Kill of the night

Chapter 23

May 14th
Melbourne

1 week later

Josie

"How have you been, darling?"

Shitty

"As good as I can be. You guys have helped a lot."

The truth is, ever since Drew's attack, I've been hyper-aware of my surroundings, genuinely paranoid. I spent this week at Harry's place, since he insisted.

I don't exactly want to return to that apartment anytime soon, but the reality is, that was mine and Vicky's home. Just the thought that she's selling the apartment because of me eats me alive.

Luka had already asked her to move in with him, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity for her. At least, that's what she told me to ease my guilt.

Now she's living with her boyfriend, and I have nowhere to stay.

Harry keeps insisting I stay with him, but for me, that's not even an option. We're in a weird spot right now. We're not officially together, but we're also not nothing. He saved me from that lunatic, and I don't know how to repay him.

Since I quit the café, my days have been filled with cheesy movies, junk food, and the company of Allie, the sweetest kitten ever. I feel safe under Harry's roof, maybe just because he's nearby, or maybe because I can smell his scent in every room, providing comfort and security.

One thing's for sure, no matter how good he makes me feel, and no matter how much he's changed, I'm not ready to fully dive back into his arms. Not ready to move in with him. That would only intensify our feelings and lead us back into old habits.

Me giving him my everything, and him not giving anything back.

Maya does my hair, using gel and pins to create the perfect style. "Tonight, you're one of us. Badass."

Tonight marks my first outing since everything happened. Vicky and Luka are out of town, so I had no one to stay with. My friends, being as protective as they are, forbade me from staying home alone.

Miller offered to stay with me and skip this job, but apparently, only Luka was allowed to miss it, and the rest had to present, so I'm being dragged along.

"Does that mean I have to steal too?"

We're heading to a casino.

Jordan huffs. "Back to square one? What have we taught you, Josie... don't judge others."

"I'm not trying to judge, it's a genuine question."

"Of course, you won't have to steal," Nico assures me, stopping in front of me to adjust my dress straps. "You'll hang back while we work, and then we'll all head home."

"Great, perfect," I gulp, still not entirely convinced. "But your...boss will be there."

The Boss. The same one Harry argued with on the phone after the attack, thinking I was asleep.

"Harry?"

"No... uh... the big boss."

"Ah. Yes, he'll be there," Miller joins the conversation, speaking from behind me while massaging my tense shoulders. "But don't worry, you won't have to talk to him. We'll handle all the questions for you."

"I know how to introduce myself."

"Not to him," I frown, but he decides it's best not to elaborate. "We'll take care of that."