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Akara is angry. He pockets his phone with molten, slow heat, and Banks is grinding his teeth.
“Is everyone looking at me?” I mutter, dipping my hat further down and sinking in the chair.
“No,” Banks says unconvincingly, because he sounds frostier.
I’m not embarrassed about my birth control woes. I just feel…exposed. Being on the We Are Calloway docuseries has helped me be more front-facing to the world, but I decide what airs and what ends on the cutting room floor.
I’ve had no mental or emotional preparation for my personal health to be a world-wide talking point. And so yeah, I’m sinking in my seat.
Peeking up from my hat, I notice Banks and Akara glancing down at me like they wish they could console me better.
I also notice Maximoff and Jane whispering and then flashing me concerned eyes. Are they fretting over how I’m shying from these small leaks, while a leak about my relationship with two guys would be so much bigger?
Sit up, Sulli.
Scooting upwards, I try to show that I’m fine.
Utterly fucking fine.
“You just went off birth control this morning,” Akara whispers to me and Banks. “And we talked about it in the penthouse.”
I remember how both guys were really supportive when I said I want to take a break from birth control. I hate how it’s fucking with my hormones. Cramps left me immobile some nights, and I’m not thrilled about jumping into another hellish side effect with a new type or brand.
“Should we try to stop talking about private stuff at the penthouse?” I ask them.
Akara twists on the cap to the Fizz Life bottle. “That’s easier said than done, and we’re still not positive it’s the penthouse, Sul. At this point, the mole could have way more leaks they’re sitting on too.”
It’s terrifying to think that the mole could be holding onto the news about me dating two bodyguards and just waiting for the “right” time to leak it.
The mole is starting to feel like the three fates, passing around a pair of scissors, about to cut the string to my destiny.
I never really read much Greek mythology, but Beckett likes those tales. I text him my thought. But I doubt he’ll text back. He rarely does after a one-night stand broke her NDA and leaked his texts.
So I’m not surprised when he calls me.
“Hey,” I answer over the loud cheering as the football players take the field. Third quarter.
“Can’t talk long.” Classical music plays in the background, and I almost want to put the phone to Akara’s ear. He always says being at the ballet makes him want to punch something.
The soundtrack to the Nutcracker being Akara’s fight jam is what makes me smile randomly in the middle of the night.
“I’ll take short!” I have to shout over the crowd.
“The fates don’t cut the string for your destiny. When they cut the string, they’re determining your moment of death.”
The absurdity of it all. I start to laugh, like my body doesn’t know what else to do.
32
AKARA KITSUWON
Knock knock.
“Son of a bucket.”
No one is around to hear me censor myself. I slow my motorcycle to a gas station and pull up next to a pump. Pulling off my helmet, I have a phone mic in my ear.
My Honda CBR1000R already has a full tank, and I drop my feet on either side to the cement. This bike is worth way more than what I paid. I wrecked it a long while back, and when Banks fixed it for me, he removed the fairings and turned it into a street fighter.
I ride my motorcycle when I can, and I just got back from interviewing a manager for Studio 9. Didn’t like Bart. He seemed too air-headed in person.
I thought that was going to be the worst part of my day.
Now I’m popping up the gossip site.
THE ROYAL LEAKS
We reveal all the truths about the American Royals. These are verified and come directly from the source.
ROYAL LEAK #1: Banks Moretti hates his dad.
ROYAL LEAK #2: Charlie Cobalt is skilled at the piano.
#TodaysLeaks #daddydrama #CanWeSayProtégé?
My expression flatlines like a dead pulse.
These are two new names on the site. Banks. I breathe in heat even though the air is cold as winter nears. I didn’t want Banks on there.
I know their relationship is strained, and Banks is more likely to curse out his dad than praise him. But he said he’s making some progress with his dad. They’re texting each other more.
How will Michael Moretti react to this leaking?
I tense and try to let go of that so I can concentrate on details.
Charlie doesn’t live at the penthouse, but he’s been playing piano there. I type these deductions into a note file on my phone.
Who is the mole?
Pocketing my phone, I fit on my helmet and ride off. Hurrying to get home to Sulli and Banks.
