Page 22 of Game of Revenge

“I can think of a few who don’t,” Tray mumbles as he slowly eats. His appetite has been flagging from the stress. I’m worried about him.

“What will we do then?” Michael asks, looking sullen. I don’t know what his deal is. Could he finally be processing Brian’s death?

“Then we bring those people kicking and screaming,” Francis says with a low chuckle. “There’s nothing I love more than duct tape and rope in the morning. Kidnappings get me going.”

“You need to find an outlet for that pent up energy,” Blakely teases her.

Tray gazes at Francis for a moment longer than usual, and I wonder what that's about. Secrets are apparently a running theme at the cabin.

Awesome.

Chapter 7

Michael

My mind is racing now as I’m listening to Blakely rage about planning revenge for Brian’s death. Everyone is obsessed with him still, while I hoped that his being dead would mean that I’d finally get the love and attention I feel I deserve.

I wish I could be a better brother, but I’m simply me, riddled with flaws and anxiety. I’m not even guilt stricken, really, which also probably makes me a bad person. My worry comes from the possibility of being caught. Blakely is like a dog with a bone, and she won’t stop until everyone who had a hand in Brian’s death is dead.

Even me if she finds out what I ultimately did.

I can’t imagine what Kiernan will think once he knows. Why can’t anything just go my way?

Needing a break, I walk outside to the backyard to take a breath. It’s beautiful out here, the air crisp and fresh as I lean against the railing of the back porch. I should be snuggling with Kieran, helping him plan his silly house projects instead of here.

The air inside of the cabin feels heavy and filled with rage and grief, and I just couldn’t handle it anymore.

Sometimes, when people grieve, they want support and comfort, and that’s how Kiernan and Tray have been. The very reason for the cuddling makes me angry. Why can’t we just go back to normal: fucking and living like we did when Brian was alive? Only it would be better now.

My thoughts are disjointed and cranky as I get lost in my annoyance, hoping no one will come outside.

“Michael, are you okay?” asks a voice.

Shit.

Turning, I see Blakely standing by the sliding glass door, her dirty-blond hair falling down her back. Occasionally, the wind lifts it to toss it into her face, and it would be funny if I wasn’t currently terrified of her.

She’s a lot more fun to be around when I’m not hiding things from the world.

“Yeah,” I rasp, nodding. “I was thinking about my brother.”

I won’t tell her what it was about though. I’ve been acting too happy around the guys, and that’s the wrong reaction for death. It’s hard for me to pretend to miss him, but I can mimic being lost in my memories for Blakely.

One wrong move, and she’ll decide to make my life hell.

“Brian was such a good guy,” she says softly, closing the door behind her. “The hunt will be in his honor. It’s hard to believe there are so many people in the world who believe love should be dictated to.”

Sighing, I nod. “It’s pretty fucked up,” I agree.

Less is more. Keep your mouth shut.

Thankfully, Blakely is willing to do the talking for me.

“Death is such a pretty thing when gifted to people who deserve it,” she says fiercely, making my blood run cold. “Myguys won’t let me play as much as I’d like to, but I still expect the fields to run red. Won’t that be nice?”

“Just like old times,” I murmur, hoping it’s the right thing to say.

“Yes,” Blakely says with a wide smile. “We’ll have masks and fun spiky weapons that will make a mess!”

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