Page 57 of Monstrosity

"Kids are adaptable," I agree. "How are you doing with all this?"

"Honestly? Better than expected. The women here are incredible, the kids all play together well, and I feel safe." She curls into my side. "I just want it to be over so we can go home."

"Soon," I promise. "Two more days."

"And then?"

"Then we go home. We live our lives. We be happy."

"That sounds perfect."

We're quiet for a while, just holding each other in the dark.

Finally, Dasha speaks again. "Rio? Whatever happens with this raid, promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise."

"I mean it. I don’t want to lose you. Just get the job done and come home."

"Yes, ma'am."

She props herself up to look at me. "I'm serious."

"So am I." I cup her face. "I've got too much to live for now. You, the girls, our future. I'm not throwing that away for anything."

"Good." She kisses me softly. "Because we have plans, remember?"

"Oh, I remember." I roll her beneath me. "Want to practice for those plans?"

Her laugh is quickly muffled by my kiss, and for a while, I forget about Irish alliances and cartel threats.

There's just us, here and now, stealing moments of peace in the chaos.

Two more days.

Two more days and we’re able to go home.

I can't wait.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Dasha

The familiar smell of coffee grounds and fresh pastries should be comforting, but this morning it just reminds me how much I miss my normal life.

It's been three days since we moved into the clubhouse, and while I understand the necessity, I’m starting to go stir-crazy.

Which is why I convinced Rio to let me work the morning shift.

"You're insane," Meghan says, pulling shots for a customer's latte. "We're in lockdown because psycho cartel members want to kill us, and you volunteer to come to work?"

"I need some normalcy," I tell her, wiping down the counter. "Even if it's just for a few hours. Plus, we need the money. Lockdown doesn't pay the bills."

"Rio wasn't happy about it," Tindra comments from where she's arranging pastries in the display case.

At twenty, she's the newest addition to our coffee crew, having started just a month ago.

Her purple-streaked hair and piercings might look intimidating, but she's got a smile that puts customers at ease.