Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83195 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
I freeze at the compliment. Waiting for the backhand to come. “You’re famous,” my mother adds, and when I look up from the phone, I see her smiling. An actual smile directed at me and not my brother.
At first I like it, but then I let it sink in and know it’s as fake as our relationship.
I’d been hoping for this moment for so long, but now, it’s not as satisfying or as fulfilling as I thought it would be.
“Lena.” Behind my parents is Alek, standing there with his shaved head, wearing his gloves and a black suit. God, he looks like a killer.
“Who is that?” my mother asks in disgust, much like the first impression Archer had of him.
I cringe. Alek doesn’t seem to care, though, as he pushes past them with a bag of bagels in hand.
“Lena, who is this man?” my father asks, eyeing him. If there was a poster boy for bad-boy-do-not-mess-with, Alek’s it. Even if he does dress in Versace. He’s a killer who oozes the predatory atmosphere of being exactly that.
Alek is unfazed by them as puts the bagels on the counter, ignoring them. Most likely leaving me to my own decisions.
But fuck it. This whole time, the person driving me to rehearsals in the city was either Alek or Clay—Anya having offered up her bodyguard for the job. The commute was too long, and they refused to let me on public transport because I’d catch the plague, in their opinion.
They might be scary, and for good reason, but they care. And they helped me get this role. My parents did nothing but frown upon me. They’d never even come to any of my shows.
I walk toward Alek and grab his hand, tugging him toward my parents. I swallow hard. “This is my boyfriend, Alek.” He hides his smirk as he casually throws his arm around my shoulders, looking all the more like a stereotypical bad boy.
I can feel my heart in my throat. Alek and I haven’t put a label on ourselves, but he’s not denying it, and in my way, I want Alek to know that I’d like him to stay.
My parents look affronted.
“You don’t have a boyfriend. You would have told us. And don’t you think you should go for someone more…” My mother clears her throat as Alek stares her. “Are you going through a rebellious stage?” she whispers quietly to me.
“In that I’m twenty-four and making my own decisions? Sure, call it what you will,” I say.
“I think what your mother means is perhaps we should go out for breakfast and discuss the direction you’re heading in life,” my father says earnestly.
“I already have breakfast here,” I say with a smile. “I want to clarify something. Did you come to congratulate me or remind me yet again how I haven’t reached your standards?”
It feels freeing. Liberating in every sense to finally say what’s been on my mind all this time. Alek’s hand on my lower back anchors me and gives me strength.
I’m not ashamed of Alek. I don’t necessarily agree with what he does, but he’s a part of my life. More supportive than my parents have ever been.
My mother is flabbergasted. “We’ve only ever wanted the best for you.”
I nod. “No, you’ve only ever compared me to Archer. You’ve never much liked who I’ve become as an adult, and I actually like myself a lot. So when you’re ready to accept me and my life choices, then we can celebrate my success together,” I say, confidence filling me. “Until then… I love you both and safe travels home.”
My mother’s jaw drops open before she snaps, “I can’t believe how disrespectful you’re being. Barry, we’re leaving.” Then steps into the hall outside my door.
I’m torn. I’m sad to see her go but also delighted. Had Alek not been with me, I most likely would have taken her condescending comments without a fight.
My father glances at her before he leans in. “Congrats, sweetheart,” he says and presses a kiss to my cheek, and it fills me with a bittersweet feeling because I know he’s not referring to Alek.
“Look after her or—” He gulps, not able to finish the half-hearted threat aimed at Alek .
“Barry!” my mother shouts from the top of the stairs.
“Thanks, Dad,” I say, because I know deep down he’s happy for me. It’s never been him with the scathing tongue. He follows her down the stairs, and Alek’s arms wrap around me, his hands on my bare stomach.
“Am I your boyfriend now?” he whispers into my ear while pressing kisses down my neck.
I chuckle. “Depends if you got my favorite bagel. We’ll see how well trained you are,” I say as I close the door.
I know I’m going to hear about this from Archer, but I think a part of him will also be proud that I stood up for myself.