He watches me as Remy and Cain drop in the chairs across from us. Usually, Brooke sits with me at lunch, but this is thefirst time Luca and his minions have joined us. And of all days, it’s one where my head feels like it’s going to explode.
Long nightdoesn’t begin to cover it. The sound of glass shattering was on repeat in my nightmares. It certainly had something to do with the bullets piercing the windshield inches from my head, which was wild but didn’t freak me out like it should’ve. It did, however, pull more images to the surface, so they’re even more vivid than before—and they were already intense enough. The whiskey I drank to help me sleep did the job. However, it also left me in a deeply somber mood that was harder to snap out of.
“So, did you hear? Two teams were eliminated,” Remy says in a low tone.
Brooke says, “I thought we weren’t supposed to talk about it? You know, sacred cow.”
Remy’s brows furrow. “There was a cow there?” He doesn’t wait on an answer before he pops a chip in his mouth. “I missed that part.”
“No, dummy. I meant Mercy isn’t supposed to be discussed.”
“Yeah, with outsiders. But we’re in the game and playing. Why can’t we discuss it?”
“Because we aren’t on the same team.” Micah drops into the seat beside Brooke as he eyes her. “So, keep that in mind if there are discussions.”
“Anyways,” Remy continues, “we’re down to four teams now.”
“I thought it was only the last team that got eliminated,” Cain says.
“It was. The Hayes duo got there last.”
“But Faith and Peter didn’t even make it into the garage. I just figured they would be out, and the others would be safe.”
“No, apparently the last one back being disqualified still stood. So, four teams remain, eight players.”
“Nine,” Micah states, and I fill in the rest: “The Deceiver.”
“It could still be eight,” Remy says before he asks me, “Is it you, Walker? You did just get here… and inserted yourself pretty easy peasy lemon squeezy.”
What? More like Luca inserted himself easily into my world and hauled me along to play the stupid game in his. But I just tell Remy, “Totally.”
“I knew it.” He turns to Luca while he points at me. “Better watch this one.”
Thankfully Cain carries on the conversation and asks, “What do you think they’ll have y’all do next? Getting shot at was scary enough.”
Remy seems offended. “You’re not the one who got shot at. Thankfully, Luca drew them away for us mostly, but they did get the back window.” He explodes his hand, making a shattering sound as I cringe.
I can’t do this right now.
Grabbing my tray, I stand and take a step to get around Luca, but his foot is suddenly in the way as I trip. He reaches out, catching me, then props me on his lap. “Might want to lay off the bottle.”
I do my best to shove away from him, but he keeps a solid hold on me. “I should have another drink now just so I can deal with you.”
“Glad to know I have that effect on you.”
Remy adds his unwanted opinion. “She does seem a little thirsty.”
“Shut up, Remy,” Brooke shouts. “You’re the one who drools over every single thing with a pulse.”
Each time I try to get up, Luca’s hold tightens.
“Let. Me. Go.”
Of course he doesn’t. His amusement grows and so does my frustration.
Once again, Remy offers some unsolicited commentary, “Sure looks like you want a taste of what my boy is serving.”
If I could reach Remy right now, I’d punch him in his mouth to hopefully shut him up. However, I’m still being restrained, and I want nothing more than to kick him in the balls. But I settle for an ego hit since he still has me pinned in place.
