Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
“What’s going on in your head?”
“My business with Lizzy has taken off. I could leave all this behind and live a normal life. Do something with all the money Lizzy and I have created.”
“But would you be happy? Would you be fulfilled?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never lived a life outside of Gio and Jace.”
“Nor have they lived one outside of you. You do see that? What is it you call Gio?”
“The puppet master.”
“Has he ever left a scene undone. For as long as you’ve known him, he’s dressed every player and placed them all on stage where they need to be, what makes you think he doesn’t have a part that fits you and only you?
“Ny, Gio has designed the perfect set for what’s to come and because all of this has been about you for him, he’s going to make sure you get a happy ending. Trust the process.”
“I know all of this, but is he looking at the shot clock? Because while he’s playing dress up with his puppets, I’m on the court where the clock is running out.”
“He has his eye on the prize. This is something he has to do, but you aren’t forgotten.”
I give her a weak smile. In my heart, I hope she’s right. In my mind, I’m not sure if I even care anymore. Ava is the only reason I’m still thinking about my relationship with Gio and Jace. If not for her, I would have pushed myself to forget them while finishing my task and waiting my time.
“We’ll see, I guess.”
“When are you headed back?”
“I don’t know.”
“They’re ready.”
“I know they are, but is he?”
“We shall see.”
“Mm, I might not be here if he decides to show up.”
“Nyla,” she chided.
“I love you, Ava, but I’m not a child and I need some space from it all. You have to understand that. I just want to try to breathe away from this for a moment. When he needs me, I’ll be ready. I’m going to get what I asked for. Riccardo is going to die.”
“Where will you go?”
“Ha! Like I’d tell you. I know you report to him as much as you snitch on him,” I say with a smile.
“You’re both stubborn and if I don’t stick my nose in, I’m not going to get my daughter-in-law,” she says with a little fake frown. “He’s going to call for you soon. I know he is.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. We’ll just have to see if I’m still here.”
She kisses my forehead. “Don’t give up now. See your path through.”
Tears well up. I hear what she’s saying. However, for now, I’m taking it one step at a time.
Chapter 9
Trusted Friends
Nyla
“To Master Ny,” Holly sings as she lifts her glass.
It’s my birthday and the girls wanted to celebrate. I smile as I look around at my girls. My heart swells as I look at Ming and Alyona. They flew in to meet the others and check in on me. It’s been almost a year since I last saw either of them.
We’ve all just finished getting tats on the backs of our necks. They couldn’t have shown me more commitment than that. While I have Doll Master tatted on my skin. They all have Dollhouse and Master Ny.
“Hey, hey, buddy. Come here,” Ming calls to a guy passing our table as she waves him over.
He looks around the table at us with his mouth open. Then shakes it off and puffs his chest out as he struts closer. I try not to laugh.
“Here, can you take a picture for us?” Ming says.
“Sure.” He takes her phone.
“Come on, guys,” Ming says, pulling her shirt up and over her head to reveal the top of her neck.
We all follow and line up with our backs to the guy. The shorter girls squat down behind us taller girls, making two rows. We look over our shoulders at the camera and smile.
“Okay, say Dollhouse,” Ming coos.
“Dollhouse,” we all say in unison while smiling for the camera.
The dude stares down at Ming’s phone as if in awe, then looks up as she takes it back. “Thanks.”
“Are you all supermodels or something?” he asks.
“Something,” Kamiko laughs.
“You’re all stunning.”
“Thanks,” Holly says.
“Are any of you single?”
Alyona walks over to pat his cheek. With her heavy Russian accent, she says, “You don’t want this trouble. Move on, my friend.”
He frowns and turns to leave. We all erupt into laughter. I wave for another round. One of the benefits of owning this hotel, we’ve been getting the VIP treatment. Although Chicago has been good to us overall.
Tony C. knows not to report I’m here to Gio or Jace. I think he might fear me just a bit more than the other two. Well, it might have something to do with me and Smoke hanging him off the penthouse balcony while telling him he better keep his mouth shut.