SHADOW AND BLOOD: THE PRICE OF LOVING YOU

NICK WALKER©The silence in the bar was so loud. It was the opposite of the club above us, everything here was quieter. Laughter and chatter was subtle, like everyone had agreed to keep their secrets in their glass. I stood behind the counter, polishing cups, sliding drinks across the counter and forcing a smile to the people. This was my life everyday. I work night after night working part-time to keep food on the table for myself and my little sister, Mira. Parents? None. My mother left us the day Mira was born, and my father had already died years earlier. “Nick.“ My colleague, Shawn dragged me out of my thoughts.“Could you take this to the VIP room? I really need to use the restroom. Thanks.” He shoved a paper into my hand and darted away before I could say a word.I sighed as I took a look at the paper in my hand.I've always avoided going to the VIP room. Politicians, men with bodyguards, rich strangers who thought touching staff was their right. People like that turned th

NICK WALKER ©“Give me that.“ Mira yanks the comb from my hand, jolting me out of the million thoughts running through my mind.“Sorry. I’ve got a lot going on,” I said with a sigh.“You don't have to apologize. I’m happy you don’t have to fix my hair this morning. “She beamed happily and turned to the mirror like she had won a fight.“Good morningggg!” Avery sang as she walked in, loud as always.Mira groaned as she walked towards Avery. “Why do you have such a noisy friend?” Avery opened her arms, thinking she was about to get a hug, but Mira reached past her, grabbed the fried chicken box, and opened it with joy.“Oh hi, Avery, can we all go to school now?“ She asked as she bites into the drumstick.“I'm never bringing that to this house again, Mira!“ Avery yelled.“Yeah, don't. You can as well bring something nicer next time.“ Mira retorted as they both bickered like two cats fighting for one fish bone.“Whatever. Why don't you use your big words on him? He seems to be going thr

LORENZO GRAYSON\ KERZHAKOV ©I stared at the mirror intently, ready to put on the life of a lecturer I fixed myself into. I picked my pair of glasses and wore them. Every morning, I put on this same calm, controlled look, the look of a college lecturer who blends into normal life. But no matter how neat I looked, or how peaceful I tried to act, it didn’t change one truth.I was still the son of one of the most powerful mafia syndicates in Russia.I grabbed the car keys and started driving to college. Halfway there, my phone rang. It was Kyle. He never called this time unless it was important.“Any updates?” I asked, eyes still on the road.I had sent Kyle to investigate the man that was arrested by the cops. We needed to know who he worked for and whose hands were reaching into my life again.“He doesn't even know you, he was sent to kill the man that was after you. I’m trying to track the people behind him, but he says he was blackmailed…”I scoffed. Of course. Another pawn.“Let hi

NICK WALKER ©I let out a long sigh as my mind drifted back to what had happened a while ago.Everything about it was embarrassing.“Shit! That scared me.“ The word slipped so fast that I barely had time to react. I quickly covered my mouth, my eyes widening in panic.Coffee. All over Professor Grayson’s shirt.“Oh my! I’m so sorry!” I rushed out, stepping closer without thinking. My hands moved on their own as I tried to clean the mess I had made. Turns out to be a bad idea.I froze when I realized we were too close. I felt my face heating up as I became aware of his hand still on me, holding me steady from when I had almost fallen.“I… I didn’t mean to…” I stammered, avoiding his eyes while still trying to wipe his shirt, even though it only made things worse.He didn’t say anything. He just… kept looking at me. I felt eyes on us at that moment.Seriously? Not even a “don’t worry” I cleared my throat and forced myself to stand straight, trying to act normal, after what had just ha

NICK WALKER©“I was just messing with you.” I repeated his words and scoffed.Seriously?My jaw tightened. That man was really getting on my nerves.I turned to Avery, expecting her to be annoyed too, instead, she burst into laughter.Not just a small laugh. She laughed hard, bending a little as she tried to catch her breath. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes, and she wiped them quickly, still laughing.“What’s funny?” I asked, confused.“I don’t know,” she said between her laughs. “I just… wow.”She straightened and looked at me like she had just figured something out.“I just… I love the chemistry between you and Grayson.”I blinked.“What?”She nodded, still smiling.Then she turned and started to walk away like she had not just said something insane.“Chemistry?” I repeated, quickly following her.“What do you mean by chemistry?” I asked again.She stopped suddenly and turned to face me.“You don’t see it?” she asked.“I don't see what?” I replied, already annoyed.She cross