Page 112 of Road to Absolution

Only half of Art’s mouth seemed to be working because it was the only part trying to smile in return. “Hey.”

I didn’t know violet eyes existed, but this girl had the faintest pair. Her long dark hair was full of wild curls that billowed around the bandana trying to contain them.

Her smile? Absolutely contagious.

Fighting a chuckle during the awkward moment—and Art still unable to move his mouth properly—Tuck and I rocked on our heels as we looked everywhere but where something was goin’ down.

“I’m Larissa.”

“Uh,” said Art, sounding very intelligent.

Trying again to hide a chuckle, Tuck-the-Fuck twisted his head toward me as much as possible. He whispered, “Save him.”

I coughed. “Umm, ma’am, I’d like to buy this—”

Without pulling her entranced eyes from Art, she said, “Yes, I know. Patience today.”

Brows lifting, Tuck whispered, “You have some major impatience kickin’ today. And these broads are all over it.”

Annoyed, I grumbled, “I’m very patient.” To ‘Larissa’, I said, “So, is this for sale or what?”

Tuck could no longer hold back his laugh. “Oh yes, patience is oozing from you.”

“Bite me, Mary Lover.”

His laughter evaporated. “You did not just go there.”

“Well, then stop testing my patience, fu—” I glanced about then whispered, “Are we allowed to cuss here?”

His lips winced. “And get hexed? I say, don’t chance it.”

We both looked to Larissa when she said, “You will find your words again, Artist.”

Tucker whispered out of the side of his mouth. “Did he tell her his name?”

“I don’t think so.” I pulled a fifty from my wallet and tossed it on the table, then reached for the item I paid an extra twenty for.

Larissa’s smile that hadn’t faded at all, was now gone. She stared at me mid-reach, yet her violet eyes weren’t seeing me. They were spookily distant as she said spoke in monotone. “Patience will help the fighter who believes his fight is over.”