10
M aya had never looked like this. Even as surprise rendered Ray frozen for a second, she didn’t dare stop moving until she was seated at the dining table. Maya had her chin resting on her fist, her hair slipping over her shoulder as she gazed into nowhere. She hadn’t said a word, which was an unwelcome change of scenery. Every morning it had been Maya who’d wished her, Maya who had managed to bring forth a sense of friendliness in the atmosphere.
Now it was as though Maya’s soft edge had sharpened into a dangerous sword.
It made this entire event far more uncomfortable than it already was. Ray had sat down next down to Kyle, who was seated next to his mother. Verana was on Ray’s other side while the Ravens occupied the opposite end of the table. No one said a word, not even Alessandro. Their breakfast was getting cold by the second, but it seemed as though no one was really hungry.
Ray didn’t know if this was a good sign or not.
She angled her head sideways, looking at Kyle as he laced a hand through his mother’s and sat there, his eyes trained ahead. Ray’s gaze strayed to the opposite end of the table, sharpening when she caught Martin’s hand adjusting the napkin in his lap. Those amber eyes that somehow looked different on his son, rose.
Ray’s chin tipped upwards, and Martin stopped fiddling.
Her eyes narrowed. How could a man like this lead the Ravens for so long ?
She blinked and turned to face Angel. Those familiar amber eyes were trained on Maya’s face, lost in thought. Ray breathed out silently, remembering the touch of his hand, the way his words had brought her back from her daze. She didn’t know what was worse, the fact that Angel had taken her into his room or the way she’d let him.
“Raylene.”
Maya’s voice was soft, but it snapped everyone out of their daze. Ray looked back at Maya, keeping her expression schooled to nonchalance when Maya’s brown eyes bored into her own. Ray’s spine erupted with shivers, but she only placed her hand down on the table and tipped her chin upwards,
“You have two tasks today.” Maya said and Ray’s head dipped as a sign of agreement, “First, you take the following people around.” Her eyes cut to a piece of beige paper in her hands. Ray blinked. She hadn’t even seen that appear. Immediately her thoughts snapped back to the message from yesterday, one she’d torn up and burnt to ashes.
“Take with you, Cameron and his interpreter, Akash Smith, Irene Sinaga, Myra Jelani, and lastly Noah Hassan.”
Ray knew exactly what she was thinking. Noah hadn’t been there last night. Maya continued, confirming Ray’s thoughts, “Keep your eyes on those who weren’t present last night, and fish out the responsible.”
Ray didn’t grit her teeth. Didn’t dare let her eyes cut to Angel’s as she continued,
“Take him with you,” she said, nudging her chin in Angel’s direction, and Ray finally looked at him. His eyes were trained on hers, his face expressionless as he heeded Maya’s words as well. Ray sighed but saw the smallest dip of his chin. This was their way to Sorin Ardelean .
“Your second task would be to find someone who can replace the Krafts.”
Ray’s eyes widened in surprise. Maya didn’t flinch at her expression, just looked at her husband. Alessandro spoke up for her, placing a hand on hers as his gravelly voice filled the air.
“An important pillar of our business has fallen.” He said and Ray’s eyes widened further. Even Kyle seemed to hesitate at Alessandro’s submission. As if noticing their reaction, Alessandro’s eyes cut to Angel’s. Not Martin, Ray noticed with slight intrigue and half pride as Angel straightened,
“Consider this a test of your loyalty to us.” He said, not a hint of hesitation in his voice, “There is no alliance without trust.”
How hypocritical, Ray thought as Angel nodded in response, tugging at the cuffs of his shirt before crossing his arms. Maya’s eyes turned to Ray’s then and she turned in response. Maya didn’t say a word, but Ray felt the touch of Kyle’s hand against hers. She breathed out, understanding the hidden intent in Maya’s stance.
Use this opportunity, she seemed to say and when Ray turned to face Kyle, he nodded, a small gesture even as his eyes remained cold, use it to understand them better.
So we can destroy them later.
It was then Ray knew that the Larsens never did suspect the Ravens killing June Kincaid. Instead, they were turning her death, using it to their advantage so they could emerge victorious and on top of the entire world after it all ended. Ray couldn’t tell if this was true cunning or just plain sick.
So, she just nodded.
Satisfied, Maya leaned back in her seat and looked at Angel ,
“I apologize, I haven’t had the chance to meet your…” she paused, her brows scrunching as she looked at the people sitting at her table, “Friends?”
Angel didn’t seem offended. He just leaned back and turned to look at his group. They didn’t return his gaze. Just turned to face Maya and began, not a hint of smiles on their faces.
“You know me,” Luke Hawthorne’s tone was soft, borderline polite when he straightened. Maya nodded and he inclined his head in Angel’s direction, “I’m Luke Hawthorne. I’m his right hand.”
Maya’s eyes shifted to the boy seated beside him. He stared back at her with his unique eyes. They were colored brown with obvious green flecks shining through them as he tugged at his cuff links.
While Luke was wearing a stylish brown suit with a white shirt, Jack Davis wore a cotton white shirt topped off with suspenders. He tilted his head, his eyes shining with slight apology as he spoke,
“I’m Jack Davis.” He said and Ray blinked at the British accent that seeped through his words. Maya nodded but chose not to respond verbally, instead turning to look at the girl sitting beside Jack,
“Christina Morris.” She said, her voice louder than Ray had expected it to be. She had short, shoulder-length hair that was dark except for the first strands which were bleached white. They curved around her face beautifully, giving Ray a chance to see those hazel eyes glint under the sunlight as she leaned forward,
“Looking forward to my stay here.” She said, her voice polite.
Maya hummed then, and Ray had to stop the smirk that rose up her lips at the reaction Christina had caused .
She ducked her head, her eyes catching sight of the cold food before she snapped her gaze upwards. It was weird how Verana hadn’t said a word up until now, so Ray turned to her.
Found her glaring at Luke Hawthorne.
Ray raised her brows and turned to look at Luke. He was looking at Maya who had turned her head away to say something to Alessandro softly. Her gaze narrowed when she saw his serious expression crack just barely with a small smile.
Well, she sighed, this was great.
“Angel.” Maya began, turning to face him. Angel perked up, the ever-loving picture of the perfect “son” as she continued, “What about your mother?”
Only Ray saw him flinch, the barest of all reactions before he caught himself and reared back. His hands disappeared under the table as Kyle leaned in to whisper something in Maya’s ears.
“Ah,” Maya said, sounding apologetic as she looked back at him, “Your stepmother.”
Ray’s gaze narrowed, a slight rush of annoyance washing over her at Maya’s calculated move. Everyone knew about the Raven’s tragedy. It was no secret. And Maya was no fool. She grit her teeth as Angel’s eyes softened barely,
“She should be arriving with Mia today.” He replied smoothly, showing no signs of his previous surprise.
Maya nodded and looked at Kyle, “I’m afraid you’ll have to go to the airport again today.” She said but Luke cut in politely ,
“You need not worry, Mrs. Larsen.” He said softly and Maya’s eyes turned to him, slowly. Ray could feel her heart pounding in her chest as Luke continued, “We’ve already made preparations to get them.”
“But if Kyle and Verana would like to come along,” Christina’s voice cut through before Maya could interject, “They are welcome to do so.”
“I think I’ll take you up on that.” Verana’s voice was sudden, surprising most of them. She leaned forward, and a lock of her dark hair spilled over her shoulder, attracting Luke’s eye immediately. Ray prayed Maya wouldn’t notice as they looked at each other and Christina responded,
“Alright.” She said and Ray let out a breath.
A sudden silence descended upon them, and for God knew what reason, her gaze cut to Angel’s. His amber eyes were already looking at her harmlessly, but she still tilted her head in question. He didn’t seem to respond. Not as a loud screeching sound filled the room. Maya got up from her seat, her husband following suit as she looked at Ray,
“Good luck today.” She said and turned to Angel, “I hope you’ll prove to be useful Angel De Santos.”
A loaded statement.
But Ray knew Angel had held onto the Ravens for far too long now.
He didn’t balk at her words, but didn’t take lightly them either,
“I hope we both have similar outcomes with this alliance as well, Mrs. Larsen.”
Ray averted her gaze, her lips threatening to twitch as Maya raised a brow but didn’t smile. Didn’t look as though she was going to anytime soon.
“Oh right,” she said instead, and Ray perked up. This close she could see her rumpled clothes, her messy hair, “Before I forget, you can take the car around. Both you and Angel. ”
Ray nodded, making sure to show her appreciation as Maya stepped away from her table and started walking out,
“Go out and ask for one particular man,” she continued and paused as she tried to remember his name. Turned to Kyle with furrowed brows, “His name?”
Kyle’s response was immediate.
“Sorin Ardelean.”
Ray froze.
“Right!” Maya said, not noticing the pure surprise on Ray’s face, “Call for Sorin Ardelean. He’s your driver for today.”
Ray didn’t have to turn to Angel to know the equal surprise that mirrored on his face.
If that man had the guts to invade them while knowing his identity was fucked, her eyes rose to Angel’s when Maya walked out, what else was he capable of?
* *
“Are we just a fucking joke?” Jack roared as soon as they walked out of the dining arena, leaving Kyle, Ray, and Verana behind for the moment. Angel’s steel eyes snapped to his, and Christina shushed him. But Jack’s eyes were ablaze with the same anger that was pumping through his blood.
It was foolish of them, Angel couldn’t help but think as Jack shut up beside him, foolish to threaten them like this.
He tucked his fists in the pocket of his trousers as they strode ahead. The door opened as soon as they neared it, making Angel blink at the howling wind outside. He swivelled his head to look at Jack and saw Christina place a comforting hand on his shoulder ,
“It won’t be long now.” She started and those hazel eyes matched his. Angel saw the ferocity in that gaze, “Would it?”
All three of them turned to him in response. Angel scoffed out a laugh at their deadly expressions, “Relax,” he said but saw them all tense, “And quit looking at me like you’re about to kill me.”
“Then why don’t you tell us what the hell is going on here?”
Angell shook his head, a rueful smile on his lips, “That’s no way to talk to your leader.” He said and tipped his head forward, bringing forth a lock of his hair on his forehead.
“You said we had a plan.” Luke began in Spanish, making Angel blink in surprise. His chin rose and he looked at the rest of them, “But all we’ve seen you do up until now is talk to our middleman.”
Angel grimaced, “Dios, your pronunciations are still atrocious.” He responded in Spanish and winced as Christina punched him in the shoulder, “Just trust me. Confía en mí–”
“Slight change of plans.”
Kyle’s voice came suddenly from behind them, making everyone except Angel jump in surprise. He just turned on his heels, watching as Verana and Ray trailed behind him. His gaze snagged on her casual attire. She was wearing blue jeans and had topped it off with an army green sweatshirt. He saw her stand beside Kyle and cross her arms as her cool gaze swept all of them.
“I’m coming with you both.” Kyle continued, and Angel turned him slowly. The blonde boy looked back at him; all sense of humor wiped from his face.
So that’s how it was going to be now .
He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose before walking past Angel, bumping his shoulder in the process. Angel’s brows scrunched as he realized. Kyle hadn’t ruled them out as suspects just yet.
The thought didn’t surprise him. He blinked past it as Verana’s smooth voice drawled from Ray’s other end,
“I suppose we should get going as well.” She said, her words aimed at Christina. Angel saw her blink in surprise as she raised a hand to her chest and stared backat Verana. The other girl’s brow perked up in interest as Christina shook her head and inclined her head,
“We…shall.” She said and cleared the path for Verana to walk away.
Those hazel eyes snapped to them in horror as if saying– why the hell was she talking to me? Jack cackled as Luke patted Christina’s shoulder solemnly and murmured,
“Good job.” he said and ducked out of her way before she could hurt him.
Angel’s attention and smile was snatched away as Ray took a step forward, her blue highlights showing as her hair swayed with the wind. He blinked as she strode closer, his thoughts flashing to the night before. About her breakdown and her sheen honey eyes. About the way, she’d placed the gun right against his heart and made a promise.
He was so messed up.
“Let’s go.” Her voice drew him out of his daze and he stepped back, allowing her to pass as he turned to face his friends. He couldn’t tell them about Sorin just yet. Not when they didn’t have anything concrete. Right now their jobs were simply keeping their eyes and ears open for any weaknesses. So far, however, the Lions had none. They all stared back at him, and Angel nodded, willing them to understand. To believe in him .
They really did, because then Luke exhaled and turned to walk to the car that approached their entrance.
Angel breathed out in relief and turned to see Ray’s eyes already trained on him. They stood like that for a second. After last night, it was as though something had changed between them. This alliance they’d begun last night, it was as though they’d signed a brief truce.
Angel wasn’t sure if he liked that idea.
But then Ray was beckoning them forward and Kyle was nowhere to be seen, so Angel was walking ahead. When he stepped beside her, he hadn’t been expecting her to say anything, but was pleasantly surprised to hear her voice,
“Don’t make it obvious today. We’re just testing how slippery he is.” She said softly and Angel suppressed a smile as she turned to face him, “And don’t make this obvious either.”
A small grin broke free as Angel looked at her slowly. Ray snapped her head away but he’d caught the heated look in her eyes, “Don’t want to be associated with me Storm?”
“Quit,” she snarled, and Angel masked his chuckle as a cough, “Calling me that.”
“No.”
She turned to hiss but he only looked away, “This ain’t my first rodeo at catching rats, Storm .” He said and saw her roll her eyes, “I think I have enough patience to last me a lifetime.”
She scoffed, “That’s why you’re so pissed off when I’m around.”
Angel’s eyes flashed, what was this girl , “I’m not pissed off.” He said and felt her cold gaze fume his annoyance, “I’ve explained this before. I’m not doing it again. ”
“And you say you’re not affected.” She responded. Angel was about to snap back when a car swept past their vision. It was a beautiful deep red Tesla, and it didn’t make a sound as it stopped before them. Angel’s eyes were wide in surprise as he saw Kyle roll down his window. His golden hair, unruffled and poised as always, was slightly messy as he pointed in the direction of the driver.
“Sorin.” He said.
Angel recovered from his daze, memorizing the face.
It was a round face, one that didn’t hide his beauty when his curly hair flew with the wind. Those black eyes were trained ahead as Angel ducked his head to look at him, his hands still fisted in his pockets. Sorin was wearing black gloves that held the steering wheel tightly. Angel caught the steel glint of a silver necklace around his neck and a similar pair of earrings on his ear.
“Hola,” Angel responded to Kyle’s introduction. Sorin didn’t turn to look at him but ducked his head politely. His eyes narrowed. There was something familiar, something about him that pricked his mind. But nothing concrete enough to have him pondering over it. Angel shrugged his shoulders and turned to walk in the car when he saw Ray’s eyes on him. He quirked a brow when she shook her head,
“Way to not make it obvious.” She murmured just as Angel went to open the door for her. But Ray had already started walking to the other side of the car. He frowned at her words and sat back in the car. Ray had her hands crossed when he adjusted on his seat and heard Kyle start speaking,
“So where are we meeting the others?” His question was aimed at Ray when the car started and Sorin started driving out of their beach house. Ray’s eyes were gazing out of the window when she spoke,
“In front of the hotel. ”
Angel rose his brows but didn’t turn to look back at her as he slumped down in his seat and fell back in his thoughts. Maya hadn’t considered them as probable suspects, but Angel knew from experience that if Kyle suspected something he would do anything in his power to act on it. Angel’s eyes strayed to Sorin, and then to Ray.
Wonder how that would work.
Her arms and legs were crossed, her honey eyes shining as she gazed out the window. As if noticing his stare, she turned to face him, blinking at his attention.
Angel shot her a small smile that hid a million secrets. He saw her eyes narrow and he nudged his chin in Sorin’s direction.
Ray’s eyes didn’t turn and her face didn’t make a single expression, but he saw by the simple exhale she’d understood. Whether they liked it or not, both he and Ray were now bound to be in this together.
They both had to weed out Sorin Ardelean to prove their innocence and loyalty to the Lions.
All of course, for their own benefit.