Page 119 of Violent Pawn

Emotionless Bro

That bad?

Me

Or good. She’s having fun. She needs it, don’t you think?

Don’t worry, I’ll get plenty of water into her before bed. And meds, if needed.

Emotionless Bro

Thanks.

Me

How are you doing?

Emotionless Bro

I should be asking the same. You’re speaking to me. You’re sober.

Me

Maybe.

Not in the mood.

Emotionless Bro

You’re not doing well if you’re not enjoying yourself.

Me

Nice of you to notice.

Emotionless Bro

Fina’s training me to be conscious of others.

Me

You made a joke!

Emotionless Bro

Dimitri’s demanding I put down my phone. Keep me updated on her.

That won’t be happening.

I too put my phone away at the sound of my name, giving my attention to my best friend on her final night of being single because she deserves a cheerful friend and not a ball of depression.

She tosses her phone into my lap with more force than necessary. “Fuckin’ look at that! He doesn’t get it.”

Hoping “he” is Zeno, I flip the device over and scan the numerous missed calls from an unknown number.

“It’s Vasilyev,” she explains. “Fucking dick won’t leave me alone. Still convinced I’m breaking decades of Bratva tradition by marrying an outsider.”

“Aren’t you?” I smirk, tossing her phone back. “Forget him. He’s one puny man.”