Chapter 89
Alyssa
King and Niko walk into the room, the smell of greasy food hitting the air as King drops a Five Guys bag onto the bed. Zuri immediately reaches for it, demanding for someone to open it, even though she just ate lunch an hour ago.
I’m not asking you anymore, Alyssa. Eat, King growls, his concerned glare drilling into me.
I sigh heavily, opening the bag and handing Zuri a warm fry. “Tm not hungry,” I mutter, keeping my eyes on anything but King’s stare.
It’s been days since we went to the Iron Serpents‘ clubhouse, and ever since, my appetite has been nonexistent. Even when I try to eat, it doesn’t stay down. I think it’s all because we’re still here. This building feels suffocating, a constant reminder of everything that happened. How am I supposed to heal when I can’t even breathe!
“Alyssa King’s tone cuts through my thoughts, low and impatient, like a growl rumbling out of a caged animal.
Before I can snap at him, Niko steps in. Til talk to her, he offers, moving to sit across from me on the bed. He takes my hand, and I slowly look up to meet his soft, understanding gaze, “Hey, sweet girl. We’re starting to get a linle worried about you. Can you eat something for us? Just a little” His gaze drops briefly to Zuri, who’s munching on a fistful of fries. He chuckles lightly. “Preferably before Zuri finishes it all herself.”
I bite my lip, my throat tightening. “I really don’t have an appetite,” I reply honestly. It’s not like I’m trying to be difficult with them–I just feel like shit, inside and out.
Niko’s grip tightens on my hand just to let me know he’s not giving up “We get that, we really do. But you need to cat something. Alyssa Anything We can go back out and get you whatever you want, whatever you’re craving
“I’m fine, gays, Linsist, though it’s clear none of them believe me
Across the room, Mason leans back in the chair, watching me with quiet concern. He doesn’t say line, his eyes flickering to King
King scoffs, his arms crossed over his chest, radiating frustration. That’s bullshit, kitten”
y anything, Instead, has mouth presses into a thin
Niko brushes his thumb across my skin. “You’re not line.” he counters gently. His voice is so sadly, so patient, it’s almost impossible to stay defensive. “We gave you a few days to sort through your own emotions until we noticed you’re not taking care of yourself. I had to convince King that we can’t force feed you and that wasn’t easy. It’s just killing all of us seeing you like this, and we just want to know what we can do to help”
lance at each of them–King, Niko, Mason. All three are looking at me like
My chest tightens, the weight of their concern pressing down on me. I glan they’re desperate to figure out the fastest way to fix the.
But I don’t think I’m broken, just…trapped in this prison and needing to escape before 1 lose
mny
fucking sa
sanity.
“I want to go home,” I finally admit
I know they’ll only say no, but I have to get it off my chest and out in the open
Niko glances back at King some unspoken understanding passing between them. King’s expression hardens. That’s not the safest option for you and Zuri, sweet girl,” Niko says softly, his tone almost apologetic. “You know that”
I let out a sound of frustration. Then, don’t ask what I need then!” My voice cracks, and tears sting my eyes. I’m not trying to hash out at them, but I’m so damn tired–tired of feeling trapped, tired of being told what’s best for me, tired of the traumatic memories replaying in my mind on a goddamn loop.
King’s eyes narrow in warning. “Is that how you’re supposed to talk to us, kitten?” he asks, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous rumble.
I square my shoulders, meeting his gaze head–on. “You know what, I’m not doing this with you guys right now,” I snap, blinking back the tears threatening to fall. My emotions are every–fucking–where. It’s like 1 don’t even have control over myself anymore. And that scares me.
This place is fucking with me or something.
I need to leave.
I rise to my feet, standing toe–to–toe with King “Take me home,” I tell him, my voice trembling but firm. “I need out of here, King. Today
His brow arches, tilting his head. “Is that a demand?”
“Yes,” I say, lifting my chin. “So are you bringing me there, or am I going to have to hitchhike by myself?”
1/2
11:27 AM
Chapter 89
The tension in the room is thick as a full beat passes. Then, to my surprise, King nods. “Boys,” he says, turning to Miko and Mason. “Our woman wants to go home, I don’t like it, but clearly keeping her here isn’t working. I say let’s make it happen”
Iblink, stunned. “R–Really?” I stammer. I was ready argue, to scream if I needed to, but King just agreed
Niko laughs, shaking his head. “I think she’s in shock”
“Probably because King’s usually the unreasonable one Mason mutters, adjusting his glasses. “But I agree with him. She needs a break from here”
King steps closer until we’re practically breathing the same air. He cups my jaw, his thurub brushing over my check. I search his face, wondering what he’s thinking. Is it pity he’s feeling for me right now! I thought safety was more important than my personal feelings. That’s why they brought me here in the first place.
King’s dark eyes clash with mine. “I need to see you smile again, kitten. And not the little fake shit you’ve been giving us every time we ask if you’re okay…I want a real, genuine smile. I refuse to lose you, even to yourself. So, we’re giving you what you want. Just this once,
I swallow hard, my throat tight with emotion.
Nike cuts in. “You think Gray’s gonna fight you on this?”
King’s lips curve into a wicked smirk. “He can try, but he’ll lose. He knows she’s my of lady, my responsibility. If going home is what she needs, we’ll make it work. We’ll bring in extra men if we have to, but she’s going.”
Tears well in my eyes again, but this time they’re from relief. I can’t even find the words to thank him right now.
Niko grins at me. “I have to agree that this is best for her. She hasn’t even touched us in days, that’s been the biggest red flag,” he half–teases.
I snort, the unexpected humor slipping through my defenses. Kinda hard to be in the mood when I’m worried about throwing up on you guys,” I joke back
Mason leans forward, his brows furrowed. “Yeah, maybe that’s something we should get checked out.”
I shake my head quickly. “No, I’m okay. It’s probably just from the stress, I swear”
“Sure,” he hums, his tone measured. Could be stress or something else. We should rule it out.”
Panic rises in my chest, and I clamp down hard on the idea. It’s not, I insist, harsher than I meant to
1 just…can’t deal with that right now.
King’s gaze cuts to Mason’s, his voice firm. “Mace, leave it alone. Then, his attention shifts back to me, dark and commanding. “Now, can you cat something for us? Or do I need to sit you in my lap and have them feed you?”
“Fine,” I relent, crossing my arms. “Theat, but as soon as I’m done, we’re leaving.”
King barks out a laugh. “The faster you eat, the faster we start packing then.” He leans down to plant a gentle kiss on my lips. “We’ll get you home, kitten. I promise”
24
