Page 22 of Heirs of Havoc

“Federov!” The officers hustle over and when they pull him back, the tightness in my chest releases.

Dom’s grin is enough to make him look like he’s won the lottery. It’s only then I notice the key in my mouth is gone. “See you on the other side, Merlo.”

My knees give out as the officers carry him away. My fingers to my lips, a mix of sparks and fire dance on my skin.

What the fuck did I just do?

My arms shake as I try to push myself off the floor, an officer coming to my side. “Are you alright, Mrs. Federov?”

Nodding, I ignore that title yet again and how it rocks my insides. “I jus-just…” I need to get out of this. There’s no way I’m going back to those men. There’s no way I’m getting caught up in Dom's crew. Not again.

“Ma’am?” The officer’s eyes wander my face.

“Can I use your phone?”

* * *

The minute Chaya’s gold hatchback pulls up to the front of the jail, I hop in.

The passenger door creaks closed as the smell of burnt vanilla hits my nose.

“So, you know I’m gonna need an explanation, right?” Chaya glances at me from the driver’s seat. Her golden-brown locs catch the sunlight, matching gems dangling from them. They sway with the brown beads hanging from her rearview. “But let’s start with why you’re dressed like you’re married to the mob.”

My head whips to hers, her deep brown eyes wandering around my dress. They're cat-like, and Chaya looks as suspicious as one.

There’s no way she knows.

That would be crazy.

Almost as crazy as helping your ex-boyfriend out of jail.

Chaya’s more laid back than her accusing eyes in her band tee and vintage pleated skirt. We share a love for clothing from past eras, but our styles differ. She’s used to seeing me in rompers and flowing summer dresses, so this getup takes the cake.

“Just get me back to campus.” Glancing behind me, there’s no sign of the men. “I’ll tell you everything later, I promise.”

“Well, in all selfishness, I’m not complaining if whatever’s going on gets me with your two hot cousins.”

Thud.

The pound in my heart is back. “My two hot what?”

“Vlad and Lev?” My eyes widen as Chaya lowers the volume on her radio. Old school funk. “I mean, I’ve seen them around. Everyone has. But considering that you look like Glendaya and that girl from Jenny the Virgin had a baby, I should've known your fam has good genes. Why didn't you tell me?" My fingers come to my temple, trying my hardest to process what Chaya’s saying. Is that where they were while Feliks had me tied up? Tied up and on top of me with his junk pressed to my body? “But I’m happy to know now." Chaya's words clear the dirty thoughts in my mind. “Because I finally got some quality time with them.”

The emphasis on quality and the smile stamped on her face makes me slam my hand against her dusty dash. “They’re not my cousins,” I spit. “And stay away from them.”

“Woah.” She glances at me as she comes to a stop sign. “Do I have to remind you I just picked you up from a jail way outside of Clementine? I do not deserve your sass.” Closing my eyes, I relax in my seat, pushing away the idea of Chaya and the guys getting touchy. That shouldn’t matter, but her safety is important to me.

So is knowing she’s not fucking them.

“You’re right.” Wincing, I force my intrusive thoughts away. “I’m sorry, I… okay, they lied. I knew them when I was growing up and we fell out, so it’s taken some time to digest that they're here."

“Okayyy.” Chaya’s slow with her words, as if she’s picking apart a code. “But why would they lie? Does this have something to do with why you’re at The Pen?” Glancing back at the window, my shoulders come to my ears. They know where I’m staying. Was riding with Chaya a good idea? Her hand comes to my shoulder as if she senses my panic. “It’s okay.” Her voice is calmer. “Whatever it is, we don’t have to figure it out now.”

My hand lands on top of hers and I’ve never been more grateful for my roommate as I am now. We’re growing close, and this proves she's a genuine friend. And right now, I really need one. “Thanks, Chai.”

With a smile and a firm nod, she turns onto the empty highway. Another glance behind me confirms the muscle car isn’t chasing us. And neither are those menacing, manipulative men.

“So, is this a bad time to ask about the rumour about you walking through campus buck-naked?” When I lower in my seat, Chaya doesn’t press. She laughs, raising the volume. “Don’t worry girl, I got you.” The loud music helps to drown out my harrowing thoughts. And Chaya’s singing stops me from thinking about Dom.

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