Page 109 of Havoc

“Where was this dinner?” Grim asked.

“Ah, some bourbon club in Venice.”

“Go on.” Trigger stroked his chin.

“Senior year, I ran into him again.” Benny’s expression begged me to help. “Remember when we met at the park for pictures for homecoming, and there was a coffee shop across the street?”

“Yes,” I couldn’t help but answer. I was on the edge of my seat. I remembered that day well. “But Sonny never once showed his face there, Benny. I’m sure I would have remembered. IthinkI would have.”

“He was there. He was with some guys, and they were talking to your father.”

“Oh, my God,” something hit me, “I remember Dad took off, saying something about needing to find a computer.” I searched my brain to pull more of the memory forward. “And he was meeting Sonny?”

“Yeah, the creep saw me with you and thought we were going together. He got all up in my face and threatened me that he knew where I lived and that he’d fuck with my sister if I continued to go out with you.”

“Why?” My words failed me. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

“Kenna,” his voice softened, “your father was enough for you to deal with on a good day. The last thing you needed was to be upset during homecoming.”

“Well, it was kind of you, but I’m so sorry you had to carry that.”

He shrugged. “I survived. I’m only sorry I wasn’t strong enough to ignore him. I was young.” He shrugged. “But I’m glad we were able to keep in touch anyway.” He smiled. “We’ve had a couple of fun times since. I hope I haven’t said anything wrong here.” He looked around at Grim and Trigger. Neither of them said anything. “Well,” he turned to me, “I’m happy to see you again, looking,” his eyes widened, “unbelievable. I’m sorry that Sonny Conti’s still hanging around.”

“There’s a lot that doesn’t make sense right now,” I admitted, and Minnie leaned into me to give me some quiet love.

“I know you said you’re not exactly on the market, but I’m here with you now, and the night’s still young.” He smiled and took a sip of his beer.

Vinni and Rail both leaned forward and gave me shit-eating grins. I rolled my eyes and reached over and took a long drink of Minnie’s martini.

“So, what do you all do?” Benny asked the group once the silence got to be too much.

Rail stood, pulling up his pants. “Come on, Benny, let’s get you another drink.”

“Rail,” I warned.

“Um, sure.” Benny downed the rest of his beer then got up and began to walk toward the bar. I jumped up and grabbed Rail’s arm.

“Rail, if you mess with him, I swear I’ll burn your body and hide the ashes where even God himself can’t find them.”

“Darlin’, I sold them to the Devil years ago.” His face lit up with a happy grin. “Now, let me get to know our new friend.”

“Be nice,” Tess stuck a finger out, “and don’t start trouble.”

“I’m just welcoming Kenna’s man-friend to the group.” He clapped his hands. “You all should take notes from me.”

“We sure are learning a lot tonight,” Grim grunted as he swirled the ice around his glass.

I drained the rest of Minnie’s drink, and Tess slid hers over in my direction. I mouthed athank you.

“And just when were you going to all share this with me?”

I used my lips to slide the olive off the toothpick as I glared at Grim. “Right around the time you stop acting like an asshole.”

Elio cleared his throat and laughed as he glanced at Niccola.

“Now do you understand why we love Sienna?” Niccola said with a grin at Elio. I was too fired up to care much about what he meant, or who Sienna was.

“Grim, I only found out from Benny right before I heard about Leal.” I tried to control my temper. I hated that I felt the need to explain myself to him. The thought that he’d ever think I’d hold something like that back from him was insulting.

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