Sonata (Butcher and Violinist 2)

“I’ll keep my eye on it.” Louis gestured to the Mouse who’d been monitoring the conversation. “She’s creepy as fuck. I can’t wait to give her back.”

“It’ll be soon.”

“You saw how fast she killed those men.” Louis whistled. “Why would the Lion want a woman like that in his bed.”

She turned away.

I shrugged. “We love who we love. No matter if they’re a monster or an angel.”

Natalie came back with a little guy on her right hip. Adorable, he had those same big eyes and brown skin. Same candy curls like Gwen’s, but a much shorter afro.

She brought him in front of us. “Say hi, Benji.”

He wagged his tiny little hair and popped his lips, making odd little sounds.

We can’t stay here for too long. If Kazimir knows this location, his destruction will come here. We shouldn’t be with them.

Natalie pulled out a highchair. One of my guards grabbed it for her and tried to help her put Benji in.

“I’ve got it.” Natalie placed Benji down in seconds and strapped him in. “Okay. Back to S.O.S. It’s almost done.”

Louis rose. “How can I help?”

“By sitting your big behind down. You’ll take up the whole kitchen.”

He smirked but lowered back onto his stool.

The smell of eggs cooking filled the air. The Mouse held her stomach. Mine growled again.

Minutes later, Natalie set a plate in front of Louis. It was stacked with eggs next to two fluffy biscuits doused in a crumbling white sauce. “Would you like some coffee too?”

Louis placed his hands together as if he was in prayer. “Please, you beautiful angel.”

She giggled. “Oh my God, Louis. You’re so funny.”

When did he tell her his name? I don’t know. I’m barely awake.

Benji sat in his highchair near the counter.

The Mouse stared at Louis’s plate, studying the eggs.

I leaned her way. “Don’t worry. You’ll get the next plate no matter what.”

Still staring at the eggs, she shook her head.

“You’re not hungry?”

She kept her voice low. “I feel sick.”

“Again?” I studied her. “You already threw up. Do you want water?”

“No.” She held her stomach and turned away from the eggs on Louis’ plate.

What’s wrong with her?

Natalie handed Benji a banana. “You’ll get some eggs soon, but first the fruit.”

Benji frowned and mashed it with his finger a few times.

“Come on. Bananas are yummy and super good for you.”

The boy gave up and stuffed some of the mashed banana in his mouth.

“Good job.” Natalie began making another plate.

“How old is he?” Louis asked.

“Benji is almost two.”

Louis put a mouthful of gravy-soaked biscuit in his mouth and groaned. “You are really an angel.”

“Thanks. I learned a little from Gwen.”

“Is Benji that short for Benjamin?”

“Yep.”

“That’s a pretty name.” Louis took another bite. “If you don’t mind me asking, where is his father?”

She smiled, glanced over her shoulder, and then winked at him. “I do mind you asking.”

He nodded in defeat.

“What would you like with your coffee?” Natalie walked over to the cabinet and grabbed a large cup.

Louis cleared his throat. “I would like some sugar and milk or cream, if you have it. . . please.”

“Sweet and creamy. I can do that.” She poured him a fresh cup and looked at me. “Would you like some?”

“Yes, please.”

Benji threw a piece of banana on the floor and chuckled to himself.

Sighing, she shook her head and was about to stop pouring.

“No.” I walked over, picked it up, and threw it away. “Let me help. Should I get him some more fruit?”

“No.” Natalie smiled. “He’s not hungry anymore, if he’s just playing with it.”

We should get out of here. Just in case Kazimir finds us, I don’t want any of this shit to touch them.

Louis tore into a biscuit and dipped it in gooey eggs. The Mouse stared back at the plate and looked to be close to puking again. He lathered up more of the goo, twisting it around in the white sauce and then stuffing it into his mouth. Egg dripped down his chin.

Natalie looked at the Mouse. “Are you sure you don’t want anything, Emily?”

Blinking, Emily hugged herself and looked queasy as she turned away from Louis’s assault on his food.

Is she going to throw up again?

“Don’t worry.” Natalie’s face brightened at Emily. “I couldn’t eat eggs in my first trimester either.”

Emily shook her head. “I’m not pregnant.”

“Oh.” Natalie raised her hands. “My bad. I was watching you since you’d been here. . .and… girl, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

“Yeah. It was just…never mind…Gwen says I’m always assuming crazy stuff, that’s not there. Ignore me.” Natalie grabbed an egg from the tray, cracked it on the frying pan, and put it on the pan. The air filled with the aroma of fried eggs. They sizzled.

Emily jumped up and covered her mouth.

“The bathroom is that way.” Natalie pointed down the hallway.

Fuck. I had to ask what else could go wrong. Well, that’s my answer. The woman I kidnapped could be pregnant. Shit! Did the Lion know?