Run This Town 03 - (Watch Me) Unmask You Read Online Free Page A

leaned against the corner of the building, hiding, keeping his eyes on the entrance.
    This was the last place he should be, but for the first time there was really no place Elias would rather be. He shook his head at himself then straightened when he noticed Lucky’s aunt and uncle exit the school. The Hendersons were an older couple with no children of their own. They didn’t look equipped to handle Lucky, as a ten year old and now in his teenage years. He took a step toward them then stopped when Lucky came out.
    He was laughing, talking to a male friend. Lucky’s gown was gone. He wore an ill-fitting dark suit, eyes bright and dancing as he used his shoulder to bump his blond friend who reciprocated in kind. His aunt called out to him and Lucky went to them, taking pictures, talking nonstop.
    Elias just watched him. He definitely looked different. Looked lighter, in a better place. College bound. His life would change when he turned eighteen in the fall. Then again when at twenty-one. Elias went to great lengths to ensure it. He’d make sure Lucky had everything he needed.
    So yes, he’d appointed himself Lucky Mousasi’s guardian. He didn’t even feel bad about it. Lots of things to feel bad about. That wasn’t one of them. He never wanted to see Lucky the way he’d been in that closet, in that house, that night. Lost and scared and needing to be protected.
    He glanced over to where Lucky stood with a bunch of his friends. His aunt and uncle had gotten into their car and after a wave at Lucky and a honk on the horn, they drove off, leaving him behind. Elias moved out from the shadows and stood there, waiting for Lucky to notice him.
    Shouldn’t take long. He was the one looking out of place, out of his element.
    Lucky didn’t see him. His back was to Elias as he started walking back into the school with the group.
    “Lucky.” Elias called out to him.
    Lucky froze. He didn’t look over his shoulder, but the others did.
    “Lucky,” he called again.
    Lucky spoke to his friends and after casting Elias another curious look they left him behind, entering back in to the school. Lucky turned, faced Elias, his eyes wide and full of questions. Elias walked around to the corner of the building, hoping Lucky followed. He didn’t want to do this in the open where everyone could see him.
    Behind the building, he leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets and waited.
    Lucky appeared, walking slowly, cautiously, until he stood about a foot away. “You.” His gaze roamed Elias’s face.
    “Me.” Elias nodded. “Congratulations, Lucky Mousasi.”
    “Why are you here?” The surprise in his gaze gave way to wariness. Good self-preservation there. “You stalking me or something?”
    Elias laughed. “You wish I were stalking you, kid.”
    Lucky crossed his arms over his chest. “So what, you just show up at my graduation and I don’t get to question it?”
    “You can question it.” Elias couldn’t stop smiling. “You look…” He was going to say good, but maybe that wasn’t the best word. “Happy. You look happy, Lucky.”
    Lucky flushed and looked away. “Yeah well. I’m graduating so, you know.” He waved a hand. “Freedom.”
    “How have you been?”
    “Okay. I guess.” Lucky looked down at his shoes and a lock of black hair fell into his eyes. Elias fisted his hands.
    “So… College, huh?”
    Lucky shrugged. “Dunno if I’m gonna go.” He licked his lips, eyes searching Elias’s face. “Don’t think it’s for me.”
    “Really.” Elias watched him.
    “Why do you look at me like that?” Lucky asked.
    Elias blinked. “Like what?”
    “Dunno. Like—” Lucky pursed his lips. “Like you’re trying to figure me out.”
    “Maybe I am.”
    Lucky snorted. His lips parted, but whatever he was getting ready to say was cut off by his blond male friend calling his name. Then he appeared around the corner, gaze lightening when he spotted Lucky.
    “Be right there,” Lucky told him. The kid