Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73880 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73880 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 296(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
No more updates about the dogs.
Only minor information from my other source.
There’s only one message I’m looking for.
He’s free.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Timeo
“I had a great sleepover,” Starla says. “Next time let’s paint our nails and give each other facials.”
“I’m not so sure about the nails, but I’m down with the facial.” She laughs at my response and kisses my cheek.
“Mmm. Stubble. I like,” she whispers.
Even though we’re teasing, joking… we both know there’s a seriousness here that wasn’t here before.
We aren’t alone anymore.
We aren’t…safe anymore.
Were we ever?
Not until I make good on my plans. Even though we’ll always have some potential danger that threatens us, it’ll be more of a baseline hum than an actual blaring siren.
Tonight, my brothers will be meeting someone — or several someones, to be more accurate — down by the pier in Boston. As we’re in the heart of Boston, we aren’t far from the wharf.
"Are you actually going to have clients here tonight?” I ask Sergio.
Sergio shrugs. It seems like clients showing up aren’t the number one reason he’s opened the club. We have other business.
"Some, maybe. We have a few clients flying in from overseas, so I need to make sure that we have this place ready. I'm calling staff to come in in three hours. I'm told the snow will be cleared by then.” He looks over at Starla. “Your sister would like to see you. Until we clear your apartment and know you’re safe, Starla, you can stay—”
Starla clears her throat. "I'll stay right here."
"Your sister would like to see you,” he repeats, his tone harder. “We have things to do here—"
“She'll stay here." I hold Sergio’s gaze. "With me."
To his credit, Adriano looks away. Ricco’s the only one who looks on with mild curiosity.
"So all we needed was the excuse of a snowstorm for you two?” Sergio says.
“Sergio, puh-lease. This is your brother. I’m your sister-in-law.” She throws her hands up in the air. “We aren’t related! And anyway.” She shrugs. “You guys need a feminine touch here. If I leave, the next thing you know you’ll be putting up antlers on the walls or something.”
“Fine, but you’re the one explaining this to your sister.”
Starla stands up straighter. “Well, yeah, of course.”
Conversation over, we all get to work. We don’t have time to quibble over details.
Starla arranges the bar, setting out glasses and making sure that things are prepared. Sergio takes the kitchen. They won't be serving meals tonight, but he wants to be prepared and it’s Eden’s domain. The rest of us go through the rooms, and we make sure that everything is kosher, including setting the wax play room back to rights.
Obviously, Bella Notte isn't a front, but there are times when we need to keep our doors open so that we can continue with business as usual.
I have my own plans.
Sergio corners me in the hallway. “Timeo. Stop.”
I draw in a breath and square my shoulders. “Yeah?”
“Something I need to know?"
I shake my head.
"No. Why?"
"When I left you, we thought you had badly bruised ribs. You were barely with it. And now you’re cool.”
“Yeah. I’m not a hundred percent, but I’m much better.”
He takes a step closer to me. “Starla have anything to do with that?”
I don't know what he suspects, and I don't really care at this point. I know who I am and what I'm doing. And I know why.
“Starla’s an adult who can make up her own mind about shit.” I clear my throat. “And so am I.”
Sergio and I haven’t gone head-to-head in a while. We might be due.
He works his jaw. "You know what will have to happen, then.”
I do, and it will involve a ring and a date and her last name changing. But she's not ready for that, and I have a few more things to do first as well.
"Yeah. You know I do."
There’s no such thing as casual dating in the brotherhood. I've always known that.
Sergio continues. “Is there a reason why Adriano’s suspicious?"
This question I have to deflect.
"Adriano’s suspicious of the fucking guy that delivers our milk. He's suspicious of everyone. That's his job."
But I don't look Sergio in the eye when I say this. Just because I'm convinced of what I have to do doesn't make it any easier.
Sergio finally nods. “I trust you. I’m glad you guys are alright. We have a lot to talk about, but not now. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't want you here tonight. I’d want you to have time to recover.”
We both know I don’t have the privilege.
“Yeah.”
“Go over protocol and safety with her.”
“You know I will.”
Sergio finally nods.
"Are you done giving him the third degree, or do I need to go pretend to dust something else?" Starla says loudly from a few paces away.
This time, Sergio actually smirks. Not everyone gets to talk to him that way, but he has a special place in his heart for Starla.