Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger

“I don’t want your fucking money, Damon.”
David’s gulp is audible. “What do you want, then?”
Kage looks at me again, and now his eyes are burning.
Two burning dark coals of love.
“My girl.”
We’re silent again. I feel David staring at my back, but I
can’t turn to look at him. I’m falling too deep into Kage’s
eyes.
Finally, David says, “If Max knows you disobeyed him
and you don’t return the money—”
“I’m dead. I know.” Kage’s tone indicates he gives zero
fucks.
“You’re both dead.”
“He won’t touch her. I’m dealing with it.”
I whisper, “Unless…”
At the same time, David and Kage repeat, “Unless?”
I moisten my lips, trembling all over. “We go into hiding.”
Kage’s eyes flare with heat. He lowers the gun to his side
and says softly, “We?”
I close my eyes and draw a breath, gathering my strength.
Then I open my eyes again and look at him. “Don’t think I
forgive you. I don’t. I just need a new place to live. I can’t
sleep in that house anymore, knowing Viktor’s ghost is lurking
around.”
His voice full of love, Kage says, “You liar.”
“Right back at ya, gangster.”
From somewhere else in the house, a woman’s voice calls
out, “Honey? Where are you? I’m home!”
I’m stunned for a second, then I turn and look at David’s
face. It has, somehow, turned even whiter than before. He’s the
color of copier paper.