Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Gypsy didn’t look surprised by the last word.
I cleared my throat. “Lei killed him. Dima hid it. If you want to work out some sort of reciprocity with the Diamond Syndicate, I can help be your voice in the next meeting but any desire for Killer Crows to step into this conflict in any other way, will not happen.”
Gypsy perused the other plates and glanced back at Julieta. “There should be French fries in brown paper cones to represent the Coffin Cheaters. Make sure you include a tasty dipping sauce.”
Shivering, she nodded.
Gypsy turned back to me. “I knew that Lei killed Pedro. That was no great mystery. Lei has hated my brother ever since he married Chanel. I’m sure Romeo’s death gave him the perfect opportunity to kill him.”
I scowled. “Then, why come to the Killer Crows asking where Pedro was?”
“I wanted to know if you had anything to do with the cover up of my brother’s death, and I realized that you did not.” Gypsy gave me a warm smile. “You’re still my Kash.”
Santino seethed on my side. Had these men not been in here with guns, I had no doubt that Gypsy would be dead by Santino’s hands. In fact, I couldn’t guarantee Gypsy would even be alive by the end of the week. I just had to make sure that Gypsy didn’t shoot Santino in this moment.
Afterwards. . .I would help Santino kill him.
Just talk to Gypsy until he gets out of here with those fucking guns.
I swallowed down my fear. “Why are you here, Gypsy?”
“Will Killer Crows stand by my side when I go after Lei?”
I gritted my teeth. “At the moment, Killer Crows are not at our best. Therefore, we will be staying out of business that does not concern us.”
Gypsy pulled the plate of meatballs close to him and tried one. Munching, he frowned and glanced over his shoulder. “This doesn’t pass. Not enough quality in this ball. I’ll bring you some meat that is grade A.”
My stomach twisted. Knowing Gypsy, they would definitely barbecue a few people for a big celebration like a wedding.
Gypsy grabbed a napkin and spit the meat into it.
I wore a disgusted look.
Gypsy set the rolled-up napkin on the table and picked up another cornbread square. “And the Peace Treaty? You obviously plan to ignore the fact that you and I should be tying the knot.”
“It is a new day, Gypsy. And I am a different Chairman. Anything that was signed back in the day has no worth anymore.”
He studied me. “So, the Coffin Cheaters and Killer Crows are no longer at peace?”
A cold shiver ran through me. “I have no problem with you, Gypsy. We have had history. Therefore, I have no plans for Killer Crows to disturb the Coffin Cheaters’ territory and businesses. In fact, we could work together on making money, isn’t that the whole point of this.”
Gypsy frowned. “Your problems with the Coffin Cheaters would be simple if all I cared about was the money.”
I quirked my brows. “Then, what do you care about?”
“You.” He glared at me. “And we shared more than history, Kash, or did you forget?”
Guilt sank in my heart. Tension gathered in my shoulders. “If you really cared about me, then you would stand to the side while I—”
“What?” He glared. “Marry this guy?”
“Gypsy, we have not been together in years, so don’t start—”
“We haven’t been together, but you also have not dated anyone else either. Do you know how I know this?” He touched the corner of his right eye. “Because I’ve had men watching you since you broke my heart, and their only job for years has been to report back to me if any idiot in this city dared to approach you.”
O-kay.
Gypsy leaned his head to the side. “Do you want to know what would happen if a man did?”
“It is not my concern anymore—”
“I would have butchered him and served his meat to the most loyal in my clan.” Gypsy turned to Santino. “Did you know that if you eat a human brain, it can make you go crazy?”
Gypsy knew that people only saw the Coffin Cheaters traditional eating of their enemies as 24-7 cannibals when really they probably ate human flesh three or four times a year. Granted, that was still pretty fucking disgusting, but the Coffin Cheaters loved to scare everyone with the idea that they were hardcore cannibals.
Gypsy smirked at Santino. “Did you know that?”
A dangerous edge laced Santino’s voice. “Is it my turn to talk?”
“It is.” Gypsy shrugged. “I believe it will be entertaining.”
“From what I have gathered in the two times of seeing you, Gypsy.” Santino leaned closer to the table. “You appear to be a knowledgeable man.”
“Some would say that.”
“So, you know who I am?”
“I do.” Gypsy nodded. “You are Santino DeLuca. I have been advised by my elders to not kill you.”