𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃

twelve

A X E L - N I C O L Á S

The following day, I set out for the casino to see if I'd come across any of Sergio's henchmen or himself—whichever is more efficient to get me to the top of the chain.

"If I don't make it back by sunrise, just go ahead and go with plan B like we discussed." I spoke to Suri as I started my journey downstairs, square-toed boots stamp against the wooden staircase.

She followed hot on my tail, arms folded and a frowned expression. "Seriously? After everything we've gone through, you're still shutting me out?!"

I huff and grab the peacoat from the coat rack, adjusting the collar around my neck. "I'm not shutting you out, Suri, I'm just trying to finish what I started and if that means going about this alone...then that's what it has to be. The last time you were in the same room as me with some of these guys, you were nearly killed, so do you really think I'm going to let that happen again?"

She released a deep sigh, rolling her eyes and turned to walk away. "—Typical Axel, run away from the shit that really matters or when someone is extending help. I don't know if you've realized it or not, but this situation doesn't just involve you anymore. It involves myself, my sister, and anyone else possibly connected to me. They don't deserve it, and I sure as hell don't either."

I quickly frowned, following behind her and grabbed her by the arm, forcing her to face me. "Don't you think I know this already?! Mierda! You make this harder when you continuously toss it in my face. I wasn't thinking straight, and I don't know how many times I have to apologize, but for fucks sake, I'm trying my damnedest to fix it."

Her eyes were piercing mine as she looked between my face and the grip I held on her arm. "Boy, if you don't let me go..." She mutters. I release her arm as she snatches away. "—I wasn't supposed to be here, and it makes it much more fucking hard for me when I know that I have feelings for you."

I was taken back by her words. I shake my head in confusion. "What?"

She scoffs as she continues walking away from me, I followed. "I said that I have feelings for you, Axel. I'm afraid that you're gonna die, because you're too fucking selfish and hellbent on fulfilling this fantasy of killing the people who've hurt you, but in the end, do you really think it will bring you satisfaction? Would your parents be happy that you've taken a life for their own? You look just as evil as the bastards who murdered them."

I clenched my jaw, looking down at the floor. Was she right? Have I allowed this idea to consume me so much that I've allowed it to change who I really am?

"...Don't wait up for me, Suri."

I've come too far...lost too much to just give up...