Page 55 of Riot

We finished breakfast, and got to know each other better. When were done he stood and gestured toward the back doors.

We walked down a stone path that led through lush gardens and into a wide, enclosed area with sprawling greenery. It was hard to believe we were still in Jersey. Beyond the fencing, I heard birds screeching and the low growl of something big.

He walked beside me, hands in his pockets, his voice casual but firm.

“I’ve got a couple white tigers, some exotic birds, a chimpanzee, and a rescued python.”

We reached the tiger enclosure first. A white tiger lounged beneath a tree, tail flicking slowly.

“He’s… beautiful,” I whispered.

“That’s Ghost,” Riot said. “Raised him since he was a cub. He’s still mean as hell, but he respects me.”

“He’s beautiful,” I murmured, inching closer to the glass. “Does he bite?”

“Of course, it’s a damn tiger,” he laughed

I laughed, “I don’t know what I was thinking with that question. I feel like there’s so much I don’t know though. So much I haven’t seen.”

“Yeah, you’ve never seen a lot,” he said softly.

I turned to him, catching something in his eyes. A kind of quiet anger. Not at me—but for me. For what I’d endured. I swallowed.

“You grew up with all this?”

He nodded. “Kind of…” He paused. “It’s complicated. My father was smart, but violent, powerful and sick in the head.”

I didn’t push, just listened.

“We’re cleaning up our business though. We have one foot in the underworld and another out.” he continued. “We’re building out our legal legacy now that our father is gone.”

“I still don’t know what happens next,” I admitted. “Part of me wants to run to my family. Another part doesn’t even know where they are. What if I go back and they don’t want me? What if I’m not… the girl they lost?”

“You don’t have to figure it all out right now,” he said. “You just need time. And a little peace.”

“Peace feels unfamiliar.”

“It shouldn’t.”

He stepped a little closer, his voice lower now. “Let me show you what it looks like.”

I met his eyes.

And for the first time, I didn’t flinch at the idea of needing someone.

Because maybe I didn’t just want to survive anymore.

Maybe I wanted to live.

And maybe… that started with him.

“I’d like to talk to them though. Can I use your computer?”

“Yeah. I gotta go to the city later. I’ll pick up a phone for you while I’m out. And if you tell me your size, I’ll get some clothes and shoes.”

“You’re gonna pick out clothes and shoes?” I looked at him skeptically.

“My buyer will.”

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