“Carter, get some glasses. Oh, and Killer, that’s another bet you’d lose.”
I roll my eyes at him and take a seat across from Carter. I’d rather sit beside him, but that’s not an option, because moving hands right next to him can cause panic attacks.
I glance between Carter and Killian as they begin eating and then at the empty seat beside me.
“Aren’t we waiting for Knox?”
Killian shakes his head.
“No, Killer. Obviously you’ve never burned a body. It takes a while. A few hours at least.”
I grab a piece of salmon and asparagus from the serving plate. I’m still undecided on the quinoa. It looks a bit like rice, but I’m not sure what it tastes like.
“It’s good, Little Heathen. Try it.”
I scoop a little on my plate, just for a taste, as Carter and Killian discuss the Snake guy that he killed.
“If he wasn’t dead from the fall, he lived through his worst fear. He had an unreal paranoia of burning.”
Carter nods in agreement.
“He was the last person I’d think of betraying us. I hope he wasn’t dead, because burning alive is a far more fitting punishment.”
Their conversation ends, and the room is quiet. The sound of silverware hitting the glass dishes causes me to cringe as I remember dinners with my family. I try to get them talking to drown out the memories of the past.
“Is there anything you guys are afraid of?”
Carter answers first.
“You know of my one and only phobia.”
I look at Killian, waiting for his response.
“Snakes. It’s not really that I’m afraid of them. I just hate the slimy fuckers.”
Gaping at him with surprise, I try to wrap my head around him being afraid of snakes. I thought for sure he’d say he wasn’t afraid of anything.
“I love snakes. They’re beautiful, and the way they move along the earth is mesmerizing. And for the record, Killian, they aren’t slimy. Their skin is dry, and covered in scales.”
He swallows his food as he points his fork at me.
“The answer is no, Killer. Don’t even fucking think about bringing one into my house.”
I smile as I pick up a bite of salmon on my fork.
“It definitely sounds like a phobia to me.”
Killian continues to glare at me as he speaks in an annoyed tone.
“Any other questions, Killer?”
I swallow hard and glance at Knox and he nods for me to ask whatever I want.
“Are you a mafia family?” I ask, my voice sounding more nervous than I’d like it to be.
Carter chuckles to himself as Knox answers me.
“No, Tesoro. I suppose we function in ways like a mafia family but no.”
