Page 13 of Feast

Talk about stepping into the past.

He shook his head. “Nothing. But I gotta say, the green hair really suits you. As do those dark doe eyes.” He cocked his head a bit. “Gotta give myself some credit.”

I rolled my eyes and continued to dig my nail into my scalp, through the elbow-length leather gloves. “Ughhh!” Even with Dream’s help, my head really itched from the neon-green wig. “I don’t see how Dream can wear these so effortlessly…especially with all that hair she already has.”

Spider laughed, opening the back door of the club, the music blaring from inside and seeping out like heavy smoke as it wrapped around us. “Between caming, gaming, and dancing, that woman can do many things.” He held the door open for me. I hesitated before stepping inside, the mirrored back hallway glowing in a weakened blacklight. An overwhelming amount of nostalgia instantly hit me as I pushed the memories of my time at the club aside. “For someone who went down a similar path, I’m surprised you never tried a wig on before yourself.”

I stopped as he nearly ran into me, whipping around to face him. “Remind me again why you’re here again?” I tapped his chest with my long nail. “Why not Felix?”

Spider tilted his head. “Am I really such bad company?” My brow raised, unamused. He sighed, brushing my hand away. “Thanks to Kief’s little trap with Dream, the one that Felix walked into not too long ago, all his associates now know his face. A very unfortunate turn of fate for us. Not to mention, your older brother refuses to leave that woman’s side. Of course, Dream is basically on lockdown at his place, so getting him to leave it is damn near impossible at this point.” His smile dropped for a brief second. “Not that I really blame him. Loyal, that one is.”

I crossed my arms, my tits nearly bursting from the ridiculous tight black leather dress I was required to wear. The very one that left little to nothing to the imagination. “Sounds to me like you’re a little jealous. What’s wrong, Spider? Would you rather be home than here?”

Spider’s smile returned in full force. “Nah, even better.” He leaned in close, stepping closer and closer until my spine hit the wall. “I’d rather be lit…high as a kite, and chilling with my skateboard.”

Yup. Same old Spider.

“Wow, you really haven’t changed.” Spider shrugged. “Still don’t see why you have to be the one keeping an eye on me.”

My ex-boyfriend stared down at me. “Because Kief’s obsession with you and your family has made my life a living hell. He’s so hyperfocused on the three of us, getting sloppy and manic all in hopes of eliminating you all. But in his efforts to do so, he’s become blind to everyone and everything else. Including me.”

“How is that even possible?” I asked.

“Well, he knows my name and who I am, but he doesn’t know my face. One of the many benefits of being a recluse. I’m just a ghost to him. A name of this faceless figurehead that threatens everything he is. Nothing more, nothing less. And while I fucking hate having to be out in this place, I’m here. To keep you safe.” He poked my forehead with his pointer fingers. “But make no mistake, Indi, I don’t want to fucking be here. So do your job so we can all go home. And for the love of god, don’t get fucking caught. Trust me…no one wants that.”

The sudden and serious tone of his voice made me nervous. “Why does it sound like there’s more to this place than meets the eye?”

Spider remained still as he answered in the lowest whisper. “Because there is. And none of it is good. Especially for you.”

Why me?

I sucked my teeth, pretending his little warning had no effect on me. “I still think I should’ve come with Haze. But at least he’s here…somewhere.” I looked past him towards the main part of the club, remembering how fucking huge this place was.

I hope he can spot me out in the crowd.

Spider shook his head. “I’m sure that psycho twin of yours will have his eye on you all night. Hell, I just hope no one is dumb enough to lay a finger on you, especially with him around.” His tone shifted back to playful as he laughed. I shot him a glare, still unamused. “Oh, relax! Only a dumbfuck would try something with you.”

I blinked, sensing there was another meaning behind his words. “And what exactly is that supposed to mean?”

He laughed. “Simple. Those who know of the Osvaldo twins know Haze is just a bomb waiting to go…and you’re his trigger.” He wasn't wrong. “You see, Felix may be the devil, but Haze is worse. Much worse. And while all three of you may have inherited Ignacio’s temper, Haze got a little bit extra.” He winked, then backed away, tucking his hands into his pockets. “Now, stop complaining and let’s get to work. I know you don’t like this little arrangement, but it is what it is.” He looked back over his shoulder at me. “Get used to it, Ms. Flowers. You’re stuck with me.”

I scoffed at the alias name assigned to me.

Thank god Haze is here…somewhere.

I scratched my head lightly.

Spider shook as I caught his gaze and dropped my arm. “Remember, leave the wig alone, get close to Kief’s associates, for all our sakes…stay the fuck away from your brother.” I tossed the long, vibrant green hair over my shoulder. “Oh, and try to keep your neck covered.”

“Why?” I asked.

He sighed, turning me to face the mirrored wall, pointing at my reflection. “Because of that.” He pointed at Haze’s name inked along the back of my neck.

Oh…fuck. I didn’t even think of that.

“Keep your hair down and neck covered. Otherwise, everyone will know exactly who you are.”

I fixed the wig and spun around. “Fine, but as for my twin and me?” My shoulder smacked his arm as I briskly walked past him, muttering under my breath. “Good luck keeping us apart.”