Page 80 of Ready to Cash Out

Trev looked around as they headed to presumably the kitchen, trying to take in the layout as quickly as he could. There were fresh flowers everywhere, the decor crisp and minimal, and he was not the least bit surprised that the kitchen was decked out with the fanciest appliances he had ever seen.

A tall thin man in an apron was humming as he cooked at the stove, and he turned to smile at Trev and the others. His surprise was not as startling as Rowena’s or Jules’s had been, but Trev noticed it all the same. “Hello,” the man said in a thick French accent. “Good morning.”

“Jerry. This is Trev!” Rowena shook Trev’s shoulders. “Look at him!”

“I see.” Jerry tipped his head politely and then looked to Trev. “Eggs, monsieur?”

Trev scrubbed his hands over his face. “Wait, wait, wait. Hold the fuck up.” He spun on Rowena. “What is happening here? Where is Boss Cold? What the fuck is actually going on?”

“Breakfast?” Jules frowned.

“Sweetie,” Rowena soothed. “Take a big breath. It’s okay! You’re safe now.”

Trev laughed.

Yeah, right.

“Look, babe.” Trev snorted sourly. “I love your taste in shoes, but I do not buy this let’s be a happy gangster family for a fucking second.”

“How about you just rent it for breakfast?” Rowena suggested. “Roddy will talk to you and explain any questions that you have, okay? For now, just know that all we want is you safe and fed.”

Trev shuddered.

He was surrounded by strangers in a new place and unarmed. He’d never felt more alone, but at least everyone’s friendly attitude would allow him some time to figure out what to do next. He fully intended to keep his guard up, but if they wanted a sweet, helpless young man who was so happy to be reunited with the family he never knew he had, he could do that.

The collar at his neck was comforting.

It was also a bitter reminder of how he’d been forced to leave Jupiter behind, and he wondered if he should have fought harder to bring Jupiter with them. Jupiter had certainly been no saint, and Trev decided that this made them even.

For the lying, the chain, and all the rest.

Hopefully, Jupiter would live long enough for Trev to find him and tell him.

“Okay. Breakfast sounds great.” Trev smiled sweetly.

That at least wasn’t a lie.

Jerry smiled warmly and fixed Trev a plate.

Trev sat down at a table beside a big window to eat. It was scrambled eggs, some sort of sausage, and a few slices of fresh fruit. Rowena had the same and sat down across from him. Jules hovered by the counter, where two more plates were waiting to be claimed.

“Where’s Brick?” Rowena asked, her icy eyes flitting to Jules.

“Still sleepin’,” Jules rumbled in reply.

Rowena smirked.

Jules rolled his eyes.

“Where’s my brother?” Trev asked casually.

“He’ll be down after a while.” Rowena waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it. I’m here to take good care of you, sweetie.” She smiled. “So! Ready to tell me your life story?”

Trev batted his eyes. “No.”

Rowena scoffed. “What do you mean no?”

“We just met!” Trev wagged his fork at her. “What kind of idiot is just going to spill their guts and tell you every dirty detail about themselves?”

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