Page 80 of The Retaliation You Deliver

I’m still sitting there debating what to do when Nate returns.

“Everything okay?” I ask as he goes to grab a bottle of water.

“Yeah. Why are you still here? Follow your gut, Mace.”

I nod, pushing the chair back knowing what I need to do.

I brush my hair and throw it up into a messy bun before switching my pajamas for a MKU hoodie and pair of jeans. I don’t bother with any makeup. If I am brave enough to knock on the door of his house, I’m not sure anyone will care about how I look.

Nate smiles at me as I make my way back through the living area. Charlie has appeared and is talking his ear off about something.

“Hey, Mace. How’s it going?” she asks, pausing whatever she was saying.

“Uh… yeah. Great,” I mutter, tugging the main door open before she gets to question the fact things clearly aren’t great at all.

The drive to Leon’s house is quick. Quicker than I was hoping because as I pull up on the street out front, my hands tremble.

What if he doesn’t want you here?A little voice asks as I stare up at the impressive building.

I already know what angry Leon is like. Add grief to that and I could be about to walk into something terrifying, assuming he doesn’t slam the door in my face the second he lays eyes on me.

After how things ended on Wednesday night, I wouldn’t blame him if he did that.

Knowing that I can’t sit out here like a creep all day, I suck in some courage and push my door open.

His car is sitting in the driveway along with Luca’s so I can only assume he’s here.

My entire body trembles by the time I step up to the front door and press my finger to the doorbell.

I’m more than aware that he never wanted me here before. He never even tried to invite me into his home. I don’t know why I think he’s going to want me here now.

But it’s too late because I can already hear heavy footsteps heading my way.

I have to fight with myself not to turn on my heels and run like a bat out of hell.

Sucking in a breath, I wait for the door to open. It seems to take forever for someone to appear on the other side.

The second it opens enough to reveal an arm, I know it’s not Leon’s. His tattoos are different.

“Hey, sweetheart. How can I help you?” A huge dark-haired guy I recognize purrs at me as his eyes take a leisurely trip around my body.

“I-I-I’m looking for Leon,” I stutter like an idiot.

“Should have guessed. You’re a redhead.”

“Yeah. His type, right?” I mutter.

“Yeah, you’re right up his alley. He could really make use of you right now, Red.” He winks and my stomach turns over at his use of the nickname Leon calls me. It sounds all kinds of wrong on this guy's lips.

“He’s up in his room. Feel free to go and surprise him anyway you see fit.” He stands aside and I hesitantly take a step into the house. The scent of my childhood hits my nose and I almost turn and run once more. The whole place smells like boy and football. It’s a scent I used to find comforting, until my life turned to shit. Then it became the scent of horrors.

I’m almost at the stairs when he speaks again. I have no idea where I’m going but I figure it’s a good start.

“His room is the far door on the top floor. But if he’s busy, you’re more than welcome in mine.”

I don’t justify his comment with a response, instead I just take off up the stairs.

“Name’s Colt by the way.”