The Sinners - Ruby Vincent Page 0,80

can join as long as you leave your knife behind.”

“Nope,” he replied, mocking me.

“Royal, I’m serious. Why do you even carry that thing?”

“It’s easier to hide than a gun.”

I gaped at him. “You did not just say that.”

He took his eyes off the road to meet me head-on. “You’re surprised? After what happened in Caesar’s garage? I walk around with this angel on my arm, Em. People know what it means. Guys have tried to jump me four different times. Either other bangers or folks with a grudge against the Horsemen. I don’t go around with protection like Rio does and they think I’m easy game. They quickly find out they’re wrong.”

“Royal, holy shit.” I squeezed his arm. “I had no idea.”

He shrugged like we were talking about gnats flying in his face and not people trying to beat or kill him.

“If it makes you feel better, I wasn’t serious about the gun. You dig out enough bullets from guys screaming and pissing themselves and it changes your mind about them.”

My heart squeezed painfully in my chest. Royal’s time with the doctor ripped at me every time I thought about it. Rio exposed that sweet, smiling boy in the photograph to horrors no teenager should see. Hell, adults shouldn’t see it either.

“By now people know not to mess with me.” Royal stroked my cheek. “I hang on to the switchblade for the stubborn ones.”

“I think there was a compliment in there somewhere,” I murmured. “Buried under your usual messed-up shit.”

He chuckled. “It was in there. The woman to tame me had to be a fighter. Which means she had to be you.”

I cheesed like a lovesick puppy. “That was so damn sweet, I might make you pull over this car.”

Royal hit the brakes.

EVENTUALLY, WE GOT on the road and put Raven River in our rearview. The lake house was five hours out of town, and the trip granted us stretches of vibrant forest, rolling mountains, and the city of Easthaven three hours into our ride.

Trips to Easthaven were a rare occurrence in my life. Closest mark of civilization to our town, but Mom and Dad only visited for a special treat. A trip to the zoo. Theater tickets. A high-end shopping day.

I pressed my nose on the window, following the skyscraper to the very top. Easthaven was alive with people, color, sounds, and smells. Banners hung from telephone poles announcing events. Trash spilled out of overflowing cans. Mothers chased after kids on leashes. I loved every bit of it.

“I used to get so excited when Mom and Dad brought us here. Put on my best clothes and did my hair nice. City people were fancy in my head. I had to look the part.”

“This is my first time here.”

“Really?”

He nodded.

“You’ll love it. There’s an art store in the mall we’re going to. You should check it out while I’m Christmas shopping.” I bopped my eyebrows. “That’s also your chance to get me something nice. Hint, hint.”

Royal didn’t grin to my bait, though he seemed entertained by it. GPS directed us to the mall and bad luck made us drive up, down, and around three blocks to find a parking space. We finally got one and headed inside, splitting up at the entrance and then meeting an hour later in the food court.

Royal took one look at my bags and called me out. “You got Eli everything he wanted, didn’t you?”

“You know I did.” Plopping down, I brazenly took his gyro off his plate and snagged a bite. “Tablet, bookshelf, three of his favorite books, and new shoes. It’s our first Christmas without our parents and we’re spending it in a school because our aunt and uncle don’t want us home. Fulfilling his wish list is the least I can do.”

“What’s on your wish list?”

“Hmm.” I draped his arm over my shoulder, snuggling in. “There’s a collection of Berenice Abbot’s photographs I’ve wanted for a while. She took pictures of 1930s New York architecture. Also, I used to have posters of my favorite K-Pop bands.

“The Child Services lady said we could only take what we could fit in one duffle bag. The FBI agent was breathing down my neck the whole time, checking that I didn’t take anything valuable, that I got flustered and left without them. I’d love to replace them. And candy,” I said. “Always a good choice.”

“Good to know.”

I pestered him asking if he planned to fulfill my wish list. He kept his yes or no close to