Page 37 of Lost in Life

Coming up for air, I push back my wet hair, blinking open my eyes. A scream rips from my throat as I open my eyes to a tall figure hovering over me.

“What the fuck?” I shriek, glaring at West.

His eyes drop down to my naked body before shooting back up, a blush forming on his cheeks. Shaking his head, he sobers up quickly, shoving a towel at me. “We have a problem.”

“Yeah, I think we do.” I snap, snatching the towel from his hand. Awkwardly exiting the tub while trying to cover as much of myself as I can, I wrap the towel around my exposed body, shivering from the chilly temperature.

West’s jaw ticks as he forces his eyes to remain on mine. “Not that, Nova.” He chastises, like somehowI’mthe problem.

“What the fu-”

“He’s not in there anymore.” West cuts me off, waving at the door behind him. “Nova, he’s gone.”

Chapter 18

Zayn

Chuckling to myself, I watch the door where she - they? I don’t fucking know - disappeared to. The sound of water comes from the bathroom, my mind running wild with thoughts of what her body must look like dripping wet.

Fuck.

The gates have opened and I can’t resist the urge to make her mine.

Shifting in the seat, I twist my wrists and tug on the ropes, smirking when I feel the resistance loosen.

Amateurs.

Another sharp tug and the poorly tied knot slips loose, freeing me. Pushing to my feet, I stretch my arms above my head, letting out a groan as my muscles pop.

God, I’m getting old.

Snatching my keys from the counter, I pull a notepad from one of the kitchen drawers and scribble a quick message before exiting the door. Noticing West leaning against the railing with his eyes closed, I hesitate briefly, feeling the sudden urge to comfort him after the spat I just overheard. Shaking my head, I ignore the desire and sneak into the darkness surrounding the shack, walking up the familiar path to my car.

I’ll be back to deal with these two, but first things first, I need to make sure everything was cleaned up well enough that I won’t have to worry about Everly or her boys sending anyone after us. While I still don’t know much about her, I have learned the connection between her and Owen, and if she takes after her step-father, I know I’ll be fucked if word gets back to her.

I stare at the empty seat.

Fuck, Parker. Why’d you have to do it?

Reaching up to rub my temple, I try to ignore the pain threatening to consume me.

When I joined the Order of Death, Owen made it clear what would happen if we slipped up, if we didn’t do what “needed to be done”.

“You were Parker’s friend?” A quiet voice sounds behind me.

Glancing over my shoulder, I raise my eyebrow at the boy waiting expectantly for an answer. I know better than to answer that question.

He shrugs, pulling a box from his pockets. I watch as he dumps a few bright colored pieces of candy into his hand. Running a hand down my face, I try to think of something to say that won’t wind me up six feet under.

I’m all alone again, and I want so desperately to not be. But I can’t let the desire get me killed before I’ve seen to Carver’s death.

Before I can think of the right words, a small voice calls out, “Tavish!”

The kid turns toward the child running toward him, a small smile ticking up the corner of his lips. “Hey Harper. Want some?”

The young girl’s grin widens as she nods her head enthusiastically. Sticking her hands out, she waits patiently with palms turned upward for the offered candy. “Thank you.” She whispers, popping a piece into her mouth.

“Harper!” A worried voice calls out, drawing our attention. I watch as a distraught woman flies across the room, gripping the child’s arm and dragging her away.

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