Page 116 of Insatiable

“What do you need to do for them?”

“Manipardodseksamunnavei,laiaizsargatuvisus,kurusmilu.”

Kade leans into me more, raising his other hand between us to tuck another strand of hair behind my ear. I tilt my head, utterly confused by whatever language he’s speaking.

He licks his lips. “Tajaskaitajus,vasarasraibumi.”

“You’re speaking in a different language again…”

“Latvian, from when I was sent there for six months. I know four languages. Not well, but I’m working on them. It comes with the job.”

I tilt my head. “What does it mean?”

He half-smiles, backing away from me, his hands leaving me until I have enough room to breathe. He opens the door and pauses. “I hope you never find out.”

29

KADE

FLASHBACK 6

HowLuciellahas talked me into coming to a nightclub in America is beyond me, yet here I am, sitting at the bar while she has a full-blown conversation aboutbiosynthesis.

Here, I’m technically underage but Base got us fake IDs last year and they’ve somehow worked a treat.

I’m three beers down, and she’s still talking to the girl.

“Oh! This is my brother.” She shoves me towards her. “Kade, this isAnnika.”

I tip my beer to her. “Howdy.” Then turn to the side and lean on the bar.

Luciellanudges me with her elbow asblondiesmiles and goes to walk away. “Talk to her, you idiot!”

I chuckle. “There’s no chance I’m letting my sisterwingmanme.”

“You’re annoying,” she replies before asking the bartender for another glass of Coke. “Base is an hour away. He came over in his jet with his grandfather and two of his guards for some meeting. He said he’d come see us.”

“Is that why you wanted to come here and made an effort with your hair?”

“I always make an effort!”

I snort out a laugh. “Your denial is far too obvious. I’m going for a smoke. Come with me.”

“No,” she replies, turning toAnnika. “I’ll stay here.”

“Don’t go anywhere,” I warn.

As soon as I get outside, the coldness hits me, and I light up a cigarette. Music blasts, and I get a weird feeling, so I textLuciellaand tell her to come outside and stand with me.

Luciella: Stop being overbearing. I’m fine.

Me: If someone kidnaps you, I’m not coming to look for you.

Luciella: It would be a blessing if someone kidnapped me away from you.

My eyes land on a message fromTylar. I don’t remember having her number.

TylarSpence: It’s Stacey. Are you free to talk?

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