Page 67 of Lethal King

But that doesn’t make me feel any better. In this world, nothing is done until it’s done, and I haven’t gotten shit back from Rozalia yet.

“I did find it,” I tell her. “Now, I just have to pick it up.”

Mel’s hope momentarily flickers as she realizes what that means.

“Won’t that be dangerous?”

“Danger is my middle name,” I try to smile.

“No. Your middle name is Maksim,” Mel giggles.

Her light laugh helps ease my tension, if only for a moment.

It also helps remind me of what’s most important in all of this.

My family.

Mel must be protected at all costs. It’s why I strongly ‘suggested’ she stay in my compound until I’d managed to diffuse the situation with Rozalia and Tytus.

“And what a handsome middle name that is,” Maksim joins in. “Really, I don’t know why you choose to go by Rian instead.”

“Oh no, that would be too confusing,” Mel playfully waves him off. “And since you’re the original, we’d all have to call my brother Maksim Two. Or maybe Maksim B. What do you think, Rian, which would you prefer?”

I can’t help but laugh. With all that’s been going on, it’s nice to see that the most innocent member of my family hasn’t been too negatively affected—even if she is essentially a temporary captive here.

I won’t let that last for long. I’ll get her painting back, and then I’ll hang it somewhere everyone can see.

“I think you need to start painting again,” I joke. “Otherwise, you might go crazy.”

“Hey, I’m not arguing with you,” Mel acknowledges. “But the studio you’re setting up for me in the basement isn’t ready yet.”

“Can’t you work in your room?”

“I’ve tried,” she shrugs. “But it’s not the same. You know, I could always just go back to my place. At least during the day. My studio there is perfect. And you can send all the security you want.”

“Out of the question,” I quickly respond, careful not to be too stern. “It’s too dangerous right now.”

“Yeah, ok…” Mel sighs, and I can’t quite tell if she’s playing up her disappointment for sympathy points or if she’s actually that bummed. “Does this mean I’ll have to delay my apprenticeship too?”

Fuck. I had completely forgotten about that.

“When is that again?”

“It’s supposed to start during the fall semester. So, in like four months.”

“I’ll make sure this is over before then,” I try to assure her.

“You swear?”

“Did I stutter?”

Reaching out, Mel extends her pinky finger to me. For as innocent as she is, there’s no denying that infamous Kilpatrick stubbornness.

So, instead of fighting it, I wrap my pinky around hers and tug.

“I promise.”

It’s not a promise I’m sure I can keep. But how could I say no to my baby sister?