Page 122 of Ready to Cash Out

“You’re free to leave anytime.”

“Not without him.”

Jupiter reached for Trev’s hand under the table.

Brick looked at Jules, clearly concerned.

Jules shook his head.

“What?” Trev glared. “No one else is going to say anything? We’re all just going to act like this is okay?”

No one made a sound.

Well, except for Mickey.

That asshole laughed.

“How long are you planning to keep Jupiter?” Jimmy asked firmly.

“For as long as I need,” was Cold’s useless reply.

“Look.” Jimmy narrowed his eyes. “As much as I love that we have a new member of the family and have really enjoyed getting to know him—” He smiled warmly at Trev before turning a glare back on Cold. “This is fucked up. Even for you.”

Cold’s expression remained blank.

“If you’re not going to let Jupiter and Trev go, why are they even sitting down with us for dinner?” Jimmy demanded. “Why pretend like you care if this is all some screwed up game?”

“I’m with Jimmy,” Rowena piped up. “This is bullshit. If you’re just gonna whack ’em, it’s pretty shitty to let us get attached! It’s like giving us a kitten to play with and then taking it back to the shelter!”

Mickey looked thoughtful. “Or taking the kitten and giving it cement shoes.”

Rowena stared at him in horror. “What the fuck?”

“What?” Mickey scoffed. “Little tiny kitten-sized cement shoes?—”

“Shut the fuck up, you sicko!” Rowena groaned.

“You brought up the fucking kitten!”

“Fuck you, Mickey! Ugh!”

“Come on now…” Cold actually smiled. “I would never hurt a kitten.”

“Hey! Focus.” Jimmy slammed his wine glass down. “Rod, please. When are you going to let Jupiter go?” He waved at Jupiter. “Hi, by the way. Sorry my husband is an asshole.”

Jupiter waved back awkwardly.

Cold was quiet for a moment, sipping his wine. “The very fact that I am allowing him to dine with us should speak volumes of my intentions, but since you all can’t seem to grasp the obvious…” His fierce gaze locked with Trev’s across the table. “After Friday, you will both be free to go.” He shot Jimmy a glare. “Happy?”

“Delighted,” Jimmy snapped. “Was that really so difficult?”

“Wait, why Friday?” Trev asked.

“That’s the day of the hit,” Jupiter said quietly. “The meeting with the mayor.”

“Yes,” Cold confirmed.

“Hey!” Jimmy reached for Cold’s arm. “If you already know they’re going to try and kill you, why the hell are you still going?”

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