"I'l come up with something." I say to Ivan as we step outside. Probably to convince myself.
"I know you will, babe." He opens the passenger door and helps me in before going to the driver's side.
I have given everythingI have to keep this crew in power. I have spent days and nights scheming to keep NSC weak enough so that they would never try to take over. So where the fuck did Emma get the courage to fight against me?
My phone rings as we drive through the dilapidated streets of North Shore. An unknown number.
I've had an unknown number try to call me every few days for months, but I haven't picked up. Unknown never means anything good, and they haven't left a message. But maybe I should get it over with.
Just as I'm about to pick up, Ivan snatches it.
"Ivan," I groan, "I know you're trying to be helpful right now. But this is my job. I need to handle this situation."
He shakes his head. "You need a minute to calm down so you can think clearer. Stop answering your phone for half an hour at least, then we'll see."
I let my head fall against the seat and allow my boyfriend to drive me around for what feels like hours, but I suppose isn't long at all. He parks in front of a convenience store and turns to face me.
"I'm going to get you a cherry soda because you like unhealthy shit like that in the morning You wait here and don't check your messages." He's about to open the door, when he stops and brings playfully narrowed eyes to mine. "Do I need to take that?"
I snort, shaking my head, because I'm surprised he can still bring a smile to my face. "Promise I won't check my phone."
My fingers twitch to grab the device in the back seat as I watch Ivan walk into the store, but I decide to close my eyes and ignore reality for a second.
That's until the driver 's door opens again.
That was quick.
Too quick.
My eyes fly open just as the sound of the backdoors being opened kicks my heart into a crazy beat.
I sit up straight, but I keep my cool as I observe Logan making himself comfortable in my car. He's slowly becoming Emma's right-hand, and I don't think I want to know why he's here.
Gaze flicking to the mirror, I catch the two people sitting in the back I've already seen the last man blocking my door from the outside.
"Awesome," I huff.
If I dei surrounded by NSC because my boyfriend wanted to help me get my favorite drink instead of allowing me handle my shit...Fuck. I would haunt Ivan forever.
My eyes keep going to the glove compartment where I keep a gun I have one at the back of my jeans too, but I don't think I'll be quick enough since one of the guys is already pointing his at my head.
Way too fucking close for my liking.
The muzzle grazes my temple, and I lock my muscles not to flinch away from it. NSC will have to try harder if they want to see me scared.
What the hell did they think I've been through to earn the position of leader of the Kings? Knit my daddy little cute mittens? I've been through hell to earn my place. A bit of intimidation from these guys isn't even purgatory.
Logan leans close to me, observing my face like I'm some fucking abstract painting or something.
"Your boyfriend is going to get jealous if you get any closer," I tell him "How's Racer, anyway? No concussion, I hope, since he got knocked out while you were robbing us."
Logan and Racer were with Emma when they stole the money we'd robbed from the bank. Elliot's stepbrother, Ethan, knocked him out cold the second he could. It was a while ago, but I like reminding him.
lgnoring my attempt at taunting him, he presses his index finger against the tattoo on my face.
"Hell," he reads out and then hums to himself. "I've always wanted to see this thing from up close." He leaned back in his seat, finally leaving my face aloke. "Crazy how hard it is to be so close to you."
"Yet here you are."
He nods slowly. "Ive been trying to get you alone for a few weeks. That boyfriend of yours never leaves your side."
I fake a smile. "Love, what can I say?"
"Sure," he snorts. "You're Kayla, the ruthless King. You wouldn't know what love is if it hit you right in the face."
I look around the car, at the two men behind me, and the back of the one leaning against ny door.
"Are you here to talk about my boring love life, or is there something else you want?"
He changes topic quickly, hoping to shock me. "Ashley's brothers are dead. They followed our guys who robbed their repair shop. Ran right into our ambush. Supid move, really."
I nod as my stomach tightens, already wondering bow I'm going to break the news to Ashley without telling her I told you so. People piss me off when they don't listen to me.
"Not their smartest move," I agree.
"Emma thinks it's time you two meet to talk about the fuure of the North Shore."
I keep ny face straight even though I'm not even looking at him. "Of course. That's the next step in her little plan isn't it? Try to get me to agree to a fight in the Death Cage."
Our gazes cross when I feel him tense. "My idea was to kill you It would solve a lot of our problems." His nostrils flare from fury, and I don't blame him.
Men in my crew–Ethan and Elliot, to be precise killed his best friend last year. Logan has a personal vendetta against the Kings.
Revenge mmkes you stupid, volatile. It makes you unable to think straight. This is business. Plain and simple. He's too dumb.
He looks away. "But Emma's the boss. So she's extending an invitation to her house. Today."
We both watch as Ivan walks out of the convenience store. His eyes widen, his hand automatically going to the back of his jeans.
I shake my head and lift a hand to stop him as I turn to Logan. "I'll be there sometime this afternoon."
"He's not invited, by the way." Logan nods once, stiffly, and calls his guys to all get out of the car.
Just like that, I agreed to go to my enemy's house. I just have to hope she doesn't shoot me on sight.