Page 109 of Riot

“Tell me this isn’t just the honeymoon period,” she whispers. “Tell me it’ll always be like this.”

“It will. I promise it’ll always be like this.”

We fall asleep wrapped in each other's arms, my dick still inside her.

St. Charles Parish is pretty. A nice place for a weekend escape. It’s green, and reminds me of being in the country. The quaint little town has lots of little shops and nice eateries and coffee shops. I wish we were coming out here under different circumstances, but that’s just the way it goes.

Cookie sleeps on the backseat; of course, we weren’t leaving him behind.

I texted Cash last night and told him what happened, and that we wouldn't need a prospect to follow. I’d try and be back in a few days, not that I want to leave Halo here but it depends on how bad things are with her dad.

Everything’s gone quiet on the Chicago front, which can only be a good thing. The less going on there, the better. I’m sure it means the Bratva have stepped in, and not before time. There’ll be a war happening as we speak. The media just never wantto report the real news; something I’ve learned over the years happens a lot.

When we get into town, Halo’s mom texts her to say she’s taken her dad home and to meet them there.

She turns to me. “Should they be letting him out this early? It seems so sudden?”

I grip her knee. “It does, but I’m sure the doctors know best.”

“He’ll probably have any excuse ready to completely ignore me, like he’s done for the last six months. He didn’t even text me back but he’s going home?”

I agree, something doesn't add up, but I don’t say anything. I know her parents have done some pretty shitty things, but I sincerely doubt they’d stage all of this just to get back at Halo for leaving.

“Well, that’s a good thing. Hospitals are depressin’.”

She scrunches up her face. “Riot? I’m so sorry; I didn’t even think about any of that…”

“What? My situation? It was a long time ago, angel. Twenty years. You don’t have to worry about me being triggered. I promise you, I’m okay.” It’s sweet of her to worry about me when she needs to put that energy into her situation. She doesn't ever have to worry about me. I fought my demons a long time ago, and when the vile creature comes out, it’s only when I have my sniper rifle in my hand. Or if he’s called Ian and purposely moved into the same building just to look at my girl and be closer to her. Oh yeah, the gloves come off then and the fact he’s still breathing is a testament to how hard I should have gone.

“I know, but still, it’s a horrible memory to have.” I bring our entwined fingers to my mouth and kiss the back of her hand.

“It is, but it’s okay.”

She smiles softly and I want to make this all better for her somehow. She gives me directions to her parents’ place, and as we get farther out of town, the houses become more spacedapart. That’s when I realize her family home is a massive ranch. It has horse stables, a tennis court and a huge garage that could probably fit six cars.

I always knew she had money, but this is ridiculous.

I whistle low. “Nice spread.”

She stares out the window, saying nothing and I notice how rigid she’s become now that we’re here. Her whole body language has changed. She’s no longer the fun loving, quirky girl I know. She’s retreated. Her eyes downcast. Her shoulders hunched slightly. I don’t like this side of her, not one little bit.

“Hey?” I squeeze her hand. “You okay?”

She nods.

“Don’t lie to me,Kitten.You don’t have to be okay.”

She turns to me. “Coming back here is already bringing up memories. You think it’s probably just me, being a brat, not wanting to listen to my parents’ rules?—”

“I don’t think that. Your parents even givin’ you rules when you’re a grown ass woman is tellin’, babe.”

She sighs. “You’ve no idea.”

“Deep breaths, okay?” I kiss her hand again.

“Okay.”

I booked us an Airbnb for the next few nights closer to town that’s also pet friendly. I don’t want Halo thinking she’s got no other option than to stay with her parents, and since it’s already clear I’m not wanted here, that suits me just fine.

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