Cross (Dark Kings 3)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

ALEXA

I SHUT OFF the light to Cross’s bedroom and fall face-first down onto it just as the first sob hits. I bury my face into his comforter, hoping it drowns it out. I don’t want them to hear me breaking.

I’m so fucking tired. Everything seems to continue to pile on, and I can’t breathe. Plus, with the lack of sleep I’m getting just makes it all worse. I need to go home and get some rest. When I’m here, I spend my time working at Crown and fucking Cross. My body needs rest. But Cross already said I can’t leave. Now I’m stuck here because my psycho ex probably set my bar on fire. Who knows why?

My boyfriend punched and branded my brother. Grave wants to kill him. I can’t say I blame him. Grave is already fragile, and I know Derek’s words hurt him. I could see it on his face, let alone the actions that followed.

I haven’t been able to talk to my best friend for weeks because she’s dealing with her own problems that she won’t discuss with me.

And Cross? I’m in love with a King. And even though he just showed me who he really is, I still love him. I should hate him, but I can’t. He was protecting me. Even if it was wrong.

I saw the burn mark that was on my brother’s chest. It matched the ones that I saw on Cross’s back the night in his bathroom. Someone used to hurt him. The tattoo of the burning cross is to try to cover the scars.

It makes my chest hurt but explains so much about him. It makes me love him even more. I just want him to know that he’s loved and that someone cares.

Pulling away from the comforter I take in a deep breath trying to calm my breathing. Then I crawl up to the pillows and lie down on my side, curling up into the fetal position, I close my eyes and yawn.

_______________

I OPEN MY heavy eyes to a pitch-black room. Sitting up, I pat down my shirt and jeans, looking for my phone but feel nothing. Reaching out, I run my hands over the cool comforter and realize I won’t find it. Bones took it from me.

Getting out of bed, I make my way to the adjoining bathroom and use the restroom. After washing my hands, I walk back through the bedroom and decide it’s time to join the shit show. At least I got a nap. I feel recharged for at least two more screaming matches.

Stepping out of the bedroom, I come to a stop when I see Cross standing in the kitchen at the stove.

He looks up at me and comes over. Cupping my cheek, his eyes search mine. “Hey, gorgeous.”

“Hey,” I say softly.

“How do you feel?” He asks, trying to run his hand through my wild hair.

“Rested.”

He nods once. “Good. You’re just in time for dinner. Come eat.” Leaning down, he kisses my forehead and walks back to the kitchen.

“Dinner? What time is it?” I smooth out my wrinkled shirt. Like he gives a shit what my clothes look like. Looking out over the floor-to-ceiling windows, I see the lights of the Strip illuminating the night.

“Almost nine.”

I gasp. “Cross I have to go. I was supposed to be at Crown …”

“I had someone cover your shift.” He interrupts me.

“What? No.”

“You needed the rest, Alexa.” He points at the bar. “Sit.”

I plop down not wanting to argue. Looking around I see the TV that hangs on the wall is on but muted. The place is quiet. “Where is everyone?”

“Your brother went home. Bones never returned from running after Grave and Titan left.”

I drop my head and sigh. “I’m sorry for what my brother said.”

“Don’t be.” He blows it off.

I look up at him. “It was horrible.” I was embarrassed, pissed and hurt all at the same time for what Derek said to Grave. I wanted Grave to knock him out just to make a point.

“You can’t control what he does or says, babe.”

“Have you spoken to Grave? Is he okay?” I wonder.

“No. I tried calling but he didn’t answer. I spoke to Titan after he had left here, and he mentioned Grave had asked Titan to take him to a meeting sometime this evening.”

I nod.

“Here,” He pulls my cell out of his pocket and places it on the bar in front of me.

“Why did Bones take it from me?” Who the hell was I going to call to come and get me? Jasmine? April? None of them would have been able to help me. I sure as fuck wasn’t going to call Mitch.

“He just needed to turn it off so no one could track it, knowing where you were at.”

I snort. That sounds ridiculous. “I promise you; no one is that determined to get to me. You’re being paranoid.”