Xylia took a deep breath when Baron's car drove up. She was leaning against Roman's car. She had expected them. She had driven Roman's car back to his own home so he wouldn't have to step inside her home and maybe see the anger that Baron would let rain down on her.

"What fucking game are you playing, bitch?" Baron yelled.
"Easy," Roman said. "I'm not mad."
"You should be. She stole your fucking car," Baron said.
"It's okay. Look, not a scratch. She took care of it. It's all good," Roman said.

Xylia threw the car key to Roman. He caught it and winked at her. He had expected to get a smile back in return but she just looked tired. She looked like she hadn't slept at all during the night.

"You brought shame to our family," Baron said.
"So what?" Xylia asked. "What are you gonna do out here in the open, Baron? What are you gonna do in front of Roman and those nosy neighbors already outside looking at us? What are you gonna do?"
"Get in my car!" Baron demanded.
"Fuck off!" Xylia bit back.

Baron's eyes turned harder. Xylia knew she would feel his anger later but she couldn't deal with it right now. Without another word, she started walking away. Roman could deal with Baron in that moment. She would walk home and await her fate. It would come from his fists like always. Hopefully he would only leave marks on her body and not her face.

"There's no need to be angry," Roman said.
"She stole your car!" Baron growled.
"And I'm not mad about it," Roman said. "Baron, she was the only woman last night. She was bored out of her mind. We were all drunk and probably obnoxious to listen to. I don't blame her for leaving. Nor should you."

Baron took a deep breath and nodded. Roman was left in the dark with a lot of things. No need to let him in on the family secrets right in that moment. Baron valued Roman's friendship. Knowing what Baron did to Xylia might scare Roman away.

"You're right," Baron said. "I need to let it to."
"Good boy," Roman taunted.
"I will woop your ass!" Baron threatened.

Roman grinned and started laughing.

"Come inside for a quick cup of coffee while I take a shower and change my clothes. Then we can both drive back to your place and play a game of chess. We haven't played in ages. It always makes you relax," Roman said.
"Because I always beat you," Baron said.
"More like 50/50," Roman said. "So what do you say?"
"Sure, I could use a relaxing day today," Baron said.

Xylia was surprised to see both Baron and Roman's car drive up a while later. She had made it home ten minutes earlier, and she had expected Baron to arrive home on his own. Roman didn't know it but in that moment he was saving her from a beating. One she knew she would take later once Roman was gone.

"I'm gonna take a shower," Baron said. "Xylia, make us lunch."
"I'll help," Roman said.
"Dude, leave the kitchen to the women," Baron said.
"Fine, I'll watch her cook," Roman said.

Baron grinned at Roman before walking down to the bathroom. Roman and Xylia walked out in the kitchen. He grabbed her and lifted her up to sit on the kitchen countertop before kissing her.

"What did you do all night?" He asked.
"I just drove aimlessly around half the night. Then I filled your tank with gas and drove back to your place where I waited for you," she said.
"You waited for me half the night?" He asked.
"I had nothing better to do," she answered.

He placed a hand on her head and stroked her temple with his thumb.

"Sometimes I wonder what's going on in there," he said.
"You don't wanna go into the dark corners of my mind," she said.
"I think I do," he said.
"You won't like it there," she said.
"I'm sure that's correct but I really wanna know what's going on inside your head. I wanna know everything about you there is to know," he said.

He leaned in and kissed her. They had a short time alone before Baron would resurface. He knew he wouldn't be able to get much more than that kiss so he put all his soul into it. She finally broke it and gave him a smile.

"We need to make lunch before he gets out," she said.
"Just make some sandwiches. He'll live with that," he said.

He walked over to the fridge and opened it.

"Uh, leftover roastbeef," he said.
"His favorite," she said. "Guess a sandwich is all he'll want now. Good call, Roman."

They worked together on quickly making three sandwiches. Baron surfaced shortly after.

"Sandwich?" Baron asked annoyed.

Roman held up a plate in front of Baron's face.

"Roastbeef," Roman said.
"Hell, yeah!" Baron grinned. "I love a good sandwich."

Xylia rolled her eyes and grabbed her own plate. She started walking out of the kitchen.

"You're not staying?" Roman asked.
"No," Xylia answered.
"Leave her," Baron said. "We're gonna play chess. That's not a game for women anyway."
"I'm sure she could beat your ass if you dare take the challenge," Roman said.
"Shut up. She can't beat me at anything," Baron said.