NovelEnglishI had not heard Idris’ voice in forever. For a few seconds, | was lost in it, a wave of bitterness chokingup. | had a million things to say, but | swallowed them down and managed to say, "It's me, Idris. We need to meet." "Okay!" | gave him the address Lucas had givenand hung up, my heart heavy.
Lucas had picked sclubhouse out in the suburbs. Stepping out of the car, | saw him on my heels and frowned.
He quirked an eyebrow, "What's wrong? Don't wanttagging along?" | bit back my words, ice in my voice, "Do what you want." | had barely finished my sentence when | breezed into the clubhouse. Right at the entrance, | caught sight of Idris. He looked like he had not slept in days, and his usually sharp features were shadowed by stubble, giving him a weary look.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe moment | saw him, my feet itched to dash over. However, before | could take a step, Lucas's firm grip yankedback. He pulledclose, his hand possessively circling my waist, and murmured, "Yvette, you're with me, remember? Diving into someone else's arms isn't going to makehappy." | froze, my heart twisting as Idris approached, his expression turning to ice when he saw Lucas's arms around me.
Our eyes locked, and it hurt to pretend everything was fine. | forced a smile and managed to say, "Hey, Idris. It's been a while." His dark eyes were stormy, and | braced myself for the questions about why Lucas and | were so chummy all of a sudden.
He refrained from asking anything. Instead, he yankedout of Lucas's hold and, without missing a beat, threw a punch at him.
Lucas, caught off guard, quickly swung back. The two of them, silent as statues, started brawling right there.
Lucas's crew and the Youngs' bodyguards swarmed around us, ready to jump into the fray.
Seeing the standoff about to explode into chaos, | shouted, "Everybody, stop!" The crowd held back. Idris and Lucas, however, did not seem to get the memo. They kept at it, trading punches, and soon enough, they were both sporting bruises and cuts.
Lucas was already hurt, and it did not take long before Idris had him pinned and scraping the pavement. | could not help but cheer inside at the sight. Part ofeven wished Lucas would just get knocked out for good right there. Knowing better, | was aware that he would not go down that easily, and he would be sure to take a chunk out of Idris in return.
| stepped in and yanked Idris back, yelling at the top of my lungs, "That's enough!" Idris stepped back, his anger spent. He shot Lucas, who was sprawled on the ground, a chilly look but held back from hitting him again.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLucas had taken a beating, but he did not look too riled up. He just fixedwith those deep, dark eyes, loaded with meaning. | got the message loud and clear, and it made my skin crawl. Still, I let go of Idris and moved to help Lucas up.
Then Idris snagged my wrist. He was puzzled when he sawreaching for Lucas. "Yvette, what are you doing?" he asked, his brow furrowed.
I had so much to say to him, but I just pushed his hand away without a word and went over to Lucas, pulling him to his feet.
Idris watched me, his forehead creased with worry. | could tell he had a lot on his mind. We had not spoken in days, and there was so much to catch up on. That would have to wait, however.
| took a deep breath and told Lucas firmly, "I need to have a word with him alone." It was not a question or a request. | was making my stance clear.
Lucas glared at me, his face a map of bruises and warnings. | cut him off before he could protest, however. "| know what I'm doing. If you want to get out of Lake City fast, lettalk to him." He squinted at me, then said, "I'll be in the car," and with a scornful look at Idris, he left, taking his entourage with him.
Back in the clubhouse, | sat across from Idris. His face was a mess. "You should ice that," | told him.
He did not say a word, just stared atwith those intense eyes. "Yvette, are not you going to tellwhat has been going on? What happened to Officer Jackson? Why'd you drop off the map?" | met his gaze, feeling strangely calm. "You saw it all, did not you? | was hanging out with Charlie, my phone died, and | just didn't bother to charge it. As for Officer Jackson, the cops should have filled you in. | don't know the details." His frown deepened. "That's your s?"
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