Page 36 of Fatality

My grip tightens around the can until my knuckles turn white.

The metal caves beneath my fingers with a sharp crunch.

If she doesn't need help, that's good for her.

See if I give a shit.

I'll probably never see her again, she is an Upper, probably a spoiled brat like Lira. It doesn't matter that she didn't ask me for help.

CHAPTER 7

Riven

Gasoline - Halsey

God, my own back hurts just from hunching over for hours. I just finished a spine tattoo—a black-and-red centipede stretching the full length of someone's back.

I stretch and yawn, covering my mouth.

I can hear Charlie chatting with clients and Jules giving instructions to her last one.

My mind drifts back to the gala a week ago while cleaning my station--to my parents, the threats, the way they used Kyle as leverage, like he was nothing.

Then, as if my night couldn't have gotten any worse, to the man with the bionic arm.

I sigh, exhausted.

The shop door slides open.

“We're closing, sorry.” I call, my tone leaving no room for argument.

“Hey, everyone.” A familiar voice cuts through the shop. “I brought coffee and a vanilla milkshake.”

Liam.

I turn toward the door, and he's standing there with that big smile, holding a takeout tray full of drinks.

“Liam?” I frown. “Aren't you supposed to be at a business dinner?”

He doesn't answer.

Instead, he walks straight over, kisses my forehead, and hands me the milkshake.

I take it, glance down at it, then back at him.

“I wanted to surprise you.” He smiles.

Charlie practically launches herself at her coffee.

“Thank you, Liam!” she says, already taking a sip. “You're a sweetheart!”

I roll my eyes.

A sweetheart? Really, Charlie? That's the best you could come up with?

Jules walks over, grabs her drink, gives Liam a quick side hug, and takes a sip.

“Oh.” I smile back. “That's so sweet, Liam.”