Our Flame

ix

here's another chapter for you beautiful people

NADIA

"I can't believe you guys put me on fucking bed rest." I groan. I hate not being able to do things for myself, my brothers do everything for me lately.

I've been out of the hospital for a full day, bed rest wasn't necessary. Even the doctors said I was fine, just a badly bruised rib.

Thanks Aleksi.

I can't blame him, I want to but I just can't. I hit him first and I shouldn't have. Maybe just maybe, next time I see him I'll apologize. If I'm in a good mood.

Or this was like a brotherly thing, all siblings fight. Right?

"Didn't Viktor tell you to stop cursing?" Niko questions. "Didn't Luka tell you to stop smoking?" I point to the cigarette in his hand. "Touché"

"Where is Luka anyway?" I wonder. All of our other brothers left for work along with Gianna.

I never saw Luka leave though. Nor have I seen Aleksi since the incident.

Niko puts out the cigarette, good maybe he has a chance at living past thirty-five. 

"I think he's upstairs." He says taking a seat next to me. I nod.

"Nik." He hums in response. "Do you think Aleksi will come back?" I'm not afraid truly, but I want to know what to expect.

Niko seems to be thinking about his answer.

"Part of me hopes he does just so I can beat his ass, but there's a small chance he won't." I stare at him wanting a better answer.

"He's always struggled with his anger but that look in his eyes, Nadia. I know you saw it, it's never been that bad."

Of course, I saw it, he was in my face. I wish I didn't though, he reminded me so much of him. I don't want Aleksi to turn into that kind of person.

I know he's better than that, I hope he's better than that.

"He's family but that doesn't excuse his actions." Niko reminds, I don't reply. For once in my life, I didn't know what to say.

"I want to get another tattoo." I blurt out.

Niko chuckles but I'm serious. I've been thinking about it for a while, why not do it while the rest of my brothers aren't home.

"You're taking me but I need to get dressed. Go get Luka."

I run back inside instead of listening to what he was about to say.

I rush to put together an outfit, which looks pretty good. I only have three tattoos so this'll be my fourth, and hopefully it'll have some type of meaning. I doubt it though.

Grabbing my things and reapplying my chapstick I run back downstairs, I smile as I see Luka and Niko both ready to go.

"You took forever, go get in the car."

***

"Slow down." Luka yells from the back seat. I roll my eyes. "Stop being a fucking baby." I turn another corner. "Wrong turn Nads." I cringe at the nickname.

"Never say that again." I tell my twin while Luka laughs. "What even is a Nads?" I continue to drive. "You."

Niko laughs at his answer as if it was the funniest thing in the word. When his laughter dies down Luka speaks up. "What are you getting tattooed?"