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)
“All men I made sure Dante could trust with his life. She’s as equipped, if not more, than my own assassins. The master dolls have all returned with us. We can use them to watch over Lizzy as well, you know they wouldn’t allow anything to happen to their master’s sister. And then there’s you, if you see anything out of line, I know I can count on you to handle it.”
I scoot to the edge of my seat, fuming. “After we worked so hard to get her to see this for what it really is. You have to see she’s been looking for a reason for it to fail.
“I can’t be the only one who’s noticed. Fuck, she’s barely speaking to you over what happened with Nonno. Ny ain’t that fucking sensitive. Come on, G, don’t push her away.”
“Don’t confuse what we want with what we need to do. Leave it. In an hour, take it down. Clearly, Riccardo thinks he’s found a way to me, let this play out.”
With that, he stands and walks off. I pull a hand down my face. If I didn’t trust him so much, I’d wash my hands of this.
Looks like he’s going to push us all to our breaking point.
Chapter 53
Puppet Master
Nyla
It’s that tone. His voice takes on a different tone when he’s in puppet master mode. I know he’s been up to something because there’s tension between him and Jace. I’ve been biting my tongue, waiting for our next journal night. Boy, do I have a ton to say.
I’ve been milling over Ava’s advice, but I haven’t let go of my anger over the Nonno situation yet. I just can’t believe he would place his grandfather in danger like that. My time away from Gio and Jace has shielded me from a lot.
I think I can relate to Jace’s view from the outside. In so many ways they have this thing I’m not fully invited into. Living with them now has shown me that.
I sit glaring at Gio as we sit in the car outside of Anima Mias. I already don’t like what he has planned for Carleen and Dario. Whether he knows it or not, he’s taking me to that apartment to have her back in case she doesn’t wake.
Right as I have that thought, I tune back into his words.
“No, he is. You now belong to me. If he touches one hair on your head before you’re in my possession, he’ll pay with his life. One hour, the same place we met last,” he says and hangs up.
Shit. That’s Blake, she’s finally resurfaced. I can either help her get to safety or make Gio follow Carleen and Jace. I shift in my seat as I continue to glare at Gio.
He licks his lips as he looks down at my legs. We haven’t had sex since leaving Italy. I’ve gone much longer so he can keep his smoldering looks to himself.
Sending off a text on his phone, he then leans over and places a hand on my thigh. He squeezes as he leans into my ear. His warm breaths fan against my skin, causing me to squirm. I ball my fists at my sides as he drags his hand up my thigh. Pushing my panties aside, he hums and taps a finger against my pussy lips.
I tighten my thighs around his hand, but he only nudges them back apart. “I gave you the generic answer to why we’re here. Now allow me to give you the one you need to hear. I told you once before I’ll do anything to keep my family safe, but even I know I can’t be everywhere at once,” he breathes in my ear.
“Your sister was doxed. Now I know she’s badass and can handle herself, but I need the real Dante back so he can take care of his woman, child, and his business.
“I’m getting the feeling this isn’t all Riccardo, but we both know what I’ve done to provoke this if it is. If Riccardo has pulled his head out of his ass to focus on the bigger picture at hand, he’ll have no problem going after my brother’s woman, who’s with child. A child he knows nothing about.
“I’m going to finish what I started so Dario can’t move from where he is just yet. That means Carleen wakes and she does it now. I made Gwen a promise I intend to keep.
“As soon as Car wakes, she’s going to be with Dario. Be angry with me all you want, baby, but I’m taking care of shit. Now, we have a new family member who needs us.” He pushes two fingers into me.
“Gio,” I gasp and lift out of my seat.
“I need you to go get her and make sure she’s safe for me. Then when you come home, I’ll reward this sweet little pussy that’s been missing me.”