Page 62 of Fake Fae-Ancée

"More of a cubbyhole," I muttered, turning back to my rifle. I'd spent the last half hour taking it apart and putting it back together several times. The movements were familiar and reassuring. Take rifle, snap part A it into part B, turn, click, turn, snap part C, and so on. I needed my mind and body to calm the fuck down.

I looked down the barrel and took aim at the stack of cardboard boxes lined up against the wall. All my guns, swords and firearms were stowed there.

The guy — Constantin I think his name was, Kostya, was probably just a nickname — leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets.

"Sorry about my brother."

"Which one?"

Kostya chuckled. "Nicolai obviously left his manners at home."

I lowered the gun and half-turned to face him.

"And you?"

"Who me?" he beamed, pointing at himself. "Flawless manners. And as you can clearly see, I happen to be the most handsome of the bunch.“

I snorted a half laugh and he sauntered further in, settling down on the floor next to me and watched me disassemble the gun again. My hands did their work quickly and efficiently.

"Nicolai is just trying to protect the family, you know?" Kostya said after a while. "He's a stubborn motherfucker."

I felt my nostrils flare. "Runs in the family, I guess."

He grinned, showing some fangs. "We're Bears. We protect our own. And we act like morons at times."

"At times."

"I suppose you knew that when you met Yuri." He tilted his head.

I squinted at him. They all looked so alike. But Kostya's features were cut a little harder, his eyes a tad sharper than Yuri's. But he still had that boyish charm. He looked really young.

"What's going to happen?" I put the rifle on the floor. "At the ball, I mean."

"Once the Bears pledge allegiance, Yuri has to face Yegor in a duel." Kostya's expression turned serious.

"Will they fight to the death?" A fuzzy feeling churned in my stomach. Kostya nodded, triggering a whole new set of fears. A horrible image of Yuri, pale, motionless, and covered in blood flashed through my mind. I didn't want him in my life anymore.... but I most certainly didn't want him dead either.

Kostya's deep, warm laugh brought me back. "Yuri's pretty damn strong. He'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

His smile deepened. "I'm really glad he found you, you know?"

"Please don't say that," I muttered

Kostya got up, turning to leave. Obviously our little talk was drawing to an end. "I am glad you waited for my brother and stand with him now, after all he's gone through…"

I hesitated, and then asked. "What exactly has he gone through?"

Kostya froze. Let go of the door handle. Turned and looked at me with raised brows.

"What do you mean?"

"What has he been through?" I stumbled to my feet.

He took a step closer. "He didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

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