Page 123 of Ready to Cash Out

“I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t absolutely safe.”

“How is going exactly where someone wants to kill you safe?”

Dario paled.

Rowena patted his shoulder.

“It’s not like he’s gonna be alone,” Jules said with a little huff. “How ’bout you trust us, huh? Boss knows what he’s doin’.”

“Are we sure about that?” Brick asked quietly from the side of his mouth. “Because I’m kinda inclined to agree with Jimmy.” He blinked. “And also, uh, am I even supposed to be hearing any of this? Isn’t this super private gangster shit?”

Cold just smiled.

“You want us to know,” Trev accused, “but why?”

“We’ll be having a lobster risotto and bone marrow served with a short rib marmalade and brioche to start this evening.” Cold sipped his wine. “Followed by beef Wellington with potato puree, glazed root vegetables, and a red wine demi-glace.”

“I do not understand half of those fucking words, but I know when I’m being hustled.” Trev scowled.

“Dessert will be Mercutio’s own creation, a fudge brownie with salted caramel mousse, banana crémeux, and banana dulce de leche ice cream.”

“You’re driving me fucking bananas,” Trev grumbled.

Jupiter squeezed Trev’s hand and then addressed Cold. “Thank you, Boss Cold. That sounds delicious. It’s been ages since I’ve had anything with a demi-glace. I appreciate your kindness and hospitality?—”

“Are you for fucking real right now?”

“Thank you.” Jupiter sat up straighter, ignoring Trev as he continued to speak to Cold. “Whatever else I can do to be of assistance and prove my loyalty?—”

“Sit. Quietly. And eat.” Cold smirked. “Set an example for my brother.”

“Yeah, no, that’s not happening.” Trev batted his lashes. “And hey.” There was someone missing from the table. “Where is Juicy?”

“Enjoying the company of my personal physician, Doctor Madeline Queen.”

“A doctor?” Trev stiffened. “Why did Juicy need a doctor?”

“It’s nothing to worry about. He?—”

“Like I trust you.” Trev stood.

“Trev, please.” Jupiter grabbed his arm.

“I will stab you in your bullet wound with a fork.” Trev glared back at Cold. “Where is he?”

“Upstairs,” Cold replied. “Guest room at the end of the hallway.”

“Thanks.” Trev waved. “You guys enjoy dinner. I’m going to go check on Juicy.”

“Trev.” Jupiter tried to pull Trev back down. “Don’t be rude.”

“Oh, you don’t want me to be rude?” Trev narrowed his eyes. “See, I was being polite. If you want me to be rude, I could say I hope you all fucking choke on your fancy ass stupid dinner.” He glanced around the table. “Except Rowena. You’re cool. And Jimmy. Brick.” He lingered on Dario. “You too.”

Dario shot him a weak set of finger guns.

Trev didn’t wait for any other responses and yanked his arm from Jupiter, stomping out of the dining room.

He didn’t expect anyone to follow him, as Mickey and Roger seemed to be assigned to watching over Jupiter, and the others were likely more interested in enjoying their dinner. He knew Jupiter would stay, no doubt wanting to kiss Cold’s ass some more.

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