Page 5 of Born into Darkness

Bran:

I doubt it. You know I hate going out like that.

ME:

Maybe you’ll meet someone.

Bran:

Yeah, because girls are just lining up to date the deaf guy.

ME:

Fuck ‘em if they can’t see how amazing you are. Did someone say something to you? Do I need to go kick someone’s ass?

He gives me the laughing emoji, but I’m being serious. I will rain down hell on anyone who insults my brother.

Bran:

No, no one said anything. I’d just rather not go out.

ME:

How about I work my magic and convince Dima to stay home too? We can take the boat out.

Bran:

He did say he’d found a new fishing spot the other day.

ME:

Perfect. I’ll go easy on the drinks at lunch, and then you guys can fish while I cheer you on from a comfy deck chair.

Bran:

You could always pick up a pole and join in.

ME:

Gross and no.

He sends me the laughing emoji before telling me goodnight. After I’ve set my phone aside, it doesn’t take long for me to fall asleep. I’ve always had an easy time sleeping, and it’s a good thing, because Wallace always wakes up with the sun—an absolute ball of energy that’s raring to go.

I don’t wake up quite as chipper, but I do manage a big grin and a long belly scratch before I let him outside and grab some coffee. My mom’s working on breakfast when I fill my mug, and she gives me a big smile when she sees me.

“Morning, honey.”

“Morning,”’ I tell her, my stomach growling when I get a whiff of the omelet she’s preparing. She gives me a wink and slides it onto a plate for me before starting a new one for herself. I don’t bother arguing. A lifetime of experience has taught me that it’d be pointless, so instead I give her a side hug and tell her thanks.

“I know today isn’t what you and Allie had in mind, but I hope you’ll still have fun,” she says when her breakfast is done and she’s taken the barstool next to me at the island.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun, Mom.”

She’s quiet for a second, eating a few bites in silence before she says, “There are some very dangerous men out there, and your dad and uncles just want to protect you from them.”

“I know, Mom. I understand why they’re so protective.” I watch her face, seeing how upset she’s getting, so I reach out and squeeze her arm. “I know they have their reasons for it.”

My mom pats my hand. “They do.” She toys with a piece of omelet on her plate before looking over at me. “You know I don’t like to think about my life before I married your dad, but he saved me when he married me.”

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