Lucky's (Mis)Fortune: CHAPTER TWENTY

There had been a shift.

I could feel it, and everyone else could too. The air in the house seemed lighter, conversations flowed more easily. Even Eliott, who usually remained silent and uninterested put his two cents in the mix. As I stepped into the dining room behind Aiden, the chatter paused for a brief moment, but it quickly resumed when everyone glanced our way as if Aiden's presence was all the reassurance they needed that everything was okay—maybe even better than usual.

By "everyone," I meant the whole household—Mr. Sawyer, Eliott, Aiden, Ms. Angela, Mr. Lewis, and even Leo, who usually preferred to stay on the outskirts of things, seemed more engaged today. There was a shared understanding, a quiet agreement that the tension that had been simmering under the surface for so long had finally dissipated, at least for now.

Breakfast was a flurry of questions, each one simple but genuine. "What time is your class today?" "When are you done?" "Do you have plans afterward? Homework?" "What do you study?"

If they knew what happened last night, no one brought it up. There were no knowing glances, no awkward silences. The conversation were natural, with no hint of anything being hidden. I found myself wondering if Eliott had told anyone, but somehow I knew that he hadn't said anything to anyone and that he was respecting my panic, the raw emotions I had exposed unintentionally.

Regardless on whether Eliott was thinking about last night, I was. I couldn't keep myself from wondering if he was curious about what had happened and why he he had acted so nicely.

He had stayed with me.

My heart raced at the thought but I shook my head in the slightest, wanting to forget it and not read into it.

"Ready to go?" Aiden asks, cutting through my thoughts.

I instantly nod and stand up, grabbing my plate.

"You can leave it there," Mr. Sawyer tells me as he gets up as well.

I frown. "Why?" He opens his mouth but I speak before he can. I calmly say, "The sink is only a couple of feet away and my legs work perfectly fine... It isn't much but if I can make someone's job easier, why wouldn't I do it? Besides, technically speaking, my job is picking up after you guys," I explain because I knew he would insist. Like everyone in this house says, what Mr. Sawyer says goes and he believed it as well.

He stays silent and I smile in triumph, stacking everyone's plates and then taking them into the kitchen.

Sometimes I think that they forget that I work here but if I'm getting paid then I will definitely be doing my job.

Since none of the other employees where in the kitchen, I decide to wash the dishes. When I was done, I dry my hands and head to my room to change out of my pajamas. If I had to guess, Aiden had gone to do the same since everyone else at the table already was in their day clothes.

I quickly slide on a grey hoodie and baggy jeans. I tie my shoelaces and then head into the restroom to brush my teeth.

I grab my backpack from the closet, cringing at a tear, and then head out of the room.

I didn't think it over well enough. I wasn't sure where Aiden would meet me--was he already outside waiting for me? I stand awkwardly a couple of feet in front of the door, just looking around, hoping someone would come around soon enough.

Thankfully, just moments later, Aiden came down the stairs, looking down at his phone. He had a frown, looking quite upset, possibly angry. I had never seen him like that so I was confused but then he looked up. When he saw me, there was an instant smile on his face. The last thing that I wanted was for him to get upset again so I decided against bringing it up. It wasn't any of my business, anyway.

"Let's go," he says, taking keys out of his pocket and leading the way to the door.

I close the door behind me and follow closely until we arrive in front of the black Tesla.

It felt weird getting into the passenger seat as Aiden got inside the driver's. It did feel like we were becoming closer, though which seemed to be what he wanted.

Perhaps that's why he had abruptly offered to drive me.

"You're not busy today?" I wonder out loud as we take off.

"Nights are usually busier for us," he says casually.

I forget that they are not as normal as they seem to be. They are not the average person you would ever meet when you've had such an uninteresting and normal life as I have. Of course, I am reminded of it when they peak into my room almost every night but moments like last night or even this morning remind me that they are the same as anyone else. The only difference is their source of income.

I stay quiet for a while until I just have to ask, "What do you guys do every night? You come home around 3:30 AM everyday, I hear it. Shouldn't you be tired right now?"

I don't tell him that I know about their nightly checkups mainly because I don't see it as necessary. Another really small part decides to not say anything in fear that they'll stop doing it. It might be a little creepy and all but it still makes me feel safe.

He glances at me, unsure, and presses his lips together. He runs a hand through his hair. "Well... we mostly do drug deliveries, some weapon trades, and oversee what everyone else is up to." He sounded a little ashamed as he said it. The night I had gone with them to the street racing, he had had an extraordinary aura full of pride and confidence but now he seemed to be just the opposite.

"What about the other stuff?" I question hesitantly.

"What do you mean?"

"Like... gambling. Mafias do that, right?"

"Well, Khael does own a couple of bars in the area," he answers.

"More than one?" I was a bit amazed at the fact. "Do you guys do like the whole protecting thing?" He nods, laughing. Things had gotten lighter and the conversation had become casual but I just had to ask. "What... about human trafficking and stuff?"

He shakes his head. "God, no, the scorpions do that and we detest them for it, among other things. We make drugs and sell drugs, same with guns and I won't deny that we have and train hitmen. And yes, we kill those who cross us and those who don't pay us but human trafficking is just disgusting. What goes on in the Golden Mane Syndicate is all... consensual, for the lack of better words. Illegal, yes, but everyone there is because they want to and we're a fair democracy, to say the least."

I chuckle softly. "I believe you, Aiden."

Honestly, now that I was over my fear, I was just curious. Where did they go every night? A warehouse? Deep into the forest? Where did their business go on?

I make up my mind and ask, "Can I go with you guys one day?"

There is clear surprise on his face once he registers the question. He looks at me, probably wondering if he had heard right but I return the look with anticipating eyes. "Are you sure? I didn't think that was your scene especially after... last time." The last sentence comes out in a quiet voice, unsure and I gulp at the reminder.

"Well, when I chose to stay here it was because you three said I would be protected right? For whatever reason, I trust you can keep me safe. Besides, it would be just once and because I am curious, to be honest."

"Curiosity killed the cat," he says but there was a smile on his face.

"Satisfaction brought it back."

"I just want you to be sure. That day cannot be repeated again, ever. We never want to see you hurt like that, Jordan."

"I know that and I appreciate it. This time, I know what I'm doing," I explain.

Just then, we enter the college's premises. I give him directions to my building and when we're in front, the car stops. When I go to the handle, he talks, "I'll come pick you up after. Is one okay?"

I smile, nodding, "Perfect. Thank you for dropping me off."

I get out of the car and look back to look at him one last time, stopping myself from waving as he waves at me. I turn around and as I walk inside the building, I can still feel his eyes on me.