Page 20 of Retaliation

“Hey, P!” Nina’s voice rang through the line, bright and clear, as if it could slice through any darkness with a single word. “How have you been, Hun?”

A small smile pulled at Poison’s lips. Nina had that effect on her, like a grounding force. “Hi, Neen. Not bad, and you?” She lowered herself to the edge of the bed, her gaze drifting over the clothes in her wardrobe, though her mind remained on the call.

“Demi’s turning into a little whirlwind, and Nick’s practically living at the hospital, but we’re holding up.” There was a brightness in Nina’s voice, a genuine warmth that seeped through, even over the line. Poison could almost feel it, like sunlight breaking through a heavy sky.

Talking to Nina always left her feeling lighter, like a weight she didn’t realize she was carrying had lifted. Nina was the closest thing to a mother she’d ever known, despite only being five years older. Poison’s loyalty extended to Nina’s boyfriend, Nick, who had always treated her like family. And then there was Demi, Nina’s eight-year-old niece, whom Nina had legally adopted five years back. Demetra was every bit the little sister Poison had always wanted, with her long black pigtails framing the most innocent, heartwarming smile.

“I’m glad you guys are doing good. I’m sorry I haven’t checked in as much,” Poison said softly, guilt threading through her words. “Things have been… rough.”

“You want to catch up now?” Nina’s voice held a warmth that Poison clung to, like a steadying hand. “Demi’s on a playdate for the next two hours, so I’m all yours.”

Poison couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll meet you at Urban Rebel.” Just before hanging up, she murmured, “Thanks, Neen.”

SIX

Poison browsed through the clothing racks of Urban Rebel, smiling to herself at the sight of Nina. With her blonde hair, blue eyes, and yellow sundress, she stood out like a single sunflower in a burned landscape.

Poison traced her fingers over the metal spikes on the shoulders of a black leather jacket and down the chains that hung from it. Picking her size from the hanger, she added it to the bundle of clothes in her arms and walked to the fitting room.

Nina trailed behind her and sat on a stool in front of the curtain as she entered a stall.

“Let me get this straight,” Nina called through the drawn curtains, her voice tinged with curiosity and skepticism. “You met this guy last night?”

“That’s correct,” Poison mumbled as she pulled a black tank top over her head, her thoughts drifting back to the fire dancing in Scorpion’s eyes as he fought.

“And he bailed you out of work today, already introducing you to his friends,” Nina continued, the disbelief evident.

“Uh-huh,” she replied, trying to steady her voice. She was grateful for the cubicle’s privacy, feeling the heat of emotions swirl within her.

“And now you’re going on a date with said guy?” Nina’s tone was incredulous.

“I believe that’s what I just told you,” she said, peeking through the curtains to smile at Nina. Her heart pounded, but she felt a thrill of excitement snaking its way into her chest.

All she received, in turn, was a pair of perfectly-plucked, raised eyebrows. Nina’s expression was full of concern and amusement.

“Come on, Neen. He’s not just some guy. He’s Scorpion. Probably the best fighter in the whole country. He’s legendary.” Her voice held a note of awe, the reality of who he was sinking in more deeply.

She didn’t think it was possible, but Nina’s eyebrows raised even higher. “Legendary or not, this all sounds pretty intense,” she said, her tone softening.

“Hey, no judging. You and Nick started dating because you stalked him,” she teased, stepping back behind the curtains. She couldn’t help but laugh at the memory, trying to deflect the serious nature of Nina’s questions.

“Hun, Nick is the exception, not the rule,” Nina countered with affectionate exasperation.

“In your dating history, definitely, yes.” Poison’s laughter bubbled up, a release of the tension that had been gripping her chest for the past few days.

She emerged from behind the curtains, twirling slowly with her arms wide to give Nina a complete view of the outfit. The black tank top she picked clung to her frame, accentuating her full, toned curves.

Nina’s critical eye softened into a smile. “You look amazing, P. Just be careful, okay?”

She nodded, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. “I will, Neen. I promise.” But as she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn’t help but feel excited and nervous at the same time.What am I getting myself into?she wondered, the thought both thrilling and terrifying.

The fitting room lights cast a warm glow, and for a moment, she allowed herself to hope. Maybe, just maybe, this could be something different. Something real. She turned to Nina, her smile genuine. “Thanks for always having my back.”

“Always,” Nina said, her voice firm and full of love. “Now go knock him dead.”

Poison laughed, the sound light and free.

She spent the next thirty minutes trying on clothes before finally choosing her outfit: faded black ripped jeggings, buckled, knee-high, combat boots, and a black button-up blouse.

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