Page 29 of Fixation of the Mind

We had two more “fight to win” sessions, which were great at helping me work through my anger and hurt feelings. I felt lighter each time, and that helped me appreciate what the three of them were doing for me. Every day, I began to feel less like a trapped princess and more like a queen in training.

Roux eventually discussed my progress with Rion and Ravi. Even though I had to move on to the next stage of test prep, he wanted me to keep up physical training for at least an hour each day. They grumbled about it, but when I told them how good I felt about my body and what it was capable of, they caved.

On the night of the last physical training session, we had a big dinner, Ravi’s idea. It was full of delicious food, excellent mixed drinks, and laughter… until Rion disappeared. He came back with a large spiral-bound book that looked like it was over five hundred pages.

“Here’s some light reading for what we’re going to start tomorrow.” Roux and Ravi snickered under their breath as my mouth dropped open.

“Light reading?” I wasn't opposed to reading, but how could he describe this as light?!

“Don’t worry. I'm sure you now have the stamina for it.” Rion glared at Roux, who cocked his head and grinned.

“You bet she does.”

Ravi stabbed the last piece of meat with his fork like he had a grudge against it. “Never thought I would be jealous of that prick.”

I massaged my temples, trying to cover my embarrassment about him telling them. “Not helping.”

Roux shrugged. “He’ll get his time.”

Rion nodded as he switched his gaze over to me, eyes tracking me like I was prey. “Yes. While this kind of training will be different, we will definitely expand your mind.”

That night, I went to bed with this large book next to me, trying to scan its contents while my mind kept thinking back to Rion’s last words.

Chapter 11

“Our training is going to be down in the basement.” Rion’s announcement came during breakfast, as casually as if he were asking for someone to pass the salt.

Ravi stabbed at his eggs mumbling, "Now that we've cleared it out."

I ignored Ravi's comment, figuring they wouldn't tell me anyways, swiveling my head to Rion. “Are you talking about the room you didn't want me to know about?” I knew he remembered steering me away from that particular spot. It had been in the back of my mind for a while, but with everything that was happening, I had decided to take things one at a time in order of life-or-death priority.

“Yes,” was all he said as he scooped some oatmeal and looked down at his tablet.

Ravi slid his hand across the table and cupped mine with a smile. “It's actually quite spacious for being underground.”

“It's also where I keep all the delicate information. There are a couple of workstations set up,” Rion added.

Ravi turned his nose up, crossed his eyes, and opened and closed his mouth, silently mimicked Rion as he spoke. I couldn't help but roll my lips in to prevent me from laughing out loud.

“Don’t you have that job to run for Uncle?” Rion said, unfazed by his brother's antics.

Ravi looked at his phone. “Shit,” he groaned as he hung his head. “Do I really have to? Can’t Roux do it?”

Still not looking at his brother, he sighed and continued typing something on his table. “You know he has his own errands to run today. Get going.” Ravi’s lips pursed before his eyes ran over mine like he was soaking in as much of me as he could before he turned away.

“See you later, Rav.” I waved, and he looked back with a smirk, giving me a little finger wiggle.

A scoff came from Roux, and when I lifted a brow at him, he said, “His name’s already short enough. You don’t need to make it shorter.” He bit hard into one of his bacon pieces like he was emphasizing his stance.

I pointed at him and threatened, with full sincerity, “You watch it, or I’m going to start calling you Ro Ro.”

Footsteps stomped from the front before Ravi poked his head around the corner, laughing hysterically. “Oh. My. God. That's it, bro. Your name is Ro Ro! I'm going to call you that forever now.” He threw his arm out like he was painting a scene. “Your headstone is going to read, ‘Here lies Ro Ro. The biggest meathead of them all.’”

Rion looked up, pointing at Ravi. “Go! Don’t be late,” just as Roux slammed his hands on the table and got up, ready to charge his brother.

Ravi turned and ran away, throwing over his shoulder, “You guys always have all the fun without me.”

This time, I did laugh out loud. You know, for a set of stalkers and hardened murderers, they sure did know how to have a good time.

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