Griffin nods.
When we took this job we came to an agreement that Elio would allow Griffin to work on side jobs outside of this one since we didn’t know how long it would take. It took a lot longer than I ever imagined because of the guilt I bear for that woman in the mansion.
I would never forgive myself for leaving her here or letting her die in the crossfire of my fight when someone love’s her somewhere. Someone is searching for her, missing her. Just like I have and still do for Jayla.
25
Liam
Breckinsurvived.
That would be surprising if it wasn’t how my luck worked these days. I’ve thought on many occasions since I shot him a few days ago that I could just slip into the infirmary and slit his throat. Maybe strangle him with his oxygen tube.
But my sister has been keeping herself busy there. Xana has been aiding Nathaniel’s doctor with Breckin’s care, which happens to be critical. At least, it was until today. I’ll take the bonus points foralmostkilling him.
Look at me taking the high road and being the bigger person. I snort to myself as I walk through the halls, itching to be in the spot I’ve claimed as my own in this giant place.
With Xana keeping her mind occupied, she’s acclimated to the Omen Mansion pretty easily. Nathaniel hasn’t pushed his bullshit on her, which I appreciate. Xana and I haven’t talked much since she showed up at the gates, and I don’t want to force her to vent to me. Not when her trust in me is so fragile. She came to me when she needed me and that has to be enough for now.
Finally reaching the hall that leads out to the terrace, I push through the door and come to a halt. Lion stands on the balcony smoking a joint near where I fucked Malia the night of the ball. It feels like forever ago, but this is my space—where I like to come to breathe.
“If you’ve come to play friends,” Lion drawls in his deep voice, “I’m not the fucking one, Brenner.”
It’s a wonder this dickhead has a woman, let alone gets along with Malia. He’s a downright prick most of the time. Our fight in the gym seems like it meant fuck-all when he gears his mood swings up or down at random. I still try to stay away from him. I didn’t help my sister feel at ease here, gunning down a man without blinking while she was already scared shitless. Keeping to myself has been working fine for me lately.
Until now.
I walk to stand next to him as he puffs on his joint. He holds his breath and passes it to me. I raise an eyebrow and he releases a lungful of smoke, and jerks his head willing me to take it. I pluck the perfectly wrapped herb from his fingers and draw in a deep puff, letting the smoke fill my lungs and weed relax my muscles.
It’s good shit. I shouldn’t be surprised. I hand the joint back and see Lion is watching me with a smirk, I narrow my eyes wondering what the fuck he just did.
“Something funny?” I ask, turning my gaze back out to the dark woods surrounding The Omen Mansion.
He chuckles softly and shakes his head.
“She’d kill you if she saw you smoking weed, you know?” he says, a glint of mischief in his amber eyes. “I won’t have to do it myself.”
I snort taking the joint back as he offers it again.
“It’s weed not crack,” I say, my voice strained as I hold the smoke.
Lion shrugs.
“She’s always been against drugs. Since they inhibit the mind, some cause paranoia and people make stupid decisions. Our business isn’t conducive to people acting without thinking.”
“And here you are, smoking weed. Not to mention making a rationalist out of an impulsive demon of bedlam.”
He chuckles again. “Relaxes me. Plus, like you said—it’s weed, not crack.”
Lion takes another hit.
“Malia doesn’t care what people do on their own time, it’s when it comes to business. I’ve seen her gut people for sales going wrong because they were fucked up on the job.”
I hum.
“Makes sense.”
Lion stubs out the last of his joint and pockets it.