Pyke novel Chapter 18

I haven’t seen Xandry since that encounter at my parents’ house. He did call me once, but I’m still pissed to even talk to him.

It doesn’t bother me though, but what bothers me these past days is about Liv Mendéz. How did Dad know about Camila’s mom?

I wanted to ask Kyland, but he might suspect me that I’m up to something, and he’s the last person I want to piss off right now.

I stare at the bar in dismay when I can’t find Kyland, and everyone is busy serving the patrons. He’s never been late or ditches his work without informing me. It freaks me out of the thought that he might figure out what I did to Camila.

Forrest is giving a dry Martini to a woman in a black dress, and he doesn’t even glance at the woman who’s giving him a flirty grin.

Forrest Wood is a year younger than Kyland—they’re both tattooed. His uncle owned the tattooed shop where Kyland works as a tattoo artist.

“Forrest, where is Wright?”

“Didn’t you receive the memo, Boss?” he answers right away with a question. I might be offended if I’m not used to his sour mood. He’s a serious type—kind of intimidating with six foot and four inches of a muscular physique, broody, and mysterious. A perfect bad boy persona.

“What memo?” My curiosity strikes. I let my bruises to heal before I get back to work, but the purple under my eye will take time to disappear.

“We swapped offs starting today.” His dark eyes rake me in confusion.

I nod. “Did he tell you the reason why?”

“Family matter.” He shrugs.

“Did he mention something like going to his mom?” I hope I don’t sound suspicious. I’m so curious about Liv, but my parents never share any pieces of information with me. Kyland’s mom probably knows about her cousin, but I can’t just ask her out of the blue, can I?

“I really have no idea, Boss. Why don’t you call him instead?” He throws me a scrutinizing look, then he finally asks. “What happened to your face?”

Sometimes, I’m curious about his personality. Forrest doesn’t laugh, nor talk if not being asked. He’s a loner most of the time, unless if Kyland is around. I wonder if he had a hard time growing up. He never gets into a fight, though, despite having a bad boy image—he’s good at his job as well.

“I don’t think it’s any of your business, Forrest,” I retort, shooting him an I’m-your-boss-looked.

He nods glumly. A small smile slips across his lips. “It just, Xandry happened to have a face worse than you, so I put two and two together.”

My blood boils at Xandry’s name being mentioned—it’s like venom to my blood. How can he keep a secret of letting Camila involve into his game?

“I have to go. Do you think you can manage the club while I’m out?” I didn’t wait for him to answer. “Call me if anything, okay?”

On weekdays, the club is not that busy unlike weekends—the crowd triples the number.

“Sure, he deserved it anyway,” he mumbles.

I stop from getting up off the stool. “What did you say?” My anger suddenly rises up.

“He was drunk yesterday, he thought you would be here. He mentioned something,” he pauses and hesitates to continue, “... something about the bet.”

Taking a deep breath, I move closer to him and observe if I catch everyone’s attention. “Who was here when he said that?”

“Everyone was busy, I was left alone with him. He drunk his ass out. I even called a taxi for him. I heard him said something like he lost his car in a bet, that he came by taxi,” Forrest explains.

“Did you mention it to anyone?” I eye him for a lie, but I don’t see any.

His brows arch. “I’m not stupid, but I know it was wrong. I could’ve told Kyland if I wanted to—if I wanted to sabotage your game. I unintentionally overheard you and Xandry in an argument before your brother showed up. I was just getting out of the restroom that night.”

I lean my elbows to the counter and warn him. “Don’t tell anyone, Wood. Kyland in particular.”

“You have my word.”

I nod slowly then stand up and walk away. I feel a little relief, but until when I can keep this from Kyland? Our friendship is at stake. I’m willing to take every punch he will throw to me, but I know he won’t give his trust back. Xandry ruined everything.

No, I ruined everything.

***

I drive all the way to Kyland’s apartment. The cold rain starts pouring down across the windshield, the wiper sweeps in a sad rhythm that reminds me of how sad my life lately. The lightning doesn’t go unnoticed despite the tall buildings all over the city—it streaks with anger across the dark skies—a reminder of my angry cantankerous Camila.

“Man, come in.” Kyland extends his arms with a brotherly hug, sadness filling his eyes. He doesn’t have any idea what I did with Camila in this apartment because he doesn’t give a blow to my face, yet. Guilt is slowly swallowing me up. I literally betrayed him.

“Thanks, who’s with you?” I ask, scanning the silent living room. My nerve is shaking, and it’s still raining outside, making the temperature in their apartment drops, it gives me shiver, adds to the thought of what I am keeping from him.

He walks me to their couch where I leaned on Camila’s warm shoulder days ago.

The coat. Shit!

“You okay?” Kyland’s curious voice makes me swallow.

“Yeah,” I mutter. I don’t realize I’m holding my breath, and my ass doesn’t reach the couch yet.

“Cam is staying with Megan since three days ago,” Kyland says in a sad tone, sighing exasperatedly.

Three days ago—the same day I left her in this apartment—the same day she despised me.

“Is she okay?” I ignore the lump forming in my throat.

“She found out that I and Bianca are dating,” he says, rubbing his scruffy face, “She didn’t take it well.” Guilt is coating his voice. He’s not alone. I wish he knows that.