THE CAGE (The Chosen Series #3)

CH14. ♙h4 ♞g4

"It's about time, Angelo Mio. I was ten seconds away from coming to your room and getting you." I frown at Sebastian's voice and jog down the stone steps of the front entrance to the Manor.

I know I'm not late. I always run just before sunrise.

I lift my head and look around in confusion when I see three men, dressed in almost identical black and grey exercise clothes, waiting for me.

I blink several times, unsure of what I'm seeing, and can't help but notice how the material is sculpted to support their muscles like a second skin.

Damir at least offers me a sheepish grin, and I know it's for not warning me that the others would be joining us on our morning run. But it's Alexander's presence that surprised me.

In all the weeks I've been at the Manor, except for my first time here, he has never joined in on our runs, always citing that he's too busy. However, this morning, he's here and is looking at me with an intensity I've not seen in him before.

My thoughts immediately go to last night, and I wonder if he knows.

I feel my chest heat but dismiss the idea. Alexander was asleep the whole time I was with him and was still in a deep slumber when I forced myself to leave.

It was torture removing myself from his warm body, but I needed sleep and didn't want to risk the awkward confrontation if he woke.

I ignore Sebastian's earlier remark and look toward the horizon. It's still early, and the sun is only just beginning to show. 

It's been rising earlier as we move into Spring and the weather warms, but every day I take the time to enjoy it when I can, never missing an opportunity to remind myself that it's a new day and I'm no longer underground.

I tune out Sebastian as he continues to whine. His words try and fail to spark a reaction, and begin my stretches.

Mid bend I hear a groan, and the sound is closely followed by a thump of flesh hitting flesh. I know without looking that Damir has smacked Sebastian, and I feel my lips twitch as I continue to stretch.

When my muscles are comfortably limber, I turn to see Damir and Sebastian also stretching, but Alexander is still standing, arms crossed over his broad chest, and his blue eyes are focussed on me.

I feel heat rush to my cheeks as I meet his gaze. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Маленький волк. Did you sleep well?" His voice is low, and the deep timber causes me to shiver. "Because I know I did." My blush intensifies, and he smirks, but I hold his gaze and am happy when I see that some of the darkness has receded below his eyes. 

His hypnotizing eyes.

"Are you ready?" Damir asks, breaking my stupor, and I nod.

"So what's the wager this time?" Sebastian comes toward me and nudges my shoulder.

"You've already lost over a small fortune. Are you willing to lose more?" Damir asks and winks at me. I don't feel guilty that I was able to swindle Sebastian. The money isn't for me and will be donated to a local children's home for kids of the community.

But Damir's comment seems to get Alexander's attention, his eyes narrowing, and Sebastian laughs, "I have to win something back."

"Your dignity, maybe?" Damir taunts, and Sebastian grumbles. "How about, whoever wins, gets to choose the next game?" He continues, coming to stand on my opposite side.

I'm about to respond but can't get the words out before Alexander speaks, "Agreed." I blink up at him and meet his stare.

I shrug and run.