Page 33 of Mommy

A dog jumps up my leg, and Rosemary’s head pops around a corner.

“Derek,” she offers me a gracious smile, taking the helmet from my hands and hugging me too, despite Ezekiel’s frown. “I made cookies, you want one?”

I’m about to think of an excuse when Ezekiel’s hand clasped down on my shoulder. Hard.

“Eat the damn cookie,” he grunts out quietly, watching Rosemary as she makes her way back into the kitchen.

I’m bigger than Ezekiel in both height and body mass, but I honest to god wouldn’t bet on me winning in a fight. Doesn’t matter how much strength I have, Ezekiel is the more experienced fighter. So instead of making an excuse, I take the cookie Rosemary offers me with a bright smile.

She has gained weight, but it looks good on her. She looks happier, and when she leans down to pet Zero between his ears I catch Ezekiel smiling. He’s happier too.

Thank fuck he finally managed to get her.

He’s been talking about it for years and honestly: I don’t think I would’ve been able to stand it much longer.

“What brings you here, man?”

Ez slumps down on the couch next to me, grabbing a cookie as he goes.

Throwing a glance in Rosemary’s direction I lower my voice.

“The girl you sent to me.”

Ez stares back at me unfazed. Looks like this is not a secret.

“The blonde one?”

I nod.

“What about her?”

“She’s willing to make a statement.”

Surprise flickers in his grey eyes.

“That’s great. I honestly didn’t expect her to cooperate.”

Ahh, so she’s been equally annoying with him.

“She isn’t really cooperating.” I snort. “She has demands we need to meet before she says anything.”

He chuckles dryly.

“As expected. Well,” he slaps both his hands on his legs. “What does the devil want?”

“A new apartment.”

He nods, the corners of his mouth pulling into an upside down smile.

“Understandable. Anything else?”

“Probably protection.”

Another nod.

“That doesn’t sound too bad. I thought she’d be a nightmare.” Ezekiel’s smile is unbothered.

Only because you don’t have to talk to her.