by KC Kean
He clears his throat and I whip my eyes up to his, the grin on his lips tells me he caught what held my attention. Acehole.
Pulling my hand from my lap, he places it on the arm rest between us caressing my fingers and palms. God, I’ve missed this. We really need to get all of this shit under control, so we can spend more time caressing each other.
Taking a deep breath, I find the courage I need to ask him what I’ve been too distracted to think about.
“Hey, handsome?” I say, getting his attention, and the smile that plays on his lips at my nickname for him has me all fuzzy inside. “Can we talk about your tattoo?” I ask quietly.
“I’ve been preparing for this, Sakura. Whatever you want to talk about,” He murmurs calmly, but I can see the concern playing across his face.
“It’s just that with everything that happened with Veronica, and the shit that came after, I haven’t really processed the fact that my moon is on there too.”
His fingers grip mine as he searches my eyes. “Are you mad?” He whispers, and I shake my head.
“If it made me mad, Kai, I wouldn’t have done it. I just want to understand a little more, that’s all.”
He must be happy with that because I visibly see his shoulders relax.
“You're important to me, Sakura. I don’t know what that means right now, but you’ve changed everything. I have hope, for the future and for my sister, and I have happiness. I haven’t felt happiness in a very long time, and it’s all because of you.” The emotion swimming in his dark eyes floors me.
My pulse is throbbing so much I can hear it echo in my ears. Because of me? How did I do any of that? My mouth hangs open as I gape at him, he’s left me speechless and I don’t even know what to say.
I think my heart has stopped. Am I breathing?
He must be able to see my internal breakdown and brings his other hand to cup my face.
“I think your brain is short circuiting,” he mutters looking deep into my eyes. A giggle bubbles up out of me, from nowhere, surprising both of us.
“I just, I didn’t think it was possible for me to have that kind of effect on someone,” I murmur, saying exactly what’s on my mind. He gently kisses the corner of my mouth, his soft lips teasing mine.
“You're everything, Sakura.”
Something catches his eyes as he glances through my window, and I follow his line of sight. There’s a giant gazebo set up outside, between the two academic buildings. “I don’t know what’s going on,” he says, answering the unspoken question in my eyes, and I remember what Ian mentioned.
“Ian said the official announcement that The Games will begin on Monday is happening today. This may be for others to sign up, for those who aren’t required to participate but want to.” Why, I will never understand, but some people are just power hungry. Kai nods in understanding as Ian opens the door for us.
Stepping out of the car, Ian offers his umbrella to Kai who takes it, covering us both as we head for the others. As we near the gazebo I’m surprised to see a small podium with Barbette Dietrichson standing front and center ready to address the crowd. As all the other students stand gossiping in confusion, waiting for her to begin.
Her eyes instantly find me in the crowd, and she sneers at me openly, ruining whatever good looks she had going for her. I don’t hide the disgust from my face at the sight of her. I knew we’d gone too long without having to see her in person and hear her drone on. She’s got her hair scraped back in her classic botox look, as she stands in a bright red pant suit. Nothing has ever screamed cougar more than her right now. At least Rico isn’t with her too.
Red steps up beside me, with the rest of my Aceholes behind her each carrying their own umbrellas. The tap of a microphone gains everyone’s attention, forcing us to focus on Dietrichson.
“Good morning, my Featherstone students,” she greets the crowd with a fake ass smile on her face. “I’m ever so disappointed in the dull weather, especially on such a day for celebrations.” Of course she thinks this is a celebration.
I’ve already had enough of listening to her fake niceness. I know the real woman who I met the first day I showed up here, the power-crazy bitch who fumed at the fact I had a third bloodline. The one who apparently likes getting fucked by Rico, the king dildobasher. They really are made for each other.
Looking at Red to my right, she’s frowning at Dietrichson as she speaks, I’m glad it isn’t just me. At least I was able to warn Red this was coming, otherwise she’d be having a panic attack right now.
“I wanted to be the one to announce to you all that The Featherstone Games have been rescheduled for next week. Monday, November 2 to be precise, and I’m so excited for those of you who will participate.”
Holding her arms out wide she draws everyone’s attention to the tables set up around the edge of the sheltered space. Four white tables are decked out in full Featherstone Academy swag, each manned by a tutor with stacks of brochures and clipboards. I don’t see West, but I spot Penny, our business tutor, and Maverick. The other two I’m not familiar with. They clearly take this very seriously.
“As you are all well aware, any member of The Ring’s bloodlines will automatically be entered into The Games. Anyone else who wishes to participate may do so at their own risk. Surviving The Games will increase your reputation, and bloodline within the Featherstone foundation if you are not an Ace.”
Looking around at the crowd, there are actually a few of them eager for her to give the word, so they can sign up. I feel Kai’s hand rest on my back, and I look up at him. He rolls his eyes as if this is all boring to him, but I find it completely fascinating that people would choose to do this.
“Hearing her talk is like someone is using a cheese grater on my actual ear,” Red whispers, and I grin at the comparison. Dietrichson frowns at me, seeing the smirk on my face, but I don’t shy away. I make sure she sees my pearly whites as I smile wide, even giving her a little encouraging nod to continue.
Kai pinches my side, “You’ll be the death of me, Sakura,” he murmurs in my ear, and I turn my megawatt smile at him. He just shakes his head at me, like I’m Oscar or something. I’m not acting that crazy.
“You have until the end of the day to complete the forms to be entered into The Games. Any submissions after midnight tonight will not be counted. First lessons have been cancelled this morning to allow you enough time to complete the necessary forms.” Doing a final glance around the crowd, she claps her hands together. “I will be away on business for the rest of the week, so I wanted to wish you the best of luck.” She gets a sparkle in her eyes as she says, “Try not to die.” Offering me one more glare across the packed space, she is escorted to her car.
“Ace block, if you could come to my table, please. Anyone else wanting to participate go see one of the other tutors,” Maverick shouts loudly over the chatter around us.
Perfect. Now would be a great time to talk to Maverick about a favor I have. I step out of Kai’s space, without glancing at the others and make my way towards him. Once the guys notice where I’m heading they’ll be running in the opposite direction, trying to get as far away from Red as possible. They know the plan, and won’t want to be near when she gets mad.
“What are you doing, Luna?” Red asks, trying to keep pace with me. I don’t answer her because she’ll just say no, and that isn’t an option.
Coming around the side of the table to Maverick, he looks to me with a raised eyebrow, his green eyes filled with curiosity. Taking in his dark messy hair and his constant five o’clock shadow, I wonder if he even looks in the mirror before he leaves for the day, yet somehow it works for him.
“Hey, have you got a minute? I have a favor to ask.”
He glances between the two of us, and nods for me to carry on.
“I was wondering if Red could come and stay with you, while I’m in The Games?” There I said it. I don’t want to, I want her to be with me at all times but being in The Games would actually be wor
se than this.
“What?” They both say at the same time, like I’m crazy. I sigh as I look at Red.
“I need you to be somewhere safe, Jess. We both know the shit they like to pull. Maverick helped after The Pyramid, I trust him to keep you safe.” Her eyes search mine frantically, wanting to argue with me. She must see the determination in my eyes as she leans her head back sighing heavily.
“I’m sorry, Luna. I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Maverick finally says, and I spin my gaze to his.
“Oh.” Well I was expecting him to be helpful, but apparently I was wrong. “Okay, no worries then. I’ll speak to West instead.” Red’s hand is still in mine as I turn to go in search of West instead.
I’m surprised when a hand grabs my arm, stopping my movement.
Red looks all flustered, pink patches creeping slowly up her neck. Oops, clearly I should have mentioned this before now, but there hasn’t been much time between all the training.
Looking at the owner of the hand, I meet Maverick’s gaze.
“West? Why, West?” He asks, a frown taking over his face, as he moves closer to stand at the side of the table with us.
“Why not? I need someone I can trust enough to keep her safe. My first choice was you, but you said no.” His eyes burn holes in mine as he stares down at me. I feel Red’s hand squeeze mine in discomfort, and he finally releases my arm.
“I’m standing right here, Luna,” Red finally says, but neither of us take her on.
“So, what you're saying is, you trust me with Jess the most?” A grin slowly starts to take over his face, as he looks to Red beside me. I follow his line of sight, but she has her head down, blushing profusely. He’s starting to get on my nerves, and he’s making her embarrassed.
“Will you help or not?” I grunt out, fed up with wasting time.
“Yes. Yes, I will,” he says, standing taller and nodding his head a few times.
“Good. I’d rather she came to stay on Sunday after the Halloween party. I don’t know when they’re going to do the whole snatch and grab for The Games so I’d like to be prepared.” I look to Red whose face matches her nickname right now. She must be embarrassed but safety comes first. “Red, how about you give Maverick your number, that way it’ll be easier to work things out more specifically, and we can sort out getting some of your things over.”
She glares at me, as Maverick chuckles.
“Don’t worry I have her number… On file. On file, of course. We have all students’ cell numbers in your profiles. I’ll get it off there. Right?” He looks flustered too. I know I’m technically putting him out with my favor, but it’s not that crazy of a request.
“Right. Thank you, Maverick. Now, show me what I need to do with all this shit here,” I groan, waving my hand at the brochures and forms on the table.
One more thing ticked off my list, only a hundred more to go.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
(Kai)
By Saturday morning we’ve finally got a dry day. With the party tonight, and the uncertainty of when we will be taken for The Games, we decided to have our weekly diner breakfast today.
Sitting around the booth, it almost feels as though death isn’t waiting for us in less than forty-eight hours. Oscar and Jess are sitting to my right, bickering over some television program, while Luna is sandwiched between Roman and Parker across from me.
She looks relaxed as she listens contently to what Parker is saying. Her hair is up in a messy bun on the top of her head, and denim shorts with an off the shoulder pale pink top covering her frame. Not a spec of make-up on, and my Sakura looks stunning.
I can see Roman’s fingers trail patterns on the back of her neck as he listens to Parker too, who has his hand resting on the top of her thigh. They’re looking at her like she hung the moon, and I’m quite sure she did. She embraces all of them, all of us.
“So, I have all of our Halloween costumes back in my room. You can grab them when we get back,” Jess says, and we all stare at her confused with what she’s saying.
“I didn’t agree to any costume,” Roman grunts, not impressed by this idea.
“Roman, it’s Halloween!” Jess exclaims with a roll of her eyes. “Besides, costumes will be best for acting cool and blending in. Right, Luna?” She asks, looking directly at her and nodding her head frantically.
“Right?” Luna responds, but I think that was more of a question than Jess’. Pleased she was able to get her way, she rubs her hands together in glee. The rest of us aren’t really fussed. We would usually pour fake blood on our shirts and call it a day, but I’m open to seeing what she has in mind.
“Do you want to know what your outfit is, or do you want it to be a surprise?” Glancing around at the rest of us, she’s not impressed that no one jumps at the chance to learn more. “Fine. Suit yourselves, surprise it is.” She sticks her tongue out at us, and goes back to finishing the pancakes in front of her.
I feel a hand rest on top of mine on the table, pulling my gaze to the left. Turning my head I instantly meet Luna’s eyes, and I let myself get lost in them for a moment. I spend every minute of the day observing what is going on around me, but none of that matters when I see the sparkle of her deep green eyes, and the way the left side of her lip always quirks up when she first looks at me.
“Are you okay, handsome? I know you’re Mr. Quiet and Observant, but it feels like more than that today,” she says, her eyes full of concern. I place my other hand on top of hers as I offer her a gentle smile.
“I’m absolutely fine, Sakura. I’m just running through all the scenarios we face, that’s all.”
Her pretty green eyes dim a little, fully understanding that everything is about to be turned upside down. Sometimes, it’s hard to remember that we’re only eighteen, well now I’m nineteen. As much as I want to join in with everyone having fun, enjoying the moment and not worrying about the future, I can’t help it. It’s not how my brain works, but I know she understands that.
Her phone vibrates on the table in front of us, and before she can reach to answer it, Oscar beats her to it.
“Hello, Luna’s sex line. Ozzie the big-dicked Otter speaking, how may I help you?”
The booth is thrown into stunned silence at his straight face. He said all that with the most serious look I think I’ve ever seen on his face. The rest of us burst into a fit of laughter, including Luna.
“Yep. Yeah. Alright. Give us one hour, we’ve nearly finished filming the reverse cowgirl scene. Chow.”
Luna tries to reach over the table for the phone, but Oscar is too quick. She looks at Jess for help, who is doubled over in a fit of giggles. Even Parker and Roman are swiping at their faces, as tears build in their eyes with laughter. She glares at me, expecting me to be the serious one, but I can’t clear my throat properly without chuckling again.
“Oscar, who was that?” She cries out, still trying to reach for the phone.
“Chill out, baby girl. It was Trudy, she’s got a space set up and ready for you.” She shakes her head at him, glaring for the phone to be passed back. As Oscar finally starts to hand it over to her, it rings again. The grin on his face tells us exactly what he’s going to do.
“Big mouth! No, Oscar!” Luna shouts as we all continue to laugh.
“Hello, Luna’s sex line. Roman the Rampant Rabbit speaking, how may I service you?”
Oh god. I feel like I can’t breathe I'm laughing so hard, while Roman’s head is thrown back as his deep chuckle fills the whole diner. Other people in the diner are really staring at us now, but we don’t care, unable to control our reaction to his silliness.
“Yes. Of course. I’ll pass the message on.” Oscar’s voice becomes serious as he glances around the table. “Yes, sir. Five minutes. Bye now.”
No one is laughing now, worried with the drastic change in Oscar.
“Oscar, who was that?” Luna murmurs, as worry sets in. He scrubs the back of his neck as he looks at her.
“Oh,
nothing to worry about, baby girl. That was Rafe. He said for you to call him back when Roman the Rampant Rabbit has put his micro penis away,” he cries out. His voice gets louder towards the end, as his palm slaps the table over and over again. None of us will ever truly know if that’s what Rafe actually said...
“Fuck off, Oscar,” Roman grumbles, but he still has a smile on his face. Eventually Oscar passes the phone back to Luna, and we are all calm enough to settle the bill. Heading out to where the truck and bikes are parked, Luna threads her arm through mine. Offering a gentle squeeze before looking up at me.
“When we get back, would you mind helping me set the space up at the party?” I nod in response, pleased to spend whatever time I can with her.
“Of course, Sakura. I’ll bring a few cameras for around the rest of the party too,” I offer, and she smiles up at me.
I’d agree to anything for a glimpse of that smile.
*****
After we leave the others back at Ace, we grab the case Luna prepared for tonight with my duffel bag, and we have Ian drive us over to the gazebos that the Byrne’s have set up.
The color coding for the tents is always the same so I know to head for the red tent. Luna somehow convinced the guys that we didn’t all need to go. Likely because she didn’t want to deal with Roman and Aiden at each other’s throats for the next hour. I would have to agree.
Lacing my fingers through Luna’s, I lift my duffel bag over my shoulder, and pull the case behind me in my other hand. Security is already scoping out the place, and manning the restricted areas even though the party doesn’t start for another six hours.
Someone must have put the word out, because as we near the entry curtain the guy pulls it to one side to let us in without speaking a word. It’s strange being in here without the music on, and without the giant orgy taking up the main space like it usually does.
“I have no idea where we are supposed to go from here, handsome,” Luna murmurs beside me, as she too takes in the space around us.