Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 81767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Fiora opens her mouth to respond but hesitates, as if considering her next words carefully. Her gaze drifts between the both of us before she sighs in resignation and turns away.
“I don’t,” she concedes, sounding weary, “but that doesn’t mean I want to be caught up in your twisted games either.”
The room falls into silence for a moment before Soren chuckles softly, breaking the tension.
“Well,” he says nonchalantly, “I guess we’ll just have to convince you otherwise then.”
Fiora doesn’t respond, but the slight blush creeping onto her cheeks tells me that maybe, just maybe, she’s intrigued, despite herself. As she leaves the room with a dismissive wave over her shoulder, I share a knowing look with Soren.
This isn’t going to be as straightforward as Braken led us to believe. In fact, this could be the most challenging job we’ve ever had—as simple as it seems on the surface. Something about Fiora captivates us, something more than just her fiery rebellion and her refusal to fit into the roles our society imposes on her. She’s alluringly stubborn and fiercely independent, qualities that are simultaneously both refreshing and challenging.
“Maybe we should just leave her for Braken. Maybe stick to monogamy for those two?” I say as the sounds of Fiora’s movements echo from the other room.
He shrugs, leaning against a wooden beam, the corner of his mouth curling up in a smirk. “And what? Ruin our fun? I think not.”
I roll my eyes at him. He has always been the more reckless one, but I can’t really disagree with him. This is different, exciting even. After all the casual sexual encounters we’ve had, a little something with more flavor like Fiora might be exactly what we need.
“We can’t afford to get distracted and forget why we’re here, Soren. We have to keep her safe. Braken would have our heads if we let anything happen to her,” I offer to counter his cavalier attitude.
Soren waves me off, settling comfortably into one of Fiora’s plush armchairs.
“It’s just a babysitting job. We could do this in our sleep,” he murmurs, confidence coloring his tone. “And, besides, do you really think I’m going to lose focus?” He raises an eyebrow at me, a playful glint in his eyes suggesting just the opposite. “I’m extremely focused when I play.”
“Ha-ha,” I say, with a roll of the eyes.
“It’s your turn for patrol tonight. Do you want me to stay?” Soren breaks into my thoughts. His question is quiet but certain, his gaze still on Fiora who’s now bustling around, tidying up before bed. “I don’t mind, but I was thinking I’d go check in on The Vault. We’ve been neglecting our business lately. And Locke and Storee just got back from their getaway, so I know Locke is busy with his other business dealings.”
“I got it. You’re right. You should go make an appearance and make sure there aren’t any fires that need putting out.”
Soren nods thoughtfully, pushing himself out of the plush armchair with a sigh. He stretches lazily, like a cat who’s just woken from a long nap. “Braken should be by in a couple of hours. I’ll see you at home. We both need some rest.”
I smirk. “Yeah, rest.”
After gathering his belongings, Soren strides toward the door, pausing for a moment to glance at Fiora, who’s still busying herself around the room. “Don’t drive him too crazy,” he warns her with a teasing wink.
Fiora rolls her eyes at him but doesn’t respond, and moments later the front door closes behind him.
“Well,” I say, throwing a sidelong glance at Fiora, who has now stopped her tidying and is observing me pointedly. “Now it’s just you and me.” I look toward the door. “I don’t have to stay inside. I can go back outside and—”
“Stay. It’s storming out there.” She swallows. “And I could use the company.”
Regardless of her stubborn facade, she’s got a soft side; it’s just buried deep under layers of pride and self-reliance. Something about seeing that vulnerability softens my resolve.
“All right.” I move toward one of the empty chairs. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to stay inside for a while.”
The storm outside rages on, the wind howling and lashing at the windows like some ferocious beast waiting to break in. But inside, there’s just calmness and quiet. Fiora doesn’t seem as tense as before. Maybe because she’s no longer outnumbered.
A loud crackle of thunder reverberates through the room, making Fiora jump. I can’t resist chuckling. She shoots me a glare that would have anyone else cowering in fear, but all it does is amuse me more.
“Heathens Hollow can have some crazy storms,” I say.
“What is it with you two?” she asks, her gaze meeting mine with curiosity and something else—intrigue maybe? “Why are you so intent on protecting me?”
“We told you. Braken—”
Fiora rolls her eyes at that. “I know that,” she says with a hint of exasperation as she crosses her arms over her chest. “But why did you agree?”