Violet Grenade(68)

Wilson's right, but this feels different. Poppet feels like a friend I can trust. And Angie, though she puts on a tough front, feels like a woman who truly cares.

And Cain.

Cain feels like a weather-worn boulder that will stand the test of time. Through rain and snow and flood and fire, he'll remain rooted in place. The earth will move around him. And I will lie next to him through it all and hold on.

He wants me to hold on.

We are opposites, and we are the same.

Me, the girl who needs someone to cling to, and he, the boy who's desperate for someone to protect.

What could the two of us overcome together?

A grenade.

And a volcano.

Cain reaches over and grabs my knee, squeezes. I see the way his jaw works, like he's unsure if touching me is okay. But here's what I do-

I take his hand.

When we get back to the house, Madam Karina pushes open the door and crosses her arms. "Go inside, Cain," she says when we step out of the car. "I'd like to talk to Domino for a moment."

Cain pauses on the front porch and looks back at me, ensuring I'm okay. I give him the slightest nod before he heads inside, bag slung over his shoulder.

"Did you enjoy yourself today?" The evening sun shines down on Madam Karina like stage lights illuminating a rising star.

The way she says it, it's like she wants me to find out her secrets. To dig them from her dress pockets and roll them between my fingers. I meet her gaze. "It was wonderful. Thank you."

"I trust this satiated your wanderlust."

I cock my head, ready to play her game. "I don't have wanderlust, Madam Karina. I only wanted to learn more about the town we call home."

"And why is that?"

"Because one day I'll run this establishment beside you. And knowing your customers is the first step to improvement."

"You think my business needs improvement?"

I move closer, but stay at the bottom of the stairs. "I think between the two of us, we could make that sister of yours itch with envy."

Madam Karina doesn't laugh the way I expected she might. She just stares at me, and I stare at her-two wild beasts wondering whether they could take the other, and also questioning whether they have to be enemies. After all, it can get lonely in these sweltering desert plains. 

As I study the madam, I think of Angie.

Do what the madam says, and you'll be okay.

I promised Angie I wouldn't challenge Madam Karina, but I also saw the look on her face. That complete and utter submission that comes from years of fearing someone. I know I can't stay here, but I'll follow the madam's rules and earn the cash I need to leave.

Though if what Angie says is true, she'll probably try to stop me, or at least rip me off.

If she does, Wilson says, I'll take the cash and I'll get us out of here.

Steal the money? I ask Wilson.

Take what is rightfully ours.

"I do hope you make the right decision, Domino," Madam Karina says, the lines around those hooded eyes softening. "You are an untamable creature, but that's what endears you to me. Because you remind me so much of myself when I was your age. You are a child in need of a mother, and I am a woman with a hole in her heart. Both of us in desperate need for the feel of a proper home."

That right there.

That's what scares me the most.

That scares you? Wilson asks. She couldn't do scary if I wove marionette strings through her and controlled her myself.

But I know Wilson is lying.

I climb the stairs and start to pass by, but she grabs my arm and jerks me against her. "I don't like it when girls scheme behind my back. If you ever decide you'd like to leave, you must apply."

I nod, surprised by her strong grip.

"We must trust each other." She lets go and steps back, allowing me to pass. I'm almost to the staircase that will take me to the third floor when she turns in the doorway and says, "I would never keep you from leaving. It's just that I don't like being run out on."

I don't turn around.

Wilson tells me not to.

"I understand," I whisper.

"I pray that you do," she says evenly. "Because I know it'd be extremely difficult for Poppet if you left."

I whirl around and measure the look on her face. She's threatening me. Plain and simple. And I do not respond well to threats. Wilson doesn't, either. I lower my gaze but speak in a clear voice so that she understands I'm serious. "Poppet has nothing to do with the decisions I make. She will live a happy, safe life wherever she chooses."

"Because you'll be here to watch after her," the madam challenges. "Because if you weren't, I'd hate to think-"

I raise my eyes. "She will be happy because if someone made her unhappy, I'd make them pay."

Madam Karina laughs. "Goodness! You are a spitfire, Domino. But one thing you are not is a protector. If you want that girl to have a wonderful life, then be her friend. Be present. Understand? That's all I'm saying."