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)
“So, things are going well?” Holly says, pulling my attention.
“Yeah. It’s different.”
“Different good?”
I smile. “Yeah, I have a lot to catch you up on.”
“Hold that thought. Can you show me to a bathroom?”
I point out the direction of the nearest bathroom. “It’s on the right.”
“Thanks, I’ll be right back.”
I turn back to Jace and lift a brow. “That was Gustloff. Adrian has been jumped every day for the last two weeks. Gustloff is calling for Gio’s help.”
“About time. He’s been waiting on that call.”
“Sure has. Look, I need to run through a few emails before we head out. I’ll be right back.”
I nod as he leaves the room, then get lost in thought. Yup, it’s all falling into place. Life is getting real.
Gio
I toss on my suit jacket and fix my collar and cuffs before I head out of the bedroom. I pull out my phone and make the call I need to set my next move in motion.
My brothers are both gone. Dario is tucked safely away in Sicily and Dante is away on business. That gives me time to get everyone where I need them. When Dante returns, I’m going to force him into the man he needs to be. The guy who protects what’s his and takes care of family.
“How you doing, Fraya?” I say into the phone as I walk by Ny at the kitchen island and kiss the top of her head.
She looks up at me with a smile. I place my hand on the back of her neck and begin to rub. She moans and leans toward me.
“Hey, Gio,” Fraya says, drawing my attention back to the call. “What can I do for you?”
“I’m glad you asked. Carleen’s still coming to see you, right?”
“Yeah, she’s supposed to come in today. Um, did I do something wrong?”
“No, no. I need you to do something for me. Get a little aggressive today in your session but watch her midsection. I only want you to push her hard enough to not come see you for a while.”
“I like my job here, sir. I’m not being reassigned, am I?” Concern is clear in her voice.
I knew early on she wouldn’t be a field or Dollhouse doll. I placed her at the gym as a trainer, wanting Dante and Carleen to work with one of the best.
“No, Master Ny will have a package for you when she arrives. It will cover two years of what Carleen and I pay you. Can you do this for me?”
“Yes. Thank you for the opportunity.”
“Thank you for your service, Fraya. Make it look good and remember, watch her midsection.”
I hang up and Ny is glaring at me. I know that look. I’ve intentionally been avoiding telling her about Carleen and the pregnancy.
I needed Dario gone before she found out. I knew she’d be pissed about what I have planned. I hold my hands up.
“Listen, this has to be done. Carleen is pregnant. I need you and Holly to trigger her without too much physical contact. Once Riccardo realizes Dario isn’t getting the promotion, he’s going to lose his shit and I’m not leaving any of you unprotected. Besides, Gwen asked me to do this.”
“Gio,” she says through her teeth. “Did she know she was pregnant when she asked? Wait, Dario has no fucking clue, does he?”
I shake my head. “For some reason, she didn’t tell him.”
She snorts. “I can take a wild guess as to why. What if something happens? Fraya could hurt her.”
“She won’t. Car is skilled, she just doesn’t remember how skilled. Worst case, Fraya will trigger her and make you guys’ job easier.”
She palms her face and groans. I move behind her and wrap her in my arms. Kissing the top of her head, I then move to her ear. “She’s going to need friends right now. A baby, and we’re waking her to some shit that might be heavy to process. You and Holly are perfect for this.”
“Why Holly?”
“She knows Car. They have a bond. She’s on the right side of her memory. You’re in her past. I’m hoping the two will make it all click. If it doesn’t, you guys will be able to protect her and the baby and she’ll at least have friends while her best friends are gone. Blake is going to call, I know she will.”
After our meeting with Blake, she took off. I’m thinking she needs time to process, but she’ll be back. That I can promise. I’ll give her time.
“Fuck. I hate you so much right now.”
I cup beneath her chin and tip her head back, then kiss her lips. “You love me.”
She narrows her eyes. “I might… sometimes. Promise me you won’t take this too far.”
“No one will get hurt,” I reply.
“Gio, that’s not the same thing.”
“That’s what I have for you.”