Page 65 of Moros

Hell, even her laughter was sexy.

“What?” I asked, confused.

“I’m not—” She panted. “Listen, John Wick is a Keanu Reeves character.”

I couldn’t remember the last time I watched a movie.

“He was a hitman who did this task to get out of the life for the woman he loves.” Pasha explained, excitedly. “Then a few years after he’s settled into his life, his wife dies—cancer or some shit.”

“Of course.”

“Before she die, she set it up that they bring him this dog she’d adopted for him so he wouldn’t be alone.” Pasha paused to roll her eyes to the sky thoughtfully then to look at me again. “I think it was a beagle named Daisy—not important.”

I wondered where this was going.

“After she passes, a group of idiots tries buying his car. He declines. They follow him home, tries to kill him and winds up killing his dog.”

“Poor Daisy.”

“Yeah. This movie is basically about a man merc-ing a bunch of stupid punks because they killed his dog.”

“They deserve it.” I finished my beer and set the can beside my ass on the deck. “And you think this is what’s happening with Khadri? He’s avenging Daisy.”

“Pretty much.”

I sighed.

Silence rang around us except for the soft music through the leaves of the trees to the right of the property.

“He’s a good man, Rya.” Pasha explained. “He’s just been through some things and trusting people isn’t high on his list right now. I don’t know if it’ll ever be.”

“Why didn’t the two of you—well, you know?”

Pasha chuckled then sipped.

“It never really crossed my mind.” Pasha replied softly. “The moment he stepped into my life I became his Nong.”

“Nong? I-I’m sorry. I don’t know what?—”

“It’s how you address someone who’s younger than you in Thailand.” Pasha explained. “I’m his Nong—his little sister.”

“You call him Phi…”

“Yeah—”

“How you address someone who’s older than you?”

“Bingo!” Pasha cheered. “As much as you don’t want to see his dark side, I can guarantee you that showing it to you is his greatest shame. He likes you. I can tell. No matter how badly he tries hiding it, I can still tell. And because of that, having you see him like this, hurts. But he can’t help it. When you’re safe and gone back to your life, he’s going to be left with nothing. And that’s going to break him.”

“Maybe the people at the homes were right.” I hung my head.

“About what?”

“I’m a jinx.” I admitted. “You got anymore beers out here?”

Pasha shook her head.

“You’re not a jinx.” Pasha assured me. “You’re not cursed.”

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