Page 52 of The Darkness is Calling

“You don’t know that.”

“Neither do you. But I see you’ve thought about that scenario.”

“No,” I say, contemplating his ugly prediction. “I hadn’t thought about it until now, but you’re helping me a lot by showing me there are options.”

I wink, annoying him even more.

“Fuck it, Artem! That is not what I want. But admit you’ve thought about taking advantage of the situation you have with her in that room.”

“You wouldn’t?” Sasha asks, grinning like a small, playful devil.

“You are not helping at all,” Yar roars at him.

“I don’t want to help. I want bloooood!” the blond exclaims, overly theatrical, raising his fists in the air.

“So do I, but not like this!”

“What is more beautiful in this world than going to war for love? She is Helen of Troy in a contemporary version.”

I watch the two of them argue while there is just as much noise inside my head, demanding I leave them and go to the place where I know there is peace.

“Yar, I need you to trust me.”

They look at me, falling silent immediately.

“I always trust you. But now something is different. I’ve seen the way you look at her...”

“This wedding will happen,” I say with conviction, despite the stings traveling through my entire body. “Even if I have to drag her to the altar myself.”

“Good.”

“So can we end this subject once and for all?”

“I can’t promise that. Can you promise you won’t fuck her?”

I feel my lips curve upward, and it takes effort not to grin wider, like an idiot.

“I can’t promise that.”

My answer makes Sasha burst out laughing, while Yar stares at me, horrified.

“You don’t usually smile. And now you’re doing it when you think about her?!”

“There will be waaaaar!” Sasha exclaims with the enthusiasm of a child in the amusement park. “I can’t wait!”

If they knew how often I have smiled because of her...

“We’re done with this subject,” I say shortly, becoming serious again. “I’m tired, and I want to go to bed early.”

“I’m late for my date, but it was worth it,” the youngest declares.

When he reaches me, places his palm on my shoulder, but now his gaze is serious. “Whatever you do, I’m with you.”

And after he walks out, I hear him yelling from the hall,

“WAR!”

I am left with my older brother, who runs a hand through his hair.