Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Thank God.
I dropped the rest of the burger on the plate, wiped my hand on a napkin, and headed over.
In walked a tall Black woman with a striking figure and long blonde braids. Even crazier, she was dressed in a Santa outfit—red velvet and white fur along with a lot of cleavage.
She was all holiday cheer on the surface, but the guns holstered at her waist spoke of a different story.
Bags upon bags of toys dangled from her arms.
She winked at Anthony and laughed. “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merr-rry Christmas!”
I couldn't help but laugh.
Someone moved to close the door behind her, but she shook her head. “Leave it open for my little elves!”
Anthony took some of the bags and kissed her cheek. “Everyone, meet Mary Mayhem!”
Several of the women rushed over.
One clapped. “Did she bring the Foxie Cherries? My kid won't shut up about her.”
“Yes. Yes.” Anthony dropped the bags and did a dramatic bow. “If you have a child, you're going home with one.”
To my shock, many cheered.
“But first,” Anthony pointed to the woman in the Santa outfit, “You have to say thank you to the queen of holiday heists.”
I got to Mary and shook her hand. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” She grinned. “I like to think of myself as a Robin Hood of the modern world.”
Anthony snorted. “Robin Hood wouldn’t charge 3k a doll.”
“Eh.” She held out her hands. “The operation cost money.”
“Sure.” Anthony gestured to his people. “Come on. Let's get the Reaper the best stuff and then pass the rest around among you.”
Mary and he unloaded the bags along with her elves—a group of burly men dressed in black body armor and scars.
Within minutes, the living room turned into a makeshift toy store.
I got the best stuff like he promised and began to get ready to leave.
Anthony held out his hands. “Didn't I tell you I would come through?”
“You did.”
He pointed to me. “And you look good.”
I eyed him. “You bought me underwear.”
“Don't we all need it?”
“To much attention to detail.”
“That's how I am with my friends.”
I tilted my head. “But are we friends?”
“With a man as powerful as you, it would be better if we were.” Anthony handed me a phone. “This is yours. I have your lady's number in there.”
“And how did you get that?”
“I have friends.”
The line of my jaw twitched.
“Dante, after all we've been through, you still don't trust me?”
“I just killed my old partner. Why would I trust the new one?”
“Because the new one knows that you have Rowe Street Mob and the love of a strong woman behind you.” Anthony held up his hands. “I don't want any trouble.”
I calmed.
Anthony lowered his hand. “You also made my life easier by getting rid of Crimson Mob. As I told you before, I want to be friends.”
I nodded. “I'll think about it.”
“And don't forget the job offer.”
“I'll think about that too.”
Anthony smiled. “You've got a new driver for the night. He'll take you over to Paradise City, but unfortunately, he doesn't sing as good as me.”
“That is unfortunate.”
Anthony let out a long sigh. “What's your plans for Christmas?”
“Hopefully I can spend it with my daughter.”
“Consider bringing your lady and her over to my place for dinner. You'll still have the driver—”
“Will I?”
“My people are your people until you decide that is not truth.”
Hmmm.
He shrugged. “Bring your lady and daughter over. It will be quite the Christmas dinner.”
“I'll think about it.”
Anthony shook his head. “Lots to think about.”
“Merry Christmas, Siren.”
“Merry Christmas, Reaper.”
Nodding, I headed out with all the bags, hoping that midnight wasn't too late for Zuri.
As soon as I exited the condo, the chill of the night air hit me.
No more snow fell. The earlier blanket of white that had covered the city was now just a crisp layer.
The sky above was simply a sparkling canvas of stars.
My gaze immediately landed on a sleek, black car parked right in front of the building. It was the kind of vehicle that boldly declared luxury and power. Its sleek lines flowed from front to back. The windows were tinted.
As I stepped closer, the chauffeur, dressed in a sharp black suit, opened the car door with a professional grace. “Good evening, sir. I believe we are going to Paradise City.”
“We are.”
“I'll make sure we are there shortly.” He tried to take the bags of toys.
“No way. These stay with me.”
He gave me an odd look and then a polite nod. “I understand, sir.”
I entered the vehicle and sat down on soft leather seats.
The chauffer shut the door.
Of course, the interior was a haven of quiet sophistication, insulated from the noise and chaos of the outside world.
As the car started, its engine purred to life.
Hmmm.
I gazed at the building, thinking about Anthony and Viper Mob.
If Francesca had been Anthony, she would have had me kill her enemy and then got rid of me next. In fact, I would have already been dead by now.