Page 169 of Remi's War (Four Dark Horsemen 2)

“I know.” Soaking up strength from her I do not possess, I straighten up and grab the handle. “Are you sure you prefer to wait in the car?” The doctor gave her the all-clear a few days ago. She’ll have to wear the cast for about six weeks, depending on how the healing goes. Thankfully, she wears an orthopedic boot on her foot, so she doesn’t need crutches to walk.

She nods, patting the book on her lap. “Yes.”

Holding her stare for a few more seconds and reading nothing but acceptance on her face, I get out of the car, closing the door. I gaze into the distance, welcoming the harsh wind billowing my jacket backward while coldness sinks into me.

Maybe then it will extinguish the fire burning my insides.

Thunder echoes in the sky, and I look up to see dark clouds gathering, ready to pour some rain. The birds still chirp loudly, sitting on the branches, ready to fly away should nature change the weather.

And yet traces of sun push through the clouds, signaling that maybe this day will stay sunny despite the upcoming rain.

Or rather I should stop focusing on the weather so much and instead concentrate on what I came here to do.

An engine roars behind me, bringing attention to the car pulling up right beside mine before three men emerge from it.

Did I really think they would leave me alone on such an important day?

My best friends walk to me while waving at Penelope on the way.

Octavius places his hand on my shoulder, giving it a light squeeze and showing his silent support. “We’re here.”

Florian hooks his fingers on his pants and bumps me, grinning, but it doesn't reach his eyes that are so serious. “No matter how it ends, we will be here. Like always.”

Always.

Isn’t he right?

Once upon a time, I came to the Cortez mansion and met three boys who welcomed me with open arms and stayed my friends no matter what.

Nothing stopped them.

Not our social difference. My temper. How everyone at school told them to drop me and find better friends who would give them much-needed connections in the future.

We were, and stay, united no matter what anyone throws our way.

“Because we are more than friends. We are brothers,” Santiago says, extending his hand to me and pulling me into a warm hug as we slap each other’s back.

This friendship wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for my best friend.

A boy who gave me more than friendship, a boy who gave me a family and whose support I felt even when he lived his personal hell.

Penelope pulled me out of darkness and showed me there is light in this world.

Santiago?

Santiago helped me survive in it and become a king in my own right, showed me kindness when all I knew before the Cortez family was cruelty.

“Gracias por todo, hermano,” I whisper in his ear and can feel him smile.

“You’re welcome,” he replies, and we lean back when he motions with his head to the side. “Good luck.”

Luck.

I dislike this word, because in my opinion, life was never lucky for me, but I was wrong.

Even in the midst of despair, she gave me the dark four, and what man could ask for more?

Nodding at them one last time and leaving them with my woman, I roll my shoulders back and walk through the garden, my leather shoes soundless on the grass. My eyes are trained on the small figure standing by the rose bushes.

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