Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 96198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
He turns to Riccardo. “I guess you heard about Don Barbieri?” Lucas says tauntingly.
I look at him and knit my brows. His meaning sinks in, and I reach for the gun at his back. Lucas grabs my wrist and leans into my ear.
“Not like this. Not yet.”
I growl and pull away. Riccardo laughs and nods his head. “I think I have what I came for. I’ll be seeing you again.” He winks at me and leaves.
My blood is boiling. Everything just changed. My purpose has been reignited.
CHAPTER 61
Trading Favors
Gio
I take a sip of my drink and bare my teeth. I’m growing tired of this place. It smells like ass and sex and reeks of corruption. At forty, I’m starting to understand Ny a lot more.
That motherfucker Barbieri just won’t die, but I swear it feels like I’m dying waiting. I look around the Dollhouse. For all the power I’ve gained, I still don’t have the world I want.
My gaze lands on Essence. I narrow my eyes. This cunt, I scowl and turn to Jace.
“Tell me again why I’m allowing that cunt to keep breathing.”
He looks up to follow my gaze. “For now, you’re keeping her in case you need a decoy, but say the word, a number of the girls would love to make her disappear.”
I frown. “Ignore me. Seeing her face annoys my soul.”
I still haven’t gotten over the fact that she stole Ny’s ring. For three and a half years, I’ve wanted to rip her head off. Ming usually keeps her far away from me.
Since proposing, I’ve contemplated several scenarios on how to keep Ny safe. Essence is only breathing for that purpose. I carry Ny’s original ring on me in case I need it for one of those scenarios.
I hate thieves as much as I hate liars. She’s going to die, and it will be painful if I can help it.
“Hey, Gio.”
I turn my attention to the pleasant voice. I find Antonia Thompson staring back at me. I sit up and place my drink down, then stand. I move to kiss the cheeks of the gorgeous federal prosecutor, who’s also the niece of my Bajan friend and Dario’s best friend’s cousin.
“How you doing, Toni?”
“I’m good. It’s good to see you.”
I tilt my head and narrow my eyes. She’s nervous. Truthfully, I wasn’t expecting her tonight.
“What brings you here? You know you can always come to the office.”
“This isn’t something I can talk freely about in your office.”
“Okay.” I nod. “Come have a seat.”
She sits and takes a look around, turning up her nose a bit. I grin. I made the same face only moments ago. This place has changed. More guys come for pleasure than favors. They’ve become too comfortable in the Dollhouse—in life in general. Leadership is shit these days in most families.
“What can I do for you, Toni?”
“I need you to find someone for me.”
“Don’t you have access to the FBI database?”
“Again, not something I can do at work or in the open. I need a little finesse on this.”
“You have a name?”
“Yes.” She pulls a piece of paper from her purse and hands it to me.
“Kaden Alderman, do you want him gone once I find him?”
“Please, no. I want to know how he’s doing. Where I can find him.”
“And why can’t you do this?”
“Gio, I’m willing to trade favors. I shouldn’t be looking for this man and my father would explode if he found out what I’m up to.”
I lift a brow. “You’re not about to cause me any trouble, are you?”
“No, not for you. Other than the fact that he might be hard to find.”
“All right, Toni, but I need something from you. I’ll do whatever you need as long as you keep an eye out for anything coming for me or my family. If it crosses your path, I’m the first to know. Is Kaden here worth that?”
She licks her lips. “Yes, I’ll… I’ll let you know if I hear or see anything. Please, Gio, find him for me.”
“You got it, gorgeous.”
Her shoulders sag and she sighs in relief. This guy must really mean something to her. I don’t ask questions. I need this favor that has fallen into my lap. I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
“Where are my manners? Can I get you a drink?”
“No, I think it’s time for me to go. I see a few people who don’t need to see me and don’t want me to see them, if you know what I mean.”
“Got you. I’ll see you around, Toni. I’ll let you know as soon as I find him, but you stay in touch.”
“Good luck. Don’t give up. I know it’s not going to be easy.”
I furrow my brows but say nothing. Essence walks by, swaying her hips, causing me to bare my teeth. The cunt is too stupid to know to stay the fuck away from me.