Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
“No one will touch them. They know if they do, they’ll answer to me. But that’s not what this is about, is it?”
“What’s it about then?” I ask, irritated. Mostly at myself.
“She’s not for you, Jet.”
I grit my teeth. Look away. “Who’s she for then? You have someone in mind?” I hear my attempt at casual. My failed attempt.
“No, nothing like that. Hell, I think you’d kill the bastard if I did.”
I shrug a shoulder, not committing. He’s probably right though.
“I just need to figure out what to do, Jet, considering everything. But she’s safe. We’re in Trevino territory.”
“Trevino territory or not, her father made a lot of enemies, and they all want a piece of her. Today’s evidence of that.”
“You took care of it. Sent a clear message.”
I did. This one was a smaller player in the Romanian mafia. His brothers will have to go on a scavenger hunt through the city to find all his body parts. It’s why I was late. I like to be thorough especially when it comes to Amal Lombardi.
“I need to head to the club, or Sybil will lose her mind. You coming?” Cassian asks when Allegra stands with a sated, sleeping Seth in her arms.
I nod.
“Good. I’ll see you there.” He takes two steps away, but stops, returns. “Jet, it’s for her own good. You know that. You don’t want her in this life any more than she wants to be in it. That’s what these last four years have been about.”
“It’s not a choice she gets to make though. You and me both know that. It’s one made for her. I want her safe.”
“That’s all? It’s me you’re talking to.”
I jut my chin out, not answering because I don’t fucking lie.
“Thought so,” Cassian says and meets Allegra as she comes toward us. I watch him with them, see how his whole face changes when he’s around her. Around his baby. It’s good seeing him like this. He’s happy.
Although he’s also distracted. Which is why when I leave the church, I switch on the tracker I placed on Amal’s car and follow. Amal and Daniel are inside McDonald’s when I pull up beside Malcom.
“Boss,” he says, gesturing to the two through the window. “They’re fine.” Amal and Daniel are ordering at one of the kiosks.
“I’ll take it from here. Take the rest of the day off.”
“You sure?”
I know he’s exhausted. He’s been up since four this morning. So have I but I don’t have a family to go home to.
“Go.”
He nods his gratitude. “See you tomorrow.” He drives away and I take his place watching Amal and Daniel. When they walk out a few minutes later, Daniel is happily picking fries out of his bag two at a time and Amal is sipping on a milkshake. When she sees me, she stops momentarily and lays her hand protectively on Daniel’s shoulder, tugging him just a little closer, a furrow forming between her brows.
I smile, give a casual wave.
Daniel waves back, pointing me out to Amal, as if there was any way either of them would miss the lime green Porsche. She rolls her eyes, unlocks her car door and gets inside ignoring me altogether.
I follow them back to my family’s private club where the reception is taking place. I make no move to be subtle about tailing her. She’s a smart girl. She knows the reality of her situation, the consequences of her father’s actions.
The parking lot is full of the families loyal to the Trevinos. They’ve come to pay their respects to the king’s heir. I also notice a few soldiers from some of the other families in bordering territories. Not quite friends, but peaceful. For the moment.
Amal pulls up to the valet. He opens her door and she climbs out, scans the parking lot. I take note of every single pair of eyes that follows her.
“What happened to Malcom?” she asks as I catch up and walk alongside her to the front doors.
“Hey Jet.” I mock. “It’s good to see you. Thanks for keeping an eye on us. How’ve you been? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”
She stops, sighs loudly. “What? Did you miss me?” She looks up at me through dark lashes looking coquettish as she sips her milkshake.
“Didn’t miss that sass,” I say, plucking the milkshake from her hands and sipping from her straw. Pretty as her eyes are, shadows circle them. She looks tired. I don’t like it. “Chocolate. My favorite.”
“Why were you late to the church?”
I shrug a shoulder. “Busy morning.” I take another sip of her shake.
I think she’s just going to take the cup back from me, but she takes hold of my hand instead and turns it over to study the back.
It’s unexpected and when her fingers brush over my bruised knuckles, something weird happens in my gut.