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“Are you punishing yourself, Lennon?”
“Don’t be overly dramatic. The fucking waterboarding is in a controlled environment and monitored. When I take a life, it’s important that I remember that mine can just as easily hang in the balance. I need to feel what it’s like to be on the brink of death to appreciate each day I get here.”
He pinches the bridge of his nose, obviously ready to be done with this line of questioning. I hate that I said anything. His humanity is showing and my stomach knots at his vulnerability. He’s just a fallible man—fighting his demons like the rest of us.
“And the reason you went without me last night,” Kai, finally says under his breath. He looks up at his brother with a hint of sadness in his eyes that I don’t think I’m meant to be witnessing. “Don’t try to save my soul brother. I will join in on your quest and serve my own penance, but make no mistakes about it. I’m in this with you so whatever we face, we face together.”
“Your decision,” Lennon says, drinking the last of his milk. “We don’t have to say another word about it. Your soul ... your penance.”
“Did you tell virgincakes over here about ‘spending the week at your penthouse’ ?” Kai asks, fingers gesturing air quotes.
“What the hell did you just call me? What about your penthouse?”
“You’re a dick … you know that?” Lennon responds. “No, I hadn’t. I was going to discuss it after breakfast in ‘private.’” He mimics the same air quotes. You know you both have a big mouth.”
“Hey, I’m happy to help. Let’s go to your office and discuss before I leave so we don’t have to chance this over the phone,” Kai suggests. He stands and grabs a pastry before heading toward Lennon’s office.
“Fine. Aurora, let’s go. We have much to discuss, and my brother needs to get going.”
Lennon grabs the water and pills on the way to his office. I take a seat on the same sofa that I was once restrained on the day I arrived here. Kai takes a seat next to me, to annoy me I’m sure.
“You’re not going to my penthouse, Aurora,” Lennon says, getting straight to the point. “I need to leave the country for a few days, and I’m taking you with me. The story for the rest of the house is that I’m taking you to my penthouse.”
“Can I ask where or why?”
“No.”
“Well, can I at least ask when so I know when to pack? Is there a suitcase for me? Are you going to kill me and dump me in another country?”
Kai snorts next to me, but Lennon levels him with a stare. “I wouldn’t need to take you out of the country,” he deadpans. “And there is nothing for you to pack. It will be handled. We leave tonight.”
He turns his attention to his brother and gives coordinates that I assume align with an address, but whatever he’s organizing, he’s careful to exclude me from knowing. Suddenly, another piece fits.
“Wait, is he coming with us?”
“I sure am, virgincakes,” Kai confirms. God, I want to punch him in the face.
“Why do you keep calling me that?”
“Because it gets under your skin, and you’re a virgin for now. We’ll see if you manage to hold that status when we return from this trip.” He winks.
“You’re awful, you know that?”
“Or so I’ve been told a time or two. I may even get to watch or participate, whichever you prefer.”
“That’s fucking enough,” Lennon booms, surprising us both. “This isn’t a game. We’ve got shite to handle. Get your arse back to the city and wrap whatever needs to be done for this plan to be seamless. You wanted in, and now you’re in. Don’t make me regret that decision.”
“Just as I thought.” Kai smirks, but he doesn’t elaborate. “Consider it all handled. See you tonight.”
He exits the office, and Lennon pinches the bridge of his nose again. Surprisingly, he takes a seat next to me where Kai was just sitting. “I’m taking a risk bringing you with me, Aurora,” he begins. “And I need to know that we’ve made enough progress between us to trust you.”
“Trust me to do what? I don’t know what you’re asking of me.”
He blows out a cleansing breath. “I don’t need you to do anything. I need your understanding.” He is quiet for several moments before he continues. I need to be candid with you and for you to be mature enough to understand that what I’m about to tell you benefits us both.”
Holy shit!Things just got heavy. “Okay,” I say, not sure that I agree, but I need him to continue.
“Promise me!” he orders, his voice slightly elevated
