“I'm not.”

“I thought you were one of Daniel's girls.”

“That's my sister.” Folding her hands together, Azura's mocha face falls. “Everyone forgets I even exist.”

“I don't.”

“Really? You remember me before now?”

“Yeah. The pool party.”

She furrows her eyebrows. “Before that?”

Not sure I want to risk upsetting her twice I say, “I'll definitely remember you now.”

“That's only because I gave you free liquor.”

“Thanks for that by the way.” Swirling the liquid around I ask, “So you've never hooked up with a McCoy?”

“Nope.”

“Why not? Busy on Daniel's free days?”

“Wow. How about because I don't wanna be a day of the week girl, but a tomorrow one?”

Perplexed, I question, “A tomorrow girl?”

“The one you always promise to see tomorrow and then do,” she explains as she fiddles with her curly hair. “Not sure that'll ever happen, but a girl can dream right?”

Pushing the glass across the bar I say, “Don't give up on it. I never knew I needed a tomorrow girl until she fell into my lap.”

Literally. Remember that? Fuck...seems like a life time ago.

“Yeah well, I hope we can all be so lucky,” Azura coos. “Now go talk to your girl. And your brothers.”

“Yeah.” I stand and pull out of my wallet. “I'm going to.”

She points at me. “Don't even think about tipping me.”

“But-”

“Just...just knowing someone might get a happy ending is enough for me.”

I smile and shrug. “You'll get yours.”

There's a hum out of her but nothing else.

“Hey, you're welcome around us any time by the way.”

“Thanks,” she sighs before waving goodbye.

You know, I like her too. Seems like good people, but do you get the feeling she's longing for one of my brothers? Right. But which one?

The question oscillates in my brain as I walk out with my head down. Not paying attention to where I'm going has me bump hard right into someone.

“Watch it fuck head,” the voice grunts. When my head pops up he sneers, “Fucking McCoy.”

Why couldn't this asshole have been the one to fucking die? Why'd it have to be someone who fucking mattered? What a better world it would be with one less crooked politician's child.

“Just can't stay out of my fucking way can you? You or that punk bitch cousin of yours.” Before I have the chance to say anything he smugly smirks. “Oh wait. He's dead now, so I guess it's just you.”

My immediate reaction is to punch him in his fucking face. To drop him where he stands. Bash his brains out the back of his skull.

Jail might be a safer place for me. Then again The Devil has contacts and reaches everywhere.

As my fist clenches to strike, something catches my eye over his shoulder.

Better yet. It might be safer for him.

I step forward and make sure to keep my eyes locked on him, so his have to stay on mine. “Talk all the fucking shit you want about my family, but they'll never be the useless waste of space that is you and yours.” His eyebrows rise and I whisper, “Enjoy your night in jail.”

“What?”

Loudly I shout, “No I don't wanna buy drugs from you!” My voice immediately grabs the police officer's attention that was heading back for his vehicle. “No means no man! I don't!”

Tyler starts to speak when the officer approaches. “Is there a problem here?”

“This man tried to sell me drugs,” I innocently say stepping back from Tyler. “And I told him no.”

The officer has a hand on his weapon. “Did you try to sell this man drugs?”

If he uses it, all I have to say is 'thank you'. Thank you for finally serving and protecting me rather than hunting me.

“No. Fuck no-”

“Watch your language sir,” the officer snips.

“No,” Tyler repeats. “I didn't try to sell him anything.”

The officer glances at me and I give him a pleading look. “Sir, do you have any drugs on you?”

“Of course not,” Tyler sighs. “Search me if you want.”

Taking the invitation he says, “Could you please spread your legs and arms?” Tyler does as he's asked and the officer starts patting him down. It only takes a few before the officer stops at his pockets, and pulls out a small Zip-loc bag with pills inside.

Remind me to thank Vinnie for those.

He barks, “What are these?”

“Those aren't mine!” Tyler screeches. “No fucking way!”

“Sir, please turn around and place your hands behind your back,” the officer instructs tucking the drugs away safely. “You're being placed under arrest for possession of narcotics. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law...”

“Fuck!” Tyler grumbles, following the directions. The officer continues his speech, placing a pair of cuffs tightly around his wrists. “Do you have any idea who my father is? Do you have any idea what he'll do to you for arresting me?”

His words are ignored as the police officer pulls him towards his vehicle. Tyler's tantrum grows louder at the same time he's guided into the back seat.  I turn on my heels and allowing myself to smile proudly at the service I just did.

One more asshole off the streets and out of my face is a service. That felt much fucking better than beating the shit out of him. So much fucking better.

Jovi

“Thanks Hayli,” I sigh dropping the newly taped box beside the others close to my closet.

Packing the things I use the least makes the most amount of sense. No need to be one of those last minute packers.

“Yeah.” She lets down her hair that's been pinned up all day. “No problem. I mean...helping ship my best friend off isn't the ideal way I wanted to spend my day, but there are worse ways I suppose.”

On a little giggle I shake my head. “Drama queen.”

“Watch it before you're packing the next batch alone,” she threatens.

She's full of shit. You know that right?

The two of us exit my bedroom and start towards the stairs. “You sure you don't wanna grab dinner or something really fast?”

“I'm sure,” Hayli replies. Quickly she drops her voice down to a whisper, “Besides I'm sure there's a street racer in mourning who is craving you for dinner.”

I blush at the same time I smirk.

Haven't seen him since we left yesterday and have barely had time to talk to him. Between car shopping that felt pointless, packing, and Hayli insisting I focus on her instead of my phone we've hardly even texted. No, he hasn't snapped back into his normal self quite yet, which is fine. He needs this time to mourn. I just...I don't know. I don't wanna lose him. I don't know if I can live without him. Scratch that. I know I can't.

“I'm working tomorrow, but wanna do something Thursday?”

Now would be a terrible time to tell her I'm getting married huh?

“I think I have plans that day, but I'll double check.”

“Sounds good.”

We hug and she disappears out the front door right as my phone vibrates.

Quickly I check the message.

Fiance: FIL still home?

Giggling at the shorthand I type back.

Me: Yes. I'll let you know the minute he's gone.

Fiance: Need you.

Me: Need you too. Soon.

Fiance: Not soon enough.

A deep exhale leaves me and I smile softly.

Looks like there's a touch of the old Merrick still in there.

I head for the kitchen where I'm guessing Nadie is. Rounding the corner, I'm thankful to see her scraping cookies off a pan, a small burnt smell lingering in the room.

At the sight of me she whines, “Why cookies? Why can't I ever bake them right?”

“At least you can bake them,” I counter. “You've seen what happens when I try.”

“Yeah.” A look of disgust on her face. “Your mother would weep at the sight of the those things you have the nerve to call cookies.”