WALKING TOWARDS THE JOCKEY, SHE SPOTTED FRANK GALLAGHER STUMBLING OUT THE DOOR.
"You’re coming with me," he slurred, grabbing at her arm with his clammy hand.
Kodi jerked her arm free, shoving him back.
"No, I won’t," she snapped, giving him a shove for good measure. "Fuck off, Frank."
He stumbled sideways, mumbling something under his breath as she stalked off.
"Fucking tosser," she muttered, a laugh escaping her lips despite herself.
The Jockey didn’t seem like the best idea now — not with Kev working the bar and likely refusing to serve her. She was just weighing up where to go next when a familiar figure came striding towards her out of the shadows.
He stopped and turned just as she clocked him — and there he was: Malakai McGuire.
With his trademark smirk already in place, he bit his lip and tilted his head at her.
"Well, if it isn’t the princess of Chatsworth herself," he drawled. "Surprised Gallagher’s not by your side, making sure you don’t stray."
"He doesn’t own me," Kodi shot back coolly.
Malakai’s brow arched, as though to say, you sure about that? Everyone on the estate knew Phillip Gallagher had a jealous streak when it came to Kodi Ball.
"Are you sure about that?" he asked aloud.
Her gaze dropped for a moment.
"Not anymore," she murmured. "He made sure of that."
"Karen Jackson," she spat, the name tasting bitter in her mouth.
Malakai let out a laugh — low, knowing.
"She got to him, eh? Happens to the best of us. Trust me, I know exactly how the ‘Karen charm’ works."
Kodi shot him a questioning look, but he just winked.
"But don’t worry, love," he added, still grinning. "Won’t last. She’ll chew him up and move on, and Lip’ll be left standing there like a prat."
That actually coaxed a laugh out of Kodi.
"So," he continued smoothly, "would it be too soon to ask you out?"
"Depends where this supposed date would take me," she said, her voice laced with amusement.
"Ah." He paused, raising both brows as though weighing his words. "You decide. Whatever you want, I do."
"Such a gentleman," she replied with mock-sincerity, clutching her chest dramatically.
He fell into step beside her as she carried on walking, lighting a fag and smirking at her through the smoke.
"Or," he added slyly, "we could just skip the whole date bit?"
Kodi rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched into a smirk.
"And you were doing so well," she said, dripping sarcasm.
Malakai barked a laugh.
"But sure," she continued after a beat, shrugging. "What’s the worst that could happen?"
She stopped on the corner, her heart thudding now as his mischievous grin widened. He leaned closer.
"And do what exactly?" she challenged, tilting her chin up defiantly.
Without hesitation, Malakai closed the space between them and kissed her.
For a moment she froze, startled — then she melted into it, giving as good as she got. When he finally pulled back, there was a smug gleam in his eyes.
"Walk me home," she said lightly, though her fingers slipped into his without thinking.
"As the lady commands," he replied, matching her stride as they set off through the estate.
Whispers followed them, heads turning, eyes narrowing. Everyone noticed.
Kodi Ball wasn’t with Lip Gallagher anymore. And everyone on Chatsworth knew how that story usually ended.
They reached her street, bathed in the soft orange glow of the streetlights. Malakai stopped just short of her door, leaning close enough that she could feel his breath.
"I suppose this is where I leave you," he murmured, though his eyes said otherwise.
Kodi’s grin was pure mischief now.
"Or," she teased, stepping closer, "you could come up. Skip the date, like you suggested."
His smirk widened, all teeth and trouble.
Without another word, he followed her inside.
From across the way, in the window of the neighbouring house, a pair of watchful eyes followed them.
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