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)
“Yeah, give me a sec. Car had the baby. I’m meeting my nephew.”
“Aww, what’s his name?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Is that Nyla? Tell her to come see him. His name is Matteo,” Dario says proudly.
She comes over and I pull her into my lap. Dario holds the baby up at a better angle. He whimpers a little.
“He’s adorable,” Ny coos. “How’s Car doing?”
I give her waist a little squeeze. I can feel the tension in her body. We’re still a month out from when we plan to begin trying. It’s the fact that we want to trigger multiple eggs and have both of our sperm take that’s making us cautious about when we try. First, making sure the birth control has run its course.
“She’s doing great. She’s sleeping. Bro, I just wanted you to see him,” Dario says.
“I’ll be there soon. I’m settling some things here first.”
Dario looks up from his son as if he’s just noticing Ny is in my lap and in my home. I tap her thigh and she stands to move out of the frame.
“What’s going on with you two?”
“I’m still standing here,” Ny sings.
“That’s need to know, and right now, you don’t need to know. Congratulations, little brother, I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Gio,” he says, then nuzzles his son’s head, the conversation forgotten.
I end the call and stand from the bed. I cup the side of Ny’s face and draw her closer. She pulls away.
“Jace is waiting.”
“Ny, come here. It’s going to be fine. Only a few more weeks. I’ll look as proud as my brother soon.”
She comes to me, and I wrap her in a tight embrace. As if sensing something is off, Jace pops his head in the room. He gives me a questioning look. I shake my head.
“He’s so beautiful. Dario does look so happy.”
“Yes, he is. And the kid is stunning. You’re in luck. You know for sure at least one of our kids will be gorgeous. You’re taking a gamble with the other guy,” I tease.
Jace’s eyes fill with understanding, but he flicks his hand under his chin anyhow. I laugh and squeeze Ny.
“Shut up, G. Don’t be a dick. You’re both going to give me gorgeous babies. I can’t wait.”
“Me either,” Jace and I say in unison.
Ny turns to look over her shoulder. “Come on. Let’s get to this run.”
Jace
With a smile on my lips, I swipe my phone closed and place it back in my pocket. I see why Ny was upset. I’m punched with a dose of longing myself looking at the little guy.
Matteo is adorable. The perfect mix of Dario and Carleen. Lucas is so proud. He’s the one who sent me the pictures.
I lift my gaze to stare out at the city as I stand on the balcony. I came out here to clear my head. It’s been too still.
“Here.” I turn to find Ny holding up a glass of wine.
Gio comes out with his own glass. They both settle to my right as silence falls between us. Each of us lost in thought. Gio is the first to break the silence.
“It’s been too quiet. I want this over with,” he says, speaking my thoughts. “We’re nearly through the witness list. Our friend has done right by us in blocking the case as much as she can. We need to finish this so she’s not placing her career in any more danger. Then I can bring Dario home and then we close the final curtain.”
“What’s our next move?” I ask.
“I think we should provoke our friend into making a move. I’m going to take the rest of his crew out while I’m at it. It’s time to get rid of Arty. He isn’t loyal to anyone but himself.”
“Ming still has those pictures of the cousin.”
“Good, tell her it’s time. Let’s send out all the invites to the party.”
“You’re sure he’s going to call Arty?”
“The rest of his crew has already been turned to ashes. They’ve been coming up missing for months. Our Bajan friend has done his job well. Arty is all he has left,” G replies.
“Riccardo is probably ready to snap. Confirmation of the cousin is definitely going to push him.”
“Exactly. Jace, go see Arty. Offer him a million to give me the call when Riccardo orders the hit. Half up front, the other half when it’s done.”
Ny whistles. “That’s motivation. That crew has been starving without Gustloff.”
“I’ll handle it first thing in the morning,” I say.
I would go tonight, but I had two glasses of hard liquor before this wine. The cash will be easy to pull together. The safes at the Dollhouse hold more than enough.
Gio finishes his glass of wine, looking pensive. “And once Arty does the job, I have a gift for him. It’s time I start handing my brothers the puzzle pieces to put together. Dante will be hurt the most. He needs the smallest bites of this meal.”