Page 81 of Graves

He gives me a flat look and understanding dawns on me.

“Gerald, Bernie, and Slinky. I never learned last names or Slinky’s real name. He was…one of the worst, though,” I say as a shiver runs up my back.

Dominic seems to take mental note of the names, nodding as he cups the back of my head and presses his forehead to mine.

“I’ll take care of them. You’ll never have to think about them again.”

“Unless you want the honors, angel,” Zayden chimes in.

I turn to look at him, pausing only for a moment before I shake my head.

“Tonight was…enough.”

Though I have absolutely no regrets and can’t deny the rush and high I got from killing Jim, I don’t want it to be a regular thing. I’ve slept more than I’ve been awake today, and I know it’s my body’s way of protecting me. I’m going to crash soon. I don’t need to put more bloodlust on my agenda for the next day, week, or even year.

“So, what? You guys kill a lot of people? Like hitmen or something?” I chuckle, my laugh dying when they don’t correct me.

“Hitman seems too basic, I prefer mercenary,” Zayden says.

“And he does the killing, I do the planning,” Dominic continues.

“Now,” Zayden adds.

Dominic hesitates before nodding his agreement.

“Why? Why do you do it? Because they did something to you or?—”

“Money, angel. It’s how we make our livelihood.”

“But you have your security business and the mechanic shop,” I say to Dom.

“You mean the business to ensure Dom has access to wipe our jobs from evidence, and the shop where we launder our large sums of money?” Zayden asks on snicker.

My mouth drops open as I turn an accusing look to Dom, who has the decency to look a little sheepish, at least.

“Are you kidding me?” I ask. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Babygirl, I love you, but you didn’t need to know. Honestly, the less you know, the better. You shouldn’t even be hearing half of this stuff,” he says with a pointed look at Zayden, who shrugs.

“Why not?”

“Because if you ever get taken in by the police or an enemy and you have knowledge, they could hurt you,” Zayden says over a mouthful of food.

“You don’t seem too concerned about that.” I point out.

“I’m not,” he says with a shake of his head.

“Then why can’t I leave this apartment?”

The guys share a look for several seconds before Dom speaks.

“We’ve been discussing it. I think things are…contained well enough. I still want at least one of us with you at all times, but I don’t see why you can’t get out more.”

“Really?” I ask, my eagerness slippingthrough into my words.

Dom smiles softly and nods.

“Tomorrow, angel,” Zayden pipes in. I’m taking you on a date, wear something warm.”

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