Our Flame

xxxviii

EZRA

I wake up with Nadia sleeping in my arms, the first time I've truly slept in awhile. I guess we have that affect on each other.

The feelings I have for Nadia are impossible to figure out, the urge I have to protect her. That's easy, I never want to see her hurt.

Again.

Other than that, I've never felt something like this. I need her to be okay, I won't let her father hurt her -not this time.

I know I call her beautiful all the time but her beauty really is unmatched.

It shouldn't be downplayed.

I look down as she starts to stir in my arms, then her eyes flutter open. I push the curl out of her eyes as she moves further into my arms.

"Stop looking at me like that." Nadia mumbles. I can't help the laugh that escapes me. "Like what?" I wonder. Nadia stares at me until she gets up, untangling herself from me.

The bed feels cold again, "Let's go to the gym?" She tilts her head to the side. I hum in response, "Ten minutes." Nadia speaks as she exits my room.

I don't waste any time getting out of bed. I hop up, going to get ready. I think I'm a morning person now, because of her.

A knock at my door interrupts me, I walk to the door toothbrush in hand. "What?" I open the door.

"You guys together?" Issac questions. "Remember the rule you made, 'No fucking in the house'." Kai speaks. I roll my eyes continuing to brush my teeth.

I only made that rule because I know what Issac and Kai are like.

"It doesn't bother you, not even a little?" Issac says. I turn to him. "Her dad murdered your little sister."

My hands tightly grip the sink at the mention of Astria, "Issac, quit." Kai sighs. "No it doesn't, Nadia isn't her father." I finally respond.

"His actions aren't hers." I add.

Issac scoffs, "It bothers me that her father killed mine. And what she just gets to live peacefully with that? Maybe it wasn't her action, but they share the same blood."

Anger starts to overwhelm me, "She's the daughter of a fucking murderer. First, you save her life and now this?" Issac finishes. "We're all killers, Issac." Kai tells him.

"Nadia isn't at fault for her father's actions. She isn't at fault for Astria or your father. I'd save her over and over." I say.

"But she's- But nothing, Issac. Nadia is good, she can't help whose daughter she is." I cut him off.

I understand where Issac is coming from, I really do. But Nadia isn't the person who took my sister from me, her father is. All my hate is for him- not her.

"You better be right." Issac crosses his arms. I raise an eyebrow, "What'll happen if I'm not?"

"I'll beat your ass." Issac shrugs. I fight the urge to laugh, I grew up with Kai and Issac. My father trained the three of us, but the two don't come close to beating me.