"Baby step outside your mind / You've been really good / You've been really good / You've been thinking 'bout being bad ever since I put you on."
~ Life Of The Party by The Weeknd

...♛...

Summer White

...♛...

After dropping Alice off at the airport, I drove to get some takeout and parked in the lot where I ate and researched everything I could about Kai Black using someone's phone I stole. The guy was old so he didn't even notice that I took it and I'm pretty sure even if he did, he doesn't know what find my iPhone is.

I already knew some things about Kai from what dad had told me and what I had read in the media previously, but that's not what I was looking for now. Instead, I was looking for information about his life before the Black Aces. The only thing I could find is some cases his family, The Black Knights were linked to back in Los Angeles though most of them only talked about Nicholas or their deceased father, William Black.

What I did find though is that Kai first moved to Chicago when he was seventeen because that's when the news outlets started reporting about The Black Aces. He's also two years older than me making him twenty-five.

The reason why The Black Aces gained so much attention and power so quickly is the media claims that they're involved in human trafficking which most new gangs tend not to get involved with. Human trafficking is more of a mafia thing or for people who have no moral compass, but I guess Kai needed power and he needed it fast so this was the best possible way to gain it. The reason why Kai remains untouched is that he launders his money through the multiple car dealerships he owns throughout America. I'm assuming the dealerships are a front because that's what most strong gangs do. They find a legitimate business to launder their black money through. My family did it through hotels and Nick does it through casinos. It's all rumours and speculation though so I guess I'll find out once I'm a part of the gang too.

On that note, I'm pretty sure Kai isn't going to make me a part of his gang in the way I want. I'm a woman and to him, like any other man, the only skill I have is the art of seduction. Though I do possess that skill and I will be putting it to use, I would prefer that Kai utilize my combative and tactical skills instead. He might try to explore those skills of mine on his own, but the chances are slim. I caught just enough of his attention to make him curious, but I think that's fading as time passes. I need to throw him off guard and keep him interested. The best way to do that is by showing him my skills and testing his boundaries.

It was around midnight when I started driving back home and I make it in about half an hour. When I open the door, before I flick on the lights, I notice a little red light in the far corner of the living room. I don't hesitate to flick the lights on. Then I turn around to close the door behind me, locking it so that unwanted guests don't appear. I noticed the black car following me the whole way home and I'm pretty sure it was one of Kai's men and now he even has cameras set up in my apartment, great. No fucking privacy at all.

I came home to get my weapons, but I can't now. Instead, I sit on the couch and turn on the TV putting on a random show from Netflix. How am I going to get out now? I need weapons and a trusted person to talk to. There is only one person who can give me both and that is Killian Abara.

Casually, I get up and head to the bathroom. I lock the door and head out using the window. The bathroom is located in the back of the building so no one notices as I climb down the metal stairs. I spot the black car parked across the street and discreetly walk in the opposite direction. I don't hear it turn on so I know I've made it out undetected.

I keep my head low as I pick up my pace taking numerous useless turns just in case someone is following me. Once I know it's clear, I head towards the bar Killian works at. It's about a forty-minute walk, but I make it in about thirty taking a few shortcuts.

"Look who it is," Killian smiles as he sees me approach the bar. "What can I get you tonight?"

"Whiskey on ice," I order taking a seat on the barstool. The heat inside warms me quickly and I'm happy to be somewhere I know I'll be safe at least for a bit.

"I was gonna ask if it's been a rough day, but after looking at your face, girl what the fuck happened?"

"Kai Black," I share looking into his brown, hooded eyes.

"Kai Black did that to you?" Killian seems surprised.

"His right-hand, Cole did, actually."

"So, were you just standing there like a dummy or what?" Killian throws as he pours my drink and hands it to me. I can tell he doesn't believe me by his remarks. He knows I would never get involved with Kai Black out of all people.

"I was, actually," I say just before bringing the cup to my lips and gulping the content down. "Mm-hm," I cringe as the liquid burns down my throat. Killian stares at me in disbelief as my words finally click in his mind and he realizes that I might not be joking. "Is the backroom empty?"

"Yeah, let's go," he says and I walk over to the back. Killian tells one of the other bartenders to cover for him. We enter the room and Killian locks the door as I take a seat on the couch. I lean my head back on the cushion soaking in the brief comfort. Life was so much easier a few days ago. What the fuck went wrong? I sigh heavily knowing there is no use in reminiscing on the past.

I met Killian when I first moved here and he's been like a father figure to me. He's a black man who grew up in Chicago and has lived here his entire life. He was involved in the gangs for years before he decided to leave and since then, he's been managing this bar that he opened up. He has no kids or a wife, but a lot of the kids who get involved in the lifestyle look up to him and come to him for advice. My story is a little more unique and our experiences are much different, but he's a good listener and today is the first time I need advice, not just a listener.

"I'm ready whenever you are," he says. I take a deep breath and quickly explain to him the new situation I've gotten myself into. Once I'm done, he seems deep in thought. I'm unable to tell what he might be thinking.

"Will you say something, please?" I urge.

"I won't sugarcoat anything. I used to think your worst days are behind you and that you are a very smart girl, but what the actual fuck, kid. That man is gonna put you in a camp. He doesn't need you," Killian spits. I appreciate a man who follows through with his words because I saw no sugar in those words.

"It's true then? They're involved in human trafficking."

"The fuck they are, Summer. He is the younger brother of Nicholas Black. The spitting image of him and his fucking core. I can't even tell you the things I've heard about Kai and I don't even need to because you have experienced Nicholas Black firsthand. They are two sides of the same coin," he shakes his head disappointed.

"I can't do anything now."

"I can get you out of town."

"He'll find me."

"Oh, come on!"

"I can't keep running."

"Well, you might as well just kill yourself then. Fucking with Kai Black is a suicide mission unless you wanna be that girl again that you seem to hate so fucking much," he says and when he finishes, it's as if something clicks in his mind. "You're planning on being her again, aren't you?"

"I have no other choice. I have no protect my family," I state.

"Is it gonna be worth it even if you succeed? You're gonna lose so much."

"I didn't start this, Killian so don't try to blame me. I deserve peace too," I say standing up to him. He towers over me almost by a whole head.

"Don't you have it already? Haven't you been at peace for the last few years at least?" he questions.

"I've been numb. I haven't felt anything in a long time. But ever since my path crossed with Kai's, I've felt fear and rage. I don't want the fear to take over so if it's the rage that is going to drive me to move forward, then that's what it'll be.

Killian, I didn't know what to do with my life and you know that. I didn't wanna go to school. The main part of my day, seven days a week, was training. I don't know anything else. I wouldn't have chosen this myself, but it fell right into my lap. Even Alice has permitted me to do what I need to do."

"Well, it's not advice you came here for then," he sighs, accepting defeat.

"Right, I need weapons. Preferably a gun and a knife. They put cameras in my apartment so I wasn't able to grab my own and the gym is closed right now. I also need their best dealer's number."

"You don't do drugs."

"I do now."

"God, I don't even think I wanna meet the old, Summer," Killian laughs. I half-heartedly smile in response.

"You're the last person who should be scared of her, trust me," I state. He nods in response then takes out the gun from his waistband and the magazine from his pocket, handing them both to me. I insert the magazine into the gun and I watch as Killian's eyes zone into me comprehending the seriousness of the situation.

"Here," he says taking off the oval case ring on his finger. "There's a pill in there. It's lethal. If it ever comes to it, die a good death. Promise me that."

"I promise," I nod taking the ring and putting it on my right hand's thumb because it's too large to fit on any other finger.

"Here's a burner phone, the top number on there is the dealer's number," he informs.

"Thanks, Killian," I say as we hug each other. My smaller frame is engulfed by his larger frame, but it feels safe in his arms. I bask in the feeling because I know this might be one of the last times I'll ever be sure of someone and their intentions toward me. After this, everything will be in the air.

Every man for himself.

"Make it hell for them," Killian says as we part and he lands a soft kiss on my forehead running his hand through my hair. I nod, agreeing in response.

...♛...

Kai's best dealer goes by the name of Money. I called him to buy a gram of coke and asked him to meet me at one of the clubs I used to work at. It's the best place for me to do what I need to because I know every blind spot. It'll be easy for me to get around without being seen directly.

Dressed in a black leather jacket, a black long-sleeved bodysuit and black high-waisted jeans, I somewhat fit in with the crowd. I wait at the bar for Money to show up. The burner phone dings and I flip it open reading the message from Money saying he's here.

"You're new," A man says taking the seat next to me. I stare at him as I stuff the burner phone back into my jacket's pocket.

"Do you have it?" I question. Money is quite scrawny and the oversized jacket doesn't suit him. His blonde hair is buzzed and his cheeks are sucked in making his cheekbones quite prominent. He has a few face tattoos on the side of his face making him less appealing.

"Of course," he smirks finally turning his head to face me. His brown eyes devour my body taking in a full picture from my toes up to my head. I watch as he reaches into his pocket and I lean in putting my hand on his arm to stop him.

"Not here," I whisper seductively. "My car is out back."

When I back away, his thick brow rises in question but he complies anyway too hørny to decline my offer. So I take his hand in mine and we head through the crowd towards the back door.

Once we're out, Money becomes rough pulling me into him. I collide with his chest and instead of letting the anger take over, I display a smile. His arms wrap around my back, holding me against his chest and making me look up at him.

"There's no car around here," he states the obvious.

"Have you never done it against a wall?" I tease giggling to keep the act going.

"You're a fucking whore, aren't you?" he smiles excitedly like a child. He leans down to kiss me, but I turn my head and push myself out of his hold. I watch as he frowns.

"Drugs first," I demand.

"Really?" Money groans. I nod. Without delay, he looks down reaching into his pocket again and at this moment, I slip the knife out from the back of my jeans holding it ready. "Here," he says holding the small packet close to him. He wants me to come near so he can have his way with him but little does he know he's about to be extremely disappointed.

No money, no girl and no more life.

I take a step close reaching out for his hand and I pull him nearer as I bring the knife around and jab it right through his artery. His eyes bulge and his hand tries to grab me but he loses strength quickly. I swallow hard and take a step back before pulling the knife out. Blood gushes out in loads. Only bits splatter on me.

I watch as his lifeless body falls to the ground squirming to catch a breath of air, but miserably failing. Not trying to waste time, I tuck the knife back in its spot and run down the alley just in time for the back door to open again. I look back and find security bewildered by the scene in front of them.

"Stop!" they yell. I don't listen. I quicken my pace and jump hanging onto the fence as they start shooting. Once I reach the top, I jump down on the other side and run behind the building so it shields me.

I take shortcuts through numerous alleys and don't slow down for even a second. My lungs and legs both burn, but relief takes over when I see my apartment building minutes later. I enter through the back, climbing the numerous metal stairs. I slide the window to the bathroom open and get inside, locking it once I'm in.

I take the knife and gun out of my back and throw them on the ground as I slide down the wall and take a seat breathing heavily. "Fuck," I breathe wiping the sweat off my face. I notice the blood on my hand and sigh knowing it's probably on my face too.

I forgot how exhilarating taking someone's life is. Not in the good sense though. I've specialized in knives since I was born because that's what my mother also did. They told me taking a life with a gun and a knife never felt the same. When you pull the trigger, you're standing far away from the victim and you really can't feel the impact it has on their body and soul. When you take life through a knife, standing inches away from your victim, you feel it. You feel the life drain out of them and you feel them clinging onto life until they realize they don't have a choice other than to succumb. A real killer feels their victim's pain and I tend to feel it the most.

Finally, my breathing steadies and I stand up stripping out of my clothes. I head to the shower where I wash off all the blood. Once I'm done showering, I take the knife and rinse it off both the blood and my fingerprints then hide it under one of the secret tiles in the bathroom along with the gun. I clean the blood off the floor before I finally head out in nothing but a towel.

I put on some undergarments before I throw the towel to the side and dig through my clothes for some sweats. Once I find the pair of grey sweats I was looking for, I pull them on and decide to sleep with no shirt tonight.

The last thing I do before going to bed is throw the dirty clothes from earlier in the wash. Since they're black, the camera won't be able to catch the blood on them so that's one less thing I have to be worried about.

Knowing my move is going to keep Kai up for the next few days, I slip into my bed and doze off into a deep and blissful sleep.

...♛...

I wake to an unexpected ruckus in the kitchen. The sun is shining brightly, seeping through the curtain of my room as I sit up and rub the sleep out of my eyes. I haven't gotten proper sleep for a few days, but last night I slept like a baby. It wasn't because I was so satisfied with the killing. It was because I knew Alice was safe hundreds of miles away from here so I'm left a little confused as to who could be in the kitchen but I think I have a pretty good idea.

I throw the blanket to the side and my feet meet the cold wooden floor as I head outside my room. I lean on the wooden frame of my door as I watch Kai Black work in my kitchen. For the time ever, he's dressed in lazy clothes: black sweats and a grey muscle tank. His back turned towards me, I admire his broad build and the dips in his muscles as he moves. His ass curves out, almost as big as mine making me a little jealous.

"What's for breakfast?" I question as I decide to walk over and take a seat on the barstool. My head rests on my hands as I lean on the island with my elbows propped up. I watch as Kai pauses, his head now up thinking for a second.

"Eggs and bacon," his voice monotone.

"Yum." I watch as he pulls out two plates and then divides the food into them. Finally, he turns around and puts the two plates down on the island.

I stare at the two plates full of delicious food. Even though he probably poisoned it, this man has talent because I would eat it regardless. If my last meal tastes as good as it looks, I'm not complaining but that's just my hunger talking since I haven't had a proper meal in what I think is days.

"Mm-hm," Kai clears his throat catching my attention. I look up at him and the bags under his eyes are more prominent today; though, his skin seems to be glowing. Seems like someone was fucking last night and got some bad news during the middle of it. Oops.

I cock an eyebrow, silently questioning if he's going to say something.

"Where were you last night?"

"At home," I reply feigning my confusion. "I'm hungry, can you stop guarding the food like it's treasure?"

"I could have poisoned it," Kai says.

"If you wanted me dead, I'd be dead," I challenge.

"Agreed," Kai concedes. He slides the plate towards me and I take a strip of bacon immediately biting it.

"Mmm," I moan as my eyes roll back. The crispy bacon crunches under my teeth and the juices fill my mouth giving me a sense of tranquillity I didn't know I needed. I eat three strips forgetting for a minute that Kai is still standing across from me. I swallow, then continue, "It's unfortunate you're a gangster, the culinary schools missed out on your talent."

"At least I know killing doesn't affect your appetite," Kai deadpans.

"What?"

"You know it was my day off today?"

"Hence the clothes," I point out. Kai looks down at himself like he had forgotten that he wasn't wearing his usual attire. His face flashes with disappointment before raising his head to look at me again seeming impatient now.

I'm not sure why he's disappointed. He has a nice body. I mean nice does not justify the perfectly sculpted figure and each indent in his body, but yeah it's nice. He shouldn't hide it, but I guess the God complex came with some insecurities. I could say he might just be humble, but I doubt that.

"Are you done with that?" he questions talking about the food. I nod. He takes both plates and pushes them out of the way.

"You're not hungry?" I ask since he didn't even touch his food.

"I have an appetite for something else today."

"Mmh," I nod. He looks at me with his piercing gaze and I return the favour throwing it right back as I stand unable to sit any longer. With his hands on either side, he holds the island as he slightly leans over to assert more dominance.

"I'll ask you one last time. Where were you last night?"

"Home," I reply.

"Okay," Kai sighs. He stands up straight. His chest inflates and deflates as he breathes and reaches into his pocket bringing out a handgun. He sets it down on the counter right between the two of us. I look up at him. What is he doing? "I'll tell you what you were doing last night since you don't quite remember.

After our little conversation, you went to pick up Alice and drop her off at the airport so that she wouldn't get caught up in the middle of this. Then you sat in a parking lot, only God knows what you were thinking about and planning there. Then you came home and went into the bathroom, but didn't come out for hours.

Now, either I can tell you why you didn't come out of the bathroom for hours or you can."

"Continue, I'm loving your imagination," I say pulling his nerves.

"Right. You called up Money asking for a gram of coke. Met up with him at a club you knew very well considering you knew all the blind spots. Lured him to the back of the club before you so mercilessly stabbed him in the throat right through his artery and let him bleed to death. Am I missing anything?"

"I wouldn't know," I shrug.

"Right," Kai nods taking a step back. The frustration radiating off him, I hear his tongue click before he stands still again. His eyes are much darker than before, I can tell he means business now. "Pick up the gun."

My lips part at his command.

"Pick up the gun, Summer. I won't tell you again."

My jaw clenches contemplating my choices, but I realize I don't have much time to decide because if I don't do as I'm told, Kai might just take the gun and shoot me. I have no real desire to live, but if I'm gone then I can't guarantee my family's safety. Sighing, I pick up the gun, my hand wraps around the grip and my pointer finger rests on the trigger as I hold it next to me pointed down. Kai's eyes watch me as I do this and I watch as something clicks in his head. I can't tell if it's something that's gonna fuck me over or not. Did I make a mistake?

"Shoot yourself," Kai instructs. My eyes widen at his stoic expression. The cages around my heart become smaller as it pounds against them begging for more room.

If he wanted me dead, he'd do it himself. I haven't used this type of handgun before so I can't tell if it's loaded by its weight, but I'm gonna have to assume that it is. I don't know what Kai's playing at. I can't even seem to guess at this point because I don't think I'll even be close, so instead of arguing, I do as I'm told. I bring my arm up and point the muzzle to my temple staring directly into Kai's eyes.

"You gotta pull the trigger to shoot, Summer," Kai taunts. I take a deep breath and start thinking, losing myself in my thoughts. I can't die. What's the guarantee that Kai won't hurt Alice when I'm gone? Who's gonna help her? I would have failed her if I die today, especially like this. Is this what he wants? To make it seem like suicide? To make me look weak?

"You can't do it. Can you?" he taunts, his eyes full of victory. I gulp letting the anger inside me take over.

"If you want me dead, then do it yourself," I say throwing the gun towards him. It lands inches away from him and without hesitation, he picks it up. The muzzle and me, eye to eye, Kai pulls the trigger.

Nothing comes out.

"If there's one thing you should learn from this, it's that I'm the one in control because I have all the secrets. You're right. If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead and I'm having too much fun right now to give you that type of peace." 

I lick my lips, my mind slowly processing what the fuck just happened.

"I'm hosting a party tomorrow," Kai says as he walks around the counter. I watch as he makes his way over to me, my eyes unknowingly dropping low at the bulge in his pants. He's not even hard, but man is packing.

"And?" I say clearing my throat. I forcefully bring my eyes up.

"I'll come to pick you up at six so be ready."

"I still have three days of freedom left."

"Right," Kai pretends as if he forgot. "I just thought you'd like to save your sister that you claim to love so much."

"Excuse me?" my tone harsh.

"Ah, there it is. That anger that I love so much," Kai says enjoying my reaction. "You think I would let you send away one of the only advantages I have over you, uh uh."

"I told you to keep my family out of this."

"See, I'm not one to follow orders. I like giving them and the sooner you learn that, the better. It'll save you a lot of misery, Summer."

"From who? You? I don't trust a single word that comes out of your mouth."

"No one's saying you should. Trust and doing as you're told are two separate things. You trust those who cherish your life more than you, but you listen to someone who you know wouldn't think twice before taking it. Understood?" he advises.

"How do I know she's still alive?"

"She'll give you a call," Kai says. "So should I expect you to be compliant for once?"

"As compliant as I can be, which I should clarify isn't a lot."

"If it's more than you've been in the last three days, I'll be a happy man," he animates a smile.

"We'll see how long that happiness lasts."

"We shall," Kai smirks. With one last look, Kai turns around and heads out the door. I stand there remaining frustrated, unable to release the anger because I don't wanna give them that satisfaction through the cameras.

Instead, I close my eyes and dig my nails deep into my skin letting the pain anchor all my emotions. Before my emotions fully process, I hear my phone ring. I rush, tracing the sound to my bedroom.

"Hello?" I answer the unknown number.

"Summer?" Alice sniffs.

"Alice! Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

"I-I'm fine, S-Summer," Alice stutters nervously.

"Do you know where you are?" I question.

"No, but they want me to tell you to do whatever they say. I'll be there tomorrow and if you pass, I get to go home with you," she explains. It seems like she's repeating something someone's telling her to say. Someone is close since they're not stupid enough to leave her alone with a phone.

"Whoever else is there, talk," I demand.

"Alice explained it perfectly. Show up and you can have her. You don't? Then we'll keep her," the voice clarifies and I recognize it as Cole's. It's another scare tactic. They know I know that Cole is ruthless and won't think twice before hurting Alice if he has to so it'll make me more inclined to listen and behave.

"Hi to you too, Cole," I sarcastically reply. "I'm glad you're keeping her company. Now I know who to kill if I even spot a scratch on her."

He chuckles. "I see we're past the good girl act."

"I should've killed you when I had the chance," I spit.

"Guess so," Cole replies amused. "See you tomorrow," he says and then the line goes dead.

I take my phone and chuck it towards the wall letting it break.

"Fuck you!" I yell flipping off the camera in the corner of my room.

A/N:

Hope everyone is having an amazing day!

As you might have noticed, the chapters in this book are longer compared to the last since I have merged some of the chapters. It only made sense to do that and make each chapter more interesting instead of making such small chapters and not have them add to the story as much as I need them to.

Hopefully, you are liking everything so far. The next chapter will have the first DETAILED steamy scene EVER between Kai and Summer. I know they're so toxic and Summer should just keep her legs closed, but a girl has needs and this is Wattpad soo...