He winces, understanding that the children probably just heard his cursing, but both of them don't seem to have even registered.Kyoline struts in. She's tired, in that way that someone who's running on fumes—due to the stress that cocksucker Carmine is causing. In spite of that, she'd be goddamn beautiful, but he's not going to let his head go down that train of thought today. "These two are out of school today. Some teacher gathering or something. Nikki was going to keep an eye on them because I've got a shift, but she's sick and couldn't come.".And when he hears her tell him, he feels like a total douchebag for going off on girls like that. "I can take care of them," he says out of the blue. "I have some work to do in the office to begin with." And his instant offer surprises the living shit out of him. But it feels so naturally damn right. And he knows that's a goddamn issue, but it's one he doesn't want to worry about at the moment.“I don’t want to put you out,” she murmurs.An
The group smiles together and then Amanda asks the next person to tell their story. The meeting goes on, his attention comes and goes as they all talk about different ways of coping along with doing exercises to help them figure out what triggers them to steal. Kyoline is fully into it, opening up some more as the minutes pass.The meeting flies by, and when they get to the end, Kyoline blows the hell out of him by offering to take next week's meeting.Amanda approaches her. "He always gives these to new folks." She passes her a stack of pamphlets and whispers, "He found the top one especially helpful himself."He glances down and sees the top pamphlet is about Ocd, and he can't help but wish that Kyoline gets a look at it someday. He glances around the room as people head towards a refreshment table on the opposite side. "Ready to go?"She almost seems disappointed, but she nods. They head towards the door, and he opens it for her."So?" he asks her.A smile tugs at her lips. "It was
"Wait!" His eyes widen. "What? Him?""Yeah," she grins. "He's a thief, coming here. But that's simple enough—he can tell them he steals funds from people. Because that is sort of true, what with the manner in which the Kash Manchester acquire funds by way of illegal adventures.". Anyway, it doesn't matter if he's not completely honest—she already knows he's a stunning liar, so he doesn't have to worry about her having the less of him. She smiles at him extremely widely, but he can only manage a low growl.Her fingers rest on the handle of the door as she turns back to look at him again, and her lips purse before she pulls it wide. He comes in behind her, his gaze scanning around them to make sure nothing out of the ordinary exists before he enters the building.They make their way down a dimly lit corridor until it opens to what looks like a community room. It's not what he's after, but it's clean. There's a mural on the back wall of bright colors, and tables in assorted sizes scatter
"Everyone there is either like her or they've been in her position. She'll be okay," Isaac assures her. "And besides, he'll be with her."By the time they get there, Isaac has noticed Kyoline's been getting more and more tense. Her leg's bounced the entire ride to this appointment. It's going to be the death of him, but he remains silent, knowing this isn't exactly near the top of the list of things that need to be said. Because the most important thing is truly getting her here and getting her to make that first move.Isaac has no notion why, but the fact that she is nervous or tense in the least possible way hardens his chest uncomfortably. He rubs at it, trying to move the feeling.Rolling up, the building isn't filling him with confidence, but it's the nearest bunch he could find. Two others he tried to reach told him they had to close down because their funding had been cut. He sees it from his windshield. The youth club is in some big square building that's graffitied on one sid
"See, he hasn't rummaged through her stuff—yet.""So how did he get this photo?""It was in the background check file the Kash Manchester put together on her when she began going out with Tenz Jer'sey.""The background check file? That's snooping. And that is totally fucked up." She crosses her arms. "Why is he digging around in her life for no reason?""Answer the question, Kyoline," Isaac says, tapping at the screen.She keeps her mouth tightly closed as he stands and heads towards the closet. She slams the door before he can reach it and leans against it as if to reinforce yet again that she does not wish him inside. "She didn't give him permission to go in there.""She's got to stop stealing. He's serious. And he's only trying to get to know her. Can't she just find another job if she really needs the money?"She flips her hair over her shoulder. "It's better like this. It's tax-free.""Cut out the flippantness, Kyoline.""So what if she stole them? Anyway, it very clearly feels l
Kyoline collapsed onto the couch and leaned back, closing her eyes for a moment. "I'm totally drained. I didn't realize how late it gets.""It's nice being around Damon and your other brothers and sisters," Isaac said, catching Kyoline by surprise. "It reminds me that there is still innocence in the world."“Yeah. Sometimes, I’m jealous of his and L’oreal’s innocence and naivety.” Kyoline remained quiet for a few moments. “It’s a shame that the mafia life forces us to grow up too quickly,” she murmured softly.“Did your mom have difficulty finding work after your dad died?” he asked quietly."Yeh. You're the wife of a thief and traitor, there aren't many doors open for you when half the city belongs to the mafia your husband tried to cheat. It's like us and my family are still paying the price for his dumbness."I'm sorry," he mumbled.".Kyoline released a cleansing breath. “It’s okay. All of this stuff is temporary. Once this threat with the Carmine is dealt with, we’ll be able to st