Page 99 of Kortlek

I love Aria to death, but her approach to certain situations needs a lot of work.

And that’s coming from someone who’s used to punching people if they so much as look at me the wrong way. I know that she crossed a line that she shouldn’t have. Not that I’d tell her that. She knows it. I won’t be adding salt to the fresh wound.

Arlo’s shoulders are tense, and for the first time since Kortlek was founded, he’s not enjoying it. He doesn’t look at Aria or address her at all. Everything goes through Blair or me. I think Aria’s hurt the most that this time, Arlo didn’t oppose her joining.

He just sent her a thumbs-up emoji, and that’s how the conversation ended.

The rebel that she is, Aria is drinking a glass of very expensive, very strong whiskey. Arlo’s brow twitches in annoyance at that — the trait both siblings have when they’re annoyed. Though, he just parts the deck of cards into four smaller ones and sets them on the table.

Arlo picks up a card, with Blair and me following suit.

Aria takes a deep breath, excitement starting to bubble beneath the stoic expression of hers as she picks up a single card. She’s the first one to turn hers over, and surprise, surprise, it’s a Jack.

Mine is an ace, Blair’s is number four, and Arlo’s is number seven.

Aria’s eyes glimmer in satisfaction at the total number.

“It’s unconventional, but it should work,’’ Blair says. “Do we have enough gang members to cover the total amount?”

Arlo nods. “Yes. There are a few left over, too.’’

“What’s the plan for them?” I interject, walking over to sit next to Aria.

“That depends,’’ Arlo responds, eyes briefly flickering to his sister. “Currently, Mom and Dad are questioning everyone. Those that know little to nothing or haven’t been involved much with Wyatt will be set free, with a warning. I did want to kill them, but Dad started going on and on about morals and such nonsense, so that plan fell through pretty quickly.’’

Aria finishes her whiskey and pours another glass. Worry rushes through Arlo’s expression, but it’s gone in a blink of an eye. Aria doesn’t notice it and continues to drink, occasionally making small talk with Blair.

This is getting on my nerves.

They aren’t the type of siblings that will ever have their bond broken, so it’s a matter of time before the issue is resolved and they’re back on speaking terms. But both of them are stubborn as fuck, and neither is willing to apologize or approach first.

Damn you, you twisted siblings.

It feels like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place, but if it comes down to that, my choice is Aria. She will always be my first priority and choice, and nothing will ever matter as much as she matters.

Aria De Santis is my destruction. She slithered her way into my chest, tore down every fucking wall I spent years building, and permanently secured her spot in my heart. She’s not leaving. I’m not letting her leave. I’d risk everything in this life, everything but her.

Everyone else can go to hell.

Not my Aria.

She smiles widely at something Blair says, her bunny teeth showing. Something tugs on my heartstrings, and I’m in a trance. Her high cheekbones, her perfectly heart-shaped mouth, and the twinkle of happiness in her eyes are enough to make my knees go weak.

In the ring, I’m the strongest. However, a mere smile from Aria is enough to make me the weakest man alive. Aria is my biggest weakness and my biggest strength, the only person I want to call mine, for as long as we’re alive.

And soon enough, we’ll play the deadliest game together, for the first time.

Aria’s eyes slowly turn to look at me as she notices my obvious staring. Everything around us becomes muted, fading away. A genuine, soft smile appears on her face, a few white strands of her hair falling over her eyes.

She’s so beautiful it hurts.

All mine. Mine to protect, mine to love, and mine to hold.

She went from being the object of my deepest, darkest, and most twisted desires to being the love of my life. My perfect little bunny.

Seeing her smile sincerely, eyes focused on me, makes me want to keep her happy for the rest of her life.

I will. She’ll be the happiest woman.

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