Page 48 of King of War

I jump up from my seat, my heart rate spiking with nervous excitement. I head out into the hallway with impeccable timing because the elevator doors open and he steps out. Angelo, the only sane Medici brother and my one-time best friend.

“Angelo,” I can’t help calling his name.

He spins on his heel to face me. While I’m aware of his change in status, it’s still a little jarring to see my high school best friend wearing a clerical collar.

“Rayne?” He looks even more surprised to see me than I am him, which I guess means Enzo didn’t tell him I was here. “What the…” He doesn’t finish the sentence. Instead, he jogs down the hallway and immediately envelops me in a hug. I bury my face against his shirt. Damn, but it feels good to be hugged by him again. So many memories come rushing back. Of all the things I lost six years ago, his friendship is one of the things I miss most.

“What on earth are you doing here? Are you okay?”

I nod, smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. “I’m fine.”

He blinks rapidly, like he can’t quite take it in that I’m here. Guess I can’t blame him. I never expected to be here either. “How long have you been in town, and how long are you sticking around?”

“I’ve been here for almost two weeks, and I’m not sure how long I’ll be around. I hope not much longer though.”

He shakes his head, gives me another quick hug, and then pulls back. “So tell me what the hell you’re doing here, and why you didn’t you come see me?”

“Why I’m here is kind of complicated, and as for coming to see you…” Actually, I would have loved that. Even when I only intended on spending one night in town I thought about visiting Angelo, but then I wasn’t sure how he’d react, or if he’d tell Enzo I’d been back to Vegas. I guess none of that matters now. “Your brother kind of has me on lockdown here.”

Angelo’s eyes widen with shock and horror, which is a little surprising. He may be a Catholic priest now, but he’s no stranger to his family’s lifestyle. It’s one he was once fully embedded in. “He’s keeping you fucking prisoner?”

“I told you, it’s complicated.”

“Jesus Christ, Rayne!”

“Hey.” I nudge his arm. “Isn’t that guy like your boss now? Pretty sure you’re not supposed to blaspheme like that when you’re a priest.”

“Yeah, well, it’s not every day you find out your brother is keeping your best friend and his ex-girlfriend hostage.”

My heart swells in my chest at those words. God, I really have missed him. “You still think of me as your best friend?”

He holds his fist out. “Ride or die, right?”

“Yeah.” I bump my knuckles against his. Guilt and sadness overwhelm me. “I’m sorry I ran away from you too, Angelo.”

He gives a single shake of his head. “You don’t have to do that. I know you did what you had to do. We all do what we have to in order to survive.” He glances down at his black shirt and pants—his own form of survival.

“So, you actually did it, huh? You. A priest.”

He nods. “Looks like I did.”

I link my arm through his. “Are you happy?”

He’s quiet for a moment, giving his answer some thought. “I have purpose.”

I nudge him gently as we head toward the kitchen and his brother. “That’s not what I asked you.”

“Who even knows what happiness is, Rayne? I’m not angry anymore. I don’t wake up every day and stare into a black hole wondering if today is going to be the day it consumes me.”

“I used to think I knew what happiness was,” I say sadly.

He stops and tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “No. You, my little wild child, know happiness. You were happy. And if you’re not now, then I know you’ll find it again.”

“Maybe you will too.”

He gives me a sad, knowing smile. “Maybe.”

“I love you,” I admit, always able to be so open with my feelings with him.