Corrupt (Devil's Night 1)

She stared dumb-founded, and I turned my head away, trying not to laugh.

“Now I’m sick of talking,” Will continued, standing up and dishing her fruit and potatoes, as well. “No more plans. No more waiting. No more getting everything in place and all our ducks in a fucking row. Let’s do this.” And then he stopped with tongs in his hand and looked at her. “You like sausage?”

Without waiting for her to answer, he just shrugged and put two links on her plate.

She stared at him like he’d just pissed in the sink.

“We know where he is, and I don’t want to kill him,” Will gritted out, sitting down, “but I’m sure as shit going to change his life forever. Just like he did to us. Are you in or not?”

I let out a breath, hooding my eyes. Rika continued to stand there for a moment, but then she turned and walked down the table, setting her plate down.

“He is my brother, okay?” I argued, facing Will.

I didn’t know what my feelings were about Trevor, but he was my mother’s son—and my father’s, of course—and hurting him would hurt them. I couldn’t decide this today.

But Will kept arguing. “Don’t give me that shit. He can’t stand you, and you hate him just as much. The only reason you’re holding back is because of her.”

And he jerked his head at Rika.

She gripped the back of the chair, still not sitting. “I’m not involved,” she replied calmly. “I’m going back to the city today, and I want nothing to do with any of this.”

“But you are involved,” Will retorted. “You’re the whole reason for all of this. If you hadn’t been with us that night, Trevor would never have shown up. Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t blame you. And now that I know you’re one of the good guys I can admit that I actually really like you. But you’re Trevor’s motive, and you’re in Michael’s head. He needs to stay focused, and you’re the reason he’s not right now.”

“I am focused,” I bit out.

“Great!” he said, smiling. “Then when do we leave for Annapolis?”

I ran my hands over my face, ready to punch him in the fucking face.

Rika pulled away from the table, disengaging herself. “I’m going to go call my mother.”

She turned and walked out of the room, and I darted my gaze to Kai, seeing him rise and follow her.

I moved to get up, too, but Will grabbed my arm, stopping me. “Your season starts soon,” he pointed out. “This needs to happen now.”

I sat back down and glared at him. “You listen, and you listen good,” I warned. “Trevor doesn’t even know that we know. He’s not going anywhere. Damon is the threat right now. We have no idea where he is, and he’s pissed off. I’m not stalling. I’m getting organized.”

And I shoved my chair back, storming out of the dining room, through the foyer, and up the stairs.

But before I made my way to Rika’s room, I stopped, seeing Kai at the second floor window, peering down into the driveway.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

Walking up to stand next to him, I followed his gaze outside and spotted Rika on the phone, tossing her purse into the back seat of the car. Alex, who I’d forgotten was here, sat in the passenger seat.

“Goddammit.”

Damon was out there somewhere, and I didn’t trust him. She couldn’t just leave.

“Aren’t you going to stop her?” Kai challenged, sounding amused.

“I’m…” I shook my head, leaning on the window frame. “I’m not sure I can.”

I heard him breathe out a laugh. “You finally met your match, huh?”

She stood outside her car, still on the phone, probably with her mother. The smile on her lips reminded me of a younger Rika. A gentler, happier one.

Before I’d gotten a hold of her.