Page 67 of F*ck Steal Kill

“At least wiping the rooms should be easier since we have professionals,” Max chirped as everyone stood.

“Just for that, I should make you clean the toilets,” Lacey teased, tossing her arm around his shoulder as she pulled him with her.

Joy bounced over to Quentin, swaying back and forth as she smiled at him. He lifted one eyebrow at her, and she kept grinning like he was her new favorite toy. His face softened eventually; no one was immune to Joy’s energy.

I was almost sad I had to leave with Grady, curious to see how my friends played out with my lovers. To be a fly on those walls!

But that piece of me that had slowly been unraveling inside was eager to get some time alone with Grady. He nodded toward the inner door, stepping through before I could say anything. I met Q’s eyes before I followed, and he nodded, saying so much with the simple act.

You did well. Be careful. Don’t give Grady too hard of a time.

Smirking, I waved my fingers and hoped he also got my message.

I’ll try my best, but no promises.

Poking Grady was my favorite hobby, and it would only end one of two ways. With us hot and sweaty between the sheets or at war with one another.

It was a toss-up which one sounded more enticing to me at the moment. Something about fighting with the man really got my engine going.

The three guys on their team were all different, attracting me in various ways.

Quentin challenged me, meeting my strength with his own and showing me I could relax in his.

Max softened me, reminding me that there was still good in the world and to cherish it.

And well, Grady, he was showing me that my darkness wasn’t anything to be scared of, and if anything, he would meet me in the shadows.

CHAPTER 24

AVA SAVAGE

Pressing myself into the corner of my room, I covered my head at the sounds outside. Something crashed close by as my father’s yells escalated, hooting and laughter following. My body shook as I tried to make myself as small as possible. There wasn’t much I could do, considering my door was locked from the outside, the alarm system was armed, and guards stood sentry at every exit. I just had to pray they wouldn’t let anyone in, even my father.

I’d learned early on that if I hid, it made my father’s punishment worse, so I didn’t try now. But there was something about self-preservation that wouldn’t let me stay in my bed, waiting. So I huddled into the corner, the shadows covering me and giving me the illusion of protection.

The lock clicked in the door, the only warning I got before it crept open. Though the fact it wasn’t flung, slamming against the wall that stopped me from jumping up. It wasn’t Papi.

Could it be? Had the XOXO killer finally responded?

“Ava?” a voice whispered, their steps soft against the carpet. “Angel?”

Sucking in a breath, I leaned forward, bringing my upper body out of the shadows. “Lukas?”

He turned at my voice, a smile breaking free as he spotted me. His long, dark hair was gone, shorn close to his head in the standard buzz cut of the newest members. Tears pricked my eyes at that, hating that he was as stuck in this place as I was.

With a few steps, he crouched before me, his hand hovering out in front of him as he debated whether he should touch me. Leaning my cheek into his palm, I closed my eyes at the contact. It was so simple, but it was the first non-violent touch I’d felt in almost two weeks. The tears I’d been holding fell down my cheek silently, hitting his hand before I could stop them.

“Shh, Ava, don’t cry. Please, Angel.”

“Oh, Lukas.”

Before I could stop myself, I launched into his arms, wrapping my arms and legs around him. He fell back from his crouch position onto his butt, his arms clinging to me just as fiercely. I kissed his neck, needing that bit of affection to remind me there were still good things in the world.

And Lukas was all good.

A small groan left him as my lips touched, and his arms tightened around me. My hands swept over his hair, leaning back to stare into his familiar eyes.

“I hate what my father’s done to you.” I frowned, wishing we’d been born into a different family.

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