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Chapter Fourteen

Tokyo

“ Y ou know you can talk to me,” Miko says as he sips on his soda. I bring a french fry to my mouth, trying not to give too much thought to Kai’s text. It’s better this way, after all. I asked for one time, and I got it, but I’m selfish, and it’s getting to me.

“I know. I just don’t know what to say that you don’t already know.”

Miko lets out a breath, pushing back his food tray as he leans onto the table. His onyx eyes inspect me, searching for cracks. “I know you, T. Something has you on alert. If you don’t want Kai to help, why not just let me?”

I smile, dipping another fry into the small container of ketchup. “I just can’t. I don’t even know what he wants.”

My best friend tenses at the mention of he . He knows exactly who I’m referring to—the man who has tormented me since I was young enough to fuck and breed. A love that was as toxic as it was consuming. But all those feelings changed after I met Kai.

Not going to lie and say it was love at first sight. I hated my brother. Not because he did anything to me, but because he was his . He was the child he raised, and I was the one he abandoned... the one he let go. But the longer I spent around him and Oscar, the more I realized I was grateful to be raised by Riz.

Oscar was a violent, drunk creep. Given the cuts on Kai’s body and his protectiveness over me, I pieced together that he probably had an even shittier childhood with him than I did with my mom.

“What is he forcing you to do now?” Miko interrupts my thoughts. I leave the french fry standing up straight in the container before sagging into my seat.

“I have no clue. I don’t even know how he found me.”

At that, Miko gives me an incredulous look.

“It doesn’t take rocket science to figure out you’d return back home. Does he know about Kai?”

My stomach churns, and I swallow the lump rising in my throat. My hand moves to my neck, slowly massaging the area. On the table, my phone goes off—a message alert. From the corner of my eye, I see it. Unknown. My stomach tightens.

“Are you going to Heartless tonight?” I ask, trying to distract myself from the message and focus on Miko. He’s the only real friend I’ve had since coming to Cin City, my kindred spirit. Our connection happened quick and easy—we just meshed together. Since that day, he’s become more than a friend. He’s the keeper of my secrets.

“Of course. Everybody is going to be there.”

Thump. Thump.

I was excited about it, but the more I think about it, the more something about it just doesn’t sit well with me. Something feels off—I just can’t put my finger on it. Which is why I have to do this.

My phone vibrates again, and this time it’s a location. Close by. Clearing my throat, I reach for my phone and place it in my jean jacket pocket. “Then I guess I’ll see you tonight.”

Miko cocks his head to the side, his eyebrows pulling together. “You’re leaving? You don’t have a ride. Where are you going?”

“Stop asking so many questions. See you tonight.”

Miko shakes his head, disappointment—possibly fear—written all over his face as I bend down, placing a kiss on his cheek.

“I’ll be okay.”

“I’m worried about you, T.”

My thumb caresses his cheek, the stubs of his hair slightly pricking my skin, but it doesn’t bother me. “Don’t be. Pick me up tonight, yeah?”

To which he nods. “Time?”

“I’d say nine.”

“I’ll be there.”

I smile before letting my hand fall. Rising to my feet, I walk out of the pizza place and onto the street. The wind bites at my skin, but I barely notice it. My phone buzzes again in my pocket, and I know it’s another message from the unknown number. Impatient fuck. My fingers curl into fists at my sides as I quicken my pace. Heartless is tonight. Whatever happens there, I have to be ready.

I walk to the alley and open the door to his car, slipping inside. The familiar chill of his presence makes the space feel smaller.

“Beautiful as always,” he purrs, his voice laced with sarcasm. His hand moves to touch my face, and I back away from his touch as if it would burn my skin. The asshole smiles.

“I told you to be a good girl, that you wouldn’t want to upset me.”

And he’s right. I wouldn’t—not when the asshole has the money to make people pay for his tantrums.

“What do you want?”

“I was just in town. Wanted to see you. Is that so hard to believe? That I miss the girl I’ve loved since I was a boy.”

I snicker, unable to hold it back. “You don’t love me or anyone that’s not you. Or DMO.”

His hand moves to the side of my neck, and I tense. “I need you to do good tonight. Really good.”

My stomach turns. “You’re going to be at the rave?” My eyebrows furrow as I look at him, his blue eyes cold and full of anger. “What are you planning?”

“Who do you think sponsors ‘The Wicked Raves’?” he says, motioning to me, his index finger moving up and down like I’m on display. “Who do you think invited you?” He brings two fingers up, pausing for effect. “You either buy your ticket in as one of the Cupids, or you’re invited.” Cupping my chin tightly, he leans in. “Now tell me, Princess, who do you think invited you?”

“So, you followed me here.” The grin on his face is enough to make my blood run cold as I realize his intentions. “Fuck, Alec. Why can’t you just let me go?”

Alec’s nails dig into my skin, his grip tightening. “I will—after you do something for me. But first, I need to see if I can trust you. Can I trust you, my little venomous snake?”

I pull away from his touch, giving him a glare sharp enough to cut. “Fuck you,” I spit. His words feel like a trap, coiling around me no matter how hard I try to shake them off. “What do I need to do for you so you will leave me alone?” I demand, trying to keep my voice steady despite the storm building inside me.

“You’ll find out soon enough. You can go.” He waves me off dismissively, his hand flicking through the air like I’m nothing more than an afterthought.

Quickly, my hand moves to the door. I open it, step out, and slam it shut with more force than I intended. Alec rolls down the window, his grin cutting through the dim light.

“And, Tokyo... make sure you stay alive tonight,” he says.

Before I can question him any further, he drives off. I watch his car disappear down the alleyway. The sun is beginning to set, and I wonder if Kai is home. Crossing my arms over my chest, I begin to walk, my gaze focused on my combat boots scuffing against the pavement. It’s cold out, and I really wish I had my car, but I left it behind with CJ. Fuck. My recent ex has been MIA, now I wonder if Alec found him. My guess would be that he did. I let out a sigh, at least I don’t have to worry about CJ now,but Alec is so much worse. “Fuck,” I mutter. How stupid am I, running back home.

I thought I was safe here.

Bringing my gaze to the sky, I realize what a terrible mistake it was to come back home.