Claimed by my Brother’s Best Friends (Alyssa) novel Chapter 61

I arch a brow. "You mean, like the 'closer eye' Gray wants to keep on her?"

King's jaw tightens. "That's different. He wants to control her."

"And you don't?"

It's a bold question, especially given King's mood. I just want him to hear how hypocritical he sounds right now. Someone needs to tell him, and I've given up on Niko at this point. I thought he was on my side, but he's clearly too brainwashed by King to step in and stop King's obsession.

"Unlike with him, she wants my control," he insists. "And she's happier with us. There's no way in hell she'd be happy locked up in his house."

"Remove the cloth," he orders, ending the conversation. I obey, yanking the cloth off the spy's face. He chokes up water, coughing and sputtering as King sits him back down on the floor.

"Now, are you ready to talk?" King asks calmly, a wicked gleam in his eyes that shows just how much he's enjoying this.

The guy's a blubbering mess, but the truth starts spilling out. "The plan was to find out what businesses you're involved in. That's it, that's all Bones wanted."

Bones wanted our clientele list? What for?

"Why?" King snarls.

I don't-" he starts to say.

King tips the chair, threatening to torture him again. And this time, it would be longer.

"H-He wants to take out the Crimson Reapers!" the spy blurts out.

Well, that isn't good. That means lots of blood will be spilled.

An all-out war.

King glances at me over his shoulder, smirking. "You've got her number. Why don't you tell her yourself?" Then, without waiting for an answer, he jumps on his bike and speeds off.

I watch him disappear into the night before fishing out my phone.

Why haven't I thought of that?

Oh, right. Because I'd say something stupid. Something like how I feel about her. But that would be pointless.

My fingers hover over the keyboard for a long moment. What the hell should I say? A casual 'goodnight' sounds awkward, but I want to say something. I need to hear from her, even if I'll see her in the morning.

I finally type: Just wanted to check on you and Zuri. Good night, little warrior. I'll see you tomorrow.

I stare at the screen for a few seconds, feeling stupid. But it's done now. Sent. She'll see if I delete it, so I'll just leave it out there and hope she doesn't think anything of it.