Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
And although I didn't know what the future held, I desperately grasped onto the faithful thought that brighter days would come for us soon.
Jean-Pierre got to my side. Instead of looking at the view, he put his gaze on me. “When you first asked to be my child's godmother, I did not take you seriously.”
I glared at him. “What? You better take it seriously. Three months after she's born, I am showing up to your house, dressed to the nines, and carrying presents. And from that point on, I will show up on birthdays and other special events.”
He widened his eyes. “You are truly going to take this role seriously?”
“Of course, J.P.”
“Then, I will take my godfather duties for your child seriously.”
“Did we ever agree to your being my son's godfather?”
“I believe so.”
“I don't remember that—”
“It is only fair.”
“But, you do know Kaz will lose his mind.”
Jean-Pierre smirked. “Which makes me even more excited to take on my duties.”
“Things are finally. . .somewhat okay between you two. Let's keep it that way.”
“If you are the godmother to my child, then I am the godfather to yours.”
“No one said that.”
“It is only fair. Plus, your son may need the Corsican one day. Why deny him more power in this world?”
I considered that.
Harlem Crew, the Brotherhood, and the Corsican protecting my son? Shit. Who's fucking with him?
I smiled.
Absolutely no one.
“Okay. Let's do that, J.P.”
He extended his hand. “We should shake on this.”
I gave him my hand. “I will just have to tell Kaz.”
He let go of my hand. “And I will have to tell Eden.”
“What?” I frowned. “You haven't told her yet?”
“You said you would only be the godmother if I was having a daughter. I figured this would be a 50/50 chance of even needing to think about it.”
“What changed?”
Jean-Pierre smiled and turned his gaze to the view. “Eden sent me the ultrasound. We are having a girl.”
“My baby.” My heart ached. “The Queen of Diamonds.”
He looked at me. “What?”
“Nothing.” My eyes watered. “Are you excited to have a girl?”
“I am. A son may mean that he takes over the empire. Whereas a daughter.” Jean-Pierre exhaled. “She would not want my empire. And that. . .calms me for some reason. I do not want this life for my children.”
“Who says your daughter wouldn't want your empire?”
“I plan to spoil her so much with diamonds and pretty things that she would never want to pick up a gun or learn how to fight.”
“Her godmother is the Mouse. She most definitely will know how to handle a gun and shoot a motherfucker that tries to harm her.”
He frowned. “It appears we must discuss the ground rules for being a proper godparent.”
“Women are the top targets for violence, and don't get me started on how much you must protect a little girl.”
Jean-Pierre looked away. “You are scaring me, Emily.”
“Shit is real.” I shrugged. “Just wrap her in all of your love and protect her as much as you can and. . .everything will be okay.”
He didn't turn his view back to me. “And will you be okay, after we leave Italy?”
Baba's words filled my head.
“Remember. You are loved, and if you are not with us. . .then so many perish.”
I trembled. “I don't know.”
“You should. You have a baby on the way.”
I swallowed. “I'm trying to be. . .better. Shit with Black Axe and everything else has gotten in the way—”
“Perhaps, you need help?”
“In what way, J.P.?”
“Kazimir was unsure about my. . .contact in New Orleans. I also know that Maxwell may not be too excited about this person either.”
I looked at him. “Tell me more.”
“Mrs. Delphine is a practitioner of spiritual magic—”
“A voodoo witch?” I knew skepticism covered my face.
Jean-Pierre smirked. “Maxwell had the same reaction.”
“Because he has a lot of common sense.”
“Mrs. Delphine is a small woman with long gray braids, barely 4'10 feet tall—”
“That doesn't mean she isn't harmless.” I leaned my head to the side. “Is she?”
“I would not say she is harmless.” He held out his hands. “But, do you want help with Lunita or not?”
Sighing, I turned away from him. “Of course I want help, but could the voodoo witch really do anything?”
“She fixed my father-in-law, Timur.”
I looked back at him. “Really?”
He nodded.
“What was wrong with him?”
“That would take several days to truly explain. What I can say is that his mind had shattered into something violent and grotesque. One night with Mrs. Delphine, and Timur was clear-minded and calm again.”
I tapped the edge of the railing. “And she's in New Orleans?”
“She is.”
I pursed my lips.
“Take your time deciding if you want me to take you there. I would need to introduce you. . .or Maxwell could do so also.”
“Why Max?”
“That is for him to explain.”
I tapped the railing again. “Speaking of fathers-in-law, are you cool with my killing Fela?”