Page 30 of Carved in Ruin

By the time I’m in the driveway, she’s already there, the guards standing uselessly as she moves toward the waiting car. My blood roars in my ears as I stride toward her.

“Where are you going?” I bark.

She freezes for a second but doesn’t turn around. “None of your business,” she screeches.

I grab her arm and spin her around, pulling her flush against me. I have no concern for the gawking guards. I don’t give a damn who sees.

“I asked you a question,” I hiss, my grip firm. “Where are you going?”

Her face twists with frustration, a fire sparking in her eyes that always pulls me under. “To a physics convention, if youmustknow!” she screams back, practically spitting the words at me.

The guards shift awkwardly, keeping their distance. They know better than to interfere.

“I’ll take you,” I demand.

She shakes her head, her hair brushing my face as she pulls back. “It’s not appropriate to go out with my sister’s future husband. Sorry.”

Layla chooses that moment to step into the scene, Anatoly, who came with me, is trailing behind her. They both freeze, their eyes darting between us. Milos apparently decided to skip out on the chaos.

Mila’s eyes flick to them, and then back to me. She knows what she’s doing, setting me up to burn.

My voice lowers, enough for only her to hear. “Do you even know the stakes, Mila? Do you know what people would do just to get me to look their way? My name is on you now. Do you think for a second that’s safe? For you?”

Her eyes narrow, her chin tilting up in defiance. “I can do whatever I want. I have my guards. I don’t need you.”

“Your guards are incompetent,” I snarl.

“I’ll go with Anatoly, then,” she says suddenly, turning to him. “If he doesn’t mind.” Her words are casual, but I know her better than that.

It’s like gasoline on an open flame.

“You’re not going with him.”

“Stop it, Rafael!” .

The words grind out of me. “Not with him.” My eyes snap to Anatoly, who’s still watching.

“Why? Afraid he’ll actually enjoy my company?”

My fist tightens at my side, and the world narrows. Layla’s eyes are wide as she watches the unfolding chaos.

“Either with me, or you’re not going,” I say again, my words cold, final.

“Watch me.”

Mila shakes her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. “Are you jealous?” she taunts.

“No,” I snap, but it’s a lie, and I know it. Goddamn, I am.

“I’ll be going, Rafael. It’s either with my guards or Anatoly. Your choice.”

I don’t respond immediately. My jaw tightens, my fists clench. She’s pushing me, daring me to make a move.I’ll make the move, Mila, don’t worry about that.

I hate it, but the words come anyway. I don’t have time to argue with her stubborn ass forever. “Anatoly,” I growl.

Before he can move, I grab him by the collar, dragging him close enough that my next words are only for him. “Touch her and die.”

Anatoly doesn’t flinch. He chuckles instead, shaking his head slightly. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” He knows what she means to me. He knows better.

---