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)
“Are you for real? He calls me every day.”
“And? Ignore, block, delete. All options. I mean it, Dario. Keep him out of your ear and our business.”
“I hear you. I won’t answer any more of his calls.”
“Good.”
That should keep that bastard from digging and piss him off while at it. I can’t wait to see him begin to freak out and become unhinged. Let the stupid begin.
Chapter 11
Trick or Treat
Gio
“Have you seen Lizzy?” Jace says as he leans into me.
I look up from the glass of brandy the bartender just gave me and pull a frown at Jace’s lack of costume for the millionth time. It’s not what he was supposed to wear. I rented him a Viking costume, but since I won’t talk about Ny or when I plan to bring her home, he’s being an ass.
Blood slave. As if.
What the two of them failed to realize was that I had been ready to bring her home. I had every intention to until she took off. I don’t even know where the hell she is, so no, I don’t want to talk about her.
“No, I haven’t,” I say in reply to his question.
He gives me a smug grin and nods his head. I turn to follow the direction he’s gesturing toward. My mouth falls open. Even hunched over a book, she looks elegant and graceful in her costume.
I’ve never seen Lizzy like this, and this isn’t my first time seeing her dressed up. She’s radiating beauty as if she knows tonight is the night I’m going to present her to her match. She’s sure to pull Dante’s attention looking like this.
I look across the room and see Dante with Bella in his arms. Bella’s pointing at Lizzy while talking animatedly. The look on his face says it all.
“Got ’em,” I murmur to myself.
I start for Lizzy to ensure Dante crosses the room to engage her. Let him deny his attraction tonight. I’ve seen him glancing at Lizzy in the office, unconscious of the action.
I stop and look down at her as she reads. She smells really nice tonight too. Not her usual scent. Good. She’s done most of the work for me.
“Is this what I have my brother paying you so much for?” I whisper.
She turns to look up at me and it’s like I’m thrown back in time. All I see is Ny. I lose my breath for a moment. I crack my knuckles at my sides and reel my shit in.
“You and I both know this isn’t what your brother pays me for,” she says then leans in to whisper. “Nor is he the one who pays me.”
It’s the wink. Ny’s face flashes in my head. I recover quickly and wink back, placing a finger to my lips. I pretend to glance around swiftly as if to hide our secret, but in fact I’m looking for Dante.
I find him watching us. Bella’s still talking excitedly in his arms. Thank God that troll cunt wife of his isn’t around.
Come on, make a move.
I turn my attention back to Lizzy. “You look stunning. I don’t regret a dime.”
I don’t. If I can give Dante what I wish I had years ago, it’s money well spent. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
She laughs. “But that’s not what you pay me for either and we know the pumpkin will return at midnight.”
I frown and look her deep in the eyes. She’s gorgeous with or without the makeup and costume. I wish I could get her to see that. If I weren’t in love with her sister and a few years younger, I’d keep her for myself.
“It’s always the treasures that don’t understand their value,” I murmur.
“Whatever, my world is much more reality based than yours. This is why we’re friends. I anchor you to the real world.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re a brat.”
I tug her into a hug. She is, but I still love her. Call me crazy. I have a thing for the bratty Manning sisters. As I hold her in my embrace, Dario and Carleen come over. Dante is still watching as if he’s contemplating crossing the room.
Don’t be a stunad. Come over.
“Good to see you again, Lizzy,” Dario says as he looks between myself and Lizzy.
I almost reach out to pop him upside his head. I’m sure he’s thinking Lizzy is one of my latest conquests from the look in his eyes. I’ll get the last laugh concerning him.
He hates Lou Kelley and the fact that Carleen has been dating him for the last six months, since I matched them up on that bogus app. He’s asked me to look into him and even mused out loud about shooting the guy.
In time.
“Nice to see you too. How’s the restaurant?” Lizzy replies, right as Dante starts for us.