Page 30 of Light in Your Eyes

It's very tempting for me to sleep in her place. It sounds better than here, on the same bed with Kellan. But I don't want to barge into her privacy—I just met her.

My father is a tattoo artist. He does the tattoo for Black Wings leaders and members. Sometimes, I help him with that.

We live in the basement, but not the one where the boxing ring is. It's another basement.

I can't help but give her another hug. "Thank you for coming here. I hope we can be good friends."

She smiles sweetly, returning my hug. Then she writes again on another note.

Of course :)

I have to go help my father again now. BeforeI go, there's something else I want to give you.

I frown, wondering what it is. Zoe reaches for something in the other pocket of her pants. My eyes widen as she hands me a phone. It's not mine, but it looks brand new.

I read a note from her.

This is from Jaxon. He'll call you.

I'm sorry that your phone was taken. Black Wings members are not supposed to have personal phones other than the ones given by their leaders, and not everyone in here can have them.

I take the phone from her. "Thank you."

I'm glad that I can finally talk to Jaxon. I never expected that I would be shoved into this kind of dangerous environment when I first accepted this job. Hopefully, Jaxon can give me an explanation.

My heart leaps with delight as I think that I can talk to Nana and Archer again. I remember Archer's number, so even though I don't have my phone with me anymore, I can still call them by using this phone from Jaxon.

Zoe writes to me again.

I'll see you again.

I nod as she gives me another reassuring smile. She excuses herself, steps out of the room, and closes the door.

I plop myself on the bed, going through my new phone with excitement. I know that everything I do with thisphone —all my calls and all my messages—may be tracked by Black Wings, but I don't care.

I proceed with setting up the phone first, including putting my fingerprint and passcode for security. I know that they can do anything, but this is just for precaution in case the horrible guys out there suddenly want to take it again. The thought of them harassing me still makes me think twice before going out of this room. My heart sinks as I realize all over again that I am no more than a prisoner here.

Just as I'm about to dial Archer's number, the phone rings. I stare blankly at the unknown number showing on the screen, wondering if it's Jaxon.

I swallow, answering the call. "Hello?"

"Layla," a man's voice echoes in my ear.

It's Jaxon.

I have so many questions in my head that I don't even know what I should say to him. Before I can make up my mind, Jaxon is already speaking again.

"I may not have enough time because I'm in a hurry, but I have to talk to you about Kellan." I can hear the sound of people speaking in the background distinctly, so I'm guessing that he's in a public space but currently excusing himself to make this call. "How is he?" he asks, concern in his voice. "How is my brother?"

I want to say that Kellan is being a pain in the ass, but then, I decide to choose the words wisely. I'm talking to the first heir, the King of Black Wings.

"To be honest," I begin. "He's a difficult person. Did you even tell him that I was going to be his caregiver? Because it didn't seem like he agreed to it."

Jaxon sighs and curses. "I had no other choice. He's pulling away from me, and I just want to know that he's okay. He needs someone to take care of him, no matter how hard it is for him to admit that."

I remember very clearly that Kellan hated to feel that he was incapable. That was why he told me to get lost.

"I know that you paid me in full amount, but I don't think that I can—"