Titanium Promises

Twenty-four

I feel the nerves, but don't acknowledge them. I can't let them get to me now. I'm the one who said we have to go back, and I'm currently overthinking my decision to say so.

I sit in the back with a tied up Rebecca across from me, so I can make sure she doesn't try anything stupid. I almost find myself wanting her to make a mistake so I have an excuse to punch her again. Luke glances back at us every so often, but keeps most of his attention on driving.

"It won't work," Rebecca says, adjusting the way she's sitting so her knees are pulled up to her chest. "Whatever you're trying. You'll fail and both be killed without a second thought. You really think your brothers—or even your mom—are going to stand up to your dad?"

"No, I don't," Luke says. "And I don't need them."

Rebecca rolls her eyes. "Did you forget what happened the last time you went? August told me all about it."

"You know August?" I shouldn't be surprised.

"I've done more than get to know him, Reid. But your virgin ass wouldn't understand that."

Luke clears his throat.

Rebecca looks at him. Then at me. Her eyes widen.

"Holy shit," she says, accenting the curse. "You didn't tell me any of this when I was your best friend, Reid."

"And I'm glad I didn't," I mutter.

Rebecca lowers her legs and leans her head forward so it's in between the front seats. "So how did that work? I'm assuming Luke was—"

"That's enough," Luke snaps.

Rebecca's mouth closes and she slumps back into her seat. "Whatever... Pardon me for finally being interested in Reid's pathetic life."

I roll my eyes. "You're not the most impressive either."

"Reid," Luke warns. "Don't listen to what she has to say. Her whole life was based on emotionally manipulating people."

"Including you, Luke," Rebecca mutters.

God, I want to punch her.

Finally, a peaceful silence falls over the car as Luke drives. Rebecca continues to glare at me, but I find a way to ignore her and focus on myself. My heart is still pounding against my chest as I think about where we're going and what we're actually trying to do, but Luke gives me comfort.

At least I don't feel regret. Mostly because I'll either die trying, or be killed by some mafia assassin.

So I try my best to stay calm. All the way until we're back at the house where I met Luke's father the first time.

The process of getting in is the same, only this time, Luke doesn't have to say anything into the speaker before the gates slide open. It leaves me with an unsettling feeling in the bottom of my stomach.

"Home sweet home," Rebecca mutters, fiddling with the zip tie holding her wrists together. "They're not going to be too happy seeing me in bonds."

Luke ignores her and pulls up the driveway. He stops in front of the entrance, where the same armed guards reside. I notice how they adjust their grips on the guns when they see Luke stepping out from the car. He walks to Rebecca's side and pulls open the door, dragging her out onto the driveway. I follow after them as Luke walks towards the entrance.

"You're not supposed to be here," the man on the left says.

"Let me through," Luke snaps. "Now."

The man on the right glances at Rebecca. "The boss will want to see her," he says to his companion, who doesn't seem convinced.