Page 6 of Lost in Life

Ah, now I get it.

Leaning farther back in my seat, I sling my arm across the empty chair beside me. “And you want me to take over during your absence.”

Owen’s lips curl up into what could be called a smile. The man exudes evil energy and even the seemingly innocent expression is cold and heartless. “Exactly. I knew I chose the right man for the job.” Pushing to his feet, he adjusts his suit jacket. “I trust things will go smoothly.” Turning his back toward me, I take it as my cue to leave.

“Yes, boss.” I promise, rising from my seat and leaving the room. A shiver runs down my spine at the implied threat in his words, the unspokenor else.

If there is one thing every member knows, you don’t disappoint the boss. Not if you want to keep your head.

Chapter 3

Nova

Deep breaths.

I try to remind myself to breathe in and out but the sobs threatening to break through hinder my attempts.

I want to scream, I want to curse out every god for allowing this to happen.

It’s not fair.

My tear-filled eyes land on West slumped in his seat, his own eyes bloodshot. He doesn’t look at me, his gaze fixated on the unconscious woman lying on the bed.

Mona took a turn for the worst a few days ago. West and I haven’t had a chance to try to get more cash since our last hit several weeks ago, and the little bit we had stashed away wasn’t enough to do anything to prevent this.

“You said a year.” West whispers brokenly, clinging to my hand like a lifeline.

The oncologist looks at him with saddened eyes. “I know, son, but it’s not an exact science. Everyone’s body is different. Some are able to fight longer than others and your mom is losing the battle quicker than we thought.”

West leaps to his feet, shoving his finger in the doctor’s face. “Fuck you.” He growls. “You could do something but you’re choosing not to. For what? Money?” His voice rises with each accusation, shaking with unbridled anger. “Fuck you!” He screams, slamming his hand down on the desk separating him from the concerned physician.

“Son.” The doctor tries to soothe West but there’s no point, not when he’s already this agitated. Realizing he can’t reason with the distraught boy, the doctor lowers his tone, warning, “You need to calm down or I’ll have to call security.”

West barks a laugh, grabbing my arm and pulling me to my feet. “Let’s go, Nova. This piece of shit isn’t going to help us anyway.”

A low groan pulls me from the memory. West and I both shoot our heads up at the same time, our eyes meeting with the first glimmer of hope we’ve had in days.

“Mom?” West asks softly, reaching out to take her limp hand. Mona’s eyelids flutter and I hear West gasp. Glancing at me before returning his focus back on his mom, he clasps her hand tighter. “Can you do that again? If you can hear me, squeeze again, Mom.”

My heart clenches at the relieved sob that erupts from him. I push away from the wall and rush to his side, covering his hands with mine. “Mom?” I whisper.

Mona groans again, cracking her eyes open. “Hi darling.” She rasps, her dazed gaze shifting toward West. “Baby?” Her voice cracks, the lack of use making it difficult for her to project more than a whisper. Blinking her eyes open wider, she tries to push herself up but is too weak and falls back onto the pillows.

Before West can respond, a gasp sounds behind us. “Mona?” My mom cries. In the blink of an eye, she is on the other side of the bed, pushing back Mona’s hair from her face. “Oh thank god, you’re awake.”

Mona looks between the three of us, confusion covering her face as she asks, “Why wouldn’t I be awake?” Her stomach growls and she lets out a soft laugh. “Oh boy, I must be hungry.” Her stomach growls again and there is a moment of tense silence before we all burst into laughter.

My mom pats Mona’s arm. “I’ll go make you something.” Turning toward the door, she glances back at her friend one last time before leaving.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” Mona runs her fingers through West’s hair, concern filling her dark eyes.

He takes a deep breath, forcing a smile on his face. “Nothing, Mom.” He lies, squeezing her hand. “I’m just so happy to see you up.” She narrows her eyes at him, clearly not buying his half truths.

The sudden need to give them some time alone hits me. “I’m going to go help with lunch.” I announce.

West grabs my wrist as I go to leave, pressing a soft kiss to the back of my hand. “Thank you.” He murmurs, returning his attention to his mom. My skin tingles from the feel of his lips on me.

Not the time.

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