Page 137 of Theirs to Ruin

He cocked a brow. “Why me of all people?”

I shot him a chiding look. “Come on. Alpha male. Mob boss.”

“All that means is I do whatever the fuck I want to. And I want you to live life without holding back. Without fear.”

“I don’t know if that’s possible.”

Kage leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear. "You just need more experience with grabbing what you want in this life. You can practice with me anytime you want.”

All too soon, it was time to head back to campus. The gentle hum of the Bugatti faded into the background as my phone vibrated with an incoming message. I squinted against the glare of the screen and read the text from my dad’s aide, Georgia.

Your father has spoken with the police and understands the nature of Ava’s death. He will be attending Family Day.

The message was bittersweet. Like dad wouldn’t have considered coming if he thought there was even a shred of doubt left about my involvement in Ava's death. Even worse, his choice not to reach out directly felt like yet another failure on my part.

"You good?" Kage’s voice pierced through the silence.

I shrugged, pressing my lips together to prevent them from quivering. "Yeah, it’s just my dad’s aide. Dad couldn’t be bothered to tell me he’s coming to Family Day himself."

Kage’s hand enveloped mine. "I’m sorry, Camille."

“Thank you but I’m used it.”

“You shouldn’t have to be.”

I shrugged. I felt his worried gaze on me several times before we reached campus.

"You know, Alex is fighting tonight at the underground fight club,” he said. “I’m supposed to go, but I can cancel if you want me around."

My eyebrows shot up, my curiosity piqued despite the turmoil inside me. The fights had become exclusive, shadowy events ever since what happened with Neil and Miguel. After that, the administration made it clear that anyone caught fighting would be immediately expelled. Even though the organizers moved the fight locations every single time, they severely limited attendance and I doubted I’d ever get the chance to go on my own.

Given what we learned at the yarn shop, we were looking for someone on campus with a possible connection to Ava’s death. Was it too far-fetched to think that the underground fighting scene and Ava’s secret could be connected? Maybe, but the yarn shop had been a long shot, too.

"No," I replied slowly, "don’t cancel."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. But can I go with you?"

Chapter 57

Camille

Tonight’s fight was being held miles away from town in an abandoned boathouse on the river. When we pulled up, I could just make out the water slipping smoothly behind the dilapidated wooden structure. The water looked dark and ominous, bringing back memories of the night Ava died.

“Shit,” Kage said.

I glanced at him and his gaze was on me, his expression one of regret. “The river… I didn’t think…”

I forced a smile, sure that he was struggling with his own memories of that night. “It’s okay. Let’s go.”

He nodded and quickly got out of the car. He crossed to my side, opened the door, and held out his hand for me.

When I placed mine in his, I felt instantly comforted. Grounded.

The crunch of gravel beneath our feet muffled the noise of the river but not the shouts and music coming from inside. When we reached the front of the building, a bouncer, probably armed to the teeth, eyed Kage suspiciously.

“Weapons?” he asked.

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