Granted, she can do it herself.
It's just faster when I do it.
Christian’s build isn't something you choose to fuck with.
“I have to get ready to go meet the kid,” I tell her.
She hums, having gathered up both pillows now to rest them under her head, eyes still closed.
“The Taiga party is today, right?”
“Supposed to be,” I confirm. “Kai’s mom asked me to meet with him and take him out for a few hours so he can relax beforehand. Apparently, he gets really tense.”
“… So you’re babysitting today?”
“… I’m babysitting right now, aren’t I?”
It’s her turn to throw a pillow at me, and I let her have her win. For now. During breakfast, she senses how jittery and nervous I am, but she doesn’t pry.
She drags me through two murder-mysteries played by amateur actors that make me forget—well,almostforget—about the talk with Reuben later, and before I know it, I’m getting ready to meet Kai in the afternoon.
It’s the first week of March. It hasn’t been too cold recently, but I still find the chill on the wind unbearable; it’s why I’m bundled up in two shirts and blue jeans, wearing white sneakers and socks.
Lucia’s taken to dressing me recently. I leave her to it, since it’s not like I have a knack for dressing myself. And it’s the highlight of her day—even I have to admit she has some talent when it comes to fashion.
Still, I can’t say I enjoy the way people stare at me.
It only makes me miss my black sweats and baggy clothes more.
The meeting point is an hour away from Lucia’s place, and when I step out of the taxi in front of the tall building, I’m thinking of taking Kai to watch the new Syndicate movie that’s come out recently.
When I head down the stairs and make my way to the meeting area on the lower floors, I’m thinking maybe we can head to a café or arcade, or maybe even the new batting cage that’s opened up nearby, to stoke his competitive streak and get him warmed up.
What I’m not expecting, is the madness and mayhem that greets me.
Shots go off in the distance and people are running, screaming towards the exits. They brush past me almost violently, in their panic and fright, and my heart immediately sinks. My pulse kicks up a frantic beat in my chest and there’s a familiar dread pooling in my core.
A dread I’ve only ever felt once before.
I struggle against the crowd, pushing through with new fear pulsing through my skin.
One moment, I’m stumbling.
The next, I’m jogging.
Then I’m running.
I’m sprinting as fast as I can.
Kai…!
People are still pushing past me frantically by the time I get to his platform, but the moment I turn the bend, I see them.
I duck behind one of the support pillars quickly, lucky enough not to be seen and my heart thrashes wildly between my ribs.
Seven men.
All armed.
