“It has to. He said it’ll break you, and she’s the key to that. Just make sure she’s protected. She decided to go to the homecoming dance. And I think she’d be happy if you were there.”
“Is this a tip for Mercy or a matchmaking scheme?”
“Both perhaps. I realize how much you need her too. How much you need each other,” Brooke says.
Even if I get her, she’ll never stay. “Anything else?”
“Yes. Her favorite flower is an iris. She said her mom planted them every year.”
“Get out.” I don’t want to hear about a fucking flower.
Brooke finally leaves. When I step to my window, it’s the same thing. She’s nowhere in sight. She’s been even more obscure since the challenge yesterday. We made it. Matthew and Hannah are out. Three teams. If they want to wear us down, it’s working, because I’m tired as fuck of the mind games too. Just not enough to make me completely surrender and let Micah win.
Picking up my phone, I dial Cain. “I need a favor.”
“I’m listening.”
“Micah is planning another stunt, and I need to know what.”
“Man, the damn game is making y’all insane and driving me batshit crazy too.” He huffs but gives in. “But I owe you. Let me see what I can find out.”
“Yeah, one other thing. When is Micah fighting at the Tomb again?”
Cain pauses for a few seconds before he says, “He’s signed up for the next match on Tuesday.”
Four long days away. “I want to fight.”
“No, it’s not a good idea.”
“Put me in the match or I’ll put myself in it.”
Cain curses under his breath. “You’re fucking unhinged, Luca. You keep making dangerous moves ever since she showed up. You’re going to get burned.”
“Yeah. I know.” Maybe I want to. Because I deserve as much pain as I inflict.
46
IVY
I ignore my phone until it chimes again and again. When I look, it’s more messages from Brooke.
Brooke: Where are you?
Brooke: On your way yet?
Brooke: Are you seriously standing me up?
Brooke: Luca will be here.
That doesn’t have the appeal she thinks. We’ve barely spoken in days and joining him at a homecoming dance is the last item on my agenda tonight.
Ivy: Sorry. Don’t feel up to it. Staying home but have a good time.
I send the message then power off my phone. I do feel a tad bit guilty, but I guarantee she’ll have a better night without me. My plan is to not leave the balcony unless it’s to go into my room. Leaving the house is out.
“You never planned on going.” I hear Luca before he appears, he’s wearing a black button-down and slacks.
“No. But obviously you were. Don’t let me keep you.”
