Page 42 of The Wildcard

“Hola,” Angel responded to Kyle’s introduction. Sorin didn’t turn to look at him but ducked his head politely. His eyes narrowed. There was something familiar, something about him that pricked his mind. But nothing concrete enough to have him pondering over it. Angel shrugged his shoulders and turned to walk in the car when he saw Ray’s eyes on him. He quirked a brow when she shook her head,

“Way to not make it obvious.” She murmured just as Angel went to open the door for her. But Ray had already started walking to the other side of the car. He frowned at her words and sat back in the car. Ray had her hands crossed when he adjusted on his seat and heard Kyle start speaking,

“So where are we meeting the others?” His question was aimed at Ray when the car started and Sorin started driving out of their beach house. Ray’s eyes were gazing out of the window when she spoke,

“In front of the hotel.”

Angel rose his brows but didn’t turn to look back at her as he slumped down in his seat and fell back in his thoughts. Maya hadn’t considered them as probable suspects, but Angel knew from experience that if Kyle suspected something he would do anything in his power to act on it. Angel’s eyes strayed to Sorin, and then to Ray.

Wonder how that would work.

Her arms and legs were crossed, her honey eyes shining as she gazed out the window. As if noticing his stare, she turned to face him, blinking at his attention.

Angel shot her a small smile that hid a million secrets. He saw her eyes narrow and he nudged his chin in Sorin’s direction.

Ray’s eyes didn’t turn and her face didn’t make a single expression, but he saw by the simple exhale she’d understood. Whether they liked it or not, both he and Ray were now bound to be in this together.

They both had to weed out Sorin Ardelean to prove their innocence and loyalty to the Lions.

All of course, for their own benefit.

11

The hotel was the first building that the Larsens had built after purchasing the island.It was ancient,Ray thought as she stepped out of the car and looked at the building,but its structure was immaculate. To this date, Alessandro has kept this hotel open to tourists who chose luxury over cost. According to Maya, her husband had chosen not to pick a more modern design. Instead, he’d found what he was looking for in a relatively old mansion such as this.

Nonetheless, it was a beautiful piece of art. Ray breathed out as she looked at the large structure, its walls colored a light brown and coated with fake green vines that seemingly climbed up the place.

Ray’s gaze turned to Kyle as he too stepped out of the car. She walked to the other end, her hands lacing behind her back as she stepped next to Kyle. She saw his blonde hair sway with the wind as he tilted his head in her direction,

“Are you alright?” she asked and was vaguely aware of Angel stepping out from behind her. Kyle’s eyes softened behind his glasses, but he didn’t smile.

“I’m not bothered by June’s death.” Was his cool response, “I’m just worried about how Ma’s taking it.”

Ray’s eyes averted in thought, “Maya’s a strong–” she started but Kyle interrupted her,

“She might be too strong.” He said his tone hardening as Angel closed the door behind Ray. His voice quieted, “I’m afraid it won’t turn out well for us if she keeps provoking everyone.”

Ray knew a test when she saw one. Even if it were laced with emotional vulnerability. She crossed her arms, leaning back against the cool surface of the car, “She’s grieving. But that doesn’t mean she’s losing her goddamn mind.”

She saw Kyle look away, a tick in his jaw as she continued, “She and Alessandro are handling it perfectly.”

Kyle’s eyes snapped to hers and she was surprised to see the hint of annoyance and grief lurking in that gaze, “This isn’t atest,Raylene.” His voice was sharp, but she didn’t balk. Just blinked, not believing his words for a second. He exhaled and rushed his hand through his hair, “Sometimes I can’t tell if you’re on my side or theirs.”

No one’s,she wanted to scream but resorted to ending their conversation by turning on her heels, murmuring under her breath as she did so.What right did he have to question her?And what was it that was leading him astray from his parents?

If Angel had heard their conversation, he didn’t show it. Instead, those amber eyes were gazing up ahead in silence. Ray didn’t even notice Kyle mutter something beside her and walk into the hotel, her eyes were trained on Angel’s. She could see the black band of his necklace peeking through the collar of his shirt. Ever since he’d stepped on this island, Ray hadn’t had the chance to see him in anything but formal attire. She didn’t know why she was so bothered by it, but the way he showed his power in such a nuanced way seemed to unnerve her.

Made her think that deep down, maybe he was conspiring.

Those eyes turned, and Ray blinked to show her surprise. She saw the locks of his hair fall on his forehead, saw his black-tie sway gently with the wind as he leaned closer.

“Like what you see, Storm?”

Her gaze shuttered in annoyance, a cold, familiar sheet falling over her as she turned away from him as well. His laugh brought forth a dizzying sort of awareness rush down her neck. Ray shook her head and faced the tinted window of the Tesla instead. She knocked on the glass, her heart pounding with exhilaration as the window swept down and she found herself staring into a pair of black eyes.

It was like staring into an abyss, with only the brief silver shine of his earrings shining like the light in the darkness.

Sorin blinked back at her, the perfect picture of obedience as he bowed his head slightly.

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