Page 74 of Atone

One after the other, I toss the knives until the last of six sinks a quarter of an inch away from Alex’s leg. It’s only then that I release the breath I’ve been holding. I wasn’t lying when I said I was out of practice. So even if Alex wasn’t worried about me hitting him, I’m relieved I didn’t.

A satisfied smile warms my cheeks, and it’s enough to crack Alex’s stone-cold expression.

He smirks like I’ve surprised him. Impressed him. That alone makes this worth it.

With pride heating his gaze, Alex reaches his left armacross his chest and grabs the handle of the blade lodged beside the right side of his head. He pulls it from the wood and takes one step forward.

One second, his eyes are on me. The next, he sends the knife flying through the air between us.

The blade lands in the center of Marco’s shoulder.

24

YOU’RE NOT HELPING

ALEX

Declan

I get you’ve been in a psychiatric ward for the past couple of years, but some things haven’t changed. You still can’t throw knives at people in the middle of a carnival.

Kole

Marco had it coming.

Declan

Which is why the second Alex left the ward, I told him he was more than welcome to drag Marco to the basement and take care of it. But at a carnival in front of half the town?

Alex

Is this you fishing for an apology, Dec? Because you’re not going to get one.

Kole

At least they already think he’s insane. Makes me wish I’d taken mytime with Liam.

Declan

It’s better you didn’t. Making a spectacle gets messy. Or have you forgotten the Nixon situation?

Kole

Speaking of things that were satisfying…

Declan

You’re not helping.

Alex

And you’re forgetting half the shit I helped you clean up this past year. I seem to recall dismembering a House member in Teal’s art studio because someone decided to be poetic with his girlfriend. The least you could have done is choose the basement. It has a drain.

Declan

She’s my wife.

Of course,that’s the part Declan focuses on. Correcting me on his relationship status.