Page 101 of Ruin
“Where is he?”
“Should be here soon.”
He nods then says, “Her name is Dorothea. It means ‘gift of God.’”
“If you believe in that sort of thing.”
“Ana does.”
“I suppose she would after what she survived.”
“You think she’s scared of me?” he asks. I frown, slowly turning toward him. “You know, because of the MC. They fucked her up. Maybe that’s why she’s pushing me away?”
“I don’t know, Grizz. Maybe?”
“Thanks, that’s totally what I wanted to hear.”
I huff out an annoyed sound. This is why I don’t talk to people. Everything I say is wrong.
“That’s something you need to ask her. How the fuck should I know what she’s thinking? I hardly know her.”
“You look thirsty.” I glance to my side, finding Lucian there. I can’t help but smile. I take the beer he offers. He looks around me to Grizz. “And for you.” He hands him a beer too.
“Well, fuck.” He takes the bottle and brings it to his lips. “Thanks.”
“It’s no problem.” Lucian sips his own beer. “So, what are we gossiping about?”
“We aren’t gossiping,” I say.
“Hm, that’s too bad. I love a juicy piece of gossip.”
“I heard the Hendersons are considering divorce,” Grizz says, pointing to a couple about our age. They look like they’d rather be getting anal exams than be here.
“How the fuck did you hear that?” I ask.
Grizz shrugs. “I don’t know. I just did.”
Lucian chuckles, trying to hide his smile behind his beer bottle before taking a sip. I watch his throat bob when he swallows, the urge to lean in and lick it is almost too much to ignore.
“How’s she doing?” Lucian asks, gesturing to the baby.
“She’s great,” Grizz says. “Ana’s doing good, too.”
“Where is she?” Lucian asks.
“Cora kidnapped her.”
I chuckle.
“Cora?” Lucian asks.
“Kaison’s girl,” I explain.
“Ah,” he says with a nod. “I’d like to meet her.”
“Would you, now?”
“Sure. He’s been like a—”
