Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Passing the white columns, we headed down the mansion’s front steps.
“What about the North?” I asked. “From my study of Paradise’s history, the Whites in the North also played a part in the Week of the Blood.”
“True.” Kashmere nodded. “But Dima and his family weren’t here during that time. His mother and uncles showed up much later as Russian immigrants.”
I smirked. “And their name is the Flower Mafia. Why?”
“They never took Dima’s mother seriously when she first showed up. She tried to do business in the North, but the men would laugh at her and say she headed the Flower Mafia.” Kashmere shook her head. “So, when her brothers showed up in town, they killed everyone, covered the North in blood, and then sprinkled flowers on their dead bodies.”
Merik laughed. “And they kept that fucking name too. That shit is boss.”
Rue spoke on Kashmere’s side, “Dima is by far the most intellectual person in the Diamond Syndicate, although you will find that he can be. . .socially impaired.”
Dane frowned. “Mainly, he’s fucking psychotic.”
“I don’t know about that.” Rue fixed her glasses. “I believe there is something deeper going on with Dima that does not deal with him having any sort of psychological issues.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Kashmere shrugged. “I like Dima because I can always depend on him to say the absolute truth, even if it would make him look like an idiot.”
“That’s an understatement.” Merik chuckled.
“Santino! Kashmere!” Tomasso sprinted over to us. His assistant Knight barely kept up. There were all types of small slips of paper in his hand representing almost every color in the rainbow.
We paused in the pathway and turned to him.
“Where are you two going?” Tomasso panted and got to us. “We have a wedding coming! I have a menu and cake tasting scheduled—”
“Reschedule the tasting for this afternoon.” I got ready to guide Kashmere away. “We will see you then.”
“Hold on.” Tomasso got in front of us and gestured to Knight. The assistant waved the colorful papers in front of us. Tomasso pointed to them. “What colors do you want for your wedding? I need you to pick two.”
I looked at Kashmere.
“Red.” She smiled. “You pick the next.”
I put my view back on Tomasso. “Gold. Are we done?”
“Who will be in the wedding party? And who is invited, I must hurry and send out all the invitations today. We are giving absolutely no real notice. I hope some people show up.”
Rue raised her hand. “I can get you the guest list for Kashmere.”
“Invite everyone in the Family.” I shrugged and guided us away.
“Okay, but please be back for the tasting this afternoon. It is important. I must give the menu to the caterer as soon as possible.” Tomasso called after us. “You do understand that this time limit is impossible. I have had to strong arm several brides this morning just to get several gowns. They scratch!”
I rolled my eyes.
A minute later, we made it to Kashmere’s Rolls Royce Ghost. A shiny red decorated its powerful body. I’d actually been looking at purchasing one this year. It had a 6.7-liter V-12 engine that boasted endless power. It was the equivalent of six hundred horses, cranked up on steroids and cocaine.
I peered inside. The cabin had been upgraded with solid black wood trim.
I smirked.
My queen has impeccable taste.
Merik opened the door.
I let go of Kashmere’s hand and stepped back to allow her to climb inside.
She entered the Ghost.
Dane and Rue watched me.
“And what about the East’s leader?” I leaned my head to the side. “Tell me about Lei.”
Rue sighed. “He runs the Four Aces, and they would be nothing without the Killer Crows.”
Dane bobbed his head. “We were the first to start working with Lei’s father.”
I eyed them. “What’s the Four Aces’ business?”
“They sell guns, but they don’t actually need them.” Merik grinned and whipped his hands around and around over and over. “They be on that Kung Fu shit.”
Rue scowled at him. “What Merik is trying to say is that the Four Aces are efficiently skilled in several fields of Martial Arts.”
“Due to the group being made up of many immigrants from various Asian countries, they’re proficient in various martial arts.” Dane nodded. “Karate. Jujutsu. Taekwondo. Judo—”
“And Shaolin Kung Fu.” Merik kicked his leg. “Don’t forget that shit. Lei be flying through the air like in the movies.”
Rue let out a long breath. “In other words, Lei is probably the most lethal of the three.”
“But he is still just a man, capable of dying from bullets.” I climbed into the Ghost. “And I have plenty.”
Dane’s face showed worry as he closed the door.
Chapter 5
Hungry
Santino
Within the car, I glanced at Kashmere. “Your crew won’t be riding with us?”
“They usually do.” She crossed her sexy legs. “But, since you’re here, I wanted to start the tradition of only us riding together.”