Dark Consequences by K. Boozer

Author:K. Boozer [Boozer, K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-06-28T00:00:00+00:00

21

Raphael

“Any news from Dominic?” Michael asks as we jog along the trail that weaves around the island.

I match his pace, my rapid breaths creating tiny white puffs in the morning air. “He checked in last night that his search was a dead end.”

Michael curses under his breath. “That was the last lead we had on Xiao.”

“I know.”

“Raphael, I hate to ask, but…” He trails off, and from the corner of my eye, I catch his hesitant glance my way.

I sigh, knowing exactly what he wants to say. “I’ll ask Lily if she knows anything more.”

“Maybe we should consider Dad’s suggestion?”

I come to an abrupt halt.

When Michael notices, he too stops and turns around to face me. He holds his hands up and pants out an apology when he sees my expression. “Sorry.”

“I am not using Lily and Mei as bait,” I tell him. My tone is hard, and my words are final. It was an option at first, but not anymore.

Michael wipes sweat from his brow and frowns. “I figured you would say that.”

“Then why even ask?” I demand, pushing past him to continue down the trail.

Michael catches up and puts his hand on my shoulder, forcing me to stop and face him. “I didn’t mean it like that, brother.”

I wait him out, and eventually, he sighs. “I’m only asking you to think about the idea.”

“No. Their presence here is more than enough. He thinks I kidnapped them, but when he sees that wasn’t the case, he’ll fuck up when he comes for them.” I know I’m being unreasonable, but he has to understand where I’m coming from. If I was asking him to do the same with Rose and Liam, he’d be saying no, too.

“How will he see that if you keep them hidden?” Michael argues, earning a glare from me. “We can brainstorm a way to ensure their safety but still draw the bastard out.”

I cross my arms over my chest and take a deep breath through my nostrils, then exhale hard.

“Raphael, please.”

My eyes shift to my brother, and the misery there on his identical face makes my heart sink and my resolve falter.

“I need him gone, and I know you need the same even more.”

“Rose is still having nightmares?” I assume.

Michael drops his eyes and kicks at a pebble. “Yeah.”

“Fine.” I cave.

My brother looks up with expectant hope. “Fine?”

“I’ll talk to Lily.” Michael’s mouth drops open, but I continue before he can say a single word. “But I’m not guaranteeing anything.”

“I’ll take it.” Michael smiles and reaches out to clap my shoulder before he turns away to continue back down the trail.

I catch up to him, and as we round the last corner, the main house comes into full view. I wonder if Lily’s awake yet. She spent all damn day yesterday with the other women in the house, and when dinner came around, Dad pulled Michael and me away for a meeting downtown. By the time I got back, she was fast asleep, curled up with Mei.

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