Page 45 of Betraying Bexley

“W-Where d-did they g-go?” Bex rubbed her hands and grinned at the smell of brine.

“They check out the local Asian markets and businesses on the weekend. Granted it’s nothing like Chicago or Los Angeles, or even New York here, but they find hole-in-wall places which they enjoy.” Bronx got out of the car first and held her hand out for Bex.

“W-Wow, you know a lot about the area.”

“Perks of having a state department foster parent. You get to make yourself at home and never have to wait for the next move which will inevitably come.” Bronx shrugged as she headed for the door. “Anyway, I bet if you ask, they’d take you some time.”

Bex held up her hands, waving off the suggestion. “N-No w-way. I-I w-wouldn’t f-fit in.”

“You’d fit in better than what you think.” Alé slung his arm over her shoulder as they ambled toward the door. “I know you slept on the way home, are you still up for a little fun?”

Bex nodded. She wanted to see what would transpire between the three of them, even though it wasn't logical or conventional. She stepped into the living room and was surprised no one was up. She expected to see Eito and Alex, but like Jacolbi, had disappeared. She followed Bronx into the kitchen and washed up before continuing to Alé's room. When she pushed open the door, the soft light from the bedside table gave the room a gentleness she liked. Like the last time she'd woken up there, the sliding door didn't have a covering and the full moon bathed the naked branches of the tree outside his room.

“Whatcha looking at?” Alé came up behind her again, wrapping her in his embrace.

“T-The t-tree.”

“Ah. It’s why I chose this room. It’s the best view of all of them. It’s also why I don’t have shades or a curtain. I want to look out at the world and know I’m just a speck.”

“Y-You s-say w-weird things s-sometimes.”

He smirked, the tugging at the corner of his mouth crinkled the teardrop tattoo she’d been curious about since she first spotted him. She felt as though she needed to apologize to him for thinking the worst of him, before getting to know him. She placed him in the same category as her father and, whereas Alé was—is a gang member, he also had a moral compass. Stupid really, but her skewed perspectives could cost her one day if she wasn’t more open with her perception.

“I catch you staring sometimes. I figured it out after a while. You’re curious. You can ask, you know? It won’t offend me.” He guided her over to the bed.

“Y-you’re a g-gang member.” She clenched her hands into fists. “I-I k-know. M-My f-father.” She let out a breath from the exertion.”

“I am,” Alé agreed. “I’ll always be one. Did your father tell you about us?”

She nodded.

“Then you know?”

She looked up at him and her bottom lip trembled.

“Hey, it’s okay. I don’t mind telling you. You’re going to see my tattoos. Might as well get it out of the way.” He shrugged.

She worried though, if she started questioning him, he might ask questions as well. If he did, everything would become complicated. Talking about her father meant exposing a secret that could cost her, her life. Raul Iniguez didn't take snitching well, let alone from his daughter. "I-I l-like the rosary on y-your arm."

“Yeah?” He slipped off his sweatshirt, giving her an up-close look at it. Whoever the artist had been, took the time to get the shading and artistry of it right. It appeared real, yet not at the same time.

“Hey, are you getting started without me?” Bronx joined them after changing out of her clothes, back into her pajamas.

“Never, I was showing Bex some of my tattoos.” Alé pulled off his shirt next, revealing a ribbed tank undershirt. “You want to change?”

Bex swallowed hard and rubbed her hands together. “I-I need t-to g-g-get m-my—”

“I brought them with me. You can change in Alé’s bathroom.” Bronx handed her the shorts and shirt she’d been wearing earlier.

“Woah, is that my shirt? Did you snatch it?” Alé’s tone had a playful hint to it, but her blood still ran cold. She’d taken the shirt with her when she’d gone home.

“I-I-I-I...”

“I’m giving you shit, Bex. I don’t care. Bet it looks better on you anyway.” He winked at her. “Go get changed.”

She did as he asked and when she came back to the bed, Alé and Bronx were already in bed. She removed her prosthetic then climbed in with them, feeling a little more than self-conscious about the situation than she should have.

“You’re in the wrong spot. You should be between us, so we can debauch you.” Bronx wiggled her brows.

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