Page 35 of Steel

HE KNEW what he had to do. He didn’t like it, but, hey, what was life without a little danger? Or, you know, the risk of getting murdered in this case.

Steel was deep asleep. Kai didn’t think the man had ever had the kind of life that led you to sleep with one eye open. Thankfully. But that also meant that he couldn’t drag his shit into Steel’s life. Not if he actually wanted more with him. He couldn’t believe he was actively going into the fray for a guy. Not just for a guy, but for a chance with a guy.

He was fucked, but he was running with it. In order to even have a shot with Steel, he needed to get rid of that hit out on him. Well, that, and probably a whole lot of repenting for his crimes. He wasn’t even sure if Steel could forgive and forget that almost assassination, which was why he decided that he wasn’t only doing this for Steel or for them, but for himself, too.

He wanted out of the game. It had taken too much of his soul already. He was ready for more than killing. He wanted that domestic shit. He wanted a shot at love and a relationship. Specifically with Steel, but he knew only betting on one horse wasn’t a good idea, even if his heart protested.

He shook his head at himself and shoved one of Steel’s shirts into his go-bag. He zipped it up and pulled the strap over his shoulder, then silently made his way out of the house. He looked back at it and knowing Steel was asleep inside made him want to drop his bag and run back in there, but he couldn’t.

He sighed and started down the street.

He had his new ID with him and everything else that had been in the envelope, including a few hundred-dollar bills. He’d used Steel’s phone the first day to check the map of the area, so he already knew there was a small train station about five miles to the east. He’d take the train closer to DC, then rent a car. He already felt sorry for the rental company because, with his luck, that car would end up shot to shit.

He wasn’t entirely sure how the hell he was going to fix his mess. He just knew that something wasn’t right. No matter what, he knew Isaac was involved somehow. Briggs hadn’t shown up like that of his own accord. Or, at least, he wouldn’t have known where to show up. Not without Isaac telling him.

He didn’t know what was going on, but he was going to find out. No matter what it took.

Steel

Panicked wasn’t word enough for how he felt.

That asshole had crept out during the night and the reason for his panic wasn’t just that Kai had walked away from him, it was because of that damned hit out on him. Kai couldn’t get far without getting recognized one way or another.

At least he had his new ID with him. It wasn’t that much of a comfort but at least Kai’s name wouldn’t show up anywhere.

Steel grabbed his phone and found Ares’ number, then hesitated. Ares wouldn’t care. In fact, he’d probably be glad that Kai was gone. Fuck.

He shoved his phone into his jacket and grabbed his helmet from the top of the shoe cabinet by the front door. He hurried outside, relieved that Kai hadn’t stolen his bike.

He jerked his helmet on and threw his leg over the seat. He got her started and took off, though he didn’t make it far down the street before he realized he had no idea where Kai had gone. How the fuck was he supposed to find a man who was basically a ghost? One who was trained to work in the shadows?

He was shit out of luck and he was starkly aware of it.

“Fuck,” he yelled.

He pulled over and hung his head, breathing hard as he ground his teeth together.

He spent a long moment just trying to think. He’d been in many fucked up situations before but none like this. None where he wasn’t even sure how he felt. He’d always been opinionated and strong-willed. He knew his moral compass. He knew what he believed in and what he didn’t.

He’d once condemned Kai and all he thought he stood for.

Now?

He was freaking out because Kai might get hurt or worse.

He needed perspective and maybe a slap to the head. He knew exactly where to go to get both. The drive was long from here, but at least they’d be up by the time he got there.

He went back to the safehouse and packed up his things, his heart giving a slight pang when he noticed that Kai had taken some of his clothes out of his dresser.

He tried very hard not to think during the drive, but he couldn’t help it. Kai was on his mind. He was flooding his thoughts. Yesterday had been special. He was certain of it. The last thing he’d expected after that was for Kai to be gone. Not only did he want to make sure Kai was safe, but he also wanted answers. Why had Kai left? Was he running? From him or the hit?

He was still without answers when he drove up in front of his brother’s house. He knew they would’ve heard his bike, so he didn’t bother knocking. He used his key to unlock the front door and headed for the kitchen where he expected to find the two of them.

Trina was seated at the island, his brother leaning across it to wipe something off the corner of her lip.

“If you’re here for breakfast, you’re too late,” Tony said, looking up at Steel, a smile finding his lips. “Trina ate it all.”

Trina gasped and threw her napkin at Tony who caught it with a laugh.

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