“I think that what happened to Samantha triggered some memories with what happened with Rachel,” I say, and it’s not technically a lie. “But don’t worry. We have a plan.”
“A plan,” he repeats. “I’m intrigued. Go on.”
If I tell him, the Pavone family will step in. I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. They could take care of it in one fell swoop. They’vestepped away from most of the mafia politics, but they’re not exactly out of the loop either.
But that would mean the start of a war with the Bouchards, which would usher in a new era of bloodshed and pain.
This isn’t my decision to make.
“You really need to ask Pandora,” I say, and I’m stupidly proud of how my voice doesn’t waver. “This is her battle.”
“But is it her war?” he asks cryptically. He takes another step into my personal space.
I stand my ground. “Yes. She calls the shots.”
“I can’t tell if you’re being respectful, if you’re that whipped, or if you’re just scared,” Slayer says, studying me with that intense gaze of his that could have other men dropping to their knees.
It’s all I can do not to do that, too.
“Everyone’s whipped by Pandora,” I point out. “Even you.”
That startles a laugh out of him, and his stance relaxes. “Yeah. She has that effect on people, doesn’t she?”
“Oh yeah. But you have to talk to her, Slayer. Seriously. This really is her battle, and I’m not backing down on that. Not even with you. I have another pinky finger, after all,” I say flippantly.
My heart pounds three times as fast in my chest, and my mind screamsno, no, no.
But for Pandora, I’ll risk it.
Slayer stays silent for a long moment where I’m left wondering if he’s going to pull his knife out and call my bluff.
Then he huffs. “Fucking hell. You grew some balls, kid.”
I want to say I always had balls, but where he’s concerned? Not so much. “Talk to Pandora,” I repeat. “If she wants help, we’ll all fill you in.”
He nods slowly, taking a step back out. “We’ll see what she has to say. Don’t tell her I was here.”
“I am absolutely telling her you were here,” I tell him. “I’m not lying to her about anything.”
Not again.
I won’t hurt her.
He eyes me, but he finally shakes his head. “All right. But tell her that her family loves her, and if there’s someone we need to rip to shreds, we’ll do it.”
I nod. “I know. And she knows, too. But she might need a reminder.”
“Then I’ll just have to give her one,” Slayer replies. “See you around, kid.” He turns and heads in the direction of the parking lot. I let out the breath I’d been holding.
Fuck, that was close.
I’m already so late to class that there’s no point in showing up, so with freezing fingers, I fumble to take my phone out of my pocket and send a text to Pandora.
River
Where are you?
Pandora
