Misted (Team Zero #5) by Rina Kent

“Have any of you listened to Mist’s side of the story?” Eloise asks in a firm voice.

“She wouldn’t fucking tell it.”

“That’s because there isn’t one.” I cross my arms. “Live well, Crow.” My voice softens when I meet Eloise’s warm gaze. “Thank you for everything.”

I cast one last glance at the stairs and stand still as the last pieces of my heart shatter before I head out of the door.





I’m back in England in half a day – thanks to Molly’s help. The girls welcome me with hugs and tears in their eyes. I smile and assure them that I’m fine.

To some extent, looking after them has become something I take pride in. A proof to Nero that he didn’t ruin me. That I’m able to take care of people like me — or prevent them from becoming like me.

I’m strong enough to protect them from what happened to me. I’d break the bloody prime minister’s hand if he lays it on any of my girls without their consent.

“You’re shaking,” Molly observes as we make way to my office.

I enter the combination to my safe and my thumbprint. It clicks open, and I retrieve all the money I have there. I lay them on the table. “I need new identities and a new life for Jessica and Sarah. I don’t want any politician or police to get their hands on them.”

“They’re already good in a safe house. Don’t worry about that.” She hops on the desk, her multi-coloured hair bouncing. “What happened, Misty? Did Hawk do something? I’ll – ”

“Can you take care of Le Salon’s girls?” I cut her off. “I know this is too much to ask from you, but I need you here. You’re the only one I can trust.”

“I’d do anything for you, Misty, but what’s going on?”

“You’ll know if it works.”

“Is it about Poison’s disciples coming after you? I can take care of them. We’ll get Ink out. I promise.”

“I’ll do that myself.” I smile at her. “Thank you for having my back, Molls.”

“What are you gonna do?” Her eyes darken beneath drawn eyebrows. I know she worries about me, but for her own safety, she needs to stay away from this.

The door to my office opens to make way for Shadow and Flame. I’m surprised Flame isn’t sleeping around as usual. But again, with me and Ghost out of here, he needs to work his arse for once.

A cigarette hangs casually from his lips as his detached gaze roams over the money on the table. “Tell me you’re back for good because I’m not in the mood to take care of more gangster quarrels.”

“The fuck you’re doing here, old hag?” Shadow lashes out as he reaches for a bottle of Scotch from the cabinet. “You want the police to come for you again?”

Molly looks nervously between us. “He’s right. I mean… Hades did abandon you.”

“I’ll take care of it.” I meet all their questioning gazes. “Just keep this place safe and running until Ghost returns.” I pause. “Where’s Scar?”

Flame throws his weight on a sofa and closes his eyes. “On her way to France.”

“She said something about not leaving Hawk alone.” Molly’s tone is biting.

Flame cracks one eye open. “Her exact words were, I’m not like some unfeeling bitch.”

I bite my lower lip so hard, I almost draw blood. The thought about Scar alone with Hawk in the house that was supposed to be my dream fills me with boiling hatred.

I really should’ve killed that doll when I had the chance years ago.

But again, she can serve as protection, so maybe I’ll kill her later.

If there’s a later.

I retrieve my phone that I left here and freeze when I see two messages from the now-familiar unknown number.

This is only the beginning, Mist.

Wait for it. Do you hear the sound of your life becoming hell?

Fuck them. Whoever they are. They can’t make my life hell if I go there willingly.

“Well, Scar drove that lieutenant crazy, but even then, he wasn’t stopping.” Shadow takes a long swig of his drink. “What will you do?”

“I can’t take care of the police, but I can take care of someone more powerful than them.”

I dial his number and he picks up after long rings.

“Hello, Hades. I have an offer that might interest you.”





27





Hawk





It’s never black when everything goes to hell. It’s red.



Past,

Mist’s bloodied face brings sickness to the back of my throat.

I can’t believe I was late and I failed her.

I close my eyes and place her unconscious body in front of the room where I shot the scum Nero. She’s breathing evenly, but the blood marring her nose, mouth, and cheeks is alarming. I don’t even know what else that fucker – who I want to bring back to life just so I can kill him all over again – has done to her.

Her jeans are slightly ripped, but her underwear is intact. Just the thought that this could’ve been worse fills me with deep-seated rage at myself. I should’ve protected her, but I didn’t.

I pat her hand one last time and turn to the room. I close the window, the bathroom and everything in sight. I kick Nero’s unmoving body over and over again. I want to keep kicking him all night, but Mist needs help.