King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

393

Sephie

I watched Stephen look at the message that just came through on his phone. His face went wh ite. I think he might’ve forgotten to breathe even. Whatever news he just got was not good news.

“Yoden?” I asked quietly, trying to snap him out of it. “What’s wrong?”

He was staring at his phone, but he slowly raised his gaze to look at me. His eyes were wide, not in shock. He was afraid. I dropped what I was doing and went to him. “Stephen? What happened? What’s going on? Talk to me,” I said, reaching out for his arm. When I touched his arm, I got hit with hi memories. All of them. Every dark detail he never wanted me to know. Every time his sisters abused him and tortured him in the worst way possible, humiliating him for the sheer joy of it. I saw everything. I felt everything.

I didn’t mean to. I’d never had it happen like that before. I wasn’t actively searching his mind. I was trying to comfort him. I felt tears burning my eyes as I went to move my hand from his arm, apologizing. I wasn’t sure if he knew that I’d just seen everything he never wanted me to see. He caught my hand, holding it in place, but still not yet meeting my gaze.

“They’re coming to the city. I never thought they would actually come here, but they’ll be here in two days. They want to see me. I haven’t seen them in years. I don’t know if I can face them,” he said. He still hadn’t looked at me, but he wouldn’t let go of me either.

I sat down next to him, putting my other hand on top of his, resting my head on his shoulder. “You don’t have to see them. You can tell them to f**k off. You don’t owe them anything,” I said.

when I’m forced to see them again. Each time I think about telling them off. Each time I think about pulling all of their demonis out and putting them on full display for everyone to see. I think about breaking their minds the same way they tried to break mine.” He sighed. “And

with you the whole time. You don’t even have to say anything. I’ll happily say it for you. I’d love nothing more than

chuckled. “I might pay

happily do it,” I said, my anger oozing out. I didn’t have my contacts in, so

but I kinda miss your demon eyes.

smiled at him, chewing on my bottom lip. I was trying to calm down so the other guys wouldn’t

I touched your arm, I got a full view into your head. I didn’t mean to. I wasn’t trying

you did. I wanted you to. It’s easier than me having to tell you. I’ve found having to say the words is harder than anything,” he said. “I wasn’ sure it would work, but clearly it

for so long with no one to talk to

Talthfully

that’s why I ended up in the career path I’m in. Maybe I would’ve been an accountant otherwise,” he said, finally

accountant that murders numbers,” I said, unable to contain my laughter at my corny joke. He laughed quietly, but he was still struggling to get a handle on his emotions.

they’re here? Like do you just have to suffer through dinner with them? What’s the plan and how can we make this the most uncomfortable visit to the city they’ve ever

sure. I don’t think I’ll get by with just a