Page 53 of The Dark Side

"Just because I don't want her to die doesn't mean I want to fuck her."

"But you do."

Alexei shrugged,"Why not? Pussy's pussy."

Adrik mentally winced. He knew when his brother was putting on a show. Alexei was clearly starting to like Jolie, which made his stomach turn. Adrik tried to keep Alexei away from her. All this past week, they were busy tracking rumors about Katia's brother. But the moment he was able, Alexei's thoughts returned to her.

And so did Adrik's.

"She's right there,"he heard himself say. Alexei snapped his head to the house just as Jolie was pulled away from the window."Call her out,"Adrik tempted, noticing how Alexei struggled with the phone. He didn't like it. How could he make her more off-limits other than calling her a lesbian?"She's a Democrat, you know? Can tell just by the way she dresses."

Alexei scoffed, sitting back."Don't say that."

Adrik smiled, proud. He knew his brother too well. Her political standing would be a definite turn-off.

"Okay, why not?"Alexei texted Esfir, telling her to bring Jolie out here.

Adrik's smile faltered. That plan backfired.

Alexei looked down at his shirt, brushing off some lint. A pathetic attempt to look better. He shifted, straightened his back, and tried to figure out how to sit like he suddenly forgot.

"What are you doing?"

"Shut up,"Alexei bit back."Can you tell everyone to clear out? I don't want to spook her."There were women in thin bikinis sitting at the pool. Wives, girlfriends, and their friends floated around, wanting attention from wealthy individuals. Their most profitable drug dealers were invited on weekends to the house for parties and to talk business. There were always ways to improve, and Adrik constantly looked for the best ideas.

Not that Father will do anything with the information,Adrik bitterly thought.

Adrik was against kicking everyone out. Jolie needed to be exposed to their world if she was living with them. But maybe it was too soon to start."Everyone out."

There was a grumble of discontentment, but they collected all their stuff and got out. The last of the single women were leaving as Jolie came out of the house. Her eyes were wide as she approached, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. She was gorgeous even in the stupidest things. He hated her shirt, but it was everything she was.

'Coexist' was written in rainbow colors.

He could hear Alexei curse out,"Oh, hell."

Adrik chuckled.

"Hi!" Jolie approached eagerly, like she was dying for some conversation. "Oh, my God, it's so beautiful out. I feel like I haven't been out in weeks."

Because she hadn't been. Adrik kept tabs on her, hoping to find more about her quirks, but she never left her room. Part of him was glad for it; he could keep his hands to himself if he didn't see her. But not seeing her had brought unwanted erotic thoughts that came barreling into his brain at this moment. One of those thoughts wondered what she would look like in a bathing suit and soaking wet.

"Join us," Alexei invited, moving slightly for her to sit on the same lounge chair. "You got a suit?"

"Actually, no. I don't know how to swim."

Adrik wondered if it was a lie, simply to hide her bruises. They should be on the verge of healing but still visible. He wanted to see them to assure himself she was getting better. "You're a Floridian who doesn't know how to swim?"

"Yeah, I know. I got made fun of enough, thanks," Jolie bit back, making his smirk widen.

Alexei interjected, "How has your stay been?"

Jolie shrugged. "Great, I guess. You guys live like kings here; I'm not used to it. I kind of miss baking."

Alexei wondered with excitement, "You bake?"

"Yeah, like cupcakes and cookies. My mom and I would always bake on the weekends and give them out at church."

Adrik was glad the sunglasses hid his face. She was too much in her good ways; he almost couldn't stand it. But it made him wonder. No one was perfect, so what were her flaws? Why did it intrigue him so much to find out?

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