The expensive bourbon is hot in my mouth as I swallow it down. Setting the glass on the table in her living room, I look over to June.
There's something about her that's new and unfamiliar, almost like she's shed this protective layer concealing the true parts of her that she had kept hidden.
Sure, there's plenty I've yet to uncover, but since our fight, she's been much more open about the things in her life. Even if they're often laced with violence and crime.
For a long time, I thought that June was the main character, that she was the only one capable of a happily ever after, but I was wrong. We're all the centerpieces in our own story, and it's up to us how that story will end.
Life can either happen to you, or for you. And I choose my own fucking destiny.
"Are you listening or daydreaming again?" June interrupts my thoughts.
"Totally listening," I lie.
"Uh-huh, and what did I say?"
"Something about how much you love me." I shrug and settle into the extremely comfortable couch, dragging one leg up over the other and facing her.
Magnus strolls over, stopping right behind June. He rubs her shoulders. "Are you gossiping? Can I join?"
It's so glaringly obvious how much he adores her but now that I have my own version of that, his affection no longer repulses me the way it once did.
"Actually, I was just asking June what was going to happen now that all those old dudes are dead. Should we be concerned or something?"
"Don't worry. I took credit for it." Dominic walks into my line of sight, adjusting the collar on his suit jacket.
"Is that allowed?" I take in his rough exterior as he moves toward June.
Dominic reaches for her hand and presses a soft kiss to her knuckles before focusing on me. "I call the shots. This way I claim it as a power move and your men get to live another day. It's a win-win."
I reposition myself, putting my arm over the back of the couch. "But like, isn't that dangerous for you?"
"Listen, Cora, I know you're new to this world, but danger isn't. Every choice comes with a price. Killing off numerous prominent members of our industry wasn't a decision I took lightly, but ultimately, it was my decision. Did your men act on it? Yes, yes, they did, but unless you want them to die, too, this is the way it has to be. Anyone involved needs to know this was my doing, and that I was involved every step of the way." Dominic pauses and then adds, "And it's been made clear that any future undermining is considered treason." His intense stare bores into me.
I swallow harshly and nod. "Yeah. Of course."
June swats at him. "Don't talk to her in that tone."
"What tone?" Dominic feigns shock.
"The murderous one. That's my best friend, dude."
Dominic rolls his killer eyes and scoffs. "I was doing no such thing."
"I don't know, man," Magnus chimes in. "Had me shaking in my boots and you weren't even talking to me."
"You're not even wearing boots." Dominic folds his arms over his chest and shakes his head. "Why do I even bother? You're always ganging up on me." He stalks away without another word and reminds me how even though he appears like he could kill me with just a stare, he still has feelings.
"You big softie," Magnus calls out after him.
June presses her finger toward me. "Hang on, I'll be right back." She stands from the couch, elbows Magnus, and takes off to comfort Dominic. She returns a moment later, the door to their garage closing a moment prior.
"Everything okay?" I ask her.
She sighs and settles back into the couch. "He's not used to having another woman around. Give him some time, he'll eventually warm up to you. Oh, by the way, Magnus told me to tell you bye."
"I didn't think he did anything wrong," I tell her honestly. "If anything, I should thank him for his transparency. That's what I want. To know the goodandthe bad."
"Speaking of good," June quickly changes the subject. "What's it like living with three guys?" She reaches for her bourbon, sipping it while waiting for my response.
