Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Moments like yesterday when Dante talked to me, looking for advice, are moments I long to have with my three. I’ve missed out on so much. I rub my chest at the thought of it. Sylvia floats into the room with pitchers of juice in her hands and a bright smile on her face.
“There you are. Come sit. We can eat as a family. We hardly get this opportunity,” she says.
I move to cup Jacob’s face and kiss his head. It’s good to see him. He looks well.
“What’s the occasion? What can I attribute this honor to?”
“Jacob got fired and he’s running back home.”
“Fuck outa here,” Jacob says.
“Pop says you need to hide that accent,” Franky says.
I frown. “What does my father have to do with this?”
“Nothing,” Jacob murmurs while glaring at Franky.
“Jacob?” I say in warning.
“Listen, Dad. I got fired for some bullshit. An opportunity came up to work for the Di Lorenzos. Franky told Pop and he told me I should take it. I’m not doing anything wrong.”
“Except for dating one of Dante’s assistants, while trying to get info,” Peter seethes.
“Aw, shut the fuck up. You never had a shot in hell with her,” Jacob taunts.
“You know nothing about her. You’re going to fuck it up.”
“You’re not the only one who watches her channel.”
“She’s not even your type.”
“Are you kidding me? I’d bury my face in that fat ass anytime,” Jacob croons.
“All of you shut up,” I snap. They all look at me in surprise. “What don’t you understand when I tell you to stay away from your grandfather and his bullshit? Is this a game to you all? Nothing good comes from this obsession of his.”
“Relax, Frances. Your pussy is showing.”
I stiffen and turn slowly to glare at my father. The smug look on his face makes me want to punch him. I’m so sick of this shit.
Throwing my hands up, I turn to sit at the head of the table. I still can’t remember when I invited my father to become so comfortable coming here.
I sit glaring at him as he takes a seat and Sylvia hands him a plate. That reminds me, I need to talk to her about not locking the doors around here. It’s a habit she needs to break.
“How’s the new job, Jacob?”
“I haven’t really started yet. It’s a new house so things are still being finalized, but I do have a date tomorrow.”
Peter gives a bitter scoff and slumps down in his seat. I shake my head. It’s as if I said nothing to these knuckleheads.
“Relax, honey. Enjoy having the boys home,” Sylvia says as she takes a seat next to me.
I look around the table and an eerie feeling takes over as I look at my boys. My stomach tightens. I think I’m going to be sick.
I don’t like Jacob being here. Something isn’t right. Suddenly, Dante’s words from yesterday come back to me.
We just acquired an amazing chef.
My ulcer flares up as Dario’s words follow in my thoughts. Gio has to be one of the most ruthless men I know.
I close my eyes. I don’t know if I can stop this train wreck. I see it coming, I’m trying my best to derail it, but my father is a walking disaster. This can’t all be a coincidence. Why can’t they see this?
Chapter 18
Doll Collector
Gio
“Where the hell is she?” I growl as I walk into the kitchen and toss my watch on the countertop after I take it off. “She’s been here for three days. Why is she playing with me like this?”
“You’re both getting on my last fucking nerve,” Jace bites out.
I glare at him and ball my fists. I told her to come home. Fuck, I arranged her transportation. Why is it so hard for her to bring her ass to me?
“Listen, she’s about to go online for some content with Lizzy. I’m going to go catch some of it before we head to the Dollhouse. You need anything?”
“Yeah, I need you to remember I’ll put you on your ass. Stop talking to me like you’ve lost your mind. You both have me fucked up.”
“Whatever, Gio. It’s been a year. I’m over it.”
“You don’t think I’m tired of tugging my own shit? I’m ready to give her everything she’s asked me for, but where is she?”
“Waiting for you to fix years of abandonment. You’re not fully innocent in this. You should have found a way to be there. One of us should have been there.”
“You, the broken record. I can’t do shit right for the two of you. It’s like having two girlfriends and I’m still not getting any pussy. Fuck this shit.”
I turn and storm to my bedroom. I need to be at the Dollhouse tonight, but I need to shower and change. Maybe a shower will help me clear my head.