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Sam doesn’t even move when his name is mentioned. He stays his stoic self.
Bianco laughs loudly and slaps a hand on the table playfully but hard, making Rose jump in her seat. “You fear nothing son, that’s why I trust you.”
I look at Rose again and that’s when I see it. For a second I’m not sure if I made it up but when she readjusts her right hand holding her head, I see it clearly, the purple bruise on her wrist. Her oversized hoodie hides her arm, and I don’t know how far it goes but what I’ve seen is enough. We’re leaving, I’m done. I take a few steps further in the room and stand by the other end of the table.
“We’re leaving,” I say in a voice of steel.
Everyone suddenly turns my way, even Sam. I can hear Nate’s thoughts in his eyes; ‘I told you to let me do the talking’. I don’t give a shit, I have no doubt he’s seen the same bruise I have since he’s sitting right opposite her. Fucking bastard. This time, Bianco raises a brow at me, and I stare back at him, giving him my strongest face. I’m not your foster kid anymore, you can’t do shit. All he can do is kill me, which I know he won’t because he knows Ozy would never forgive him, and he cares what she thinks of him.
“Nate, tell your brother to sit down,” Bianco orders his right-hand man, his eyes piercing through me.
Nate insists with a look and I know I have to sit down but can’t get myself to. I’m still weighing if I should listen to them and do this the peaceful way or if it’s about time I fuck Bianco’s face up.
I take too long to decide though, one look from Mateo behind me and I recognize the sound of guns cocking. I turn around and watch two guards settle by the door. Fuck. The bastard has no limits when it comes to keeping his favorite close to him.
I run a hand in my hair and take a seat. But I have to make a point, so I sit on the opposite end of the table, at the head, like him. A smile tugs at Bianco’s lips and he turns to Nate again.
“Who’s raising him now, huh? Where’s the respect?”
Nate shakes his head, unimpressed.
“What’s this?” I quip. “Big family reunion?”
My statement makes Bianco chuckle, and Nate throws me the darkest looks. He’s hating that I’m not folding like all of them expect me to.
They don’t know me anymore. Not even a little bit. That kid that used to do everything he was told because he was scared to death, he’s gone. The teenager that followed every order thinking they would hurt him and his twin. Gone. The only one left is the cold-hearted bastard in control of every single thing in his life.
“How’s life been treating you, Jake?” Bianco asks as if he is truly interested.
It’s been good, Mateo. I have foster parents who love me. I’ve fucked countless girls. I’m on my way to an Ivy League college and, most of all, I’ve met Jamie.
Jamie.
I need to get back to her, like, last night.
“None of your business,” I reply without an ounce of feeling in my voice.
I could use a cigarette right now. Or a joint. I don’t smoke half as much as Ozy does, but I need something to take the edge off.
“Something’s wrong with you, son.” Hearing this word coming out of his mouth twists my stomach. I feel so fucking sick and I know my control is slipping, stirring burning rage inside me.
“Wrong?” I smile a wide grin. “I’ve never been better.”
I lay back in my seat to act relaxed, but I need a fucking drink to stop my heart from hammering in my ears. I want to look at Ozy but I can’t look away from him. I can’t show weakness, he’ll feed on it.
“You’re not scared anymore. That’s what’s wrong with you. It’s going to get you in trouble.” He gives me a sardonic smirk and points at what I can only imagine is now a black eye on my face. “Seems it already has.”
I chuckle to pretend he’s wrong. “Like Nate said, disagreement.”
Bianco nods slowly showing he understands. “That disagreement had anything to do with the gorgeous creature who was waiting for you two at the station?” He grins as he says this like he’s got both of us all figured out.
He does have us figured out because he raised us, and there’s nothing I can do about that.
“Did you have anything to talk about?” I ask, avoiding his last question. “I don’t get what we’re doing here. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t care, but I’d love it if you could get your bitches out of the way so I can go back to my parents.”
I never call the Murrays my parents, they’re not, but it’s time to hit Bianco where it hurts. His face goes from mocking to a deep scowl, and I can’t help thinking I’ve won this round.
“The Murray’s aren’t your parents, Jake. You’re a White and you don’t just get to leave because some lonely wealthy couple is guarding you. We’re not some bullshit street gang, we’re a family, there’s no way out of that, and your real family needs you.”
