BOUND TO HIM (Book II: Captured series)

27. Elle

I sink back into my seat, the murmur of the airplane engines vibrating under my skin, mingling with the exhaustion and tension that hasn't left me since Victor's call. Outside the tiny window, clouds float by in hazy swirls, detached and serene, an utter contrast to the storm brewing inside me.

The moment Victor mentioned he had a secret about Logan, one that he insisted would change everything, my blood ran cold. How much could he possibly know? I did not want my brother involved in the dark world, my father had shoved us into. And I'd would do anything to keep him out of it.

"Meet me. Alone," he'd said, his voice more of a command than a request. I knew that tone well; he had definitely found something that bothered him. I just had to figure out a way to show him Logan is not the bad guy here. It won't be easy, knowing how hard headed my brother can be and I definitely couldn't do it over the phone. So I had to leave while I had the chance.

I'm risking so much coming here alone, and yet, despite the warning signs, I couldn't ignore Victor's call. I had so many questions, how did he manage to get away from Logan's men being one of them. But he wouldn't answer me over the phone, something about he didn't have too much time. It automatically got my concerns for his safety on high alert. I made a hasty decision of getting away without informing Logan, for I knew if I were to tell him, he'd have stopped me.

He would've taken notice of my absence by now and I can only imagine how angry he must be. I just hope by the time I get back to him, he'd have simmered down a bit. Victor has always been my priority and that'll never change.

A slight turbulence jolts me, and I grip the armrest. The descent has started, and the ground below is growing closer. My mind races through all the conversations I'll need to have with Victor, preparing myself for his inevitable questions, maybe his anger. There's a lot I'm keeping from him and although I had good intentions, it'll all be nothing if he gets harmed trying to figure things out on his own.

This is definitely not a good time for him to be running away from his security, especially after what happened to Logan. I have to tell him the truth about Logan and about our father.

The plane touches down, and the jolt brings me back to the present. I draw a deep breath as we taxi to the gate, calming myself, reminding myself that this is still my brother. I just need to be strong, to show him that Logan is not a threat so we can go back.

In the airport, I catch sight of Victor before he sees me. He stands near the windows, his tall frame silhouetted against the fading light outside. He looks different, leaner and sharper, but when his eyes meet mine, he flashes that familiar smile. Warmth fills my chest.

"Elle!," he waves as I rush towards him and he draws me into a hug. His arms are strong, firm around me, but there's a tension in his shoulders, a tightness that doesn't quite fit.

Pulling back and I study him. "You're not hurt, are you? I question.

"I should be the one asking that question. Did that fucker lay his hands on you?" He inquires with a frown.

"Don't call him that" I correct. "Look, I have a lot of explaining to do but Logan isn't going to hurt us" I tell him. Almost immediately his grip on my shoulders tightens. "Seems like you truly don't know who he is. I'm so glad I was able to get you away from him in time" His words carry relief but that's the opposite of how I feel.

"Victor, you have to trust me. Where are the men that were with you? It's not safe for us here" I look around but don't see any familiar faces.

Victor shakes his head, "I had to get away from them, let's go" He grabs my hand and starts leading me towards the parkade. When we stand in front of a black Honda SUV, I turn to him questionly, "Why and how do you have a car?"

"I rented it with some cash I had, so they wouldn't be able to trace me" He explained opening the door but I refused to get in.

"Get inside Elle" He urges and I take a step back.

"No, we should be going back. We'll talk once we're on the flight"

"You want to go back to him? Elle, he's a gangster, he murders people. He killed our father" He almost screams at me out of frustration. I can see the confusion and anger in his eyes and I truly feel sorry for him. "I know it's difficult but I need you to trust me on this" I reach for him.

"Why are you not surprised? Did you already know this?" His voice goes cold all of a sudden. His expression that of betrayal, it hurts my chest. "I did and I'm sorry for not telling you this before. The only reason Logan killed father was because he was about to kill me. He didn't have an option"

"They were right, he's brain washed you" He goes deathly still before he speaks again, "Do it"

"Wait, what are you--" Before I could move closer to him, someone grabs me from behind. My arms fight the man holding me down, Victor steps up to me, cupping my face in a firm hold. "Victor, run" Tears brim my eyes. I don't know who these men are but they can't have him.

"It's okay Elle, I'll take care of everything from now on" He promises. Something pricks the base of my neck but I can't fight off the man restraining me. All I see is my brother's face as he's smiling at me, getting blurry by the second. Within moments my arms and legs go limp, Victor catches me and kisses my forehead.

"Sleep now, dear sister"