Page 77 of Barinov

It happens?! Are you fucking serious, dude. Tormenting me, kidnapping my brother, threatening me, and killing both of my fathers and probably my aunt just happens?

He sighs, unconcerned. “Finish your dinner, my love. It’s getting cold.”

♥♥♥

Luca didn’t give me much more after our talk about Ivan and his lovely year of poetry. Only more of his cryptic half-truths and rambling stories that sounded insane one minute and strangely convincing the next.

He avoided all conversations about my life as Bella. Only focused on his life with Izzy for what felt like hours.

That and their trip to Florence. In grossly, vivid detail.

I tried to stay calm. But that was about as useless as telling Lex to stay calm while I give Laing a lap-dance. I slipped a few times and had to cry my way out of it. Thankfully, the man wants me to remember Izzy so badly he’s willing to overlook everything else.

I run back to my room and nearly fall up the stairs in the process. When I get there, I rip open the drawer of the vanity and grab Aunt Claire’s letter and an eyeliner pencil. The paper crinkles as I flip it over and start writing.

IZZY CHEAT SHEET

Roses were her favorite flower.

She liked wine. Gross wine that is bitter as shit. CHOKE IT DOWN!

He took her to Florence after making the Revs.

Ivan is Krolek’s brother and Luca’s cousin.

Luca is allergic to peanuts… go find some!

He will fold if you cry so weaponize that shit!

Zeke was taken so he could gain more access to you, but then he started to fall for him? IDK… ask Zeke more about this one!

Apparently she really liked the Spice Girls.

Don’t forget to find Mama’s necklace!

Chapter 19

LEX

The Obsidian

Tired as fuck.

22 Days since Bella’s kidnapping.

We’re all slouched around The Obsidian like hungover frat boys waiting for Laing to get to the fucking point. No clue why he dragged all our asses out of bed this early, but I’m about a sip of lukewarm coffee away from throat-punching him for it.

I’m wedged in a booth, my thigh pressed against Cade’s. To our left, Dad and Roman are huddled around a high-top with Knox playing referee between them. Apparently, my mom and the Whitmore’s weren’t essential enough for this early-morning bullshit.

Sabine and Khoza are crammed in the booth to the right with O’Malley while Cal and August have given up entirely. The two idiots have their damn heads lying on a table and are both snoring loud enough to rattle the glassware.

In the far corner, Ellie and Haley look like they’re almost back to sleep. They’re curled up next to Briggs, his arms holding them both in a blanket of muscle.

Trifecta Boyfriend Mode: activated.

Nate, Tex, and Rez are all three leaning against the bar, nursing espresso like it’s bourbon when the door creaks open. Kenji struts down the stairs and whispers in Laing’s ear, handing him something like it’s all some sort of secret drug buy in a sleazy action movie.

“What is going on?” Cade leans over.