Page 29 of Mystic's Sunrise

I didn’t answer.

He sighed. “You keep sittin’ in the room, actin’ like it’s your job, and when you’re not in that room, you’re thinkin’ of bein’ in that room.”

A beat of silence passed between us. Then I said, low and dry, “So what?”

Chain’s jaw tightened. “Don’t play dumb.”

“Let it go.”

“Fine, but man, you’d better be ready.”

Laughter cut sharp across the room. High-pitched. Cruel.

“God, he’s just sitting there again,” the woman said, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Like some freakin’ gargoyle. No wonder no one wants to go near him.”

Her friend elbowed her, but it was too late. The words hit loud.

I didn’t move.

Didn’t flinch.

Just took another drag and stared straight ahead.

Chain’s head snapped in her direction. “You say that again, sweetheart, and you’ll be scrubbin’ bike chains with your damn teeth.”

The girl’s face paled, but she held her ground, lips twitching like she was about to say more, until the friend caught her arm and yanked her away.

“Club girls ain’t supposed to run their fuckin’ mouths,” Chain muttered, watching her scurry away. “I’m gonna have her banned.”

I finally spoke. “Don’t waste your breath, Chain.”

He looked at me sideways. “I’m not. A waste of breath would be lettin’ her keep talkin’.”

I exhaled, slow and steady, “I know you’re lookin’ out for me, but I don’t give a fuck about that bitch.”

Chain didn’t answer but I knew he’d do what he wanted anyway. “I need some air,” I said, standing and walking out of the room.

What did Zeynep see when she looked at me? God knows whatever it was she was the only one that saw it.

CHAPTER TWENTY

THE BASS HADdulled, just a faint thump throughthe floor now. The party was still going, but here, in my room, it was quieter.

I sat on the bed, back against the headboard, a book balanced on my knees. Lucy perched on the windowsill, peeling the label off a soda bottle with her fingers.

Female voices drifted through the door.

“Did you see Chain’s face?” one of the women snapped. “He looked ready to bury me under the goddamn parking lot.”

The other woman answered, her voice angry. “You’re lucky I grabbed your arm when I did. Chain probably would’ve ripped you in two. I don’t want any trouble so keep your mouth shut from now on.”

The first one scoffed. “It’s not my fault Mystic just sat there like an ugly decoration. Like he always does. Doesn’t even talk. Just drinks and stares. Creepy as hell.”

Lucy’s hand froze. Her whole body went still.

“Do you think they’ll kick us out?” the friend asked.

“Over him? Please. He’s Devil’s charity case. Just sits in the dark with that Frankenstein face, making everyone uncomfortable. Honestly, it’s embarrassing the club even lets him near the girls.”