instead he shook his head, began to back away.

“Ciprian!”

He continued to shake his head and then turned.

“Are you running from her? Running from the woman?” Markov spat.

He didn’t answer, nor did he move toward me.

“Do as you’re told, or take her place,” Markov said.

There was no doubt that he meant it, but Markov still gestured toward the guards who stood by the door and one lifted his hand.

I stayed exactly where I was, watched the scene in front of me unfolding, although it all seemed from a distance.

Ciprian began walking toward the door, and the man who stood in front of it kept his gun extended, though I could see his hand trembling.

“Ciprian!” Markov yelled, voice something between frantic and pouty.

He didn’t look back, just continued toward the guard who trembled even more as Ciprian got closer.

“Shoot him!” Markov yelled.

There was a bang, and I saw a small flash, heard Ciprian grunt.

But he didn’t stop.

He walked toward the guard who stood there, arm still extended, looking surprised at what had happened.

Idly, I wondered why he didn’t shoot again, and apparently he had the same thought because I saw his hand begin to tense.

But he reacted too late.

Ciprian reached him and jerked the gun out of his hand, tossed it to the ground.

The man tried to weasel way, but Ciprian grabbed him, wrapped a huge hand around his neck.

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