The TLK Speakeasy: Part Two (special preview)

I had once met Arkane through one of my old dates. Back then, he was simply known as Falcone Arkane and he was head of one of the organized crime syndicates in the city. I could have had anything with Arkane, but I grew weary of him and his business. When I tried to leave, he got angry with me. I don’t remember much, because after he hit me, I blacked out. All I remember was that someone dragged me out of there and got me to the hospital. After that, Delly started taking care of me.

Delly shakes his head. “I’m sorry, Myra. I can’t quit right now. It’s hard to explain, but right now, it’s just-” He breathes through his nose, nostrils flaring. “Can you trust me?”

I frown and nod. “Maybe.” I glance at him. “Do you trust me?”

“Of course I do.” He places his hand on my thigh. “Always.”

He drops me off at my apartment then heads on back to work. I sigh heavily, never going inside and instead heading towards the True Love’s Kiss. Once there, Veronica lets me inside and I go to the elevators where Ostivo is working. 

I tap his shoulder so he’ll look at me. “Are all minotaurs so stubborn, Ostivo?”

He takes his pad of paper to write his reply. “The term bullheaded doesn’t come from nowhere, Ms. Myra.”

“You can just call me Myra,” I smile at him. “I’m still conflicted with what to do. I love Delly, but I don’t know how much if I keep using him and lying to him.” I keep my head up so he can see my lips moving. 

Ostivo scribbles down his reply. “I’m sorry I can’t help you. But I can be here for you, Myra.” He then offers his hand out to me and I gladly take it. My fingers lace with his and I give him a warm squeeze.

I beam up at him. “You remind me of him. You make me feel safe, and I want to protect you as well.”

Ostivo nods at me, a slight smile on his lips. He leans down and I plant a kiss on his lips. His kiss is soft, his hands gentle. A lot of Ostivo is exactly what I love about Delly, so it’s easy for me to fall for him. Once the elevator stops on Vincente’s floor, Ostivo pulls away from me.

“I’m here if you ever need to talk, Myra,” he writes on his little pad.

“Same goes to you.” I leave him, going to Vincente’s room.

That evening when I leave, I expect to head home and get there before Delly arrives. Except, once I step out the door, Delly is leaning on his car waiting for me. My breath catches in my chest, I feel relieved yet terrified all at once. As the conflict bubbles in my gut, Delly approaches. He walks towards me so I keep my eyes downcast on the ground.

“It’s cold out, Myra,” he says low. “You didn’t bring a warm enough coat again.”

There is a hard, painful lump growing in my throat. I keep looking at the ground. His shoes are scuffed, I should polish them when we get home. No, no. There won’t be a home after this, will there? He’ll kick me out. He’ll be sad. I’ll never see him again.

“Get in the car, Myra.” Delly grabs my arm.