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“Because…” A Cheshire grin grew on his lips. “I’m the reason you’re still free.”
I nodded, pieces falling into place. I’d avoided thinking of that night and the repercussions of each action. I licked my lips and glanced at Kai. He’d risked himself to help me, just how Carson risked herself. Liam and Logan, as much as Liam protested it, had also risked something to help me that night.
I took a sip of my beer and placed it back on the table with a soft clank. “Don’t kid yourself. Kai’s prints were all over the place, too. If you turn me in, he’s in the crossfire.” I popped another fry into my mouth. “You wouldn’t throw your own brother under the bus, would you?”
Liam narrowed his eyes, rolling his shoulders back. “You’re smart. Smart will only do so much to keep you alive.”
“Good thing I have a variety of other talents.” I smiled, showing him my teeth.
Our standstill ended as a waiter came around, a round of water balancing on the tray. “Are you ready to order?” the young waiter said as he wiped his hands on the apron.
I licked my lips, taking the cold water into my hands. I tried to ignore the waiter, very obviously wanting to get a better look at my neck. The concern that flooded his face did nothing but twist my stomach into knots. But I stayed still—my gaze narrowed on Liam.
The bruises were bothering me less and less. Besides, the waiter would mention it to the staff. Rumors would get around, and my mother would put them to bed. She wasn’t concerned when she saw them, so why should I be concerned a waiter saw them?
The spite in my veins and the memory of Kai running his fingers along them were enough for me. Enough to push the self-conscious feelings down till they suffocated.
“We need a few more minutes,” Kai said, his brows turned up apologetically.
The waiter nodded and continued over to his other tables.
“I think we’re done here.” Liam stood up from the table.
“Great meeting you, truly.” I waved my fingers as he walked away, frustrated. I dragged my nails along the wooden table, biting my lower lip.
“Well…that went well.” Kai whistled.
The rough exterior I’d placed up for Liam began to crumble. Murder wasn’t something I wanted to admit to so effortlessly, but Liam was an easy read. “Yeah.” I nodded. “Guess I made the cut.”
Kai reached for my hand, rubbing it gently. The warmth he offered calmed me. “You already made the cut. Liam is just?—”
“An asshole.”
“Takes getting used to.” Kai smiled.
I pulled my hand away, fake pouting. “You could’ve helped there.”
Kai chuckled. “You had it handled just fine.”
“Why do I need to make the ‘cut’ with him, Kai?” I asked with a frustrated sigh. “I didn’t know the help came with strings.”
Kai’s lips morphed into a thin line. “I owe Liam a lot. He, uh, he was there for me a lot.”
“So you let him control you?” I asked, anger burning along my cheeks.
“No.” He shook his head. “It’s just…it would be easier if you two got along. If he got to know you?—”
“He’ll see me as less of a risk to your ‘construction’job,” I interrupted him, clicking my nails on the table.
Chapter 18
Kai
Ireached for Audry’s hand again, and her fake pout dissolved. She didn’t hide the bruises on her neck anymore. Although they had faded to some extent, they were still very much visible. Her confidence was slowly returning.
During her verbal battle—which I would be yelling at Liam for later—she was a different person. But even a stranger could see it was a mask she was accustomed to wearing. Small cracks peeked through at the mention of Nate. The sin of murder wasn’t something she was used to carrying, nor the feeling of her agency being ripped from her.
She was safe now. Just like Liam had said. Although his stupid power struggle with her frustrated me to no end. Sometimes, it was like he enjoyed reminding people they were below him.
