Page 23 of Cry of the Damned
“You’re such an idiot,” Ila bit out.
“Do you… still care?” Maki asked tentatively.
Bethel practically vibrated with excitement at what seemed to be an impending reconciliation. We both waited for Ila’s answer, but none came. It seemed she wasn’t going to give in so easily. That or she wanted Maki to grovel, which I thought was a great plan.
“I can’t blame you if you don’t,” he said. “But… I still do. I’ve never stopped thinking about you, wondering why you ended things.”
He paused. Still nothing from Ila.
Bethel mouthed, “Holy toads!”
I held my breath for my sister, wondering how fast her heart was beating at the news.
“It’s good to know the reason,” Maki went on. “I’m not surprised it was my fault, and I deserved it. Do you think… I might be able to get a second chance?”
Wow, Maki was not such an oaf, after all.
“Say yes, say yes!” Bethel whispered, holding her hands in front of her as if in prayer.
“A second chance, huh?” Ila repeated in a casual tone, as if she were considering what to eat for breakfast. “I don’t know.”
“I still have feelings for you, Ila.”
“Please don’t come any closer,” she said. “I don’t know if I can trust you. You practically paraded those girls in front of me.”
“I won’t deny that. Like I said, I was trying to make you jealous. But none of them meant anything to me, not the way you did. The way you do. It’s always been you, Ila. Always. I was resigned to never feeling that way again, but if you give me another chance…”
“I can’t.”
“Please. Think about it?”
“I… maybe.”
Maki exhaled a sigh of relief. “You won’t regret it. I promise you. Look, I’m going straight to bed. Tomorrow is too important for me to risk things like going out there tonight.”
Who was this guy? And what had he done with Maki?
“Good night, Ila. Sleep well.”
The door to our bedroom opened, and Ila stepped in. She closed it and pressed her back against it, heaving a heavy sigh and wearing a dreamy look in her eyes.
I smiled, feeling happy for her and totally approving of her plan. She didn’t need to rush into anything, and besides, Maki needed to demonstrate he could be the person Ila needed him to be.
The three of us piled into the queen-size bed as we did every night. Quietly, Bethel and I listened to Ila tell us about her conversation with Maki. Of course, she knew we’d heard it all. Still, it felt wonderful to share my sister’s excitement.
CHAPTER 8
Sundowncouldn’tarrivefastenough. It was only five, and I was already in position atop one of the buildings that made up the alley where I was supposed to meet Rob.
I wasn’t taking any chances. I would make sure he was alone. Novuk and Ila had stayed back at the hotel, but Kall, Maki, and Bethel were strategically positioned nearby, keeping an eye on the surrounding roads leading to our meeting place. Kall and Maki were close enough that we could communicate through our thoughts, and soon, a message came from Kall.
Everything looks normal so far.
Here, too,Maki said.We shouldn’t have left so early,he complained.
Are you bored?I asked.Should I get you a pacifier?
A what?
