Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 77198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
“Work stuff.”
He didn’t have to say anything more. I knew exactly what he was saying, and while I understood that it was Billy’s job to handle situations like these, I didn’t like the fact that I would have to wait to talk to him. And to make matters worse, I had no idea what I was supposed to do until he came back. “Okay. Do you have any idea what I’m supposed to do until he gets done?”
“Well...” He hesitated for a moment, then answered, “Viper told me to put you up in one of the guest rooms.”
“Oh, okay.”
“He also wants a word with Matteo.”
“Why?”
“That’s between Viper and Matteo.” Country motioned his hand over to Matteo as he said, “I’ll show you down to his office.”
“His office?” Matteo asked, sounding nervous. “Why does he want to talk there?”
“Because he does.”
Without saying anything more, Country started out of the bar. Matteo glanced over at me, looking for some kind of reassurance, but sadly, I had none to give. I had no idea what Viper wanted with him, and I suddenly regretted encouraging him to stay. I didn’t want him to know that I was just as worried as he was, so I mouthed, “It’ll be okay.”
Matteo gave me a skeptical look, then followed Country out of the bar. I was still staring at the doorway when Kiersten leaned over and whispered, “He’s going to be fine. Viper knows he helped us.”
“He also knows that he was working for Antonio.”
“Yes, but Viper’s an exceptional judge of character.” She gave me an encouraging smile. “He’ll see that Matteo’s a good kid who was in a bad spot.”
“I certainly hope so.”
I was a mess. Between Billy not being there and Matteo’s visit with Viper, I felt like I was being torn in a hundred directions. I tried not to think the worst about either of them, but it wasn’t easy—especially when I was at the root of all their woes. I finished off my beer and was about to ask for another when Country returned—alone.
Fearing something might’ve happened, I rushed over to him and asked, “Where’s Matteo?”
“He’s still with Viper.”
“Is he okay?”
“Why wouldn’t he be?” I gave him a stern look, “He’s fine. Seriously. Viper’s hooking him up with a couple of his contacts before he heads back home.”
“Oh, wow. That’s good, right?”
Relief washed over me when he replied, “Yeah, I’d say that’s very good.”
“Thank goodness.”
“You ready for another beer?”
“I think I’m gonna pass.” I glanced around the room at all of his brothers, watching as they enjoyed their drinks and idle conversation, and I felt like a complete Debbie Downer. I just wanted to crawl into bed and forget this day ever happened, so I told him, “I think I’d rather go to that guest room you were telling me about.”
“Sure thing.”
I gave Kiersten a quick wave, then followed Country out of the bar and down the hall. When we reached the guest room, he opened the door, revealing a small room that reminded me of a tiny hotel room. There was a full-sized bed, a small dresser with a flat-screen TV, and there was an adjoining bathroom. “This is really nice.”
“It’ll do in a pinch... Can I get you anything before I go?”
“No, I’m good.” I stepped into the room for a better look around, then turned to Country and said, “Thank you.”
“No problem.” He started to leave but suddenly stopped and turned back to face me. “Hey, uh, sorry about acting like such an asshole before... You didn’t deserve that shit.”
“You don’t have to apologize. I totally understand.”
“Yeah, well. Sorry just the same.”
He gave me a quick nod, then disappeared down the hall. I closed the door, and without bothering to remove my clothes, I laid down on the bed. I had a sinking feeling as I curled up into one of the pillows and closed my eyes. I just wanted to fall asleep and put this horrible day behind me, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Billy.
I had a feeling that he had his own reasons for staying at Antonio’s, and it had nothing to do with work. It was me. All me.
I feared I’d finally pushed him too far.
And I had no idea what I was going to do about it.
BILLY
“We have a big game tonight.”
“Oh, yeah?” Hop didn’t skip a beat before asking, “Where we playing?”
“Got multiple locations, and I’m gonna need you and Tripp to go by my place and pick up the van.”
“Sure thing. Just need to know where I’m going.”
“I’ll text the address. You and Tripp will handle the first two on your own. I’ll be waiting for you at the third.”
“Three locations?”
“Afraid so.”
“Damn. It’s gonna be a long fucking night.”
“Yeah, it is, so get a move on. The sooner we start, the sooner we’ll be done.”