Before anyone can stop him, he stomps on Rod’s leg.
Then Ignazio’s.
“That’s for talking about my daddy!”
A laugh bursts out of me.
Even Serenity struggles not to smile.
“Bets. Angel,” I call out.
Both step forward.
“Wrap these two up. They’re coming with us.”
Serenity gives Rod and Ignazio a little wave.
“See you boys soon.”
Her smile is terrifying.
“Our torture chamber is waiting.”
I scoop Madden into my arms and pull Serenity against my side.
Only then do I finally let myself breathe.
“How are you two holding up?”
Madden launches into a detailed retelling of everything that happened.
Every conversation.
Every threat.
Every brave thing he did to protect his mother.
I listen carefully.
One day he’ll make a hell of a boss.
Outside, we head toward the waiting SUVs.
I stop and kiss Serenity.
Relief crashes over me.
“So damn happy I got to you.”
Her eyes soften.
“Me too.”
Then she pats her stomach.
“Can we stop for soul food?”
I blink.
