Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
I know she wanted to hang with the girls, but my gut told me Lizzy and her sister needed the time together. Eventually, I had to get Bella out of the house and took her out for ice cream. We returned to laughter and two beautiful women in my kitchen eating pizza.
Lizzy looks up at me shyly. “I would love to, but tonight is actually one of my scheduled content nights. After jumping off on them last night, I should probably stick to the schedule,” she says softly.
I nod. “Sure, no problem. Maybe another time.”
I look her over and take in her outfit. It’s not her usual gaming uniform of shorts, socks, and a tank top. I like this better. She has on an oversized long-sleeve T-shirt with the Izzy Gunz logo on the front. Her sweatpants with Izzy Gunz printed down the leg are a bit baggy as well. Her braids are loose and hanging over one shoulder.
I clear my throat and look into her eyes. “New merch?” I point to the outfit.
She looks down and smiles. “Yeah, some of the female fans have complained about the little shorts and asked for something with more coverage. I guess I get it. It took a long time for Nyla to talk me into wearing our merch on cam. Actually, I almost didn’t cam up at first. Viewership sucked.” She clamps her mouth shut.
“I’m sorry, I ramble when I’m nervous.”
“Why are you nervous? I’m fascinated by your business. I’m fascinated by all things Lizzy, if I’m honest.”
She looks up at me through her lashes. I can see her trying to see if I’m bullshitting her. I move in to crowd her space.
“I mean everything I say, Liz—”
Her phone rings, cutting me off. I bare my teeth as she rushes to answer it. Another sign I need to back off. I pull a hand down my face and take a step back.
“Good night,” I call over my shoulder and walk away as I toss a wave.
I need a drink. It’s been about seven months since burying Bethany, maybe it’s time I find someone to keep me company in my bed.
Fuck that.
The idea doesn’t get to take root as images of Lizzy writhing beneath me fill my head. She’s the only one I want in my bed.
I head for the rooftop to have a drink and clear my mind. It’s not lost on me that I stop at my bedroom to grab my laptop. I plan to watch Lizzy’s channel while I sip. Fuck, who am I kidding? I’m at the point where I might rub one out while I watch. I crave her that much.
What the fuck is she doing to you, Dante?
****
I sit with a tumbler in my hand, watching Lizzy game. My eyes are tired, and I should probably call it a night. Bella and I have a brunch date tomorrow. Lizzy has plans to go to her father’s.
My phone buzzes, grabbing my attention. I pick it up and grind my teeth. I’ll be ending another business relationship. It doesn’t escape me that all my illegal connections are being targeted.
This is the second relationship that had a second source of income coming from it. These are the deals I established when I was old enough to become Capo. The deals Nonno trusted me to make.
I frown and toss the phone back on the desk. Blood money is a waste of my time. I’ve made billions without it. It’s the power that’s the real hit. Someone is hell-bent on making it look like I’m losing control.
“Fuck around and find out,” I murmur, all my Jersey coming out.
I’m going to have to prove a point, but first, I need answers. Kaling and Gustloff had reasons for their actions. I know neither acted alone. I’d like to know where my former mother-in-law is. I get the feeling I can get some answers from her.
As the thought crosses my brain, I pick the phone back up and shoot a text to Mitch. It’s time I focus on the whole picture. Bethany’s death was when all of this started, so what am I missing?
I empty my glass and fill it again. Lizzy’s sweet laugh draws my attention as I drop my phone on the desk again. She enjoys herself so much when she does this.
However, in the blink of an eye, the atmosphere changes. I know it’s that fucking chat. I hate these fucking trolls. I zero in on the chat and start to read. As I thought, they’re in there talking shit.
“Ignore them, baby,” I murmur to the screen.
My blood boils as I watch her face transform, even though she’s not responding. The threats start and that’s when I start to feel murderous. However, it’s when a sad look comes to her eyes that I find myself wanting to shut this shit down and forbid her from gaming live anymore.