Page 79 of Mercy & Malice

“Yes, he did since he thought I was already aware of significant information regarding my boyfriend.”

My mind lands on boyfriend. We’ve never officially declared ourselves a couple, but we’ve never been only friends.

“Why, Micah? I thought we were past all the violence and nonsense. It wasn’t enough for you to beat the shit out of your brother so now you’re going for another brawl.”

Ivy drops onto the bench next to Luca as she asks, “What’s going on?”

Brooke flings her hand in my direction. “Micah’s fighting at the Tomb tonight because there’s not enough fuckery going down already.”

Ivy glances at Luca who shrugs his shoulders before he says, “I told him it’s a bad idea.”

“Yeah, very bad, Micah,” Ivy states.

Brooke adds, “Do what you want. You always do. But I don’t want to watch you beat the shit out of some guy.”

The comment strikes a nerve as the fight with her father springs to mind. And I’m certain it’s better for both of us if she’s not there. She’s gone and down the stairs before I can say as much.

Luca asks, “Is it really worth it?”

No. But am I still going to show up for the matchup in a few hours? Yes. Because I’m a fucking idiot.

“It’s not, Micah, and you know it. And you have to realize that when Brooke says do what you want she doesn’t mean it. She wants you to make the decision to stand down on your own.” Ivy sighs. “But you’re still going to fight.”

“Yes,” I admit as she shakes her head.

“At least you two morons aren’t fighting each other this time. I guess that’s the only positive.”

Luca pulls her to him. “I was defending your honor. Dipshit was up to something because Mercy was fueling the fire.”

“I wasn’t going to do anything. I just wanted you to think I was. It was all a mind game.” One I learned from the best—our father. “The paranoia and anticipation are the real tactic. They’re so focused on the impending next blow, they’re not planning their own move.”

Ivy states, “That’s fucked-up logic. Mercy really was sick.”

“Agreed.” And that wasn’t just logic for Mercy. It’s his nature. It’s all a mind game. He’s staying away and making me anticipate his next hit to drive me insane. And it’s working.

The game is over. Belgrave won and the star of the game is walking up now. Cain slaps hands with Luca as my brother tells him, “Great game, man.”

They’ve always been closer friends and has a stronger bond than Luca and I ever did. Maybe that’s another reason why the guy rubs me the wrong way.

Ivy asks, “Is there anything you’re not good at?”

Cain laughs in response as I reply, “Keeping his mouth shut about things that don’t concern him.”

The air shifts as all eyes look to me. Cain keeps a slight smirk on me. “I thought Brooke knew about the fight.”

“Yeah, well, I’m going to find her. Don’t be a dummy, dummy.” Ivy slaps her hand against my shoulder as she walks away.

Cain says, “I never meant to step on your toes, dude.”

“Yet you always do. Always right there to swoop in when she needs you.” I’m taking my anger out on him when it should be directed elsewhere. This is just another example of why I need to fight tonight. I don’t care who I unleash on, I need to let it out.

Cain chuckles, shaking his head as he looks to Luca then back to me. “Yes, I’ll always be around when Brooke needs me, because I care about her.” He steps closer to me, his face less amused as he adds, “We’re friends. Nothing else. Would we be more if it were up to me? Probably. But I never let myself go there because I get that it’s you she wants to be with. There’s no competition. It’s never been a question. You’re the only one who has doubts. So, get your head out of your ass and be who she thinks you are. Like why are you fighting tonight when you realize what it’s doing to her?”

Because I’m a selfish motherfucker who doesn’t deserve her. Cain is the better choice. The better person, student, athlete. He wouldn’t get her locked in a cage and tortured. But I’d never be able to stand by and watch him or anyone else with her. And that’s what will happen eventually.

Luca says, “This is exactly why you shouldn’t be at the Tomb tonight. You’re picking a fight with our best friend over nothing.”

I take a step away from both of them. “He’s your best friend. I’m just the tagalong.”