Kill Game (The Devious Games Duet 1)

I’ve seen her around always with nothing but confidence exuding from her. She’s a tough chick, I can tell. But right now she looks like she’s in a lot of pain. She looks filled with regret.

She shrugs. “Too young and stupid. Too up my own ass to realize how good I had it, I guess. And I blame him a little for that, too, because he made my life a fucking breeze. I got what I wanted when I wanted it, and he made me feel invincible. Like I couldn’t do a thing to fuck that up because he loved me that much. Too bad he didn’t love me enough to overlook cheating.” She sniffles and clears her expression. “Anyway, enough about me, that ship sailed and the pain is just feeling fresh because I just got it thrown in my face seeing he’s moved on, so I’m just sour right now.”

Cammy explains. “We were eating lunch in the park a while back and he showed up, holding another girl’s hand. He’s been known as a player since they split up and she’s worried that he’s gonna get married now.”

Debbie lifts a hand to halt Cammy, so Cammy shoves a forkful of food into her mouth but gives me wide eyes.

Debbie keeps talking. “Kill Coulter was or maybe still is good friends with my ex and of the same caliber. Rich. Looks like a male model. Not afraid to get his hands dirty. But Dario Ferrano was born rich where Kill came from nothing. Worked hard for what he has. And I respect that.” She sips her water.

“So, you went for it, and…” Cammy starts.

“And he knew me and knew about the ugly break-up, so he wasn’t interested. Knew I broke Dario’s heart and wanted no part of me. Looks at me like I’m dirt. I grew up. I’ve changed.” She puts her hand to her heart. “I’ve had to face facts… any guy who knew me before won’t set eyes on me twice without preconceived notions that I’m a slut. I can’t look back. Just gotta look ahead.”

“Good for you,” Cammy says, forking up some more chili fries. “Sometimes forward motion is the best motion.”

“Yeah,” Debbie looks wistful. “I still miss him, though. Still wish I hadn’t fucked up. I had everything. I’ve tried getting serious with other guys, but no one compares.”

“It wasn’t the right timing,” Cammy states. “Timing is important. Your time with the right man for you – it’ll come.”

“Yeah.” Debbie goes quiet.

“Lesson learned,” Cammy repeats. “You have to stop beating yourself up. I keep telling you this. If there’s nothing you can do, it does no good to keep ruminating in it.”

Debbie’s face goes sour and she waves her hand.

So,” Cammy turns her attention to me. “He’s friends with Ray. Maybe Ray knows Debs’s ex, too.”

“I don’t know,” I say.

“So. You ‘n Ray. You and Ray aren’t still together, and Ray’s friend is giving you drives to work?”

I shake my head. “No. Not together in my mind.”

“He’s not taking a hint?” Cammy asks.

“Long story.”

“We got forty-five minutes left of our lunch break. How long is the story?” Cammy’s eyes go sharp. She doesn’t want to give up.

“She’s not ready to talk,” Debbie says. “We’re here if you change your mind, though.”

I nod.

“Ray. Ray. Ray Ia-something?” Debbie asks.

I straighten. “Iadanza. You know who he is?”

“Oh shit, girl. He’s hot. He didn’t go to our school and I wouldn’t say I know him well, but I know who he is. You’re ending that? Maybe I should go for it.”

“I’d say have at it, but you probably don’t want to,” I say.

She tilts her head. “He fuck around?”

“No. He’s just not… I don’t wanna---”

“He’s the reason she’s sad all the time,” Cammy says. “You stay away from that shithead. You should be done with him. I don’t try to eavesdrop but we’re neighbors and I’ve heard you on the phone a time or two, okay a time or ten, hearing him yellin’ at you over the phone right through our cubicle walls.”

I swallow.

“So, nothing happening with you and Killian?” Debbie pushes.

“He just gave me a ride.”

“He’s hot,” Debbie says. “Super-hot. And he has a reputation with women.”

“Tell us,” Cammy demands.

“Like I said, he was good friends with my ex, and we were in some of the same circles late in high school, early college for Dario. Killian didn’t go to school after that though. Graduated high school but wanted to make money and knew how to do it, too. Dario said the guy didn’t need college. My ex’s family financed the startup of that first club, I heard. When you’re connected with that family, the connections typically run pretty deep, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s not into some of their other enterprises.”

“Organized crime,” Cammy stage-whispers.

Debbie slashes her hand over her throat with a death stare.