19
LEONE
“You shouldn’t be doing that.” Zoey plies the fork from my fingers and brings a bit of waffle to my mouth.
“I still have one good arm, little one.” I take the proffered bit and chew.
“I know, but I want to take care of you. You always take care of me.” She smiles and cuts another piece for me.
“I always will.”
She smiles, her eyes lighting up as she brings another bite to my mouth. “Madge is so good at cooking. I’ve never wanted to learn, but she almost makes me want to reconsider. Then again, the last time I tried to make mac and cheese, I exploded the microwave. I still don’t know how it happened. I mean–”
“You left your fork in the Instant Mac bowl when you put it in. It’s metal. You can’t put metal into the microwave.” Xanny strides in, her blond hair up in some sort of fauxhawk with braids and twists.
Zoey’s mouth drops open. “Oh, you never told me that. You said it must’ve short circuited or been bad from the factory or something.”
“I know. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” She shrugs and pulls a plate of waffles over to her. “Thanks, Madge.” She waves two fingers.
“Of course, Miss Xanny.” She taps the side of her nose. “And thanks again for the herbs.”
“Anytime.”
I raise a brow at Madge, but I don’t ask any questions. I learned long ago that a woman like Madge has a lot of secrets and skeletons in her closet, and I don’t need to know any of them. Despite all that, it seems Xanadu has somehow managed to charm the tough old bird.
Lenny leans on the kitchen doorframe, his eyes on Xanadu. I haven’t told him to keep an eye on her, but I’m glad he is. Zoey trusts her, I’ve no doubt about that. But I need to know more about her motivations and her dealings with Carlov before I make any judgments.
“Glower much?” Xanadu shakes her head at me and stabs a large piece of waffle before stuffing it into her mouth.
“He’s not glowering. He just has a very stern resting face.” Zoey kisses me on the cheek.
Though I don’t say it, I have to disagree with her. I’mdefinitelyglowering at her sister.
“I need to know everything you have on Carlov. Once I neutralize him, we’ll talk about you returning the money to Nick.” I shift in my seat, pulling Zoey closer to me, my bad arm aching as I use it to muscle her against me.
“Returning the money?” Xanadu says around a mouthful of food. “No way. I stole that fair and square. That’s for me and Zoey.”
“Xanny, it’s not our money. You can’t–”
“Itis.” She slams her fork down. “I’ve done what I had to do to get it. And now it’s ours. We don’t have to live in that stupid trailer anymore. And fuck Carlov. Once we get out of town, we won’t have to worry about him. He’s not smart enough to track us anywhere. We can disappear. Live the life we deserve. Get away from all these assholes who think they can control us.” Xanadu gives me a pointed look.
“I’m not controlling Zoey.” I level her with a stare. “And she isn’t going anywhere.”
Xanadu stands, her hands going to her hips. “You can’t keep her here against her will. I don’t care how many goons you’ve got, I’ll fight until my last breath to—”
“No fighting.” Zoey scrambles to her feet, though I keep her tight to my chest. “I’m not his hostage, Xanny.”
“Wake up, Zoey. Hekidnappedyou. He’s working for the guy who wants the money I took.” She holds her hand out to Zoey. “Let’s go. Let’s get the money and take off. Do all the things we talked about. Okay?”
For a fraction of a moment, fear overcomes me at the thought of Zoey going with her sister, choosing her instead of me. But I don’t give in to it. I know down to my bones that Zoey belongs with me, and I have to have faith that she feels it too.
“Xanny.” Zoey shakes her head. “We don’t have to go. Leone has kept me safe this whole time, and he can do the same for you.”
“We don’t need him,” Xanadu scoffs. “Come on.”
“You’re wrong.” Zoey lifts her chin, her shoulders back. “Ineed him.”
My heart, that broken husk, seems to beat anew when I hear her words.