after they met her

twentythree

i v a n a

I sat at the diner table, surrounded by my brothers and Ray. It was a strange sight, almost normal, as they chatted casually. They spoke in riddles about their business deals, words that meant something else entirely, their tone low and secretive.

Logan leaned forward, his eyes darting around the table before he spoke in a low, measured tone. "We've got a shipment coming in next week, the one we've been waiting on."

Gray nodded, his expression serious. "Make sure it's handled discreetly. No slip-ups this time."

Matthew's gaze flickered towards me briefly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And what about the 'special order' we discussed?"

Logan smirked, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "It's all set. The supplier knows what's needed."

Ray raised an eyebrow, feigning casual interest. "Anything I should be aware of?"

Asher chuckled softly. "Just keep your eyes open, Ray. You never know who's watching."

Gray cleared his throat, his eyes meeting mine briefly before returning to the conversation. "And the merchandise from last month? Did it clear customs without issue?"

Matthew nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. "Smooth as silk. The customs officer owed us a favor."

Their words hung in the air like smoke, weaving a tapestry of intrigue and danger that I couldn't fully grasp. In their world of shadows and unspoken codes, I was merely a bystander, caught in a web of secrets and whispers that shaped their reality.

Yet I had to suffer for it.

As they continued their discussion, the topic shifted, a topic I found even more unnerving. Logan leaned back, his expression turning more serious.

"We're short on manpower for the next job," Logan stated, glancing around to ensure no eavesdroppers were nearby. "I need you guys to bring in some reliable hands."

Who would be listening to us at home anyway?

Matthew nodded thoughtfully. "I know a guy. He's good with a piece, keeps his mouth shut."

Asher leaned in, his voice barely audible. "Make sure they're vetted. Last thing we need is a loose cannon."

Ray, with a smirk on his face, interjected, "What's the occasion? Someone deserving of a visit?"

Logan's eyes narrowed. "It's business, Raymond. Don't ask questions you don't need answers to."

Their discussion delved deeper into logistics and strategy, peppered with mentions of 'pieces' and 'visits' that hinted at a world far removed from the diner's atmosphere. I focused on pushing my food around the plate, unable to comprehend the full implications of their conversations but acutely aware of the weight of their words. Each mention of guns and people made my stomach churn with unease, a stark reminder of the dangerous world my brothers navigated daily.

I glanced at Ray, who sat beside me, his eyes occasionally meeting mine with a reassuring flicker. His presence, as always, was a comforting contrast to the tension that filled the air whenever my brothers tried talking to me. Yet, even during dinner, Ray seemed unfazed, maintaining his casual demeanor while keeping a keen eye on me, as if silently assuring me that he was there.

Ray, sitting beside me, seemed like he belonged there, effortlessly joining their conversation as if he understood every word. He laughed at Logan's jokes, nodded along with Gray's serious remarks, and even exchanged nods with Matthew when the talk turned particularly serious. It was a stark contrast to how he was with me—guarded, but so full of himself, his eyes often lingering on me when he thought I wasn't looking.