Page 114 of Spark

“Last night,” Mac wiped his eyes quickly. “Dominick and Aurelio fought.” Mia took in a sharp breath.

“I got called to come in, was told there was a main event—a pact had been broken. I didn’t know it was them. All I knew was the accusing party was calling in the terms, a fight to the death.” Mac was still crying. “I didn’t know it was them.” He said again, eyes pleading with Mia to believe him. “I didn’t know anything about it.” His whole body shook with distress.

“Mac,” she said, desperation clear in her voice, her hand on his back as he shook with sobs. “What happened?” Mia felt her own tears fall quietly.

“Aurelio,” He continued. “He walked in, claimed that Dominick broke the pact by revealing information he had sworn to keep. Claimed Dom had broken the pact.” Mia swallowed hard again, her throat tight.

“Dominick agreed to the terms, and the fight was set.” Mac closed his eyes. “I found out about all this an hour before the fight went off. Aurelio came out ready to kill him.” He looked at Mia. “He was so angry, he didn’t even flinch Mia. Dom hit him over and over and he just didn’t move.” Mia felt her fingers brush her lips, her own body numb as she pictured him.

“Dom was smirking, Aurelio just took it. And then.” He paused, his eyes wide. “He just unleashed.”

“No one said a word about the raid or anything.” Mac looked at her again. “I wasn’t sure it had even happened. I’ve been at the safe house.”

“I called Detective Daniels, he told me it what happened and I had to piece together the rest.” Mac squeezed her fingers. “He told me about Oliver too,” he added. “I’m glad your brothers were here to get him busted.” Mac looked around again, confusion crossing his face,

“Wait, where are your brothers?” he asked, and Mia shook her head.

“Matty and Melvin left.” she said, waving a hand. “Focus. You found out about all this at the fight that happened yesterday?”

“Yes.” He shook his head.

“Mac,” Mia grabbed his hands, falling to her knees in front of him, forcing him to meet her gaze. “Is Aurelio, okay?”

Mac was quiet for a moment too long, the seconds dragging on before he shook his head yes.

“He beat the shit out of Dominick.” He said quietly. “The boss isn’t happy; he’s calling for Aurelio to take over the jobs lined up. Aurelio agreed, but he’s so angry. It’s like he’s given up. He doesn’t care.” Mac lifted a hand over his eyes, the other still clasping Mia’s.

“He wouldn’t even look at me.” Mac let out a sob as he spoke. “He just stared, didn’t even acknowledge me.” She held the kid and let him cry, she knew how much Mac cared for Aurelio. “He hates me, I know he does.” Mia patted his back and told him no.

“Mac, he just wanted you out, he didn’t want you trapped in shit when he wouldn’t be around to help you.” Mac nodded as she spoke, the tears falling quietly.

She let go and stood, knowing what they needed to do. If Aurelio had given up, if he was being forced to work for the boss because the boss knew about her, she had to do something toget him out. Aurelio was staying away to keep her safe. A mix of relief and sadness swept through her. She wouldn’t let him ruin there future without letting her have a choice in the matter.

“Okay, get up,” she said, forcing her tears away. “Show me where this fight happened.”

“Mia,” Mac said, shaking his head. “No way. He would kill me.”

“And I won’t?” she replied, stepping closer to him. “Take me there, now.”

“Wait,” Mac said as Mia turned to grab her keys. “There’s more.” He breathed deeply, letting the air blow through his pursed lips.

“The next job is a setup.” Mac gripped her fingers. “I helped set it up, I thought Dom would be locked up and all that would be left would be Boss.” Mac pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes scrunching closed. “The cops are the buyers. The boss is going to be there himself, and now Aurelio will be at his side.” Mac let out a groan “If I had known Aurelio was going to be there, I would have put a stop to it, but it’s too late now. The job is happening in a few hours. Everyone is already on their way.”

Mia felt her heart shatter all over again. She was too late; Aurelio would be out of her reach, headed straight for a trap.

Fear clung to her as she tried to calm her breathing. The walls closed in, the loft to small as her lungs constricted.

“No.” she said. Thinking quickly, she pulled her phone from her pocket and typed a message to him on the app that had brought them together. Neither had used it in weeks, but she knew the tone was different. He would hear it and maybe—just maybe—check it. She typed and hit send, hoping it worked.

Don’t give up on me.

I haven’t given up on you.

I love you, Aurelio.

Come home to me.

She watched her phone, the message blinking back at her, minutes passing.

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