Page 67 of Spark

In the air between them hung a feeling of unease and fear. Neither gave voice to it, using their bodies to express how they felt; their lovemaking had an edge of desperation to it. Aurelio dressed in new clothes and popped on a gun holster before slipping out about an hour after they finished another two rounds, asking Mia to be patient because he would return as soon as possible. She had never seen Aurelio with a gun, but then again, she still knew so little of his world. It wasn't crazy to think he carried a weapon for protection. She fell asleep quickly, her body and mind exhausted, hoping to sleep through most of the hours she would have to wait.

When Mia woke up, she sat on the edge of the bed, listening to the quiet house as anxiety ate at her. Mac had arrived shortly before Aurelio had left, so she wasn’t alone.

“Shit,” she breathed out, pushing the heels of her palms into her eyes. She had forgotten her glasses entirely. She wasn't sure where she had lost them, but they weren't with her. Her phone was on the dresser, and her bag was on the floor in front of it. She pulled on Aurelio's discarded shirt and her panties, reaching for the phone. She had no new messages from Aurelio but one from her middle brother, Mikey. She clicked on his picture, a close-up of his face from when he was a teen.

Mikey:Landing next Friday @ 4pm. Graduation!!!!

Mia laughed and reread the message. Friday… this Friday? She typed back a reply but stopped before hitting send. It was nearly five, which meant it was almost seven back home; he would be sleeping, having worked the night shift at the firehouse. She left the message, determined that she would come back to it when she was back at her apartment. Sighing, she grabbed her computer from her bag and her glasses tumbled out.

“A-ha!” When she put them on her face, the world became sharper. Taking the computer back to the bed, Mia cracked it open and pulled up the forms she had been filling out the day prior. Her motivation still seemed to be lacking, but the deadline was the next day. Working swiftly, she filled out all she could and attached it to the submission office email. As she hit send, the email gave her an alert. No internet.

“Shit,” Mia exhaled, setting the computer to the side. Standing, she tiptoed to the door and cracked it open. The hallway was dim, the light from the moon waning as the hour pressed on; the sun would be rising soon. She slipped from the bedroom, passing the other empty, dark rooms as she went.When she started down the stairs, voices reached her ears. Mia froze, recognizing Aurelio’s voice. It was quiet, harsh, and short.

“…have no choice.” She could see two pairs of legs and caught the tail end of a sentence; curiosity and concern got the better of her. She slipped closer, keeping just out of sight.

“Aurelio, you can't just let him take the jobs!” Mac's voice said.

“I can, and I did.” Aurelio started pacing. “It was the only way to get him to stay fucking quiet.” Anger seeped from each word.

“He isn't going to stay quiet, not forever. You know the kind of snake he is.” Mac was angry, too; Mia had never heard him speak like that to anyone, let alone Aurelio.

Aurelio stopped in front of Mac, and Mia could only imagine the look on his face. “I know, Mackenzie. I know better than anyone what a fucking weasel he is. But it’s my job to worry about this. I shouldn't even be talking to you.” He moved away again, letting out a deep sigh. His voice was calmer when he spoke again. “Two weeks, Mac.”

“I know.”

“Three more jobs were it; now it's one.” Aurelio sounded defeated.

“Okay… What are you going to tell Mia?”

“Nothing.”

Mia's face reddened, anger rising in her cheeks. Before she could stop herself, she marched down the stairs, fist aiming at Aurelio's chest. She punched him, but before she could let the other fist fly, he caught her wrist.

“Mia.” His face was a mix of fury and amusement, even as he pulled her into his arms.

“No,” she argued, pulling away. “You wouldn't tell me? Really?” She threw her hands up and looked incredulously between the two ashamed men.

Aurelio snapped out of it first, meeting her gaze. “No, I wouldn't. It's not anything you need to worry about.”

“But I will anyway!” she screamed, going to punch his chest again. He let her attack him, not moving as the hit landed; Mia ended up hurting her hand more than him.

“Stop this, Mia.” Aurelio said, voice even as she let another fist fly. She felt the pain vibrate through her wrist as he caught both her hands in his.

“NO!” she yelled, her face red as she pulled and twisted. He held her easily, letting her squirm around in his hands. “Fuck you, Aurelio!” she looked into his eyes, settling slowly.

“Done?” he asked her like she was toddler throwing a tantrum.

“Fuck you.” She said again. “Fuck not telling me shit. Fuck not letting me in.” she ripped her hands from his, turning away from him.

Mac stepped back, the movement drawing both of their attention to him.

“Freeze,” Mia ordered, pointing to him. The teen stopped, his eyes like a deer in headlights.

“Go, Mac,” Aurelio said, not looking anywhere but at Mia. “Now.”

She furrowed her brows, looking at him and then back to Mac. “Don't you dare, Mackenzie. Stay.”

Mac's face paled.

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