So, unless Mom’s in the car with us?
I think I’m safe even from her driving ‘skills.’ For now.
“We’re here,” Bay announces, stopping the car in front of the main entrance to our building instead of heading to the parking floor.
“I’ll wait in the car. Do your things quickly and come back. I need to talk to Myko.”
She turns to Kayla with a heavy sigh. “You too. Go upstairs. And please—no more adventures. We’ll talk about it when I come back.”
I glance at Kayla, but she’s already lost all her fight. Her posture wilts under Bay’s gaze. She always trusts Bay with her secrets.
And my aunt? She treats her like an older sister would, instead of the strict, rule-enforcing aunt my mom wants her to be. But Kayla’s starting to lose sight of the line between right and wrong—and if anyone can reach her before she crosses it, it’s Bay.
Kayla just nods, then opens the door and steps out quietly. She heads straight toward the entrance, no goodbye, no look back. Nothing.
“You’re too soft with her,” I mutter to Bay as I open my door and step out, not waiting for her usual lecture:Don’t teach me how to parent,orI failed with you, so I’m doing better with her.
“I swear, I’ll make sure you don’t sleep for amonthif you keep annoying your aunt,”Myko grits in my mind. I raise my hands in mock surrender as I reach the building entrance.
The young new guard my father posted in the lobby raises an eyebrow at me. Probably thinks I’m crazy.
I snort to myself.
He has no idea.
Most of the men here don’t. Only my father and uncle’s most trusted know the truth—and even they don’t fully understand it.
They used to run from me as a kid when my body would start glowing. I thought it was a game. I didn’t know they were actuallyterrifiedto touch me.
I step into the lobby and catch the elevator just before the doors close on Kayla. I slip in, and she frowns, glaring at the row of silver buttons like they personally offended her.
“Oh. Just great,” she mutters, stepping further away from me.
I roll my eyes, leaning back casually against the wall.
“You really want to start a fight with me over your own safety?”
This time, my voice is different. It's not the cold tone of the future capo.
It’s the brother who could’ve lost his sister tonight.
Her expression softens. She looks at me for just a second… then drops her eyes to the floor with a sharp inhale.
“I’m sorry.”
Finally.
She’s done with the childish tantrum.
“I hope that means you won’t do it again?”
My voice is gentler now, my posture relaxed. I really hope—
“No. I meant I’m sorry for what I’m about to do—”
The elevator doors open, and she bolts.
I don’t even hesitate. I’m already chasing her toward the apartment.
