Page 101 of Stolen Seconds

When he peered over at me, something between a laugh and a cry escaped me. “Nicolai. . . ” I took a step toward him when another voicestopped me.

“That’s close enough.” Roman came out of the bathroom, his energy dark and full of venom, all directed at me.

“She’s not going to harm her own brother.” Luca leaned against the wall, causal in his demeanor but alert. His tee shirt stretched over his biceps as he crossed his arms. “Pipe it down.”

“I don’t take orders from you, Luca.”

They were clearly not on good terms either, which made this visit even more uncomfortable.

I didn’t like that I was most likely the reason for their drift. It was hard to witness, but I stayed silent, unsure of how to proceed in unknown territory.

Nico caught my eyes. The brown in his conveyed so many emotions at once, they were hard to decipher.

“Can you both leave the room?” he said, earning their attention. “I’d like to speak with Irina.”

“Nic—” Roman turned toward my brother before he was cut off.

“Alone.”

A silent conversation passed between them and as Roman raked through his hair in defeat, I knew he’d do anything for him.

“I’ll be right outside the door.” He pointed toward it before shifting his attention to me, his obsidian eyes glaring with unsaid threats.

For the sake of my brother, I chose to stay silent.

Roman grabbed Luca roughly by the arm and dragged him out.

I quickly crossed the room until I reached Nicolai and sat on the bed beside him. His chest was covered in bandages and flashes from that day came rushing back.The sounds of his bones snapping. His limp body covered in blood. Me helpless.

“You should’ve never followed me that day,” I choked, staring at him warily as I grabbed his hand before letting it go, remembering how he didn’t like to be touched. “Are you in pain?”

His dimples appeared when he grinned at me. “Not anymore. I’m healing.”

A relieved breath escaped me, and I slumped from the rigidness that my body had been in until now.

“I wanted to help you,” I whispered. “So badly, Nico, that I’d have endured that over again if it meant you weren’t harmed.”

My chest ached from how true those words were. I never knew I was capable of harboring such love for someone I only met a few short months ago but he was my brother. I would’ve done anything to protect him.

“Don’t.” His pale blond hair was tousled and for once, he looked twenty-two. “I was there too, Irina. I saw what that man did to you. If you’re carrying that hurt for me, then know that I feel the same way for you.”

Tears spilled from my eyes, making a path down my face from the thick emotion in his voice.

The Bratva had their own agenda with Nicolai, but all I ever wanted was my brother.

“For what it’s worth, you look badass with that scar across your eye.” He grinned, attempting to lighten the mood.

My face became hot at having forgotten about it. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t seen it.”

He tilted his head at me, anger slashing across his stark features. “Don’t give it the power to destroy you.”

I pinched my lips together and nodded subtly.

“If Roman had found us sooner, then maybe this wouldn’t have happened.” He sighed, the dark rings around his eyes a contrast against his pale skin.

“What do you mean?”

“I have a tracker behind my ear.” He tilted his head and moved his hair to the side. “It’s beneath my skin.”

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