Page 95 of The Retaliation You Deliver

“Is everything okay?” I ask when he just continues to stare at me with an intensity that I’m beginning to get used to.

“T-thank you. I’m sure coming here was probably the last thing you wanted to do after everything. But… thank you.”

“I told you, I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Reaching up on my toes, I brush my lips over his.

“Let’s see if we can get out of here without you being stolen from me by one of my teammates.”

“Colt’s already tried,” I confess and his steps falter.

“Colt’s just asking for a beating.”

“Leave him alone. He knew I was yours the second he saw the color of my hair,” I deadpan.

“Fuck. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. The past is in the past right? We look forward.”

“Fuck, baby. That sounds so fucking good.”

Leon has his arm slung over my shoulder and we’re almost out of the house without bumping into anyone when the front door opens and three people step inside.

Luca’s eyes widen, Peyton smiles, and an older woman, who I can only assume is their mom, her eyes almost pop out of her head at the sight of me tucked into Leon’s side.

“Macie,” she breathes, a smile curling at her lips as she takes a step forward. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“Uh… hi,” I squeak, suddenly overcome with nerves.

I’ve never experienced anything close to meeting the parents before, I have no idea how I’m meant to react.

“I-I’m sorry for your loss,” I say with a wince.

“Aw, sweetie, thank you but I think we can all agree that none of us are sorry.”

Leon snorts as he tries to contain his laugh.

“Yeah, I guess. Still, it must have been a shock.”

“We’ve been out making arrangements for the funeral,” Luca says, making it sound about as appealing as picking up dog poop. “I think we can safely say that keeping it small is going to be out of the question.”

“I guess that’s what happens when most of the country has no idea what a cunt he was.”

Their mom gasps in shock at Leon’s harsh words but none of them argue.

“Just one final thing we need to toe the line for. Once it’s done, we can finally break free,”

“Bring it on,” Luca says, pulling Peyton into his arms and dropping a kiss to the top of her head.

“How’s Shane?”

“About as good as you two,” their mom mutters. “I’m sorry you had such a shitty father,” she whispers, now looking a little emotional.

“We’re just heading out for food. You hanging around for a bit?” Leon asks his mom.

“Just going to have coffee then I’m going to babysit Nadine so Shane and Chelsea can have a night off.”

“Okay, we’ll see you soon then. Call me if you need anything.”

“You can run as fast as you want, Lee. I will get to know your girl sooner or later.” She winks at him and he groans as he ushers me out of the door.