Page 50 of Onyx Realm

“I won't miss it,” he assured her, guiding me past with a gentle hand at the small of my back.

Outside, the air felt warm against my tear-stained face. Alexios’s fingers tightened against my spine, stopping me in the middle of the back drive.

“Do you know who that woman was?” he pressed.

Gulping, I lowered my eyes.

Now, when I could have used some help, Markos was silent.

“Do you think she recognized me?” I diverted.

Alexios let out a harsh laugh. “No, she doesn’t know her husband’s playthings.”

He pulled me forward, holding me gently as he walked me to the service entrance. At the gate he stopped and looked down the street before turning back to me.

“Her husband works out his frustration on his girlfriends because he’s not stupid enough to lay a finger on my sister.” The words were hard, full of bitterness.

“Thank you for helping me. If I’d have known—”

“You couldn’t have,” he stopped me. Reaching up, he brushed an impossibly gentle touch over my cheek. “If...if you stay in Tampa....”

The ride share vehicle pulled up, and the driver jumped out.

“Yes?” I breathed.

“You can count on my friendship,” Alexios finished.

I thought the line went dead, but Markos snarled in my ear again.

“Thank you for this.” I patted my pocket. “I won’t forget you.”

“It’s the least I can do. I should have dealt with my brother-in-law years ago.” Alexios escorted me to the vehicle. His hands slid against my body as he helped me inside.

They felt...wrong.

“Where to, ma’am?” the driver asked.

I held Alexios’s gaze. “The bus station, please.”

If that was sadness flickering in his eyes, I couldn’t tell. “Take care of yourself, Maria.”

The door closed, and with it, a surge of guilt settled over me. As the driver pulled away, I discreetly pulled the earpiece out. I needed just a few minutes to gather myself. This part of spying was something I couldn’t wrap my mind around. I played on the heartstrings of a man, a lucky guess that the story would work, only for it to hit too close. I played the part, only to betray his kindness.

Chapter 16 – Serena

After the ride share left, I wandered back outside the terminal. Leaning against the wall, I let out a long breath. Markos wouldn’t be far behind. I had minutes if I wanted to slip away.

But...I couldn’t bring myself to move in the direction of the ticket counter.

I looked over the bustling metropolis. The hot sunlight fell over me, giving me a sense of peace. I liked Florida, and I didn’t mind my situation. The longer the heat sizzled my skin, the more the guilt of deceiving Alexios faded. It was just a job. There were far worse things done in the mob than spin a lie.

Still, my gaze roved about, seeking a sign of retribution. I didn’t find one. Instead, there was a sign above my head decorating the side of the bus stop. A red pirate flag with a skull and crossbones, and underneath was written #GoBucs.

Tampa, the city of pirates.

And there was mine, slamming on the brakes and launching from the white van.

“Took you long enough,” I called out in greeting, trying to keep my voice light and my words easy, though the truth was anything but. The way Markos nearly leapt from the van told me enough, and it sent a strange excitement through me.

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