“No, but you can’t just wander off without anyone knowing where you’re going to be. There’s shit going down and you need to be protected.”
“From who?”
“There are rumours a new family is trying to rise up. The Aslans. They’ve been small time for a while but now they’re getting more reckless. We had two of our restaurants hit with firebombs last night.”
“Was anyone hurt?” I ask.
“No, but we don’t know how cocky these bastards are going to get before we manage to wipe them all out. Just be careful. And I’m sending Aurelio and Roman to Hobart with you.”
“I don’t need those two assholes babysitting me.”
“It wasn’t a request, Ares. If you’re going away, so are they. Besides, you won’t even know they’re there. I’ve booked them into a nearby cabin.”
I shouldn’t be surprised my uncle already knows all the details about this trip. I also know if I want to take Zara away, I don’t have a choice but to go along with his plans for my cousins to be there.
“Fine,” I grunt.
“Does her father know she’s going to be away with you for an entire weekend?” Dad quirks a brow at me.
“I only just told Zara today. It’s up to her to tell her parents where she’s going to be.” I shrug. I have a feeling if she told her dad where she was going and with who, he’d probably lock her away and swallow the fucking key.
“He’s going to be pissed.”
“He’s already pissed she chose me.”
“Yeah, but you taking her away for an entire weekend? That’s only adding fuel to the fire. I can tell you now I wouldn’t want to be thinking of Cara disappearing with some punk-ass kid for a weekend.”
“I’m not doing anything Zara doesn’t want to do. I asked her if she wanted to come away. She was excited for the trip. I’m not going back on my word now.”
“I take it you’ve had the sex talk with him? He knows to wrap it before he uses it, right?” Uncle Gio looks to my dad for confirmation.
“Kill me now,” I groan.
“He’s not an idiot,” Dad replies.
I’m not. Zara and I haven’t gotten there yet, and I’m not expecting that from her this weekend either. Don’t get me wrong, I want it to happen. But I want it to happen when she’s ready for it to happen.
“Is that all you wanted? I’ve got homework to do.” I stand.
“Yep.” Dad nods his head.
As soon as I get up to my room, my phone buzzes.
Spencer:
I’m on my way over.
Dan:
Me too.
James:
Be there in fifteen.
Me:
See you soon.
