Page 50 of Depraved Royals
I’ll let her have that one. After all, I’m talking about her father, and a few weeks ago, I’d have fucked up anyone who said what I said just now.
“Idina is a difficult person, Kal, but she’s all I have. I can’t allow myself to think too badly of her, or I’ll have to face up to things I can’t fucking cope with. What then?”
She sounds tired and somehow younger, her tone lacking its usual bite. I’m overwhelmed by sadness.
I wish so much that Vera and I were different people. Better people. But we’re not. If I tried to hug her now, she’d think I was attacking her and claw my eyes out.
“Go away, Vera,” I say. “Tell Idina whatever you like, but the Pushkin Bratva will be mine. It’s just gonna take a little longer. But we don’t have to risk my and everyone else’s lives to recover what we lost.”
“Whatever you say.” Vera drops her cigarette, grinding it with her heel. “But Idina’s got Simeon in her ear, looking for his chance to shine. You better get your fucking act together before that pretty little whore of yours ends up dead.”
I walk away towards the 7-Eleven. As I enter the store, I look over my shoulder. My sister crosses the road, heading around the corner and out of sight.
* * *
I find the tea easily. I pick up some gingerbread cookies and Gatorade, staring into space as the shop girl rings it up.
I have to tell Dani and her family the truth.
The danger is still there, and it’s because of me.
All my lies became truths as time went on, but the way it began was ugly and sick. How can I live with myself if I don’t come clean and beg forgiveness?
Idina deserves the truth, too. She’s getting at least some of what she wanted. And she does love me in her way. She will understand, and if she can see what I see, she may learn and heal too.
I’ve never had anything to hope for before now. But my new family is the route to my redemption.
* * *
“Why didn’t she fucking wait for me? I would have gone with her.”
Pippa looks at me like I’ve grown another head.
“What the fuck is the matter with you? She went to get more paint from the art supply place. And besides,” Pippa sneers at me, “she doesn’t answer toyou. You’re her fiancé, not her jailer.”
“I’m also supposed to be keeping her safe.”
“From what?” Pippa says, gesturing around the room. “Dust bunnies? I thought all your stupid mafia feuding was over now.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” I snarl. I throw the groceries onto the floor, running back outside.
She’s gonna be okay. Just call her.
I call Dani The line rings and rings, but she doesn’t pick up.
When I try a second time, it goes straight to voicemail. I wait for the beep.
“Dani,” I say, walking fast along the sidewalk, “where the fuck are you? You can’t just do whatever you want. Call me backnow.”
I’m getting into the car as my phone vibrates in my pocket. I snatch it out, answering it as I slam the car door.
“Simeon! Where the fuck is she?”
I can hear the mirth in my brother’s voice. “So it’s true. You sold us out for that Pushkin slut. If you had to betray your own family, couldn’t you have done it without your cock hanging out?”
“If you hurt her, I’ll kill you.”
“Oh, like you did to poor old Vito Serra?” Simeon says. “The dirty bastard just wanted to fuck your precious girl’s whore mouth. Is that such a crime? But you had to kill him by throwing him off a fucking balcony. It’s a miracle no one else was injured.”