Page 115 of Retaliation

“Oh yes, please. When did you get here?” Nina asked, sitting down at the breakfast bench with a yawn.

“Nick brought me here after my hospital trip,” she replied, trying to sound casual.

Nina looked up and noticed the purplish line on her cheek. “What happened?” she asked, jumping to her feet to examine her up close.

“I’m fine, Neen,” she tried to assure her, but Nina’s concern was visible. “I promise. I just had a minor crash with my bike. Nothing serious.”

Nina frowned, her hands on her hips like a displeased mother. “You’re going to get yourself killed on that thing.”

Poison placed Nina’s coffee on the counter, gently urging her to sit. “I won’t. I told you it wasn’t serious. And you’re going to wake Nick up.”

At that moment, Demi walked into the kitchen, clutching her teddy bear. When she saw Poison, she dropped it and ran to her, hugging her around the hips.

“Hey, P! I’m so glad you’re here!” Demi squealed.

“Hey, Princess. Want some breakfast?” She picked Demi up and placed her on the barstool next to Nina.

“Yes, please,” Demi beamed.

She served breakfast, the comfort of the morning routine soothing her frazzled nerves.

After doing the dishes, she said goodbye to Nina and Demi, called a Cruze, and headed home.

FORTY

When she arrived at her apartment, the doorman greeted her with a nod. “Miss Poison, there’s a package for you,” he said.

“Thank you. You can just give it to me. I’ll take it up myself,” she replied, eager to get to her apartment.

He shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s too big. It’s waiting for you in the parking garage.”

Curiosity piqued, she headed to the garage. Her footsteps echoed in the quiet space as she followed the doorman.

Her breath caught when she saw it—a sleek, matt black motorcycle with venom green finishes. It was the same Kawasaki H2R as Scorpion’s bike. Her heart pounded in her chest as she walked closer.

There was a note attached to the handlebar and she took it with trembling fingers:

Miss Poison,

Consider this a token of respect and an apology for

ruining your old one.

Sincerely,

DY

She stared at the bike, emotions swirling within her. Anger, gratitude, confusion—all tangled together. The bike gleamed under the garage lights and she couldn’t help but admire the beauty of it.

She ran her hand over the sleek surface, feeling the cool metal under her fingers. This was more than a gift; it was a favor she wasn’t sure she could afford. The boss of the Japanese Mafia wouldn’t give such an elaborate gift without expecting anything in return.

But fuck it, it was a stunning machine, and he did help ruin her old one. Swinging a leg over the bike, she settled into the seat, feeling its power thrumming beneath her as she flicked the beast to life.

She didn’t notice the doorman leaving or when he came back, but when he did, he handed her a matching helmet with a venom green bow on top. She laughed at the added detail as she took it and slid it over her head.

“Drive safely, Miss.”

With a nod, she revved the engine and headed for the door with screeching tires.

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