Page 120 of Retaliation

“Yeah, not many people can say they met by saving each other from a psycho.”

Gavin’s smile widened. “True. But it’s a story worth telling.”

Their food arrived, and they dug in, the conversation flowing easily. For a moment, Poison felt normal, like any other girl on a date.

“So, where are you from originally?” she asked between bites.

He paused, taking a sip of his drink. “Upstate. A small town called Millbrook.”

“What made you come to Staten Island?” she asked, genuinely curious.

He leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Needed a change of scenery. After a while, small towns can feel pretty suffocating. Plus, I wanted to get into law enforcement, and there were more opportunities here.”

She nodded, understanding. “Big leap, though. Must have been tough leaving your family.”

“It was,” he admitted, his voice softening. “But they understood. My siblings were old enough to take care of themselves by then, and I needed to do something for myself.”

“What drew you to law enforcement?” she asked, fascinated by this side of him.

He shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “Always wanted to help people. Growing up the way I did, I saw how important it was to have someone looking out for you. Figured I could be that person for others.”

She felt a surge of emotion at his words. “You’ve definitely got the heart for it.”

“Thanks,” he said, his eyes meeting hers. “What about you?”

“What about me?” she echoed, tilting her head.

He leaned in, lowering his voice. “You know, the street fighting. What got you into that?”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “You don’t have to whisper, you know. You’re the law officer here. If anyone’s getting me in trouble, it’s you.”

He laughed, the sound the purest thing she’s ever heard. “Fair point. So, what’s your story?”

She took a moment, gathering her thoughts. “I guess it started out of necessity. My mom wasn’t around much, and I needed a way to fend for myself. The streets taught me how to fight, how to survive.”

He didn’t need to know that she was planning on killing someone. The fact that he hadn’t arrested her yet was a miracle in itself.

His gaze softened, admiration and concern in his eyes. “That sounds tough.”

“It was,” she admitted, her voice threatening to shake. “But it made me who I am. It gave me strength and a sense of control over my life.”

He nodded, understanding. “I can see that.”

After dinner, they decided to catch a movie at the nearby theater. As they walked, Gavin told her about his siblings’ antics, his stories filled with nostalgia and humor.

She could see the love he had for his family in every word. And she couldn’t push down the jealousy that burned her chest.

Inside the theater, they settled into their seats, the dim light cloaking them. As the movie started, Poison found herself stealing glances at Gavin, more interested in his reactions than the film.

A particularly intense scene made him jump, and she couldn’t suppress her laughter.

“You okay there?” she whispered, leaning closer.

He shot her a mock glare, though the corners of his mouth twitched upward.

“Just... very invested in the plot.”

“Sure you are,” she teased, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Want me to hold your hand?”

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