OWAIN LUTHERI half-expected Malcom to ask me to stay close to Karima.Sure, he was p*ss*d at me for keeping the truth from him, and maybe he thinks I’m a walking time bomb that needs to stay the hell away from his sister. But this wasn’t just about me. Nathan wasn’t any better—hell, he was worse. The guy f*cked his sister's best friend. If that doesn’t scream danger, then what does?And looking at Karima now, already wound up and not okay with any of this, I knew one thing for certain: she could never find out I struck a deal with Malcom to stay over for the week using her as the string. The arrangement was simple, I’d keep an eye on her, make sure Romeo didn’t get close. But to her? It would sound like I’d bargained her away, like I’d bet on her. She’d hate me for it. Maybe she already did just by agreeing to be her watchdog.Still… between me and Nathan? I was the bigger threat. Malcom didn’t realize it yet, but I did. She doesn’t just need protecting from men like Nathan. She need
KARIMA HEARTI stared at the box for a second too long. The more I looked at it, the more dangerous it felt, like something out of Pandora’s box. Opening it could unleash every curse bound inside, but tossing it away wouldn’t erase the weight of it either. And right now, tossing it wasn’t even an option.With a heavy sigh, I shoved it deep into my handbag and strolled inside.Nathan was setting plates on the dining table, while Owain had already claimed the couch, sitting there like he was lord of the house. His legs crossed, arm draped lazily over the armrest, and eyes glued to his phone like some Mafia drug lord who didn’t give a d*mn about the world.As if bossing me around and bodyguarding me wasn’t enough, he was acting as if he owned the entire place.Nathan didn’t bother saying anything. He just placed two plates of toast with a bottle of ketchup on the table, like his way of saying, when you’re both ready, you know where to find it.I slipped into one of the chairs, pulling a
KARIMA HEARTIt was already past eight in the evening, and yet here I was, insisting I would stay at the hospital with Nathan.I don’t know why Owain seemed to have such a problem with that, but honestly, I already had two bigger problems weighing on me.First, getting Malcom’s approval.Second, asking Zack for another day off. And if I did, he’d probably tell me to work a full month straight without rest, or worse, tell me to quit.The thought alone hammered at my head. If Zack actually chased me off, I’d lose my paycheck for the month. No paycheck meant no hospital bills paid. And even if I tried sneaking a little money from Malcom, I doubted I could keep it up for long before he started suspecting what I was doing. No way in hell, I'm allowing that.I rubbed my forehead softly, thoughts tumbling over each other, and then I realized Owain’s eyes were still on me, like he was waiting for me to take back what I said earlier. But no... He was wrong. I wasn’t backing out. I’d rather stay
OWAIN LUTHER"Victoria!" Karima’s voice broke as she rushed toward us. I scooped Victoria into my arms, my eyes darting towards Karima."Call one of the nurses," I told Karima. She spun around, waving down a nurse who hurried over and directed us to a room.I laid Victoria gently on the bed. She was barely hanging on, her eyes fluttering open, then shutting again, breaths shallow."Please wait outside, sir," the nurse said. I gave a short nod and guided Karima out with me.The moment the door closed behind us, she collapsed against me. It was the first time I’d ever held a crying woman in my arms. Her forehead pressed to my chest, her breath warm against my skin. I almost reached up to pat her back, to comfort her, but before I could, she lifted her tear-streaked face to mine."What should I do, Owain?" Her voice trembled in between tears. "I feel like I need to tell Nathan… but I don’t know if I should. If he hears about Juliet and now his mum… he’ll break."Her words splintered into
OWAIN LUTHERThe second we pulled into the driveway, she was out of the car before I’d even stopped, door swinging wide open behind her. That was how serious it was, there wasn't a pause, and not even a glance back.Whatever had her this shaken, I just hoped it wasn’t going to end up being about Nathan.I killed the engine and followed her in. She was already wrapped in Victoria’s arms when I stepped inside. They hugged tight for a few seconds before Victoria cupped Karima’s face with trembling hands."I’m sorry, Karima, for dragging you here when you were probably busy," she said, tears already glassing her eyes. "I just thought you were the best person I could call."I stayed by the door, like someone had told me not to trespass any further."It’s fine. I’m glad you called. How is she now?" Karima asked, holding Victoria’s hands now.Victoria didn’t answer right away. A fresh stream of tears slid down her cheeks as she squeezed Karima’s fingers."It’s okay," Karima whispered, pattin
OWAIN LUTHERStanding in front of me was Romeo, the idiotic lover boy himself who somehow thinks he’s everyone’s fantasy.The second my eyes locked on him, yesterday came rushing back: his hands glued to Karima’s waist, his lips grazing hers like he thought he was in some cheesy romance flick… and then him slamming me against the wall trying to play tough.None of that stung half as much as his pathetic little trick, blackmailing her with his sick sister. That was new-level disgusting.Tyla used the distraction to slip out of my grip, and then Nathan stepped up. I half-expected his legendary pillow punch, but instead, he slid his hands into his pockets, probably thinking it made him look smooth."Owain," he started, locking eyes with me. My stare alone should’ve been enough warning, say the wrong thing, and schoolyard or not, I’d happily rearrange his face."Were you making out with Tyla just now?""Bold opening line. But, still none of your business. And I’m guessing you didn’t come