Page 45 of Avidian
“What are you doing?” I ask, stepping into the bathroom to brush my teeth.
“I’m getting ready to go,” he replies simply.
I peek my head out of the bathroom, toothbrush in hand. “He’s sending you away too?”
A devious smile spreads across his face. “Oh no, little demon. He’s sending me to take care of you,” he says.
I spit out my toothpaste, glancing at him in the mirror. “Creep,” I say, laughing as I wipe my mouth and start working a brush through my hair.
“So where are you taking me? What security is coming with us? And what does this mean for your mission? How are you going to figure out what’s going on here—Viktor’s operation and all—if Marco’s shipping you off to babysit me?” I ask.
Malachi leans against the closet doorframe, arms crossed, clearly amused by my rapid-fire questioning. “Aren’t you full of curiosity this morning?” he says, grinning. “Don’t worry. I’ve got a plan. But I’ll let you sweat it out a little longer before I tell you.”
“Malachi,” I warn, giving him my best glare.
“Relax,” he says, grabbing his duffle and tossing it onto the bed next to my open suitcase. “All you need to know is you’re stuck with me for the foreseeable future. Now hurry up. We leave in fifteen. Meet me at the front door when you’re ready.”
I dry my hair as fast as I can. There’s no way I’m stepping out into the snow with wet hair. I’m already poorly acclimated to the cold as it is. Once it’s mostly dry, I pull on the black pants and blue sweater I’d set aside. It’s not my best outfit, but it’s warm, and that’s all I care about right now.
Malachi must have taken all the luggage while I was getting ready—probably loading up one of the cars. At least he’s making himself useful. I glance in the mirror, swipe on some chapstick, and toss my hair behind my shoulders before heading out into the hallway.
I take one last look around the mansion. I’m not going to miss this place, with all its dark secrets and suffocating rules. But the snow, the trees, and the quiet beauty of the grounds? Those, I might actually miss.
I round the corner and suddenly find myself shoved hard against the wall. Orin’s hand is pressed to my shoulder, pinning me in place. His face is so close I can feel his thick beard scratching on my cheek.
“Don’t think I’m not on to you, pet,” he growls.
I turn my head away, pressing my cheek against the cool surface of the wall to avoid his glare. “What are you talking about?” I say evenly, though my heart pounds in my chest. I try to shove him off, but he doesn’t budge.
“You may have my father fooled, but not me. I know you’re up to no good. Mysteriously disappearing last night? I’ll get to the bottom of it,” he sneers, his grip tightening momentarily before he lets go and steps back. “And when I do? It’s right back into that not-so-pretty cage for you.”
He storms off down the hall, and I let out a shaky exhale.
Fucking asshole.
He’s bluffing. He doesn’t know anything but hates me enough to want to keep me looking over my shoulder. Still, I can’t shake the uneasy feeling that lingers in his wake.
By the time I reach the entry hall, Malachi and Banks are waiting for me. I plaster on a smile for Banks, who as always remains stoic and unreadable. Malachi catches the smile and looks between us with a curious expression.
Banks, ever the professional, opens the door for us and then heads to the driver’s seat of the car. No security detail. Malachi climbs into the front seat, and I slide into the back. As we drive away, I watch through the window as the mansion disappears behind the trees. The farther we go, the lighter I feel.
At the airstrip, Banks and Malachi load up one of Marco’s small planes. Banks is careful to avoid looking directly at me as usual. “If that will be all, then safe flight,” Banks says curtly before stepping back from the plane.
Malachi waves him off. “Take care, Banks.”
We board the plane, and after a few quick words exchanged between Malachi and the pilot, we’re in the air.
Malachi reclines in his seat next to me, arms crossed as he glances over with an amused expression. “So what was that back there with Banks?”
I shake my head, laughing lightly. “Banks isn’t so bad. I think he finds me creepy.”
Malachi lets out a loud laugh. “Who doesn’t?”
I punch him in the arm, but a small smile tugs at my lips despite myself.
I’m ready for some answers about where the hell we’re going.
Chapter Fourteen
