Page 6 of Royal Havoc

Tears build, a lump forming in my throat as he helps me walk the few steps on shaky legs.

After placing the stolen flowers back where they belong, I rest my hand on top of the cold metal. “Sorry, you got stuck with me.I swear if you come back, I’ll do better. Be better,” I sniff, wiping my nose with the back of my hand. “I don’t want you to leave me. You might have hated me, but you stayed. You weren’t the one that threw me away.”

Against my will, tears leak from my swollen eyes, dripping from my chin. Nolan stands beside me, softly whispering his goodbyes while I struggle to gain my composure. Words she used to tell me, echoing in my ears,“Emotions show weakness.”

When he finishes, I rest my aching head against his arm. “Are they gone?” I ask quietly.

He turns to face me. “No,” he answers simply.

We turn together, the wind gusting, rattling the canvas draped over our heads as raindrops slice at my skin like tiny shards of glass. The crowd disperses, huddling under umbrellas lining the green rug leading us away from my family’s grave site.

We’ve barely made it a few steps when silver eyes find mine, seeking me out, demanding my full attention. Nolan tugs my hand to keep us moving. I hear him following us, his steps scraping behind ours, my conscience yelling its disapproval.

The crowd still lining the rug dwindles as we approach the car. “She’s mine,” his voice growls behind us.

“Not the time,” Nolan calls over his shoulder, tightening his grip on my arm as he pulls me behind him the last few steps.

“I warned you at the hospital.”

I stop abruptly beside the car, my head snapping from Nolan to his obnoxious face, my eyes wide. “You were there?”

“Get in the car, Onyx,” Nolan orders, yanking open the passenger door, then waits until I’m safely tucked inside before he marches away.

Nolan stops inches away from his face, seeming unbothered by his scowl. It appears they’re arguing, but I can’t make out what’s being said.

Both of them seem pissed.

Nolan suddenly spins, charging back to the car, fists balled at his sides.

“See you soon, Onyx.” The jackass grins, making sure I hear him when Nolan opens his door.

“What did he say?” I hiss at the side of Nolan’s face as soon as his ass hits the seat next to me. “You lied. You said no one came to the hosp —”

“I know what I said,” he grumbles, throwing gravel as he pulls from the small lot. “You had more important things to be worrying about rather than somepunk,” he grits, gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles turn white.

“What did he say?” I hiss, repeating my first question, trying to keep my anger in check.

“You’re about to see your da —”

“Don’t fucking say it!” I yell, rattling my ears in the small space. My fragile nerves worn thin.

He sighs loudly, “You’re about to seeHendrixfor the first time in thirteen years. We should focus on that instead of a worthless punk,” he explains, surprisingly calm, considering the way he’s still choking the steering wheel.

It’s my turn to sigh loudly, forcing out the anxiety that hearing his name ignites. “Don’t remind me. Actually, I change my mind. Fuck it, just take me to the hotel instead.”

“No hotels. You can do this. It’s only three months,” he offers supportively.

“Threelooongmonths,” I correct, trying not to pout.

“Listen, I’m being serious, Onyx. Don’t mess this up. New town. New school. New kids. Trust me, this little town is nothing like the big city. Your name alone puts a huge target on your back,” he warns.

Crossing my arms defensively. “You’ve already lectured me on being a good girl,” I mumble.

For the remainder of the drive, we sit in silence, me hating the impending doom lingering around every turn, bringing us closer to the place I said I’d never go again.

We both stare at the pile of bricks at the end of the drive.

“Call me if you need anything,” he says, breaking the awkward silence hovering over us in the idling car. We finally get out, and he helps me with my bag before surprising me with a quick hug. “Don’t lose yourself.”

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