Page 66 of Driftwood Daffodil 3

“How do you know that Atlee’s lips are softer?”

Yeah, I kinda dug myself in a hole with that one. “That really isn’t what it sounded like. I only kissed Atlee to piss off…” I quickly choked back Gio’s name and cleared my throat. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is that it’s not what it looks like.”

Now that we had that cleared up…

“I talked to Veda.”

Fuck.

Stupid Veda and her big mouth. “Veda doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She barely leaves the house.”

“Because Atlas Mancini raped her!”

“I know. I was there.” They all seemed to forget that. It didn’t just happen to Veda, it happened to all of us, including me. I was the casualty left behind.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Nova?”

“Apparently I’m losing my ability to argue.” Now I was going to have to make up some ridiculous story to argue with Memphis about.

Kato braced his elbow on the table, pointed his ‘I’m being serious finger’ and demanded, “Whatever deal you made, get out of it now.”

“I didn’t make a deal.”

“Don’t bullshit me. I know exactly what you did.” I was getting flashbacks to the time I stole his beer and drank it in the woods. “What the fuck were you thinking?”

“Oh, I don’t know, Kato. Maybe that I wanted my brother to survive long enough to get out of here.”

“That is not your problem.”

“Of course it is.” I snapped back at him. “Do you think it’s easy for me to sit back and watch you get tortured? I don’t recognize you anymore, Kato. I had to do something before you disappeared completely.”

Kato’s eyes softened and for the first time since I stepped in this room, I saw my brother looking back at me. “I don’t need you to take care of me, Nova. I’m supposed to take care of you.”

“Well, you can’t. You took care of Veda, and now I’m all alone.”

None of this was Veda’s fault. I didn’t blame her or Kato, I just wanted them back. I lost them both that night.

“Nova,” Kato grabbed my hand and let out a breath. “I know I fucked everything up. If I could go back and change it, I would. The last thing I want is for you to pay for my mistake. Stay away from the Mancini’s.”

This was the first time in two years that I had seen my brother without some kind of injury. His face was clear of bruises, there was no swelling or dried blood. He was in one piece and safe. I would trade my soul to keep it that way.

“End this deal.” Kato insisted.

I looked him in the eyes and said, “no.”

“Goddamnit, Nova!” He slammed his fist down on the table, causing the picture to jump as the table legs screeched on the cement floor. “I won’t let you do this.”

“It’s done.”

“You’re seventeen.” He shook his head. “You cannot make these kinds of decisions.”

“You’re in prison, Veda’s gone. I’m the only one left to make decisions, Kato.”

“I’ll tell Maw Maw.”

That was a valid threat, except…

“She won’t believe you. Gio can play the perfect angel when he wants.” I rolled my eyes, “trust me.”

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