He sighs.
It’s not a good sign.
Mainly because he never sighs.
“Tell me.” I grip the phone tight.
“Your levels are unstable. The medicine is working less and less. Imagine taking too many antibiotics; eventually, the bacteria being treated builds a resistance, and the medicine stops working against the infection. Another example would be painkillers. Take too many, and the body not only builds a tolerance but stops working on the pain.” His voice lowers. “We’re in clinical trials with fucking rats at this point.”
“Wait, did you just call me a rat?” I joke because it hurts too much to be serious. “Bad mafia joke, come on, man… I feel fine.”
“But one day you won’t, Maksim. You need to prepare yourself. I’m not giving up, but you need to be realistic about things. I think it would be best if you dropped out of school, spent some time with family, and made sure things were in order.”
Make sure things are in order.
I repeat it in my head.
Nope still sucks.
My body goes completely cold. “Are you saying my time is that limited?”
Another annoyed sigh. “I have a few more tests to run. I need more blood. Go to the same clinic right now. They’ll analyze it STAT and shoot the results to me electronically. I should have more news for you in the morning. Stay positive.”
“Wow, this coming from the Grim Reaper?”
“You know I hate that nickname.”
“Which is why I use it as often as I can. Quick, want to hear it in a sentence?”
“Want to die sooner?”
“Empty threats, you actually like me.” I grin for the first time since we started our conversation, but it doesn’t last long as I think about Izzy. Shit.
“I tolerate you more than others, big difference. Besides, your sacrifice could save a lot of lives…” His voice trails off.
I look down at my feet, remembering that night. “Yeah well, we both got something out of it, didn’t we?”
He’s quiet; the phone crackles as if it’s moving against his hand. I imagine he’s pacing. “It might be a good idea not to trigger anything…”
I almost laugh. “You mean take your medicine, try to stay away from blood and broken bones, all weapons, and stop watching violent TV?”
“Your point is made.” He curses. “I’ll talk to Chase. As of right now, we’re pulling you from the roster.”
“And when you need me again? When Chase or Nixon don’t want to put the heirs in danger? When someone needs to do the hard thing like I did six months ago, and we draw straws?” I say it as if I’m not the heir, but I am. I just want to protect them. I want to do the hard thing.
“Nobody knows the real reason. They just think you’ve matured into a nice little killer, Maksim. I intend to keep it that way, so for now, try to stay… sane.”
I snort. “Yeah, not feeling very sane right now, Nik.”
“Tryyy…” He draws out the word. “Oh, and break up with your girlfriend. Junior and Serena sent over the text vote—she’s the worst.”
“Man, I’m hurt. Which way did King vote?”
“Sex.” He sighs. “Wasn’t an option, though, for the vote.”
“Just how bored are you to be participating in the group text with all the young ones?”
“I’m not that old,” he points out. “And ever since fucking Valerian added me last year, I don’t know how to get out of it.”
“Bro, hate to break it to you, but that just proves you’re old and technology confuses you.”
“Show that to all my awards.”
“Fair.” I laugh. “Okay, I’m off to the clinic.”
“Be nice.”
“I’m charming as fuck.”
“I said nice, not seductive. You nearly gave Phoebe a heart attack, and you know she has a weak heart.” He’s back to sounding indifferent, distracted.
I roll my eyes. “She’s the one that grabbed my ass, not the other way around.”
“She’s a nurse; I’m sure there was a purpose.”
I think back. Phoebe’s in her sixties, gorgeous for her age, and handsy. Nurse my ass, she just wants to get laid. I shake my head; maybe if I wasn’t dying. Hah… bet she won’t see that excuse coming.
“Gotta go.” Nikolai hangs up before I can say anything.
I shove my phone into my back pocket and watch Jenna pick at her salad and imagine just shoving my cheeseburger into her face and yelling. “CARBS!” As loud as I can.
She’d probably prefer I pull a gun on her.
Shit.
No more excuses.
Hell, at twenty, I just got told to put my business in order.
And the first order of business…
I march over to Jenna, lean down, and wink. “You’re fired.”
“Huh?” A carrot drops from her mouth. “Was I hired for something?”
“Yeah, sort of like a way for me to get laid without breaking another girl’s heart. You know, everyone has needs and all that.” I pat her on the shoulder. “So, thank you for your sucking and your service.” I pull out a hundred-dollar bill. “Oh, I got this; keep the change.”
Her face turns a weird shade of purple I’ve never seen on a human before. “Are you fucking kidding me right now?”
“No.” I put on my sunglasses. Damn it, who scratched the lens? “But if you’re into the whole bad boy vibe, I think King’s looking for someone, and he always appreciates my sloppy seconds because I’m good at teaching the girls how to do all the things he likes.” I cocked my head to the side, quickly replaying my words in my head. “Wow, that came out weirder than I intended.”
She raises her hand to slap me.
I jump back and grin. “It’s not you; it’s me, and it was fantastic. Seriously, call him; he’s sad right now.”
“You bastard!” she roars. “You can’t just pass me off to your friend!”
“Hey, that’s hurtful; he’s more like family.” I wink. “All right, off I go. I have an appointment with a sixty-year-old nurse who likes to grab my junk, can’t wait!”
A shoe flies by my face to the right. Huh, I always knew she had good aim, not that I’m bringing that up now. It would be officially weird if I turned around and said, quick throw the next one just to see if she could impale my dick with her heel.
I shut the door to the burger shop behind me and get into my car. First things first, I need to warn King that a psychopath may use him to get over me; he’ll be thrilled.
Me: Broke up with Jenna.
Serena: YES! You bitches owe me a hundred bucks apiece!
Nikolai: Aren’t you late?
Me: Guys, Nikolai’s old.
Nikolai: Son of a bitch…
Junior: Sorry, I was counting high trying to imagine how old Nikolai really is compared to us.
King: Junior? Counting? Are you sick?
Izzy: He’s in his late ,fifties you dum-dum.
Violet: I like it when Izzy name calls.
Izzy: I was talking to Maksim. He’s the dum-dum. Junior, good for you!!! Math is hard.
Me: Well, that’s rude.