Page 100 of Madness & Mayhem

I clear my throat, wishing I could slice his throat so he’d stop talking. “Work.”

He nods, letting out a little hum as he stops at apartment five hundred two. Shoving the key in, he twists it and turns the nob. “What do you do for work?”

I swallow over the irritation. Enough with the fucking questions.

“I’m in finance.” I guess it’s legit. I do things for money. Nothing is legal, but I still work for money. Whatever.

He glances at me, a smirk on his face. “Good. A stable career. I like that in a tenant.”

I nod, saying nothing.

The apartment is bright. Brighter than I particularly like, but I’m sure Lakyn would enjoy it. She likes brightness, openness. All of what this place is. An open-floor plan. Right from when I open up the front door, you can see the living room, dining, and kitchen. All elegant, light versus dark colors. Dark cabinetry against light counters. Large windows that overlook the city.

It’s nice.

“I’ll take it,” I say from the front door.

He pauses near the kitchen, shoving his hands into his pockets as he spins on his expensive leather shoes. He turns around, barking out a chuckle. “Are you sure? You’ve barely had a look.”

“I’m sure. It’s perfect. What do I need to sign?”

Pulling up in front of the motel, my shoulders relax slightly when I see it not flooded with police officers.

I step out of the Jeep Wagoneer, stepping toward our room. Before I can even knock I can hear the chain release and the door swings open, Lakyn standing there.

She reaches out, grabbing me by the arm and pulling me inside. She slams the door closed, and as the wood rattles against the frame, she throws her arms around me, pulling me tight against her.

“Fuck, why did you take so long?” she cries out. Her arms go to my chest, and she shoves me against the door. “I thought something happened to you!” she shouts.

I slam my palm against her lips, shutting her up. “Quiet down, Lakyn,” I growl. My hand goes to my pocket, and I dig out the key. My finger goes through the loop on the chain, and I let it rock back and forth in front of her eyes.

Her eyes widen slightly, and she reaches out, grabbing onto the two small keys. “You got it?”

I smile at her. “I got it.”

“Does this mean we can get out of here? This place smells like burnt carpet,” Posie grumbles from on top of the bed.

I glance around the small motel room, nothing more than a box the five of us have been caged in. Just another stop in our journey.

“Yeah, Posie. Time to go.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Posie whispers as she walks inside the new apartment. She drops her bag, toeing off her shoes as she walks toward the kitchen.

“Damn, this place is nice.” Kyler doesn’t even bother taking off his shoes as he walks straight inside.

“Wow,” Lakyn whispers, stepping up beside me. “This place is amazing, Reign. Good pick.”

I nod, taking her backpack and setting it up against the wall. My fingers slide around her jaw, and I give her a nudge until she’s in front of me. Her cheeks and nose are a bit rosy, her skin cold to touch, yet I can feel the warmth in her blood. So much has happened over the course of the last few days, and she has been strong throughout all of it, never saying she can’t do it anymore. Never giving up.

She’s strong. Stronger than I ever realized.

“I’m proud of you, baby Lake,” I whisper.

The corner of her mouth lifts slightly. “Why is that?”

“Because even if you want to give up, you never do. You’ve walked through snow and blood, pain, cold, sweat, and tears, and you’re standing here with a fucking smile on your face, Lakyn. Remember when I called you that diamond?” She nods softly. “You’re more than a diamond, baby. You’re more than a fucking queen. You’re more than a warrior, or a murderer. You’re mine, Lakyn, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life showing you how damn amazing you are.”

A tear leaks from her eye, tracking down her cheek. I lift it once it reaches her chin, swiping it away.

---