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)
“Now come and help us fix this because crying in the shower isn’t going to get anyone anything they want. And what I want is to know she’s okay,” he snaps.
“Don’t you bark at me. You did this.”
“Which is why I’m trying to fix it. I’ll see you in the kitchen.”
With that, he turns and walks his big ass out of the shower, back flexing as he goes. He has the nerve to be annoyed.
“I’ll see you in the kitchen,” I mock once he’s out of sight. “Fucking puppet master.”
Gio
“I’m making French toast, you want some?”
“Yeah, thanks,” Ny replies. “What’s the plan?”
“I think you should head over there. Spend some time with her. That will cheer her up,” Jace says.
“He has a point. Remember what you told me you used to do with her? The mirror and confidence stuff?”
“Yeah, I can do that. I’ll stop and get her an outfit.”
I smile. “I have bags waiting for you by the front door.”
She tilts her head and looks at me. “What’s the second stone, Geppetto?”
I wink at her. “We don’t want this all to be for nothing. Get me footage of her. I think it’s time Dante has a new view of what’s before him.”
“I’ll go check on my sister. I’m going to put a smile on her face. If, and that’s a big if, I get her to record, what makes you think I’m going to send it to you?”
I look her in the eyes and pull a face. “Lizzy is half my damn age. I’m not going to watch the shit. I’m just going to text it to Dante to get his head out of his ass.”
She gives me that sly smile of hers. “I’ll think about it.”
I roll my eyes. I know she’s not done with the attitude. I’ve already placed a standing order for roses for the week. Two dozen a day. At least this week she doesn’t have to pretend to be annoyed with me.
The sacrifices we make for those we love.
Chapter 57
A Gift
Gio
I walk into Dante’s dining room to find him and Lizzy eating with Bella like a little family. It brings a smile to my face. He already looks happier.
“No, no, don’t stop eating. I just have something I want to drop off to Izzy if she has a minute,” I say as Dante wipes his mouth and goes to stand.
I look to Lizzy and she has a brow raised at me. She caught that I called her Izzy. Good, she’ll understand I want to talk in private.
“I can have them bring you and Jace something to eat,” Dante offers.
“Please, Uncle Gio,” Bella says, looking up at me with puppy-dog eyes. “After dinner, I can show you my new reader and all my books Daddy and Lizzy loaded for me.”
I wink at her, not able to deny her a thing. “I can’t stay long, princess, but I’ll eat with you and peek at your books before I go.”
“Yes,” she cheers, squeezing my heart.
“Come, we can go to my gaming room. I wanted to show you something today before I left the office, but I forgot. It’s in my bag in there,” Lizzy says as she stands.
I nod and follow after her. Jace is right with me. He’s carrying the bag with the gift I have for her inside. I asked Jace to have them commissioned for her a while ago. This is my personal apology for the other night.
“What’s up?” She turns to me and asks nervously.
“It’s been a while since I’ve taken you shopping or given you a gift. I thought you’d like this.”
I beckon Jace with two fingers to hand her the gift box. Lizzy takes it and sits. I watch as she removes the lid. Taking the case from inside, her brows furrowed.
She opens the case and gasps. “Oh my God, these are gorgeous.” She holds up one of the twin Glocks and runs her fingers over the curves.
“Dante has a blade with the same carvings and Dario has twin axes. They’re from my family,” Jace says.
“Guys, these are great and I love the gold roller blades. But should I have these in the house with Bella? I only have the small safe in my room. It won’t hold these too.”
“We’ll keep the case for you until you need it. These will be for special occasions,” I reply.
“Thanks, guys.” She places the case aside and comes to give us a hug.
“You’re welcome.”
It’s never hard to make Lizzy happy. I hope my brother doesn’t let me down.
Chapter 58
New Arrival
Gio
Two Months later…
“Gio,” Lucas croons as I open the FaceTime call.
“Hey, how you doing?”
“Look. We have another boy in the family. He’s beautiful,” he says, backing up to get Dario and the little bundle into view.
“G, you still coming for that run with us?” Ny calls into the room.