Heart Recaptured (Hades Hangmen, #2)(28)

I lost my smile, then replied, “Because I do not have reason to smile very often.”

Ky’s fingers began tracing the back of my hand. “Then you make a reason, Li. Don’t make excuses for living a shit life. It ain’t rocket science. You don’t like something, find something you do. Don’t like being around someone, stay the f*ck away. Wanna change your life, then get off your ass, bitch and f*ckin’ change it.”

Ky gave my hand a long squeeze and said, “I know you ain’t feeling life at the club, but you also haven’t given it or anyone in it the time of day. You keep yourself caged up in that room, wallowing in grief for something that’s gone and ain’t ever coming back. You’re f*ckin’ miserable, but you don’t even try to make things better. Not one of the brothers will hurt you, and if you stick to certain rules, visiting brothers and nomads won’t ever get the chance. You give Mae shit for having the balls to leave something she knew was f*cked up, and you’re f*ckin’ killing her by refusing or even acknowledging her help.

“I get you think we’re all sinners, but we’re sinners that will protect y’all. You’re Mae’s sister, she’s Styx’s old lady, and that means you got club protection. And we ain’t that bad to people we let in, Li. So f*ckin’ just try to make this situation you’re in better. I mean, f*ck, I don’t ever get down, love my damn life, but looking at you through that window every night, as miserable as shit and glaring at us like we’re demons, even makes me wanna slit my wrists. And I’ll tell you now, I’m too f*ckin’ pretty to die!”

A dull ache throbbed in my stomach, like I’d received a harsh kick. I lowered my head, though I could not help but smile reluctantly at the joke he just made.

He was right. He was far too pretty to die.

Ky jerked my hand and forced me to look at him. “I don’t know in full what those f*ckwits did to you, but I know enough to understand that you ain’t gonna trust folks, that you’ve been f*ckin’ programmed to fear anyone that Prophet Pedo told you to avoid, but you gotta try, Li. You just gotta try.”

Tears welled in my eyes as I considered Ky’s words. I did not have a response. I didn’t think he wanted one. He made it all seem so easy.

“Now,” Ky said, releasing my hand, “try your f*ckin’ coffee.”

Quickly wiping my cheeks, I expelled a relieved laugh and put my slightly shaking hand on the handle of the mug. “What is in it?”

Ky shrugged. “Caffeine.”

I immediately put down the mug and released the handle.

“What now?” Ky asked, frowning.

“I am not to drink caffeine. It is a forbidden. Caffeine alters your mind and takes you away from the Lord. The Cursed are already impure, thus we must eat clean, consume nothing but natural products.”

Ky sighed and ran his hand across his forehead. “It ain’t forbidden out here. There’s no prophet to worry about. No f*ckin’ apocalypse that you taking a sip of that Joe is gonna bring.” Ky’s hand pushed the mug in my direction, and he said, “Just try it, Li. Just f*ckin’ try it.”

I stared at the offending receptacle. I was startled at the level of turmoil I was feeling. I had never deviated from Prophet David’s words or commandments. I was a true believer in the cause. But at the same time, Ky’s words played havoc with my mind. I wanted to please him. I wanted to try and live out here on the outside… at least until I was returned to The Order.

Something within me wanted to trust him, wanted to please him.

Clenching my hands, I shook as I gripped the handle of the mug and brought it to my lips. The closer it came, the stronger the rich aroma became. I closed my eyes, convincing myself to try it, when a small amount of liquid flooded my mouth.

It was hot, bitter, sharp… and I loved it!

Lowering the mug, Ky tipped his head to the side and said, “Well?”

Stifling a laugh, I said, “It was good. It was very good!”

He beamed a big smile. “Proud of you, Li. You took life by the balls.”

Maude appeared at that moment and placed down plates filled with food I had not seen before. Ky picked up his fork and pointed at a large round item on my dish. “Pancake.”

I panicked at what was proper decorum. I was not allowed to eat with men in the commune, it was forbidden, so I waited for further instruction.

Ky stared at me and sighed, reaching forward and handed me the knife and fork. “Try it,” he pushed.

I nodded in submission as he poured a sticky brown sauce on the top of the food.

I frowned, and he said, “Try it, Li. Eat. You’re gonna f*ckin’ love it. Ain’t no rules to stick to with me.” I decided to try a small bite so to not anger him, but my stomach felt in knots.

I tried it.

And I loved it.

I really truly loved it.





Chapter Seven


Lilah





“It is… unbelievable,” I whispered, my face almost pressed against the windowpane as I absorbed the sights. Huge buildings stood proudly side by side, some built in strange shapes, others so tall I struggled to see the top.

The day turned out to be bright and sunny, allowing me to see everything with perfect clarity.

“Downtown Austin, sweet cheeks. This shit’ll blow your f*ckin’ mind. Good music, good vibes.”