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My girl.

I really like the idea of that.

“Why didn’t you just let her go?” He finally asks, moving his feet to walk.

“I’m not sure.”

I can feel the eye roll even if I can’t see his face.

“My intention was to let her leave. I mean I gave her the money, drove her to the bus station. She even got out and bought the damn ticket.”

“What changed?” he asked grabbing a few boxes of donuts.

“She was comfortable around me,” I blurt out. I don’t know if that is the actual reason, I couldn’t let her go. It’s not something I like thinking about because it isn’t me. But what is me? Zion is long gone. He’s someone I don’t recognize. While The Butcher, he is someone I’m comfortable with, the one that kills without remorse. I thrive being the killer that everyone fears.

“The first thing she said when she saw me was, “’Wow, you’re big.’” I laugh, remembering that little fireball of energy that didn’t take any shit. “Then she asked if I had a key for the cage she was locked in.”

“I can’t believe she was locked in a fucking cage,” Gabriel growls, his eyes narrowing at me.

Rubbing the back of my head, I nod, unsure of what else I should tell him since Izel apparently hasn’t told him about her time with Zander.

“She called me an ogre within the first five minutes too.”

Gabriel laughs, throwing his head back. He stops in the middle of the aisle and laughs deep in his stomach.

“Holy shit.” He wipes a tear away. “That’s good, real good.”

“Glad I could amuse you,” I mutter, rolling my eyes as I walk around him.

“Well, I mean shit, how tall are you again?”

“I’m not telling you.”

“Six-four, six-five?” Gabriel follows behind me, still laughing.

“Six-seven.” I’m unsure why I even tell him this. I know I’m a fucking giant. Especially compared to Izel’s five three frame and from the looks of it, Gabriel’s five-five frame.

“Damn, you really are a fucking giant.”

Growling, I stomp away. Hating that him making fun of my height bothers me so much. It’s not like I can help it exactly. I mean, fuck, I am a god damn giant.

“Hey, wait up!” Gabriel calls from behind me. I barely let up my speed and head for the female hygiene. “Hey!” His arm wraps around my arm, trying to pull me back.

“Don’t fucking touch me,” I growl, removing his hand from me. Gabriel throws his hands up.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you don’t like being touched. I, I don’t either, you know. But anyway, I’m sorry. I just saw Izel touch you before and didn’t know it was a problem.”

“Only her,” I blurt out. Fuck I really need to get my emotions under control.

“Only her, got it. I’m also sorry for making fun of your height. I didn’t mean anything by it, I’ve just never seen someone so tall and okay, I’m just sorry, okay?”

“Okay,” I mumble. Turning toward the pads and tampons, I realize I have no idea what she wants or likes. “Uh, do you?” I point towards the shelf.

“This is going to sound weird, so just don’t ask questions.” He sighs. “Pads, those.” Pointing to a pack, he says, “Tampons hurt, I guess. I don’t know, I don’t do female shit. I like guys. If–if you haven’t noticed.”

“I know,” I say, grabbing two packs of pads and tossing them into the shopping cart, then heading towards the ice cream.

“Really? I mean, like sure I said that comment about bananas, but normally people think I’m just joking and then when they find out I actually like dick they freak out and think I want to sleep with them. Or they comment how I’m so young. Which I get it, I’m twelve, it’s young. I should be worried about I’m not actually. But it was rough growing up. I’m like an old person in a young body.”