Page 64 of Zero
“I already have my girls.” I framed the side of Anya’s cheek. “And they’re the most beautiful girls in the world.”
She smiled at me and I melted.
“You, Benny and our entire team are putty in their hands.” Barbie giggled.
“I hope so.” I winked at her. “They’ll learn from us how men are supposed to treat them.”
“And what if they like girls?” Barbie wanted to know. “I mean it’s a possibility.”
I shrugged. “If they like girls, those girls aren’t off the hook. My girls get hurt and they’ll never find the offending party’s body.”
We gathered around and ate breakfast, before Crash and I had to leave for HQ. I’d promised Beast I’d come in for some training on my own before I started my day. I didn’t leave before hugging Anya and Eden. Barbie wrapped her arm around my hip to lead me out the door while Crash took his time to say goodbye to his girls.
“Heartbreak doesn’t last forever.” She advised me. “You’re a strong man. You’re a good man—kind—”
“Handsome. You forgot handsome.”
“And we were having such a beautiful moment.” Barbie smacked my arm. “All I’m trying to say is you’ll bounce back from this. One day, you’ll find a woman who appreciates you.”
With my words dying in my throat, I leaned in and kissed her head.
I was starting the engine to my vehicle when Crash came out the door. He held her, hugging her tightly then kissing her. I cleared my throat and shifted in drive.
We drove in convoy to the HQ and got through security to park. I stopped to shove my head into Beast’s office to say hello then headed off to change for my workout. I was lacing up my boots when Pitbull and Mouth entered.
Pitbull sat beside me, his massive frame taking up most of the space at the end of the bench. “You up for a boy’s night on Friday?”
“Um…”
“Before you answer.” Mouth told me. “You can’t say no. Bishop already ordered the alcohol.”
“That’s not a choice then.” I muttered.
“No, not really.” Pitbull patted my shoulder and rose to pull open his locker.
“I don’t suppose either of you wanna spar?” I asked.
“No.” Mouth pulled a t-shirt over his head. “Not until you get that demon off your back. You tossed Spartan two days ago almost broke his spine.”
I sighed. “Shit. I didn’t mean to do that.”
“We know.” Both Pitbull and Mouth chorused.
“Look, Zero.” Mouth hunched down in front of me. “We’re your family, okay? And we’ll wait for you, however long this takes.”
“But we didn’t know each other for that long.” I met his eyes.
“Doesn’t mean it wasn’t real to you.” Pitbull spoke up.
“Pit’s right.” Mouth nodded. “It was real enough to get under your skin. So, beers, a couple of good burgers on the grill at Pitbull’s place. The ladies will all be at Crash’s place.”
“Crash knows about this?” I asked. “This isn’t one of those,surprise we’re taking over your house tonight, things, is it?”
“Would we do that?” Pitbull teased.
I groaned.
“It was Crash’s idea.” Mouth laughed and rose. “Go work off your demon. We’re gonna go check on the truck.”
