Page 88 of Heavy

“They weren’t always the Serrano’s, but a different name. I should know but it’s escaping me. They’ve been known as the Serrano House for over ten years, not sure that matters, but I’ll get it.” Beyond his voice I can hear several voices. The boys must just be getting up. I call them that as if they aren’t grown-ass adults. To me though, they’ll always be ‘kids’. Not mine but, nevertheless.

“Alright, going back to your comment. Why wouldn’t you assume them? She said it so confidently, like I would know exactly who she was talking about.”

He clears his throat. “To be honest I hope it isn’t.”

Here’s the thing, I don’t like this skirting around the truth shit. Calista did it because she was trying to protect me, and now I can sense the same thing from Ken.

“Explain,” I say, and it isn’t gentle.

“That’s a fight we can’t win, Ro. Did you ask for anything else outside of that name?”

In my mind, this conversation has solidified it is that family that’s after Cal. Even if it isn’t, it’s a good place to start. I can put the fear of a bullet in their skulls.

“Is it worth it?” he prods.

“She came home bruised and disoriented.” My tone carries the note of it not being aquestionif it is or not. “There is something more going on with her, but I can already tell she won’t just willingly give me information.”

His chuckle is followed by chaos happening behind him. “You fuck her yet?”

“Yes, but regardless, I’ve been wanting to know who hurt her before that.”

“Softy,” he coos. “What about your brother?”

“We are getting off topic, Ken. You got a buddy that can come with me? I ain’t going to have you come, just in case.”

“Sooofty.” I roll my eyes at his mockery. He can’t go back to prison, not with Mia, and now Dylan. I know I should also be concerned about myself, but I can handle it.

“I’ve got a buddy, name’s Glen,” he continues.

“Glen-Glen?”

“Oh, did I mention him?”

“Couldn’t stop talking about him. Kick boxer, ex-military, right?”

“That’s him.”Perfect.“I’ll give him a call to meet you there. He’s been itching for something to do besides me.”

Rolling my eyes, I huff through condescending chuckle. “Alright. Where am I meeting him?”

“Remember the elite comment? This is a powerful fucking family. You won’t be coming to my side of town, and I hope you’ve got shoes on this time.”

“Thanks.”

“Be careful, Ro. I don’t want to be the one to tell your girl you’re in the hospital… or worse.”

28

Calista

“Thanksforcomingoverand grabbing me.” I sigh and throw my head back. “I hadn’t realized what fucking day it was.”

Gene literallygigglesat my moaning. “For someone that’s so in tune with her body, that’s surprising. You must be extremely distracted these days.”

Calling her to drive an hour to pick me up and bring me to Walmart seems trivial, but I needed to talk to her about everything. Plus, I desperately needed a tampon. I wasn’t sure how long Ronan would be gone, and folded-up toilet paper wasn’t going to cut it until he got back. I couldn’t believe I didn’t even have a single pad with me.

He’s going to be so fucking mad that I showered, but he has to understand—I couldn’t just leave his cum, my own cum, and blood... just sitting there.

I groan and lean over the blue shopping cart as we stroll through the aisles.