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“You forced my hand!” she screams, dropping her facade for the first time and allowing the hurt and anger to shine through in her words. “You blackmailed me, Kacey. Jesus Christ, how can you not see that?” She doesn’t give me a chance to answer. “I walked out on you two years ago because you are a fucking fed! You and I will never be anything. We are from two different worlds, Loki. If you can’t see that, then you are not as smart as I thought.” She turns away from me to face her cousin. “My fate is in your hands, Royal. I fucked up but I swear I never betrayed you or our family. Do what you must.” She strolls out of the room without a backward glance. Honestly, the fact she didn’t look once hurts more than her words. Something about this moment feels final, like this time I won’t actually ever get to see her again.
CHANEL
The whole ride back to Royal’s house was filled with tension. Havoc, Dad and Royal didn’t utter a word, neither did I. I have nothing to say. In truth, my heart has been in my throat the whole time and the burning question in my mind is, did they kill Kacey? The moment we arrived back here, I had to tamper my anger when I saw my mom, Aunt Kiara and Uncle Bishop. I said nothing to them as I stormed up to my room. I’m currently sitting here exhausted beyond belief having had no sleep, as I stare out the window at the sunrise.
I’ve heard shouting coming from downstairs but I don’t have the energy or the desire to go down there and find out what the verdict is. I knew from the start that hiding who Kacey was, and the fact he pulled me in as an informant, would sign my death warrant but I just couldn’t fucking bring myself to rat him out. Every fiber of my being told me I was making a huge mistake, but like a moth to a flame, I fell into the trap of wanting to keep him alive.
I scoff at myself. I have no idea if he is still breathing. The moment I walked out of that warehouse-style home and jumped in Royal’s car, I turned the radio up hoping to drown out any sounds coming from inside of that home. The sound of my bedroom door opening has me stiffening. I don’t bother to turn around or acknowledge whoever it is. I am surprised when Erika moves to stand in front of me and leans against the wall to gaze out the window at the sunrise. We remain silent just watching the sun for a long time until she breaks the silence.
“I was right when I said someone had broken your heart, wasn’t I?” I look at her out of the corner of my eye, expecting to see a satisfied look on her annoying face. I’m taken back when all I see is a look of understanding.
“We’re not friends, Erika.” A shuddering breath leaves her as she nods.
“I know, I just thought that maybe you could use someone who can relate to what you are going through,” she says with a shrug.
“How can you relate?”
She pins me with a deadpan look. “I’m currently dating the sworn enemy of my family and the son of the man I was led to believe killed my family.” I cock my head to the side and purse my lips, bitch does have a point.
“Point taken.”
She turns to face me and all traces of humor are wiped from her face. I sit up straighter in my seat as we stare at each other. Before there was a wall I placed between us but right now, I am too fucking tired and wrung out over everything that has happened to keep up with any pretense.
“Royal is pissed.” I drop my gaze to my lap, I had no doubt he would be angry at me.
“He has every right to be,” I mutter.
“No, he fucking doesn’t, Chanel.” I snap my gaze back to her in surprise.
“I betrayed him—”
“No, you didn’t. You fell in love with someone who lied to you. If I was in your position, I would have done everything you did because to kill Royal, would be like killing myself. I know you and him have a complicated relationship. If there is anyone in the world who is able to make him see the error of his ways, it’s you.” I shake my head but she pushes on. “Make him see, Chanel. Show him that you never betrayed him. Show him that you did this because you fell in love. Throw my relationship with him in his face if you have to.”
“I marked him,” I blurt out. Her eyes soften.
“I know.” I jerk back in my seat.
“How do you know I marked Kacey?”
“Once marked, the kill is final or punishment will be inflicted. A loved one can never be marked. A royal flush is to be unanimous. The caller is the one to kill. If one shall fall, their card will lay in rest.” I stare up at her in shock as she recites the laws of theMemento Mori.
“The caller is the one to kill,” I mutter. She smiles and nods. “Kacey…” I let my sentence trail off.
“Is alive, Chanel. You marking him is what saved Royal from doing something that would make you hate him. Duty forces him to act as the leader, but the love he has for you is what gave him pause long enough to find out you marked your man.”
“Do you plan to honor the call or accept punishment?” I jump to my feet at the sound of Royal’s voice and spin around, finding him and Havoc both standing there in the doorway with grim looks on their faces. Surprise ripples through me when Erika moves in closer and inches in front of me.
“What was your punishment for letting me live when she marked me?” I stare at the back of Erika’s head like she has lost her fucking mind. I have shown this woman nothing but disrespect and hatred and here she stands defending me and my treachery against my family.
Royal scowls at his girl. “That was different!” he snaps.
“How? Was I not feeding my uncle intel on you and your family?” She doesn’t give him a chance to answer. “From what your mother tells me, Chanelneverdivulged any information about your family. She remained loyal toyou.” Not wanting to cause a rift between the two of them, I place my hand on Erika’s shoulder, then move to stand in front of her with both my arms clasped in front of me, ready to accept whatever punishment—even if that means my life.
“If he kills you, I’ll kill him.” My brows jump to my hairline as London forces her way between Royal and Havoc to enter my room.
“Bellezza, what are you doing up?” Havoc asks but she ignores him as she glares up at Royal, who returns her angry look with one of his own.
“You are not allowed to hurt Sin!” This child is perfect. Erika bringing her home was the best thing. Royal and London still haven’t managed to get along, I can’t see why not because London is fucking amazing.
