Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 64 - Arisa

Kumar Dhanial turned out to be one strange character. He cracked jokes one minute and swore like a sailor the next. I was touched by his concern for my safety and I was happy when he agreed to help Khaleel deal with Dobberman, but I couldn't get over his odd personality. There was definitely a couple of screws loose in his head.

I told him as much as I could about the kidnapping. Some parts were harder to get through then others and when I couldn't fill in the blanks, Khaleel tried to step in for me. There were moments when he was stumped too—especially at the mention of the bald guy, who had touched in me in ways that still made my body tremble. I must have been too transparent about some details because the condo air tensed once I finished, and both uncle and nephew gazed at each other sombrely. Their limbs were relaxed but their wild eyes reflected wolves who were ready to exact revenge.

Kumar's voice dropped to a scary level. "Give me the fucker's full name again," he said.

I obliged and then glanced at Khaleel, who's cold expression sent a chill down my spine. "I'm going to kill him," he declared. "I'm going to end his miserable life and shit on his grave."

I bit my lip nervously. This was bad. Maybe I shouldn't have said all that. I was hoping Kumar would calm his rattled nephew but his silence told me he wished to do the same. The scary man pulled out his phone and instructed a couple of his men to meet us at the school entrance. They were asked to take over the interrogation with Derek Carter and learn about Dobberman's next plan of attack. All findings had to be reported to both Kumar and Khaleel. After that quick conversation, I was was led out of the living room, the condo, and eventually the building. I convinced Khaleel to order a ride back to Jackheights and to my surprise, he didn't argue against it.

Loyal was waiting for us in the parking lot when we arrived. My anxiety settled at the sight of him. He looked handsome as ever. Honestly, I was annoyed by my never-ending attraction towards the human lie-detector. He hurried to my side and pulled me in for a hug, it was a bit awkward with Khaleel standing behind me. "What's the hug for?" I asked, as casually as I could. I didn't want to make Khaleel feel like a third-wheel, but something told me Loyal couldn't care less.

"For selfish reasons," he replied sweetly.

I glanced back and found the delinquent's fierce eyes on us. I couldn't tell if it was because he was still recovering from what I said at the condo or because of Loyal. The ride over with him had been so silent, I could feel his brewing rage from the back seat. It was better not to think about it. It was better not to get caught up remembering how our dynamic had changed that day. The less contact we made with one another from now on, the better. I went with him to meet Kumar and get help, and that was all. I already turned him down. I already said I wouldn't date him. If he wanted to hurt Dobberman, that was his prerogative. If he went out of his way to say it was for me, I had to disregard it. It wasn't just for me. It was for Matilda and Tomasia too.

A black sedan pulled into the parking lot. Two men exited the car and approached us quite assertively. One of them was noticeably taller than the other, but they both had a sandy complexion, black hair, and dark brown eyes. They immediately flashed a look in Khaleel's direction. "Are you Yusuf's son?" the shorter man asked.

"The one and only," Khaleel replied.

Both of them put their hands out for Khaleel to shake. The delinquent accepted the gesture. "Where is the boy in question?" the taller man asked.

"I'll have to bring him down," Khaleel said. "Security is not going to let you guys into the building."

The shorter man nodded. Khaleel shot me a cold stare before he ran off to the front doors. My heart sank a little. I couldn't help feeling guilty. And then I felt angry for feeling guilty over something I couldn't control. What did he want me to do? Leave Loyal's side and run to his? I couldn't. I wouldn't do that. He was ready to hurt the people around him if it meant he could have me but I wasn't. We wouldn't make any sense as a couple anyway.

Loyal took my hand and held it. He then put some distance between us and Kumar's associates. He brought me close to his chest and gently stroked my cheeks, eradicating all my worries about the delinquent. "I know we haven't had a chance to talk about us yet," he said. "And maybe right now isn't the right timing, but I want you to know that I do want to address it. I'm not one to fool around with a girl and then leave her hanging."

My cheeks burned under his touch. "N-Noted."

"Unless I'm completely reading the situation wrong," Loyal said, dropping his hands. "And you don't want me to address it?"

"Uh, I don't—I mean I don't mind," I stammered, dropping my head. It was too embarrassing to speak my truth out loud. "I've been thinking about us too."

I heard him laugh a little. "Yeah? Khaleel hasn't convinced you to be with him instead?"

My head snapped back up. "What?" I deadpanned. "You know about Khaleel's feelings?"

Loyal nodded. "He told me."

"What is that moron thinking?" I complained. "Seriously, this is a lot. This is too much."

His hands got a hold of my face. "This might be adding to your troubles," Loyal said, leaning his head against mine. "But for the time being, can I ask you to keep your eyes on me?"

"W-What?" I breathed.

His lips touched mine for a brief second but it was enough to shut down my entire system. "Keep those beautiful eyes of yours, Arisa Hoffman, on me."