Page 10 of Serena (Shattered Queens #1)

When I enter the space, I see there are a couple of classes in session.

Yuri is at the front desk, welcoming people.

I mentally prepare myself for all the questions she’ll have about the weekend.

Unfortunately for both of us, I don’t have any answers.

But she knows that I spent the last couple of days spiraling. I always get stuck in my own head.

When we lived together, there were times when I wouldn’t leave my room.

She would ensure that I ate. There were other times when she would wake up and find me in the living room at three in the morning because I couldn't sleep, so she’d stay up with me.

I know she worries about me living alone, so whenever she needs me to ease her mind by doing check-ins, I do. Not everyone has a Yuri in their life.

“How are you doing?” she asks, getting straight to the point.

“I’m fine. I went to my class this morning hoping it’d help calm my spiraling.”

“Did it help?”

“Not really. This weekend was hard, honestly, I don’t even know how to wrap my head around seeing Byran again. Did he tell you why he was there?”

“No, I'm still in shock. We haven't seen or heard from him in years.”

“Yeah, maybe Elias can look into it?”

“Serena, are you sure you want him to do that?”

“Yes, no, I don’t know. Maybe if I ignore the fact that I saw him, it will go away.”

I can tell she’s nervous.

“Serena, have you been having nightmares again?”

“No,” I lie. “Why do you ask?”

“I just worry about you.”

“Yuri, please don’t. I’m fine.”

She nods. “You’ll tell me, right?”

“Of course,” I lie again.

My nightmares started years ago. There’s always a trigger—it can be from stress, sometimes my overthinking, but I hadn’t had one in months, not until this weekend. But I keep that last part to myself.

“Serena, I’ve been thinking. Don’t get mad, okay?”

“Okay,” I say hesitantly.

She pauses and picks at her nails, which is her nervous tic. “Well, do you think visiting would help?”

I’m stunned by her question. “Visiting? Where?”

“Well, home,” she whispers.

“The place where it happened? Seriously?” My tone is defensive, but I don’t try to hide it.

“Yes, it burned down. Maybe that can help you with closure? I’m just trying to help.” Her cheery persona is replaced by my worrisome friend.

“I know you mean well, Yuri, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. I can’t.”

“I just want you to be happy.”

“I know you do, and I love you for it.”

Sensing that the topic is too heavy for me, we move on to other things.

I tell her about my upcoming business trip.

She reminds me that we have to go shopping for the concert.

It's in honor of Theo’s birthday. Elias isn't joining us but is financing the whole thing versus participating.

He “doesn't want to be around intoxicated adults who act like teenagers.” We rolled our eyes and laughed. For someone who’s only five years older than us, he sure acts like a grump. Far from the playboy he used to be.

“Oh, I met Ian Kayde.”

“And?” She perks up.

“And nothing. He’s intense and bossy.” My voice is full of annoyance.

Because I wasn’t the only one he barked orders at today.

Jacob and other executives were moved to different floors in the building.

He also complained about the drinks in the office.

Selma, his assistant, has to find a new catering company.

“You're the only woman I’ve ever heard complain about him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, he is very easy on the eyes and probably easy all around. Women throw themselves at him,” she whispers. “I’ve heard he has a list of women he regularly calls to fuck. Of course, nothing serious because no one is good enough for Ian Kayde.”

“Well, he doesn’t have to worry about me throwing myself at him.”

Bang. Bang. Bang.

I needed this. It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve been to the range. This is a hobby that few know of. I turn and see my friend finish her round. After she’s done, she looks at my target.

“That’s pretty good,” she compliments.

“Not pretty good, that’s great.”

Annie looks at me like a proud parent. She may as well be. She's almost my mother’s age, but unlike my mother, Annie is a badass, independent, and nurturing.

“Well, you did learn from the best.”

“That I did.”

I was so afraid to hold a gun that it took me weeks to get the guts to take her class, but Annie helped me feel comfortable. Now it’s like second nature. I’ve shared some things about my past with Nina and Annie. It’s helped them understand my need to feel safer in my own skin.

“What’s going on in the world of Serena? Dating anyone? If you even call it that?”

“Hahaha. None of that; my career is taking up so much of my time. Plus, I don’t want to put the effort into anyone right now.”

“Serena, if you feel like giving it a shot, I know someone who may be interested.”

“Really? Who?” I’m curious.

“James—he’s an instructor at another gym I teach at. He’s tall, big muscles, and can probably toss you around, in the bedroom and on the mat. Think about it.”

“Not right now, but thanks for thinking of me.” I push the thought away for now and focus on my target. But a girl does have needs.