Page 23 of The Loathing

“I’m sure you’ll be able to get some sort of…” He stops, rolling his lips as he thinks his next words carefully, “release while you’re over there.”

“Hmm, I’m not so sure about that. I honestly don’t think Xavier will let me out of his sights. I’m there to keep watch on Amora, like twenty-four-seven… I’ll probably have to piss myself because I won’t be allowed a bathroom break,” I laugh loudly but from what I have heard about Xavier, it wouldn’t be out of the realms for him.

Nate stops outside Apple and I take a few steps forward before realizing.

“Need something?”

Nate shuffles awkwardly on his feet, pushing his hand through his hair as he looks over his shoulder.

“Just need to go and sort some bits out,” he nods firmly, giving me a small smile.

“Okay man,” I smile back when Nate holds his hand out for me to take. Clasping my hand round his, I give him a firm shake.

“I’ll see you soon, then.”

I give him a curt nod as I drop my hand from his. I turn and begin to walk away when he calls out my name.

“Yeah?”

“I’ll keep an eye on Arizona for you,” he nods, and I smile.

“Thank you,” I shout back, his arm lifting as he holds his hand up. I inhale deeply and keep walking until I reach the barbers. Time for a new style.

CHAPTER NINE

AMORA

Walking through the gardens, I sigh when I reach the boat lake. The still water covering me in a blanket of calmness. The spring air still has a bite to it, but the wind feels warm on my skin as it dances through my hair. I close my eyes and let my head tip back as I lose myself for just a moment. My last day of freedom because my father got caught up in something he shouldn’t have.

He told us he retired.

Told us that he was done in that world until that world caught up with him.

One. Last. Time.

He messed with the wrong family. I have no idea how it happened, but it did. And now I have to pay the consequences.

Lowering myself down, I sit on the edge of the decked, wooden pier and let my legs hang over the edge, my toes dipping into the cool water.

I feel myself relax when I hear the leaves rustling in the wind, the birds soft chirps singing as the warm sun beats down on my pale and pasty skin. If it was any warmer, I would burn. Me and my pale skin do not fare well in the summer.

Soft footsteps approach and I furrow my brow. I know they’re not my father’s. He has never been quiet and cautious in his life.

I don’t open my eyes, not wanting this moment ruined.

“Hey baby,” my mother’s soft voice brushes over my skin and my lips turn at the corner slightly into a smile. Still, my eyes stay closed.

“Hey,” and I can’t stop the heavy breath that leaves me.

“That’s a big sigh,” she says softly as she sits down next to me, her hand on my thigh as she gives a gently squeeze through my jeans.

“I miss life when it was just…”

“Simple?” I feel my mother’s shoulder knock into mine and I laugh softly.

“Yeah,” I whisper, letting my head fall forward, my eyes locked on my hands that are placed in my lap.

“Life is never simple when it comes to your father,” she smirks, letting her own feet slip into the cool water.

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