“Okay, next question. What is the wildest thing you’ve ever done?”
Grinning sheepishly, Ayla searched their faces, and Inari waited for the answer too.
“One time, when I was about fourteen years old, Inari was at home, sleeping with Dane, I stole the car, drove to Dairy Queen, the one that used to stay open twenty-four hours, and had a whole banana split to myself,” she revealed.
Moose whistled. “Savage.”
“I respect that.” Mozzi nodded as he jumped up on one of the counters and let his legs dangle.
“Who taught you how to drive at fourteen?” Inari asked, leaning forward.
“Danilo.” Ayla hopped up from her seat, and Kong stepped forward to shove Moose down into it next.
“The fuck?” he sneered, but Inari was on her feet, ready to interrogate him some more.
Moose didn’t come off as the type to wear his heart on his sleeve. Circling him like he was her prey, Inari paused at his side and he looked up at her.
“What’s the biggest lie you tell yourself?” she pried, wondering how deep he would go.
He came off as so confident and sure of himself, borderline arrogant. She could tell from his piercing gaze that it was something he wasn’t comfortable with, but rules were rules. He also never backed down from anything that was a challenge.
“Oh, this gon’ be fucking good.” Mozzi kicked his legs, clearly entertained by the line of questioning.
Moose laughed briefly, then stopped. He stroked his beard, thoughts spinning rapidly.
“That I’m nothing like the family I was born into,” he confessed, giving both Kong and Mozzi pause when they all locked eyes.
It wasn’t like it was something they hadn’t all lied to themselves about. Despite trying to keep it light, Inari’s expression softened.
“What you afraid of?” Mozzi piped up, bringing a blunt to his lips and taking a puff.
Coast moved to stand between his legs comfortably.
Moose’s sharp gaze landed on his brother first.
“Right now, her.” His slanted eyes drifted back to Inari, who adjusted her posture when Moose’s orbs burned through her.
“Why?” she asked after clearing her throat.
“Because you see right through me and my bullshit.”
Rolling her eyes, Inari scoffed.
“Your turn, Trouble.” Mozzi nudged her toward the chair when Moose jumped up.
“B-but—” Coast objected.
“No, new girl. You started this shit.” Inari wagged a finger at her.
Coast sank into the chair like she was made for it, both arms propped up on the side. Mozzi lowered himself from the counter and circled her slowly.
“What do you want most right now?”
Holding his gaze, she took a breath.
“Stability.”
Her words landed heavier than any of them expected. For a girl who spent all her life moving around, her only goal for herself in that moment was to plant some roots. She was tired of the constant pick up and go. She wanted a home, and most of the time was scared to admit that, even to herself.
