Page 54 of Marek

I step in because I’m not entirely sure that he won’t actually kill him.

Aleksander’s eyes swing to me, and his smile widens. “Well, hello. You must be the star of the show. I can see why...”

He extends his hand and I take it, flushing as he brings it to his mouth and kisses it.

He’s the opposite to Marek in every way.

“Ellie,” I say, my voice a little shaky.

He makes me weirdly nervous.

“Beautiful,” he murmurs. “I hope my brother here is treating you well. We all saw the article. I thought I might come and check out this free show...”

So that’s how he found us.

He releases my hand.

“I’m certain you’ll enjoy it,” I say, offering him my most dazzling smile.

“Oh, I’m certain I will, too. Tell me, Ellie, are you taken?”

“Enough,” Marek barks, putting his hand across my chest and pushing me back a step.

I shove his hand away, giving him a scolding expression. It might be childish, but something inside me swirls at the idea he doesn’t like me talking to his brother. He wants to treat me poorly, I can return the favor.

“I am,” I answer Aleksander.

Aleksander’s eyes darken and his smile widens. “Well, it’s my lucky day. Would you like to come to lunch with me?”

“She’s training,” Marek growls, his voice edgy and ready for a fight.

“I could use a break,” I smile at Aleksander, ignoring Marek. “Lunch would be great.”

“Excellent,” he claps his hands together, but doesn’t get to take a step before Marek is in his face, his fists clenched, rage pouring from every pore in his body as he backs Aleksander up until he slams into the center pole.

“I don’t know what the fuck you think you’re doing here, but you are not welcome. Leave, beforeI makeyou leave.”

Aleksander keeps the smile, only it turns a little darker now, more twisted. “Now, brother. I’m sure we can get along. I just wanted to see what you’re doing with yourself these days. I’ve heard stories, of course. I thought it would be good to check in.”

“You’re not interested in a single fucking thing I’m doing and whatever you heard, it’s fucking true, so I suggest you get the fuck out of my camp before I have you removed.”

Oh boy.

Aleksander shoves Marek back, and the two of them hold each other’s gaze, their faces hard.

“It’s open to the public, a free show. I’m sure you don’t want me to make a scene, brother?”

Marek’s jaw ticks.

He clearly knows something about his brother that I don’t because he steps back. “Watch the show, then get the fuck out.”

Aleksander is grinning again as he turns to me. “Are you ready, sweetheart?”

I smile. “Sure.”

“She is not going alone,” Marek raises a hand and clicks his finger until one of his men approaches. “Fred will escort the both of you.”

Aleksander stares at his brother, with shock and slight disgust. “She’s a free woman, is she not?”

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