“This world has enhanced quite a lot,” she started, and Ray’s eyes strayed to Kyle’s who was looking back at her with the same surprise in his eyes,
“And if they have access to people who could bring down entire servers, there’s a lot to be afraid of here.”
And it clicked.
“Mia Andrews,” Ray said in response and saw as Mia turned back to look at her. Maya hadn’t yet acknowledged Mia’s presence, but Alessandro had taken a keen interest in her words, “You know a great deal about this.”
She inclined her head again, and a lock of her red curls fell to one side as she smiled back at Ray, “I do. And I will do everything in my power to help the Lions get out of this. After all,” her eyes cut to Angel’s, who sighed back at her, “We faced the same fate last year.”
“Raylene.” Maya’s voice snapped in the air, and she turned to her immediately, forgetting Mia’s cheeky grin, “You will focus on getting the dealdonewith Noah. Get him here, and make him start making changes already. Let him get his people. Useourpeople. But get the losses solved before tomorrow.”
Those age-old still eyes turned to face her finally, “You do that today, and you’re free tomorrow.”
Ray nodded briskly as Alessandro continued, “Angel you will assist Ray in making sure Noah comes on board,” he said, and Angel’s eyes turned hard, “You have a maintained relationship with the Hassans.Use it.”
He didn’t wait for Angel to respond, “Do I have you at my disposal?” he said instead, his question aimed at Luke and Mia who were standing in the doorway. Luke’s shoulders straightened just as Mia looked down at her nails and responded,
“You have us as personal favors.”
Ray bit back a grin at her words,lovingthe challenge in the air.
Alessandro didn’t show an ounce of anger. He was already back to his cool self and was looking at Mia as though she was a child. He clicked his tongue,
“I don’t forget those who aid us, Mia Andrews.” His voice cut like steel, “So I will ask you again. Do I have you at my disposal?”
Mia’s lips twitched into a small smirk, “Yes you do, Mr. Larsen.”
“Mia and Verana, work together to get this mess under control. Give Ray whatever she needs for today and get it fucking over with.” Maya turned to face all of them, the perfect picture of a cutthroat leader, “Luke and Kyle, you’ll make sure the event goes as planned. Kyle,” her words sharpened, but her son turned, golden anddevastating,“Make sure no one questions us.Noone.”
Sudden chills ran down Ray's spine as Kyle nodded briskly and snapped his eyes in Luke’s direction.
“One last thing,” Maya said as Ray went to move towards Angel. They all stilled at the calmness of her voice.Too calm,she thought as Maya rolled her shoulders and looked at Angel, “I hope you understand what this situation asks of you.”
The tick in Angel’s jaw appeared, the temperature of the room dropping as the two leaders faced each other.
It was a wonder,Ray scoffed in her mind as Kyle snapped away from both of them with an irritated hand ruffling through his hair,how Kyle never wanted to step into the leader’s role. But never went against his parents’ words either.
It was perfect for her, so she wasn’t really complaining.
“And I hope you understand what’s in store for you if youdon’t.”
Ray bit back her wince and hopped back on her heels in impatience as she saw Angel’s gaze harden into ice shards. But the boy just tipped his chin upwards,
“I think the same thing applies to you, Mrs. Larsen.”
And walked out without a backward glance.
* *
Such assholes. All of them. Such fucking assholes.
“Hey, can we stop by the hospital first?”
Angel stopped in his tracks, blinking in surprise as Ray brushed past him and opened the door to her room. He saw her poke her head in and waited as she called out for Ira to get out of her room. Her cardigan fell off her shoulder as she leaned forward, revealing the strap of her black top. His mind blanked at its sight. She huffed once and stepped back into the hallway.
He must not have answered her question, because Ray turned on her heels to face him then, tugging the white cardigan over her shoulder as she raised her brows in question.
“What?” Angel stumbled dumbly and saw her brows furrow in confusion,
