𝑵𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒔

Chapter 3

Serena

"Seems like fate." I shook my head, rolling my eyes at my brother's goofy smile.
"What are the odds Serena?" He said lightly, eyeing me for my reaction.

It was definitely a surprise seeing Santiago again, although I'll admit when I was getting questioned by the cops on the scene, he crossed my mind, hoping that I'd avoid him in uniform and he didn't see me a sobbing mess.

Over the years my mind still drifted to the silver eyed cop that saved me that night, never having the courage to call or talk to him even after keeping his card all these years. I contemplated reaching out to him more than I'd like to admit, and having his new card in my pocket didn't help.

"He's just helping out." I argued, my mind flashing back when he held me through my breakdown. Ramiro grunted and took a drag from his blunt, passing it to me.

We were sitting outside his patio, the fireplace on with the clear view of the Boston sky. The slight breeze in the wind grounded me back to reality, both of our thoughts still in disarray from earlier. So we did what we do best. Roll up.

I happily took it and turned to meet his piercing gaze, his eyes still trying to read me since we left the station, I gave him a small smile and held my hand out for him to take. "I promise you I'm okay, he didn't hurt me, just spooked me a little."

He scowled and pointed to my body, my bruises hidden underneath my clothes,
"A motherfucker still put his hands on you, I would've killed him if I knew where they were keeping him."
He grumbled darkly, I shook my head at him and threw him a snicker from the candy jar we had in the middle, his unamused face making me break out in giggles.

I plastered myself to his side, feeling his arms wrap around me,
"And yet, he's going away for a long time and I'm here."
I smiled up at him, taking a hit before passing it back to him. He hummed and took the blunt from my hands, the roach not even fitting his fingers so he was rolling up another one.

We heard the front door open and I peaked inside to see who it was, a goofy smile overtaking my features seeing the familiar icy blue eyes.
"Hey tootsie roll." I grinned out, giggling at him ruffling the top of my head. Dominic hugged me tightly which I returned, inhaling his woody and fresh scent.

"How you holding up." He said squeezing my shoulders slightly, "Much better." I did the same with his forearms and gave him a chance to study me, searching my eyes for the slightest hint of bluff.

He hummed and kissed the top of my forehead, ignoring my brother's protests. He glanced at him and the fireplace, our actions settling in once he saw the pile of snacks on the ground.

He gave us both stern looks and shook his head,
"You better watch it Ramiro, they're going to need us back soon." My brother swatted his hands at him, coming up with weak excuses.

Both of them are marines, right now are in their last days before being deployed for the next eighteen months. My chest tightened at seeing them both sit by the fireplace sharing a packet of oreos. I always loved spending their last days with them, even if it's just lounging around doing nothing, I miss their presence when they're not here.

Dom took in my gaze, holding out a oreo to me, signaling to open my mouth which I happily obliged, pausing once I saw his knuckles, they weren't like this earlier.