Page 206 of Bona Fide

“I promise I shouldn’t be too long.”

“Marty,” I quiver, balling my hands into fists because I think I’m on the verge of having a full-blown anxiety attack.

“I’m here,” he replies, closing the distance but not stretching for me. “I scared you, I know. I’m sorry.”

I bow my head, stretching my jaw because I’m attempting to keep the hot tears at bay behind my eyes. I almost just spent my last moment alone, and the person that always had my back came out of nowhere to save me.

“Can you please hug me?” His voice is strained, almost pained as I flick my gaze back up to his.

I hesitate, and he sees it, disclosing a heavy exhale like he was expecting it. Shoving his hands into his pockets, he stays grounded where he is.

“No hands. I promise, Tsarina, I would never hurt you or Mama.”

“Who are you?” It comes without warning, my body obviously not responding like it should, and Marty remains looking like he wants to fucking die right now. “Why did he call you Emric?”

Secrets—there are always fucking mysteries about people, aren’t there? Some are easier to hide than others. I’ve always prided myself on keeping my emotions private while being able to act like a stone-cold bitch outwardly.

But others, some might be too dark or deep to be safely exposed.

“I’m your brother,” he professes confidently and without abandon. “And I will always put you and Mama first. Over anyone.”

I want to believe his words, but I’m still startled. His arms, I do want them around me, but at what cost? Thinking I know everything about my own family just to be punched in the face with reality.

Marty and Mama are all I have, and even that doesn’t seem to be genuine anymore. I can see it in every speck of his green eyes that something isn’t normal here. His stance is tense and rigid as though he’s forced to let any demons or clandestines free at this moment.

“I’ll be in the other room,” he finally continues, giving up on his request. “You won’t be able to go in there, but the men here, now, are mine. They won’t touch you.”

He leaves the gun, going around the back of the couch to leave the room so that he doesn’t have to brush past me. I stride towards him, but his hand halts me in motion.

“Stop,” he orders, his tone steel. I see the man’s feet who was just standing in front of me moments ago then the blood that’s begun to pool along the floor.

Marty closes the distance between us, blocking my view of the man he just shot. “Back up.”

I do, and he follows me, making sure that I don’t try for a second glance. I won’t, he doesn’t have to worry about that.

“You’re safe,” he whispers. “And everything will be over soon.” He takes a chance and kisses my forehead before striding past me.

“Where is Mama?”

He pivots to face me again. “Grocery shopping.” He gives me a weak smirk. “I wanted peanut butter and jelly, and she knows I hate grape. She’s fine.” He jerks his head to the direction of the library. “Go find something to do for me, I promise I won’t be long.”

I nod, he leaves, and the same man who was just in the room appears in the doorway. “Would you like some water, Miss Shelton?”

I shake my head and make my way, mindlessly, to where my brother told me to go.

What. The. Fuck. Just. Happened.

* * *

The Hulkand I were reunited quickly after I went to the library when I couldn’t ignore the recurring female screams filtering throughout the house.

They weren’t blood-curdling—far worse.

It was the most horrifying anguish I have ever heard in my life. To the point where I knew I wouldn’t be forgetting them anytime soon.

Now Hulk stood in my way to find Marty and the direction of the sounds to see what in the ever living hell was going on.

“You need to move,” I snap. “I need to see—”

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