Page 81 of Pain and Possession

I barely catch Buffy's head lower as he clenches the controller so tightly it makes a faint cracking sound.

"You too. It's not your fault."

He gives me a weak smile, "It's a mistake we won't make again ma'am."

Ma'am?

"Olive."

The next smile seems more genuine than the first as Kurt leans in closer, "You smell just as nice as you look."

The thud and tumble of a controller bouncing off the back of his skull makes me laugh. My laughter feels wrong, like a betrayal at a time like this. I step away, silently cursing myself for being so fucking emotional in the first place. I'm not sure at what point I started caring so deeply for these people. All I know is that I do, and I don't want them to feel guilty for anything. Certainly not on my account. Buffy glances at the clock hanging above the large flat screen, "We've got half an hour to make an hour long drive if we're going to get there in time." With that we head down the hall towards the garage. Me flanked by them as they tower behind me. Two men that have killed and maimed countless. Two men I consider to be my friends. I'm glad I met them. All of them. No matter the outcome.

I'm just as fucked up as they are and I'm okay with that.

Chapter twenty

Plan C

Go to War by Nothing More

Myheartpoundsuncomfortablyin my chest as we pull up in front of the most obnoxiously large mansion I have ever seen. The marble pillars and perfectly polished steps make my stomach churn, for people who are basically bankrupt they sure hide it well.

"Ready to piss off the most dangerous man on the East Coast Liv?" The corner of my mouth pulls up slightly at the new nickname I've been given by the pair.

"Ready."

They both get out of the front, quickly rounding the SUV to open my door. Kurt smiles wildly, unable to hide his nervous excitement. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't wearing off on me. It's the same exhilarating feeling I got as I clung to Noè on the back of his bike. It sets my body on fire and I could not care less if that flame ever burns out. A valet scurries over taking the keys from Buffy his eyes glued to the ground, probably scared to remember too many faces. The large heavily tattooed man seems to Lord over him, no hint of his fluffy kind center.

I frown as they once again flank me, "You both should leave before he sees you. I've got it from here."

Liar you don't even have a game plan if you can't find Noè or Hock.

Kurt scoffs, "And miss out on the fun? Hard pass."

"What he means is your family, and there's no fucking way we'd leave you here alone." I glance behind me, meeting their warm smiles. Not missing the intensity in their eyes, the weight behind those words sinks into my heart like a vow. These men would die for me, fight for their family. They're willing to defy Noè so I can be here. To do what exactly?

Why am I here?

Revenge?

To support Noè?

To prove a point?

Because I desperately want to be accepted by a group of people I vowed to hate. I can't even pinpoint the exact moment that changed. The exact moment I decided I would die forhim.For all of them.

The moment I became an Arcuri.

As we reach the top of the white marble staircase a large room opens up, guests elegantly dressed filter through two large white doors with shining gold fittings. The music blares louder as the doors open. My eyes frantically searching for Noè before a large arm jerks out in front of me connecting with my chest, making the men at my sides tense, "Name?"

Fuck fuck fucking fuckhole.

"Touch her again and my pretty face will be the last thing you see." Buffy warns as they step closer to me, their chests nearly brushing my back. I hold out my hand halfway surprised it stops them.

"Mrs. Arcuri." I funnel all my confidence into my voice as the men halting my entry stare me down. Their sharks and I just stepped into the water with a fresh cut. They want a sign of weakness, but I'll give them none. Quickly crossing my arms to hide the shaking in my hands. Not with fear, but the excitement of saying that name. The man and the power that it holds sets my body on fire. The doors flash open again, exposing the large ballroom and a portion of its guests. None of them the one I want to see.

"I have no Mrs. Arcuri on the list." He spits out, apparently settling on aggression immediately.

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