I wait patiently for her to continue, but she shifts uneasily before she starts.
“Their fathers are now the heads of the Bratva here in New York, according to Cody.”
In response, my brow wrinkles, and she sighs before continuing.
“You know what that means, don't you?”
I honestly have no idea what it implies; I know nothing about the Mafia. I have seen a few crime documentaries on Netflix, but all I know is that it is a criminal organization.
When I don’t respond, I just give her a little headshake instead.
“What that means is that Chaos and Reign are the next in line to take over the Russian Mafia, Char. Many enemies, horrifying enemies, come with that shit.”
“What are you saying, Lucy?”
She scoots her ass over to the edge of her bed a little bit more before speaking seriously but quietly.
“What I’m saying is, what if there's retaliation because their enemies know you’re with Chaos and they are using you as his weak spot to set an example?”
I roll my eyes and shake my head while looking away.
“I doubt it. Why the fuck would they care who Chaos is fucking? We are hardly serious.”
When I return my eyes to her, she nods and then waves me off with her hand.
“You’re probably right. I am just big on conspiracy.”
As she giggles, I force a smile while observing her continue to pack her things. Deep down, I doubt this has anything to do with Chaos or Reign. This feels more like my stalker's game—they're fucking with me, manipulating the situation for their own amusement.
They are most likely annoyed that I've moved on from their bullshit, unable to disrupt my life anymore because of Chaos and Reign's reputations. Or maybe they thought I would turn them into the cops, so they acted, removing any evidence before I could act. Either way, it's clear they're still watching, still trying to exert control over my life.
If Lucy is right, then I believe the first one to be possible. Perhaps it's because I've gotten into a tangle with two Bratva men that they feel frustrated and intimidated. What exactly are they able to do? Kill the two of them? They're not like Justin, just a nobody, so I doubt it, and I believe that's what's frustrating them.
Since I have known them both, I have barely been here. They undoubtedly hate it because it means they cannot control me, but do I now have reason for worry when I am by myself? I can't lie and pretend that I'm not somewhat worried about being alone tonight, but I'd much rather keep Lucy away from my strange secret life. It's better for her not to be dragged into the dangers and complexities that come with it.
Soon after our conversation, my phone buzzes with a text message, and I glance down to see Chaos's name lighting up the screen. Curious, I pick up the phone and bring it in front of me, swiping up the screen to read his message.
[You good? C x]
I consider what to say in response and attempt to act calm.
[I'm all right; how about you? x]
[Yeah, Cody just told me what went down. U need to go to my place and stay there until I am back from Vegas x]
[Vegas? X]
[Yeah, I need to be there till Friday, but I don't want u to be alone x]
I hesitate before responding.
[I'm alright, Chaos. Plus, I have school. I'll see you when you get back x]
When I do not receive a reply, I toss my phone onto the bed, assuming Chaos got the message that I won't be going to stay at his place. Suddenly, Lucy's phone lights up with a text message. I raise my eyes to her, and she checks it before grabbing her bag from the bed. I realize Cody must be waiting for her outside. She slips her phone into her pocket before strolling toward me, her expression relaxed.
“Are you sure you'll be, okay?”
I provide a warm smile to ease her mind.
