Page 79 of Merciless Queen

“I lied,” he finishes with a shrug and a peek my way. “You’d do the same in my position.”

“I wouldn’t because my threat would be true. You wouldn’t make it off my lands, thanks to the guards I have stationed there.”

He throws me a sideways, disbelieving look. “Except I did make it away. Essentially. Your men never found me, and had you not shot me, I would have escaped, life intact.”

I bite my tongue before verbally grumbling aloud since the asshole made a very true point there.

Zeno angles us farther away from the house, and that’s when I notice we’re following a distinct path, the grass underfoot a light, muted green from the rest. He’s walked this direction frequently enough to leave his marks behind.

I glance backwards at the house, stomach churning that I didn’t take the chance when I had it. Although, he could still be lying, and why wouldn’t he be? Knock my guard down with the expectation of me bolting, and then his men will attack.

“You couldn’t be dumb enough to risk me out here without weapons.”

He glances my way, a crooked smirk implying he’s way too casual about all this. So opposite from the knots forming in my gut. “Consider it a sign of good faith.”

“For what possible purpose?”

Instead of responding, he takes off in a slow jog. I watch him stretch the distance between us, feeling torn over which way to run myself. After him, until I know what’s this all about, or the opposite way and try escaping.

For the second time, I probably make the incorrect decision and run after him because it’d be too easy to allow me to simply walk away from his house without a care. He wouldn’t bring me outside without some sort of guarantee I couldn’t overtake him. There’s more he’s not telling me.

It’s ironic that I might be running toward further captivity rather than freedom, but I do so regardless, matching my pace to his. If anything, maybe I can learn something about him, how his mind works in whatever fucked-up game he’s concocting, since he’s had years on me.

“How’s your leg?” He’s a day into his healing. It can’t possibly be feeling good.

“Hurts like a bitch.” He smirks. “Nothing that’ll kill me, so don’t you be stressing about my life.”

I snort because the prospect of him dying isn’t why I asked. His point has me wondering why I asked at all.

As our run stretches into minutes, my worries, anxiety, and semi-plans start fading away for the simple notion of howgoodthis feels. It’s annoying that it’s Zeno granting me this pleasure. Even though it’s only been two days since my last run, when I found him in the woods, it’s exactly what it is: pure, unbridled pleasure to feel the morning breeze over my skin, to let my mind wander free. Well, as free as captivity allows for.

“What are you playing at?”

His eyes shift to the side. “Told you, good faith.”

Bullshit.I don’t believe that for a second, but I’ll play along—for now. “Yes, but why?”

“You were freaking out in my shower. Figured you needed out of there before you snapped. Fresh air’s healthy for you, haven’t you heard?”

“Thought we’re referring to that as ‘processing.’”

He only laughs, shaking his head slightly. “You seem to forget I know a whole lot about you, Miss Volkov. You run every single morning around your property. You haven’t missed a day since your father’s death.” He gestures to the vast land in front of us. “Your record remains.”

His words nearly trip me; my feet sliding over the morning dew still clinging to the grass. I have no response for how my heart beats a bit faster, even when I know it’s unwise. Zeno isn’t doing this to be nice, but rather to lower my guard.

More reason I can’t allow it to work.

“What’s to stop me from taking off?”

“Me. You run, I’ll chase.”

I scoff. “I’d beat you easily. Especially with the hole in your leg.”

When Zeno slightly changes our direction, continuing over the faded grass like it’s a habitual route, I begin doubting my last statement.

He confirms my suspicion by saying, “Hate to tell you, but you’re not the only runner between us. But go on.” He jerks his chin to the path in front of us. “Try to beat me.”

Despite the challenge, my steps slow to a near walk, and he immediately matches my declining speed. He wants to make this point, which means I can work this to my favour. Going along with ouranswer for an answergame because while I now know why he hates my family, there’s still a lot of unknowns I may benefit from.

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