by Rina Kent
He goes back to grinning just as fast. Only, it seems a bit forced now. “Eww. No more Netflix and chill in your pool house.”
I roll my eyes. “I just told you I’ve seen Nicole have sex and that’s your first thought?”
“Does Nicole’s sex life need commentating?” He has his rare poker face as he speaks. “She’s not even a good fuck.”
“How would you know that?”
He takes a long slurp of his drink and shrugs. “Looks like it.”
“Don’t you think this has King’s hands all over it?”
“Captain’s?”
“I mean, Christopher is his closest friend.”
“Was. Since Chris was benched, Captain doesn’t look in his direction twice. He punched him at the beginning of the year for being useless.”
“That’s harsh. Is a person’s worth calculated by how well he plays?”
He lifts a shoulder. “Captain is all about winning and he doesn’t sugar-coat anything when it comes to slackers. He even had a few choice words for his cousin the other day.”
I fumble with my straw, humming. Something in my gut tells me Christopher sleeping with my step-sister isn’t a coincidence. Maybe he’s pretending to be on non-speaking terms with Levi in public, but they’re plotting something in secret.
“Here I thought you were too dreamy-eyed about your crush.” A mischievous look takes over Dan’s features.
“He’s not my crush.”
“I’ve known you for three years, and I haven’t seen you so caught up with someone as you are with Captain.”
“He threatened me, remember? I’m doing whatever it takes to protect myself.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Bug!”
“Admit it. You like him.”
“I hate him.”
“I bet he hates you, too.” He waggles an eyebrow. “Is this some sort of foreplay? Roleplay? Some other kind of kinky stuff?”
I hit his arm. “You’re a pig. Does everything have to be about sex with you?”
“They do,” he says matter-of-factly. “Tell me you don’t think about Captain in a sexual way.”
“I don’t!” I say too fast, too defensively. But even saying the words bring back how much I look at Levi’s lips when he’s not kissing me and how much I don’t want to break apart when he does kiss me.
Damn the bastard for getting me addicted to his lips.
“Yeah, right.” Dan takes a long swig of his drink. “I completely believe you.”
“Dan!”
“What?” He plays nonchalance, grinning like an idiot. “I said I believe you.”
“If you don’t stop right now—”
“Wait.” He cuts me off, sliding his iced coffee in my direction.
“What?”
“Cool off a bit. All the talk about Captain has got you blushing.”
I hit him again, and I finish his iced coffee, too.
We spend the rest of the evening bowling. Zach, Dan’s older brother who’s studying at Imperial College, joins us near the end.
He’s a taller version of Dan with a toned body that he spends a lot of time perfecting at the gym.
Sometimes, when he’s not with his college friends, he joins us. He also helps us sneak out from the parents’ grasps since he knows all the ‘tricks’.
Dan goes to get us something to drink while Zach and I continue competing. He always gets a perfect score.
“That’s so unfair,” I huff, watching his hands. “You have some sort of trick to always knock them over, don’t you?”
He laughs, revealing pearly-white teeth. “Not a trick, just skill, babe. Let me.”
With me holding the ball, Zach comes behind me and snakes his arms on either side of me to help me grip the ball tighter.
“Keep your hands steady. Don’t push the shot and take your time.” He presses a hand on my back. “Bend slowly and let go.”
All the pins fall down in one go.
“Yes!” I jump up, hugging Zach. “I did it!”
“You did it.” His arms wrap around my waist.
A strong hand pulls me back by the arm, and I yelp as I trip and almost fall.
I come head to head with Levi’s destabilising pale eyes.
Only now, they’re completely black.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Astrid
You don’t own me, your majesty. No one does.
* * *
That part about being scared of the ‘black’ Levi?
I take it all back.
I’m not scared of him, I’m terrified. There’s this complete disregard for everyone around him when he’s in this mood and it seems impossible to carve a path into him.
He’s wearing simple jeans and a royal blue pullover, but his entire aura is as black as the look in his eyes.
With a deep breath, I attempt to dissipate the tension in the air. “Levi. This is Zachariah, he’s —”
Words die into my throat when Levi slams his lips against mine.
We’ve had wild kisses before — they’re all we’ve had, actually — but this is different. His teeth clash against mine and it’s like he’s sucking the life out of me.
Claiming me.
Punishing me.
The roughness of his mouth turns my head dizzy. I’m like a marionette in his steel-like arms, unable to breathe or forge a path out.
I push at his chest, but it’s like he doesn’t feel my grip.
He doesn’t feel anything.
When he finally lets me go, I’m breathing so heavily, I’m afraid my heart will pop out of its cavity.
Levi pulls me to his side with a steel-hold on my waist despite my protests.
I’m tempted to slap him for kissing me in public like that.
Lots of kids from our school come here. If anyone finds out, my already sour reputation will only get worse.
He promised to keep it under wraps. He freaking promised.
The clearing of a throat brings my attention back to Zach who had front row seats to the entire show. Aiden stands not far, watching us with an indifferent expression.
My cheeks flame at the thought of Zach watching me being kissed savagely by Levi. That’s definitely not the image I want to give to him.
I bow my head, unable to look at him. “I… umm… Zach, this is…”
“Levi King and she’s mine.” He says the words with a coolness that negates his death grip around my waist. “Keep your fucking hands off her.”
Before Zach or I can say anything, Levi drags me out of the bowling centre as if I’m a rag doll. I’m too stunned to react or say anything. I can barely keep up with his wide strides, let alone form any words.
Once we’re in the car park, I come back to my senses and fight him off, but his hold tightens around my waist until it’s painful.
I wince. “You had no right to do that.”
He yanks me around until my back hits the side of his jaguar. It’s the first time I get a closer look into his eyes since the show he put on inside.
They’re still black with not an ounce of the peaceful blue.
He’s like a storm waiting to erupt.
“No right?” He repeats, pushing into me with his entire body until I’m covered with his scent and the hardness of his chest. “So he had a right to put his hands on you?”
“He?” I’m confused.
“That bastard inside.”
“Are you freaking kidding me? Zach is like my eldest brother.”
“One who wants to fuck you.” His words are deadly calm.
My lips part. “Are you insane?”
As if possible, his eyes darken more, rippling with tension. There’s barely an ounce of the Levi I’ve gotten used to. He’s evaporating into smoke that’s impossible to catch.
The frightening calm on his face puts me on the edge of myself.
I can deal with anger and rage, but how can I pick up a fight with deadly calm?
“Are you blind?” He’s still in that c
ool phase of his. “Can’t you see the way he looks at you?”
“Like a sister, you mean.”
He bursts out laughing, but it’s completely humourless. “If he looks at you like a sister, then I look at you like you’re a fucking nun.”
“God damn it, Levi! Just because you want to fuck me doesn’t mean everyone else does. Stop being a caveman.”
“A caveman, huh?”
“I don’t know what the hell is wrong with you today, but you’re hallucinating and overreacting.”
He slams his hand on the hood of the car near my head, and I jump at the bang.
I fight the tears of helplessness and anger blurring my vision. I hate him for making me feel like I’m at fault when I didn’t do anything wrong.
It’s so similar to Dad and I swore I’d never let anyone belittle me anymore.
“What is wrong with you?” My voice raises.
“You!” He growls. “You’re what’s wrong with me!”
He grips my chin between his thumb and forefinger and squeezes hard enough that it hurts. “You are mine so stop acting otherwise.”
“I never agreed to be yours, King. You don’t own me, no one does.”
“Oh, but I do, princess.” He slaps my thighs apart and cups me through my jeans. “I own every part of you and soon, that won’t only be in theory.”
His touch awakens my body, getting it all worked up, and I loathe him for it.
“And if I refuse?” I lift my chin up.
His jaw clenches as he says in a cool, non-negotiable tone. “You might think you have a choice, but you don’t. You will bow to me.”
“I’m glad you showed your true face, but then again, this has always been you. I was just the idiot who refused to see it.” I push him away with all my might and run past him.
Tears blur my vision as I sprint into the street, wiping them with the back of my sleeves.
I should’ve probably went back inside for a ride with Dan, but I can’t face Zach after what just happened.
I wander down the road with my arms hanging limply by my sides.
The streets are crowded with people heading to local pubs and restaurants. My heart aches and I feel like an emotional mess every time a family comes into sight.
Why the hell do I have to think about my non-existent family whenever I’m down?
My phone rings, and I wipe my nose before answering. “Astrid speaking.”
“Miss Clifford,” the deputy commissioner says in a friendly tone. “I hope you’re doing well.”
“Thanks.” My muscles lock as I stand near a tree with my back to it. “Is there something new about the case?”
“Yes and no. We found new evidence in the soil that could be damaged surveillance videos. Our forensics are working to recover it.”
My heart picks up pace as I listen to the deputy explain how this can change everything about the case. He tells me that when they have suspects, I might have to identify them. After I talk to my father of course.
“What do you mean, after I talk to my father?” I ask.
There’s a pregnant pause before the deputy commissioner clears his throat. “Lord Clifford is against you identifying suspects. We were hoping you could convince him.”
This must be the reason for the argument between him and the commissioner the other day. It doesn’t matter. I’ll be eighteen in a few days and by then, Dad won’t have any guardian power over me.
But why would Dad be so against me identifying suspects? Isn’t that the point of the entire case?
My head hurts from all the drama with Levi and this new thing with Dad.
It’s like being caught in a cross-fire that’s none of my making.
I text Dan to pick me up — without Zach.
Instead of Dan’s car, a red Ferrari trails me from behind. I stop on the pavement, throwing a curious glance at it.
Aiden King.
He steps out of his car, wearing dark blue jeans and a plain grey T-shirt that complements his eye colour.
I fold my arms over my chest, not knowing how I’m supposed to act near him.
Aiden is as much of an enigma as his cousin — if not more soulless.
“May I help you?” I ask.
“You might.” He leans against the passenger door of his car, facing me with his hands in his pockets.
“How?”
“I thought you might want to know a few things.”
My brows scrunch. “Like what?”
“The words you said earlier.”
“You heard that?”
He lifts a shoulder. “It’s not my fault that you were too caught up in your little argument to notice me.”
“So what? Are you here to gloat about your eavesdropping skills?” I hate being on the defensive, but this is Aiden King and I don’t have a good track record with the King bloodline.
“I just told you. It’s about what you said.”
“What did I say?” I ask.
“Insane. Hallucinating. Overreacting.” His eyes turn steel metal. “It’d be in everyone’s best interest if you don’t repeat them in front of Lev again.”
My arms drop on either side of me. “Why?”
“He doesn’t react well to those.”
“Why not?”
His head tilts to the side like Levi when he’s contemplating something. “You’re not stupid. Surely you noticed something.”
“I did, but it doesn’t make much sense.” I pause. “But you do know, don’t you?”
“Even if I do, why should I tell you?” he asks in a completely indifferent tone like I’m wasting his time.
“You’re the one who came to inform me that I shouldn’t be saying those words. You’re supposed to tell me why I shouldn’t be saying them.”
“Not really. All you have to do is refrain from saying anything about mental stability.” He pauses. “Oh, and stop provoking him. The more you push, the harder he pushes back. The more you run, the faster he chases.”
He turns to leave and I clutch the sleeve of his T-shirt stopping him in his tracks. “Wait.”
His bored look greets me as he waits for me to speak.
Swallowing, I let go of his T-shirt. “Tell me something. Anything.”
“What would I gain from that?”
I suppress an inward groan. He’s Levi’s cousin all right. After a second of thinking, I say, “You came for a reason. You know I can help or that I’m already helping. You think I’m of value or you wouldn’t have come to find me.”
He cocks an eyebrow. “One question. I’ll answer one question.”
“Does he… have a mental disorder?”
“Not him, but if he keeps going down this lane, he’ll end up in the same path.”
“Whose path?”
“One question.” He strides to the driver’s door. “Bring me something else of value and I might answer a second question.”
I stare at his car as it gallops in the distance. Is he even a seventeen-year-old kid?
On the flip side, I found my source of information on Levi.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Levi
Madness doesn’t ask for permission and neither will I.
* * *
I hit the bag in the gym over and over until my knuckles bruise and ache. I don’t stop.
If I do, I might turn into that other dark version again. I might tear through the streets and go find her. I might do things I’ll regret.
Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.
I continue hitting the bag until I have nothing left in my lungs. Until my body nearly collapses.
With one last shove at the bag, I let my body flop against the mat as harsh breaths tear out of my lungs.
The world spins around me like a fucking fog.
After what seems like half an hour of staring into the distance, I stagger to my feet and take a quick shower in my room. I throw my jersey and team clothes in a bag and stuff a cigarette in my mouth.
I won’t stay at Uncle
’s house before a game. The first thing I’ll do as soon as I get my inheritance is to buy a house as far away from him as possible.
Maybe in Scotland.
“Leaving again?” Aiden calls from the corner of the lounge area.
He sits in front of the glass chessboard, playing against himself like a weirdo.
I blow a cloud of smoke. “Tell Uncle I have practice.”
“Or I can just tell him the truth. You don’t want to see him.”
I lift a shoulder. “That works, too.”
I’m about to continue my way when he speaks again. “I had a talk with your girl.”
The cigarette almost falls from my lips as I whirl around. “What the fuck did you just say?”
“I told her what you wouldn’t.”
I’m at his face in a second, pulling him by the collar. “You stay the fuck away from her, do you hear me?”
“I would’ve if you stopped acting like a grouchy dick all the time.” He pushes me away and sits back. He takes the queen’s piece between his thumb and forefinger. “Those who don’t play chess think the king is the strongest piece because the game ends when he dies, but they don’t stop to think that if the queen dies first, the king doesn’t have a chance to survive.”
I narrow my eyes at the meaning behind his words. Both of us have been raised on chess, but he has a different perspective. He wouldn't admit it, but Aiden is just like Jonathan. They don't care who they have to crush to get what they want.
Aiden kills the bishop with the queen, leaving his white king vulnerable. I move the black king to the right.
“Even a king can kill a king.” I stuff the cigarette back in my mouth. “Checkmate.”
On my way out, I retrieve my phone and stare at the text from Daniel saying he went to pick Astrid up.
After the stunt with his brother, I don’t trust him as much.
I pause near my car remembering how her eyes fluttered with fear and disappointment.
Fuck that.
Fuck her trust issues.
I’m done waiting for her to accept this.
