“But you never asked.” Reeves touches a finger to my lips,
“Later.” I lick his finger and the look he gives me says I’m in for it as soon as were alone. I seriously can’t wait.

Donovan and I are repacking his box when the front door slams open.
“Reeves Tollie!” Donovan and I jump to our feet and I push him behind me. Reeves’s dad steps around the corner and looks down his nose at me. His chest is heaving and his nostrils are flaring. He looks so angry I’m afraid he might hit me. Reeves is somewhere in the house… Donovan and I are on our own for the moment. Donovan slides between us and holds a knife up. Where in the hell does he keep getting them?
“You’re not going to hurt my mom, one more step and I’ll end you.” Here we go again; he’s so protective. Reeves’s dad looks down at Donavan with admiration. I know that Reeves and his dad aren’t close but he also knows how to handle that side of Reeves.
“Donovan I would never hurt your momma. She’s my son's future wife and you need her in your life.” Donavan doesn’t lower his blade but nods slowly. I gently touch his shoulder and he relaxes only a touch.
“Donavan, deep breaths, he just wants to talk to your daddy. Step back with me.” Donavan’s eyes never leave Reeves’s dad but he does step back with me as Reeves enters the room.
“Explain Reeves!” Donovan and I listen as Reeves explains the treatment of his son while he was away. Reeves’s dad only get angrier as the conversation continues. Finally he spins around and takes a knee in front of Donavan on the floor. He looks Donovan in the eye.
“I give my word, I had no idea. They will all be punished and if you ever see my wife, your Aunt Talia or Agatha again… I as ambassador Tollie give you permission to kill on sight without fear of punishment.” Can he do that? I look at Reeves who nods once at Donovan and then at me with that cool blank stare. Holy shit, I guess he can. I need to keep Donovan away from them all, he doesn’t need that on his conscience. Donovan nods and Reeves’s dad gets to his feet and looks at Reeves.
“Take your family, go get married, and return to PMZ-2. If you or your family ever need anything don’t hesitate to ask, you will receive all and more.” With that he leaves the house without slamming the door. Donovan looks up at me.
“Can we leave now momma?” He’s back to being my sweet little man. I look up at Reeves,
“Can we? I don’t know how much more I can take and I’m getting hungry.” He nods,
“Lamier will be here soon to get you. He’ll take you back to his place and once all is done I’ll join you.” My emotions must be all over my face because Donovan pats my hands,
“It’s ok momma Lamier is awesome, we will be safe with him.” Ok, that does help a bit. Reeves pulls me flush against him.
“Lamier Langoustine has been my most trusted friend since we could barely walk. He is honest and true and a tad too flirtatious but he won’t cross the line. He is happily married with 2 children. I think you’ll like his wife, she is from here but not raised like the rest. Her name is Jia. I’ll come for you as soon as all this is packed up.” Reeves takes the knife from me and hands it back to Donovan who happily takes it. Before I can object Reeves pinches my nipple and I gasp.
“He’s better with it than you, can’t be too careful.” No real argument there, he is pretty damn good with it. I grab Reeves by the shirt collar and pull him down to my level.
“You keep teasing me and I’ll be chaining you down to the bed.” Reeves kisses me deeply and bites my lip playfully.
“I’d pay to see you try it.” I’m about to respond when a loud voice booms through the room.
“Keep it up you two and I’ll just bet Jia will be up for an orgy!” My jaw drops and I turn to see a man as large as Reeves but just a touch softer in the middle with a well trimmed beard of black hair. He’s grinning like a wicked mad man pleased with himself.
“Uncle Lamier, what’s an orgy?” He grabs up Donavan and throws him over his shoulder tickling him. Donovan squeals,
“Don’t you mind that little man, I’ll happily explain when your 16 and rambunctious enough to give it a ago.” Lamier swats Donovan on the ass playfully before putting him down. He smiles at me and looks me up and down.
“Damn Reeves, you got you a looker, willing to trade for the night or share?” Seriously? I can’t help but smile at him. Lamier extends his hand.
“I don’t know what this sucker here has been telling you but it’s all lies. I’m Lamier and it’s nice to meet you.” I shake his hand.
“I’m Jo, it’s a pleasure.” He winks,
“Lets ditch him and the pleasure will be all yours.” I blush and pull my hand back stepping closer to Reeves. Lamier smack Reeves on the shoulder.
“She’s definitely a keeper. It’s been too long brother!” Reeves and Lamier give each other a loud manly huge before separating. Reeves playfully punches Lamier in the stomach.
“Yes it has brother. Be gentle, she hasn’t had any luck finding people she can trust; and even though I know you're playing she might gut you.” Lamier grins at him and then down at me.
“I’ve heard I’m a lot to handle right off the bat. Don’t worry we will be fine, I like my gut exactly where it is.” He does come on strong but it is evident he is a joker. His wife must be easy going to put up with him. I leave them to talk to make sure Donovan is set to leave when I hear a soft whisper behind me.
“Only partly joking about the orgy my man just so you know.” I act like I can’t hear them, I want to hear Reeves’s response. Reeves chuckles,
“I like my balls intact Lamier, talk to Jia, tell me her answer then I will approach Jo. Our relationship is new I won’t push, any ounce of hesitation and It’s a no even if she would agree.”
“Fair enough.” I hear them embrace again.
“Alrighty, time to go, who’s hungry?” Donovan jumps up and down screaming.
“I am, I am!” I pick up his box and turn to Reeves and Lamier; Lamier immediately takes the box from me.
“How about you, you hungry?” I catch the innuendo and look at Reeves; who is staring right at me, he knows I heart them.

Lamier’s hover thing is much like Reeves’s. I’m sitting next to Donavan with Lamier on the opposite side. They’re engaged in a conversation that I’m not following. Since coming back outside I’m faced with my new reality and am suddenly overwhelmed and home sick. I pull my knees up to my chest and hold them close. I don’t like this place or the people.
“Are you alright?” I look up at Lamier and find him staring at me. He no longer has that goofy smile on his face.
“I’m fine, thank you.” I look down at Donovan and see he has something over his ears.
“He’s listening to music, he can’t hear us.” How is that even possible? It’s all too much. I feel tears start to form and quickly blink them away. I’m tired of crying and feeling sorry for myself. I need to accept and move on.
“I know where you’re from and how you were raised. All of this has to be overwhelming. I won’t pretend to know exactly what your going through but from what I’ve heard about you from Reeves and seen with my own eyes, you are strong, a fighter.” I give him a small smile,
“Thank you, I just don’t like it here. People seem so fake. We have bigger things to worry about in PMZ-2. Clean water, food that isn’t rotten, beatings, being raped by… the Guard.” Shit! I should have left that one out, he is a member of it.
“Sorry, I meant no disrespect.” Lamier laughs and again looks me over.
“Jolene, I have never raped a woman. My charm and giving nature as a lover get me the results I want. Jia and I have an open relationship. Reeves and I have control over separate GUards, we both made sure you were left alone. Reeves has a certain skill set that strikes fear in everyone. Mine is very different, less violent but scares them just the same.” I really don’t want to know what Lamiers skill set entails. He laughs,
So tell me Jo, what would you like to eat” You’re the one feeling homesick, you can have anything you want.” How do I tell a man who is use to the finer things that a gourmet meal is a 3 day old bread in foul smelling but edible soup, if you put enough salt in it.
“I don’t know what kind of food you have here, I’ll honestly eat anything. Please, you pick.” Lamier gives me a gentle look.
“Actually, I think I know just the place.” Lamier hits a few buttons on the craft and it turns into a different direction. Lamier is being so nice, something tells me this is part of his seductive nature. I’m on to him, but it’s still kinda cute. I smile at him and he winks in return. I blush and look away, I shouldn’t encourage him like that.

It doesn’t take long for us to reach the restaurant. It’s on ground level and tucked in between buildings in an alley. We actually had to leave the craft and walk. I love to walk and miss it, people here like to fly.
“Uncle Lamier, where are we?” Lamier claps Donovan on the shoulder,
“Your momma is missing home little man. This isn’t food your use to but if it makes her happy it’s worth it right?” Donovan wraps an arm around my waist and gives me a squeeze.
“Of course it’s worth it, anything to make her happy. We’ll go back soon momma and you can show me your favorite places and what you did growing up.” I smile down at him. He has no idea how scary it is where I grew up. Before we enter I notice that there is nothing shiny or sparkly about this place. The windows are covered in so much dirt they look brown. I can’t see inside. A sign above the door reads, “Square of Despair”. I smile from ear to ear like a mad woman. Donavan squeezes me tighter.
“Uncle Lamier, momma, I don’t like the name of this place. It doesn’t look safe.” I pat Donovan on the arm.
“Nonsense honey, it’s named after the main square in PMZ-2… well it’s unofficial name. Plus we have Lamier with us, perfectly safe.” Lamier nods,
“You’ll always be safe and happy in my hands.” He winks at me again and I laugh shaking my head,
“Anyone ever tell you that you’re too much?” He grins and extends his hand to let us go first.
“Only in the beginning.” I laugh so hard I snort.
“Now that’s a reaction if I’ve ever heard one.” I ignore him this time and pull the door open with a loud squeak. The inside is dim and dank; it doesn’t have that homey stink but it’s definitely working on it. There are a few people inside at the bar but it’s mostly empty. A man behind the bar looks up and immediately starts to scowl.
“Don’t get many Guard here in the Square. My patrons don’t want any trouble.” Lamier puts his hands up in surrender.
“Not looking for any, I’m off duty. I’m trying to help the lady here feel more comfortable. She’s homesick and looking for a meal she’s used to eating. Can she find it here?” The old man looks me over and grunts unpleasantly. Yep, I am starting to feel like I’m back home.
“Not sure anything I have to serve will fit a woman of her standing.” I grn and take the lead, he is definitely one of my people.
“Square of Despair? The Guard in PMZ-2 hated that name when we came up with it.” The man quirks a brow and walks around the bar so he can get closer to me.
“What do you know of PMZ-2? Did you visit it once and get a good look at the zoo?” Lamier comes up behind me and I stop him with a touch of my hand to his arm.
“It’s ok Lamier, we are naturally a suspicious folk. Actually I grew up there, I was on my own after my mom died. At 16 a Guard took a shine to me. I’ve learned so many crazy fucking things in the past few days that I need simple. At least here I don’t have to worry about… the alarms and… raiding Guards.” His eyes soften a touch,
“Your moms name?” What could it hurt?
“Tara McManus” His eyes get huge and he steps closer.
“Jole? No way! Sit, sit anything you want, it’s yours free of charge.” I’m suddenly light headed and sway a bit; Lamier grabs my shoulders to steady me.
“How did you know my mother?” Lamier stears me to a chair and puts me in it. The man comes up to the table with menus for Donovan and Lamier,
“If you want a home cooked meal don’t order off the menu, I’ll make you something good. The menu is more suitable for their palates. I worked with your mother in medical and water distribution. I was a spy for the Guard back then. We were close and she knew, didn’t bother her, she was a good friend. I was there in PMZ-2 for 12 years. When my term was up I came back here. Didn’t feel right after 12 years so I opened this place.” I nod, completely understanding him.
“I like this place. My husband and I will be returning to PMX-2 soon, just not soon enough.” The man looks at Lamier and gives him the eyes. I grin,
“This is Lamier, he is my husbands best friend. I am married to Reeves Tollie.” The man turns white as a ghost and swallows hard. He steps back and mumbles,
“I’ll get you some water.” Reeves does seem to leave a lasting impression wherever he goes.
“Why do you look so sad?” Lamier has been paying extra attention since the man recognized my mom.
“You may find it hard to believe but… I miss Reeves.” Donovan is enthusiastically reading the menu when Lamier whispers.
“I’m sure I could do a good impersonation.” I keep my eyes on my hands, I just can’t look at him, my cheeks have to be red.
“Reeves will gut you Lamier.” A deep hungry chuckle,
“Not if you say yes.” I look up at him, no smile, something tells me the word “yes” might give me an insight to his skill set.
“Here’s your water.”