A/N: Did someone ask for a Johnny POV chapter? No? Just me? Alrighty then. Anyways, we get to dive more into Johnny's head and it's about time since we haven't gotten anyone else's POV's except Maria and Danny. I say that like I'm not the writer of this entire thing. Johnny feels a bit tougher to write so I do apologize in advance. Also I got a bit carried away and wrote quite a bit. Around 6k words this chapter! Just some background on Johnny and such. But it's picking up soon! The next few will be interesting - to say the least.

April 11th, 1973

3:22pm

The Family House

Song recommendation: "Who is She?" by I Monster

Who is She?

JOHNNY

-.-

Maria - mother fuckin' - Flores. Who would've thought that some stranger would capture my attention? Seriously, after years of being in this business you'd think I wouldn't get attached. I've been hunting since I was fourteen or so. First it started with simple animals, rabbits and squirrels - the usual shit that people do, y'know? Shot my first buck a few months after that thanks to Hands and my mama. Mama was so proud of me that she and Drayton made a whole feast. Apparently I shot it right through the eye and up the brain which of course got complaints from Drayton - claiming the brain could've been the tastiest part. Whatever we didn't use ended up selling. For my fifteenth birthday, Grandpa passed down his infamous knife to me. Drayton of course wasn't happy about it. Apparently, Grandpa noticed how well I was killin' and skinnin' the animals and thought I was gonna follow in his footsteps. So he gave me his knife that started it all years ago. I used what little profit I had from my cuts of the Slaughter House profits - restoring the knife to it's original quality. That meant smoothing down the roughened wooden handle and sharpening the dull blade. The handle is light wood - which is now stained with darkened blood and gunk from over the years. The beef skinning knife was what made him famous - skinning cattle and pigs until the great depression hit. As he hit his eighties, nobody could afford his prices. He had to raise 'em to keep the family well. But with the stock market declining and money tight for everyone, he had to do somethin.

Didn't help those damn teenagers kept trespassin' us either - trying to steal our hard earned meat.

Grandpa had always been an honest man. He has killed people before but for good reasons. People stealing money from him, hurting our family, owing people, and just needing the money and doing what he was paid to do. He's had an interesting and full life - that's for damn sure. But it's what makes him the best! He's the strongest man who's still kickin at almost one hundred and twenty - four years old. How many people can say they made it that far?! Not many, but my Grandpa Earl lives life better than anyone who's ever existed.

Listen, money was tight and people were desperate - including us. As the sayin' goes; desperate times call for desperate measures. Grandpa and Grandma began butcher the people - feeding 'em to the pigs 'n shit. But once we had to slaughter the pigs - it left us with nothin. Those trespassers fed us for a few weeks. Whatever we didn't want we sold. Did you know that we taste similar to beef? It's amazing how clueless people are - believing it's just our cows cut up in smaller portions. Grandpa found that out and began to label it as such.

Fuck Einstein, Grandpa is the real shit!

But going back to everything else; it was one morning after church, mama forced me to go despite me not being very faithful. I was dressed in my normal Sunday's best which consisted of a hand-me-down grey button up shirt, a pair of jeans that weren't ripped or stained, my brown leather belt, boots, cross necklace hidden underneath the shirt (mama recommends me wear it to make up for our sins), and the large amount of moose and gel slicking back my roots. The preacher man had finished his service when mama noticed some girls around my age watching me across the building. They went to the school in the city - making my mama automatically assume they were too high and mighty. "City snobs" as she'd call them. Just want nothin' but be another notch in my belt - whatever that meant. Sure they were pretty and all, but I wasn't really interested at that time.

Not until my uncle Drayton thought it would be a good idea for me to lure them back.

My other uncle - Hands - taught me what to do. He was the one who taught me how to hunt in the first place. But this was the real deal! The first time hunting the real prey. Everything else was practice compared to this. He would escort me to the basement and showed me where to exactly stab for the most efficient kill. Quick and easy - almost painless. He would cut down some of the meat and have them run around - screamin' and cryin' - as I chased them down and perfected my hunt. Sure, he was there to monitor and be backup in case shit got outta control. But God, was it fun. Almost like the time in Louisville - nothin' beats Louisville.

It was pretty easy - honestly. I forgot the name of one but she's the one I killed. After church I was just really nice to her and gave a few pickup lines - somethin' that the movies and books taught me. I guess something I did charmed her because she agreed to meet me at the old abandoned mill. She didn't want her parents to know she was meeting me as they thought she wasn't of age to be speaking to any boy - let alone little ole me. She got her own little personal tour of the place too. Once we reached to the upper level of the mill, she looked out the window. You could see most of the countryside from the view. I shot some cheesy compliment - saying the view is almost as beautiful as her.

Before I shoved her out that window.

She landed a few stories down - landing on her leg and her knee being fractured. I hoped a bone wasn't piercing through and cutting through her calf muscle. It would be time consuming picking out all her stupid bone fragments. Plus if it cuts her muscle, that's quality going to waste as we'd not be able to sell it whole. Fuck up our whole production 'n shit. She tried to get away but I happened to step on her leg - causing it to break more as a piercing scream came from her. She tried to fight back - causing the first and oldest scars on my chest and arm. But I pinned her arms down by sitting on her legs. The legendary heirloom slid out the back of my jeans before sliding across her throat - bathing her in a pool of her own blood - the rotting wood staining a dark maroon. Her other friend - whose name I remember for some reason (Amanda) - attended church one time after that. She looked so emotionless and empty - possibly wondering where her friend was. Well, she was already ate and shat out at that point. But the friend stopped attending. Somethin about dedicating time to trying and findin' her friend. Yeah, good luck with that. Last I heard she was workin in law enforcement for whatever reason. Probably some cheesy reason like making sure nothing like that happens to another person. Shame though. I hadn't stopped since then. Been going for thirteen years and ain't nothin stopping me now.

Well, except her.

Her stupid wide brown eyes, tanned skin, wavy brown hair, and intoxicating floral perfume was enough to send me over the edge. She was just supposed to be another meal and whatever we didn't want - we sold to those who still unwillingly eat it. Stupid bastards. Yet when I was following her around after her battery went to shit, I couldn't help but be infatuated by her. The way her battery literally exploded and went to shit (thanks to yours truly due to her stopping at our gas station moments prior) and yet she was still walking around carefree. Instead of going back to our gas station, she whipped out her camera and began to take pictures amongst her journey. Flowers, a tree stump, a barn, sunflowers, and eventually hoping our fence with our no trespassing sign for help or photo opportunities. Honestly, that was her fault. She shouldn't of trespassed on our property and maybe she would've been let go. Our entire family hates trespassers still - myself included. Nosy people lead to loud people and loud people lead to our business gettin' shut down. Ain't no need for that.

But she followed that stupid rabbit - just like that one story goes with the little girl going to another world. But instead of Wonderland, it was into my arms. I didn't mean to startle her but she was getting a little too close to our home. I wanted her to run off - despite Drayton suggesting I track her down and she would be food for the next few days. After following her around for a while I couldn't help but feel like I should warn or scare her off. But sure enough she ran right to the front door of our families legacy house and farm - being greeted by damn Sissy and Bubba who scared the fuck out her. Thank god Bubba just happened to somehow scrape just her arm and leg with his chainsaw and I stopped him. How he managed not to kill her right then and there with that big ass thing remains a mystery to me. Convinced him that it was technically my hunt and kill - not his. She eventually passed out from the blood and became overwhelmed - making it easy to drag her down to his lair.

But Drayton and mama knew I developed a soft spot for her. Cleaning up after her wounds and making my sloppy stitches work on her wounds. Most of the time she was asleep or screamed until she eventually passed out. Drayton and mama are against me with Maria - I don't blame 'em though. She's just eventually just collateral damage or some shit. Don't know, Drayton and Hands are the business guys of our family, not me. But Drayton said somethin' about me eventually gonna get us in trouble by getting the girls knocked up. Sissy then mentioned it wouldn't be a bad thing as we're all getting older and someone needs to eventually carry on grandpa and our legacy - that the last kids were technically me, her and Nubbins. Nubbins and Sissy are a year shy of me. Sissy also mentioned that we're all pushing our thirties and won't be able to reproduce soon.

Mama was against it at first but then encouraged me. Somethin' about it would be nice to finally be a grandma and would help me out with the baby. Look after it while huntin' and stuff too. Sissy gushin' about being an aunt and Nubbins talking about eventually teaching the kid how to make proper head cheese since Drayton can't make it worth shit. This caused Drayton to slam down the meat cleaver he was using at the time to make us his pot roast. Mama said it has to be tradional - like when her and her three late husbands tried for a baby but failed. Marriage and all that other shit. I was never interested in marriage or kids. Sure, maybe an actual girlfriend and not a sexual fling or next selection for our meals. But I know nobody outside our family would settle for this life. It's hard workin' and scare folks away. It would end up with them on our table with an apple in their mouth. That's when it was settled we'd keep Maria long enough for a marriage and to birth my child. I didn't even agree to it. Sure, Maria is pretty and all but I don't want to hurt her. She seems too nice and judging from that binder of nice photos - plans to actually do something useful with her life. Unlike me who's tied to this stupid family, stupid gas station, and butcherin' anything that stumbles onto our doorstep. Maria had a guaranteed future and I didn't. She doesn't deserve to be stripped of that for a life she didn't ask for.

Drayton is still against the idea. Said babies are annoying and expensive - an extra mouth to feed and Maria's too. However, everyone is excited for it. Already planning the wedding and picking out baby names even though it's supposed to be my marriage and child. Mama is taking the most control though, already pulling my old crib out of the basement and planning to make the guest room at our house into the new nursery. Already started to box shit up too. It used to be our house but I couldn't fuckin' take her anymore. Sure, I'm not the cleanest man around - tracking in my mud and beer bottles. Maybe a girl occasionally here and there. From the front of our own little house, it looked nice and normal. Just don't go to the basement or the back. But mama got tired of me occasionally bringing home a girl and getting some satisfaction before her screams - except from pain this time and not pleasure. We got in a real bad fight where I snapped - reminding her of what she did to me back when I was just a baby. How I love her but I wish I knew my actual ma before Nancy took her away. Mama hit me real bad like she did when I first mentioned it but I fought back this time, shoving her off of me and raising my fist to strike her. I didn't, of course, but it was the closest since. She forced me to move out to the shack in the backyard - full of the billions of cars from the old meat now. Can't let anyone find their belongings, right? The shack is fine. I've gotten used to the fold out couch and I have everything else I need. A sink, fridge, stove, some playboy, and beer. Mama lets me in to use the restroom but even then I prefer to piss outside or quickly wipe myself off with a rag and expired hand soap.

Damn, she might be right about me after all.

But it's just because I can't stand being around her. Ever since Nubbins taunted me about me being adopted, I can't help but have this weird ache. I love my mama, I really do! I just wish she would've gone around everything a different way is all. Why did she never tell me about my ma? How I'm adopted? Why did she lie saying one of my ex step daddy's gave her the bad eye when I was a baby when it was my own biological mama? Apparently my real ma's name is Judith - real pretty. I just wish I had a chance to know her before everything went down - despite me not even being out of diapers yet. Apparently mama's choice in men couldn't get her pregnant but I saw the files she desperately tried to hide - she's infertile. She met Judith during church and she was a bitch. Showing up pregnant and rubbing her belly in front of mama, talking about how she and her husband - my real daddy - prayed real hard for me, and that they loved me so much already. But my daddy went to fight off in the second world war - right before it was about to end - and never came back. Nancy invited Judith back to her house to grieve over my daddy before Nancy struck her. Judith grabbed the nearest thing - which according to Drayton was a garden tool - and hit my mama in the eye. Nancy almost slipped up and let her escape due to tending to her now blinded eye - but chased Judith down to the end of the driveway and got her revenge. She and Drayton raised me until uncle Hands came back from traveling around the state for car drag racin'. He's become a second father to me as Drayton has grown to hate me for whatever fuckin reason. Guess shit got stuck between his ass crack and I was the first person to blame.

"Johnny!" Sissy yelled at me which pulled me out of my thoughts, "You gonna go tend to your wife?"

I sighed, "Yep."

Maria gets fed three times a day like everyone else here - except no snacks. Not until she's confirmed pregnant. I haven't touched her like that yet. Ain't allowed until after the ceremony despite not being a virgin. Gotta keep it pure to make sure God treats the baby good is what Nancy said. I don't question it. Sure, Maria is real pretty but like I stated - I'd rather not hurt her. Rather not touch her until she wants me to. Have I done otherwise to others in the past? Maybe. But Maria is a special case. Something about her large doe-like eyes are so innocent and pure. Almost all the other girls and women I've hooked up with and killed weren't like that. Something sultry to them - seeing me as eye candy instead of actual future potential. So it made it easy to fuck their brains out and stab their jugular. No hard feelings since they saw only advantages from me - as did I from them.

My loud boots scuffed against the kitchen floor. I've been helping out and staying in the living room since Maria has been here mainly. There's been talk of taking her underneath mama's house but she isn't too keen about that. I grabbed some of the homemade bread Drayton cooked a few days ago and cut a few slices. I grabbed some real ham and slapped it onto the bread with mustard. Wait... is it mustard? Yeah, it's mustard. Just the label peeling off the expired bottle. I threw on a slice of cheese that Drayton got from the store in town recently. Unfortunately, we ain't a huge dairy farm. Yeah we milk our cows but that's kinda mandatory and we use the milk for drinkin' and cookin'. But everything else? We don't make and buy elsewhere. Nubbins said we should be able to make and sell our own cheese, milk, and butter - might help us bring in more profit. Sissy and I agree. But Drayton and mama said they're too old to do that and unless we plan to do it ourselves - don't even think about it. The three of us don't know shit about how to make butter or cheese. So there went that idea for now.

I grabbed a cup and filled it with kitchen sink water before walking down to the basement. Lunch is served. I unlocked the door that led to Maria. It's so fucking stupid how this girl is getting my heart racing 'n shit. I felt this way briefly for girls in the past but not like this. Stupid fuckin' Latina girl being all pretty and wandering onto our property. The fuck did she have to do that for?! Dumbass.

Maria whimpered as she sat upwards, becoming more alert. I hate how she's scared of me. I tried to warn her about the chili a few days ago but she didn't listen. I didn't have the guts to tell her the truth about it either - especially after her smart ass remark. Who knew her pretty little mouth is capable of such? Sometimes it's a shame I have to wait until our honeymoon night. Just picturing her fighting back as I'm deep in-

"What do you want?" Maria asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. Right, now isn't the time to think like that. Despite what I said, I can't help it, y'know? A man has his needs to be satisfied and it's been a while.

I cleared my throat, "Lunch."

"You gonna warn me about this too?" She asked, trying to mask the passive aggressiveness. It failed. I smirked and shook my head. God, she makes this so fucking hard. Well, more than one thing is hard.

"Keep talkin' like that and you'll be wishing you got warned about somethin' else instead."

"Like what?" She asked, a bit bolder than before. My smirk turned into a half smile, exposing my teeth. Her tough expression dimmed as she looked away - staring down at the makeshift bed - her hands tied to it still.

"Fuck around and find out." I muttered before sitting down next to her. She leaned backwards, immediately trying to create distance between us. I placed the cup of water down on the ground next to us. I raised the sandwich up in front of her face a little quickly - causing her to flinch a little bit. Was she expecting me to hit her? Shit, what have the others done when I haven't been around? I better keep an open eye and ear on them.

"You scared of a fuckin' sandwich?" I asked - a little chuckle rolling off my lips. Maria glared daggers at me, "Open up, sunshine."

"Don't call me that." Maria snapped.

"Why? Gettin' you hot and bothered? Maybe you'd like it if I moaned it in your ear next. Wouldn't you, sunshine?" I teased as my voice lowered to a whisper and grew deeper. I couldn't help but have some fun. She's gotta grow to like or get used to it eventually. Plus it's in my nature - using this shit to pick up buzzed chicks at the bars. It makes their backs arch before I snap their neck into pieces.

"Fuck off, pendejo!" Maria spat at me.

"Come on, sunshine! That ain't no way to talk to your fiancé, right?"

"I already have a boyfriend." Maria reminded me. Ouch. But with her locked down here, she needs to forget about that guy. He's old news now. But she keeps reminding all of us about him as if that's gonna make a difference. I hate how she talks about him! She acts like he's better than me and shit. Would he keep her alive in a situation like this? Probably not. Guy probably never made her or any other girl feel satisfied. She'll forget him eventually, it's just gonna take time.

"Mhm? That so?" I looked around the room before back at Maria, "Where is he then?"

Maria's angered expression dimmed slowly but surely. She fought hard to stay strong but that struck an obvious nerve. Her angered black eyes softened and filled with tears; making them big, scared, and saddened like the night I chased her down. Okay, maybe that was a little too far right now. My cocky smirk was replaced with a generic expression. Should I apologize? No, that's gonna make me weak. Tears rolled down Maria's face as she shook her head, trying to shake out any negative thoughts racing through that pretty head of hers. Would her skull crack the same as the others? Or since she's so hard headed, would it take a bit longer? Would her brain be delicious and full of life like those photos she takes? Would her heart be thick and full of love that she claims to have for this man? Over time would it be filled for me instead? Would her veins pump with the same adrenaline that I get when on the hunting thrill? Or will she just be the same as everyone else. I'm hoping she will see I'm not that bad - that this life doesn't have to be extremely bad - and we can keep her past the wedding and baby.

Maybe having her in my life wouldn't be so bad and maybe she just needs to realize that.

"Please, let me go. I'll do anything! I won't tell anyone! I promise." She cried out. The same plea they always give. Shit, so far she's just one of them. But she's a fighter! She'll come around eventually, right?

"Sorry, no can do." I shrugged, "Family wouldn't like that. Can't risk you running that pretty mouth of yours."

Maria shook her head, "I promise! Swear on my abuela's grave. My pa's grave too!"

Her dad is dead? I stared into her eyes when she said that. It looked like she was being honest. I honestly would've let her go. But I'd never hear the end of it. Nobody escapes me or this family. Nobody. They've come close and been just outsider close calls in general - but we're professionals in this business. Like the time I had to lie to the officer after taking that sweet girl back to the motel. People caught on what I was doing and I had to lie - claiming I wasn't affiliated with other cases and that I hope they find those girls too. Truth is? I did it and couldn't give a shit about them. Fuckin' bitches left scars on my chest and think they could get away. Fuck that. Or the time I killed a few girls in their house by strangling them and almost got caught. Rookie mistake - it was my first attempt without Hands' help. Got my ass beat by mama and then Drayton later on with that fuckin' broom of his. Learned my lesson after that. I just couldn't help myself.

"Sorry, sunshine. I still can't." This time my voice was a bit more sincere. Maria sniffled and swallowed hard, trying to force herself not to cry. She's like me - trying to put on a strong facade so she doesn't get hurt. Maybe I should lower my guard with her? No, that's fuckin stupid. Why the fuck do that? Weak shit. Maria leaned forward and opened her mouth. At first I stared at her, slightly confused, before realizing what it was for. I lifted the sandwich and put it back into her mouth. She took a bite and chewed before swallowing. No reaction. Guess the sandwich was decent enough for her. I ain't no chef but it's something besides the truth of what she could end up being one day... her kind of meat.

"How's your hand?" I asked, noticing her bandaged hands. The other day I saw how bad she was struggling against her restraints and how her knuckles were. Fuckin' Hands! I ripped him a new one when I saw he hurt her. Her hands were all bloody, swollen, and bruised - guaranteed to have a few bones broken from his stupid strength and hammer. Who the fuck uses a hammer anyways?! I love my uncle but he also has stupid moments - like the rest of our family.

"Hurts." Maria said simply.

"Can you use and bend it?" I sincerely asked.

"Wouldn't know." Maria shrugged. Well, she's truthful at least. It's hard for her to use her hands while being tied up.

"Need ice?"

"I need to get out of here." Maria slowly said, letting the words sink. God, how many times is she going to mention this shit?! Boo hoo, I miss my boyfriend! Boo hoo, I don't want to be here! Fuckin' shut up and be grateful you're not gutted like a pig yet.

I sighed, "Ice it is."

I walked out of the room and down the hall, entering our cold room. It's exactly what you think it is. Just a large walk-in freezer where we'd store our meat. Inside is a fridge and freezer combo. I pulled a Ziploc bag off the top of the fridge before shoving a shit ton of ice into it before walking back to Maria. She was gently tugging on the restraints again while wincing in pain. Not pulling hard enough for a desperate escape - but enough to test the waters. I sat down beside her again and grabbed the knife from my back right jeans pocket. Maria's eyes widened as she stared down at the blade - worried I was gonna threaten her again.

"Trust, remember?" I reminded her.

"Still waiting for a good reason." She said back in a whisper - almost scared to say it. I let it pass before cutting one of her hands free. Maria rolled her wrist and small cracks echoed out - releasing all the tension that was built up for several hours. I grabbed Maria's hand and she quickly pulled it away - acting like I was hot to the touch. My brown eyes gazed into her matching ones, refusing to break eye contact. Maria hesitated before slowly extending out her trembling hand to me. Was it fear? Was it the nerves in her hand? Maybe a mix of both. I gently grabbed it - careful to not be aggressive - before applying the ice right onto her skin. She let out a whimper before biting her lower lip - refusing to let out a yell. Yeah, maybe covering it in some cloth so it wouldn't have been so harsh and shocking could've helped. But it's too late now - I ain't gonna get back up until I need to. Maria sucked in air through her teeth - a low painful growl escaping her throat.

"Tell me about yourself."

"Why?" She asked, her voice breaking as the ice and general pain of her wounds started to affect her.

"Take your mind off the pain and all." I shrugged. After years of dealing with people constantly trying to fight me I've grown almost used to it. Just the pain and patching myself up - maybe mama or Sissy helping once in a while with their scolding. But in the beginnin'? I had to think, talk, or listen to something else to take the mind off the pain. Blastin' music while stitching myself up or talking through the pain as I pulled out someone's pocket knife out of my thigh. Just do it fast and try to not to think much about the pain.

"I really hate you."

"Somethin' else, sunshine." I snorted before shifting the ice across her knuckles, causing her to wince once more. "What about those pictures you take? What's the deal with those?"

"I want to be a photographer." Maria started as she avoided my gaze - staring at the concrete wall that was barely holding on. "My pa - before he passed - wanted to be a photographer too. But he did it more as a hobby, not a career choice. He took pictures of me, my sister, our ma, and our trips. Going camping, vacations, visiting family down in Puerto Rico and Mexico. He loved to capture the moment to relive it later on."

"How did he die?" I asked maybe a little too bluntly.

Maria remained quiet for a minute before letting out a defeated sigh, "Cancer. Doctor told him to stop but he didn't - smoking more than you could ever imagine. He passed a few years ago and it hasn't been the same without him. His laugh filling the house, the overbearing smoke clinging to our clothes, and the dozens of photos filling shoe boxes just left to collect dust. Money has been real tight too - it's the main reason I tried to get this scholarship and working my ass off in college. To not just achieve my dream and his, but support my sis and ma."

"What about your mama?"

Maria gathered the strength for another minute before answering, "My ma is a basket case. She lost the man she was with since she was fourteen. Got pregnant with me at sixteen and he stayed by her side - unlike some teen fathers. My abuela kicked out my ma and my pa and his parents took her in. She loved him and did everything she could to try to help him in the end. Treatments we couldn't afford, bathing him, helping him eat, getting him dressed. Once he passed... ma had no purpose. The last - what was it? Sixteen years or so? Well, they were spent with him. A majority of her life - her soulmate - just gone. She fell into a deep depression causing my sister and I to work harsh hours and even take care of her. Cooking for her, making sure she bathed, being her therapist - even if it wasn't healthy with how she released her emotions. But I graduated and needed a better education to support all of us. Ana took up two jobs and stayed behind to look after her."

The pressure of the make-shift ice pack lightened up as I listened to her. I applied a little bit more pressure and searched Maria's face for the usual wincing and aching expression she was having. She remained still, unfazed. I guess it was workin' for her too. Instead, she was lost in thought, a new pained expression on her face. Instead of the physical pain causing it - it was now emotional. I assumed talking about it wasn't easy for her. Part of me felt bad she was here. She should be home taking care of her mama and sister. But instead, she's here with me. A tiny ping of something struck me. Anger? No. I know damn well what that feels like. Jealousy? Fuck that, haven't felt that since Nubbins was able to capture and kill someone almost as big as Hands. Fuckin' bastard, should've been my catch. I think it was a form of sadness. Is this what they call sympathy? Empathy? What-ever-the-fuck-thy? Maybe I should've ignored Drayton and let her be the night I followed her. Or maybe just so happened to "stumble" into her and politely told her to leave, that she was trespassin' and there's some rough people to look out for. Maybe scared her the opposite way instead of right to our front door.

Maybe she would've taken a likin' to me.

"I miss my sister." Maria whispered out, the tears forming in her eyes again. But she was staying strong enough to hold them back - which she does most of the time.

"What's her name?" I asked, my voice calm and gentle. Maybe the calmest it's been in a while. Normally I'm on edge or trying to charm my way through shit. But not this time. Like I said, this fuckin' girl is something else.

"Ana." Maria answered before shaking her head, snapping back to what was going on. I assumed she wanted to get her mind off stuff, "What about you? Anyone important?"

"Nobody you haven't already met." I shrugged.

"That's it?" She asked, "I gave you more than I should've shared about myself with you and that's all?"

I shrugged again, "Ain't nobody important besides my family. All I really need."

Maria pressured further, "Never had a girlfriend? Or an ex wife? Something that they're wanting me to replace?"

I shook my head in response, "All the women I was affiliated with are either dead or recovering from me fuckin' them." Man, maybe photography isn't a bad thing to pick up. Because God do I wish I had a camera to capture her facial expression right now. Her softened gaze widened as her mouth hung open in shock. A little blush spread to her cheeks as her brown eyes flickered open and close - trying to process. Was it the killin' or fuckin' part? I tried to hold my smile back but it turned into a smirk, causing me to look down at her hand, focusing my attention back to the bruises scattered across it "What? Cat got your tongue? Maybe close that pretty mouth of yours before I stuff it closed for you."

"N-n-no!" Maria stammered out of embarrassment. God, this was entertaining as shit. "I-it's just how you worded it is all. I wasn't expecting that response."

"Don't expect a lot 'round here." I muttered to her before flipping her hand over. Examining her palm, I noticed a long and deep cut along it. My brows burrowed as I leaned down to check it out more. The cut was a thin and almost clean cut line. I could tell it was on purpose, not an accident. And judging from it not being scabbed over yet, it's still fresh - probably a few days old. "The fuck?! How did this happen?"

Maria swallowed hard, "Nubbins... I think his name is? The one who fidgets a lot."

"Why?" I asked, my voice stern and deep. I could feel the anger building up.

"I don't know!" Maria said defensively, "Something about sharing blood and being family!"

Imma fuckin' kill him. I told Nubbins and Bubba that Maria was mine. I can do whatever I want with her. She was my catch and - according to the family against my consent - will be my wife and mother of my kid. She's my property. I fuckin' own her now. What makes Nubbins think he can own her or do that shit to her?! Did I do that to the girl he claimed near San Antonio? No, Nubbins got her fair and square. Everyone agreed she was his to do whatever with. Granted, he killed her almost immediately once she denied buying and posing for his photographs. But it was still his. Maria is mine! I knew Nubbin's wouldn't fuckin' listen to me. Oh, he's gonna get it real soon!

"Johnny? Please... you're hurting me." Maria said, noticing me getting upset and trying to snap me out of it. It was then when I realized my grip had tightened around her wrist and my jaw was hurting due to grinding my teeth together. I blinked a few times before letting her wrist go and extending my lower jaw, trying to loosen it up as anger and adrenaline poured through my veins.

"He ain't gonna do that again." I reassured as a promise but it was a guaranteed threat. I was gonna let that fucker know and make sure it sticks to the walls of his skull. Maybe he can join that twin brother of his with having their skulls exposed or some shit. Chop Top was the better brother anyways. "Anyone does shit to you, you tell me. Got it? I don't fuckin' care who it is."

"What will you do to them... or me?" Maria asked.

I snickered, "You got a hard time trustin' me or somethin?"

Maria's soft expression changed again, annoyance and anger filling her eyes. She gestured around the room with a scoff of disbelief, "Gee, I don't know! Maybe take a look around! You kidnapped me and are gonna force me to be your wife? Maybe even have your kid?! How am I supposed to trust someone who did that all to me and I barely know in general? I don't even know your favorite color!"

She had a point. But I can't just let her leave! Especially now since she'll know what we all look like. Can't risk that shit. I let out a frustrated sigh, trying to keep my cool. I'm trying not to take my anger out on her which is hard. She's a fuckin' annoying pain in the ass with all her remarks, cries, and pleading. If she was just some normal bitch I would've grilled her up by now and fed her to the god damn pigs to shit out. I left the half eaten sandwich and bag of melting ice beside her. Her free hand is available to do whatever. She needed a little break. Plus the ties on the rope - holding her other wrist in place - ain't gonna budge. With how thick and tight they are plus her injured hand, she's gonna be going at it for hours. Ain't no way.

I grabbed the bucket in the corner of the room that was filled with toilet paper and her waste. Almost hate that I'm treating her like the others. But, it's until we all learn to trust her. Plus Nancy wants to know whenever she starts her period. Fuckin' disgusting. I shouldn't be the one to monitor that stuff! Shouldn't it be her or Sissy? The fuck I know about blood gushing out of that fuckin' thing?! I opened the door and began to walk out. But, I hesitated. I somehow am taking a liking to her yet fucking hate how soft she's making me. Is this the shit people feel?! It ain't love but somethin' close I assume. Ain't no way in hell it's love. Maybe it's been a while and my dick is desperate and not thinkin' straight. Don't know, don't care. All I do know is I have to go dump a bunch of shit away - literally.

"Red." I answered, "Dark red." Maria looked up at me with a confused look on her face. I huffed as my tone raised with annoyance, "The question you asked about the color? It's dark red."

Maria nodded before looking down at the bed. She seemed to be lost in thought again. She missing her family again or somethin'? That boy toy fucker of hers probably already cheated. Her sister needs to focus on her own shit. And the ma is a selfish bitch who is rotting over her dead husband she couldn't save. Some family to go back to. Bunch of pussies compared to my family. Hopefully with time Maria will get used to and appreciate the dynamic we have around here. Maybe mama will start to like her too. Maybe Maria can like me back. Ew, like me back?! What type of weak pussy shit is she turnin' me into?!

With that, I closed and locked the door behind me - leaving the girl to herself once again.