Page 15
By the fifth day I stop arguing out loud. I cook the meals he wants. I keep the flat clean. I spread my legs when he looks at me with that hungry stare. My body has learned exactly what he likes, and it gives in even when my mind still screams no.
I stare at the pot and feel fresh tears slide down my cheeks. They fall into the sauce, but I don’t say anything. I know I have to find a way out, but after a full week locked on the third floor, I still haven’t figured out how.
Chapter 7
Yakov
I lie on my back with Elias tucked tight against my chest, keeping my arms locked around him under the sheets. His bare skin is warm against mine. I run my fingers up and down his spine while he rests his head on my shoulder.
He shifts a little, his voice coming out quiet. “I really need to go back, Yakov. When are you going to let me leave?”
I keep stroking his back, tracing the line of his vertebrae. “You can leave when you behave and promise me we’re going to be together forever. You have to promise me you will only tell the truth.”
Elias stays silent for a long second before he finally answers. “I’ll stay with you.”
I smile against his hair, pressing a kiss to the dark strands. “That’s a very creative lie, but I’ll give you more time. Let’s see how you act in the house for this week. I’ll bring you food and whatever you need. You stay right here and show me your resolve.”
He doesn’t argue. I kiss the top of his head again and pull him a little closer to my chest.
I get out of bed, stretch my stiff muscles, and head to the bathroom. I take a long, hot shower, shave, and pull on a clean black shirt and dark jeans. When I walk back into the bedroom, Elias is still lying under the covers, watching my every move. I lean down and press my lips to his forehead.
“Be good today. I’ll bring you something sweet after class.”
I lock the flat behind me, take the elevator down to the ground floor, and walk to campus.
Haven and Samarah spot me halfway across the main quad, walking over fast to cut me off.
“Hey, Yakov,” Haven says, her brow pinched. “Have you seen Elias? We haven’t seen him in days.”
Samarah nods right beside her. “He’s usually everywhere. Doing deliveries, or studying. Weirdly, he’s been MIA for a whole week. We even checked his dorm room, and he isn’t there.”
I pull out my phone and force a worried look onto my face. “I’ve been looking for him too. I called him a bunch of times and sent messages.”
I turn the screen toward them, scrolling through the long call log I carefully faked over the last few days. Twenty-three calls stretching back four days, some lasting over a minute with worried voicemails I recorded myself, plus twelve unanswered texts that start casual and turn desperate.
“Look. Nothing. Straight to voicemail every single time. I’m getting really worried.”
Haven frowns, staring at the bright screen. “Yeah, that’s not like him at all.”
“If we don’t hear from him soon, we’ll figure something out,” Samarah adds, shifting her handbag on her shoulder.
“I’ll keep trying,” I tell them, slipping the phone back into my pocket. “Let me know if you hear anything.”
They walk off toward the library, and I head to class.
I sit through my full lecture on criminal procedure and pay attention. I take notes, answer a question when the professor calls on me, and stay focused until the bell rings.
When classes wrap up for the afternoon, I meet the guys near the fountain in the courtyard. Maksim is standing around with the twins, Dimitri and Damien, along with Roman and Lev.
“You coming to Devil’s Night?” Maksim asks, leaning against the stone edge of the fountain. “Who are you chasing this year?”
I shake my head. “I have no interest, seeing as my wife and I are going to be busy with our activities.”
Lev laughs crassly, his obvious provocation grating on my nerves. “Is that all for the new toy you’ve got locked up?”
My jaw tightens instantly. “He isn’t a toy. That is the love of my life, and I’m going to marry him next year.”
The whole group goes quiet. Maksim raises an eyebrow, staring at me almost like I lost my mind, which, to put it simply, yes, I have lost it.
