“You want me to be one of your artists?”
“Why not? I pay off your debts, and you sell your soul to me instead of some drug lord cunt. Sounds like a pretty winning deal, if you ask me.”
I sit back, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’ll think about it.”
His eyes widen in shock. “You’ll think about it?” What the fuck is there to think about?”
“Maybe I wanted to be a stripper, did you ever think about that?”
“Does anyone ever really want to be a stripper?” he asks so seriously it makes me want to burst into laughter. “You’re not stripping, Kas. No fucking way.”
“Jesus, you two are a pain in my arse.”
“I’m your big brother, it comes with the territory. Just ask Danni.”
“Great.”
“I need you to do three things for me.”
“Go on,” I say hesitantly.
“Tell me how much you need.” I roll my eyes, but he continues nonetheless. “Do as you’re fucking told so you don’t end up in a worse state.”
“Sure thing, Dad.”
Zach’s teeth grind at my sarcasm.
“And?”
“Don’t fuck Spike. I’d hate to have to kill him for touching you.”
I swallow nervously, but thankfully he’s too busy pushing from the sofa to notice my reaction to his words.
“Zach, I really don’t need—”
“Stop being so fucking independent and accept some help, Kas. Just this once. I can make this go away, so let me.”
“Fine. I need fifty G.”
“Fuck me, Kas. What was she snorting, gold?”
“He’s a businessman. He knew no one else would supply her with what she needed, so he tripled the price.”
“I’m assuming you need cash?”
“I’m not sure any banks dish out business accounts to drug dealers and gangsters.”
“Smart arse. I’ll get it as soon as I can, then you’ll tell me where to meet this motherfucker and we’ll get it sorted.”
“You’re not meeting him,” I say in a rush. “I’ll do it. I’m not dragging you into this any more than necessary.”
Zach stares at me for a beat, clearly not happy about my suggestion, but eventually, he lets it go—for now, at least.
“We’ll talk about it once I’ve got the money. Come here.” He reaches out for me and pulls me into his arms. Unable to resist, I wrap my arms around his waist. “We’ll sort this, Kas. You’re not alone now, okay?”
I nod against his chest. “T-thank you.”
“It’s what I’m here for, kid. I’ll see what I can sort out for a place for you to stay, too.”
“No, Zach. You’re already doing enough. I’m okay here.” As soon as the words leave my lips, reality hits me. Spike probably needs a paying housemate, not a scrounger. “Actually, yeah, that would be great. But the cheapest you can find, yeah?”
“We’ll see.” He winks as he steps back. “Call me if you need me. I’m only at the other end of the phone, okay?”
“Sure,” I agree, although I have no intention of putting anything else on his shoulders. I didn’t even want him having to deal with this.
He walks toward the front door, but before he opens it, he turns and looks down the hallway.
“I’m out, Spike. Sorry for the nose, but take it as a warning. Do not touch my fucking sister.” With his warning hanging in the air around us, he pulls the door open and disappears. I quickly close it behind him and lock it.
14
Spike
I don’t look over as my bedroom door opens. I was expecting her, although that doesn’t mean I know what to say as she stands there, still dressed in only my t-shirt and waiting for me to respond.
This morning has been fucked up beyond belief.
When I said to her last night that everything would change again today, that wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.
My face aches from where he hit me, and my skin burns as her stare continues.
I can’t look at her. I can’t see the concern that I know is going to be written all over her face. I lied to one of my best friends because of her. Guilt eats at me and swirls around in my gut like an angry tornado. I should have told Zach the truth. But what good would have come of it? a little voice says. There won’t be a repeat, so just forget it ever happened.
“Spike?”
“Leave me alone, Kas.”
“W-what?” she stutters, like she might have misheard me.
“You heard me. Shut the door and walk away.” My voice is cold, harsh, and I hate it, but it’s what needs to happen.
“But—”
“There’s no but, Kas. I told you that last night was a one-off. A mistake that never should have happened. An error in judgement. It’s best if you forget it happened and just focus on your life.”
“An error in judgement?” she asks, an astonished laugh falling from her. “You seemed pretty invested for an error in judgement.”
“We all make mistakes, kid.” She gasps at the word. I know how much she hates any reference to her being young and naïve. I understand it, but I need her to back off right now so I’m more than willing to use it.
“What if I can’t forget, Spike? What then?” she asks, her voice more hesitant than a few moments ago.
“You don’t have a choice. Close the door on your way out.”
An unbearable tension fills the room as she continues to stare, and I fight like hell not to look back at her.
I might have been getting beat on by Zach, but that didn’t mean I missed how fucking hot she looked when she emerged with her messed up bed hair and my shirt skimming her thighs.
“Fine,” she huffs after long, uncomfortable seconds, “but this isn’t over,” she warns, finally slamming the door and leaving me to my misery.
Seconds later, hers slams so loud that the entire flat vibrates with the force.
I can’t lie here long, I need to get myself patched up and head to work. Lifting my hand, I rub my thumb over the split in my lip. It’s
