Page 64 of Ready to Cash Out

Trev was actually quite touched, not to mention surprised by Jupiter’s thoughtfulness.

The flower really did help offset how much he hated the suit.

Jupiter wound the leash tighter around his hand and then offered his arm to Trev. “Ready, my delicate little flower?”

“Call me that again and I’ll jam this flower up your ass,” Trev cooed.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

Jupiter escorted Trev out of the kitchen and back into the hallway. They entered the ballroom, and it was completely packed.

The turnout for the party was impressive given the incredibly short notice, and everyone was dressed to the nines. Even the catering staff were wearing tuxedos, and Trev was thrown off for a few moments as he tried to adjust to the ritzy environment.

The moment he and Jupiter walked in, all eyes were on them.

As they should be, Trev thought.

Even in this hideous suit, he looked like a million bucks.

This was really no different than all the times he’d worked at the Cannery and had to be shown off to potential buyers. He had spent a long time being put on display and viewed as a piece of meat, although being gawked at by a bunch of men who would probably sooner kill him than fuck him was new.

Emil approached them with a big grin, saying, “Ah, perfect timing. I was just getting ready to make rounds.”

“How is Ugo enjoying his party?” Jupiter asked politely.

“Oh, he’s having a lovely time.” Emil gestured to a table where Ugo was seated with Sal. “He’s actually very lucid. It’s amazing.”

Ugo did indeed seem to be having a nice time, smiling and laughing with some other guests who had approached to greet him.

Trev resisted the urge to make a smartass comment.

He was supposed to be behaving or whatever.

Emil snapped his fingers. “Come on.”

Jupiter and Trev followed Emil to the table where Ugo was seated.

Ugo stared at Trev, looking confused, and he asked Emil something but it was in Italian and Trev couldn’t understand it. Emil replied, also in Italian, and Trev really wished he knew what they were saying.

He caught Jupiter’s eye and shrugged.

Jupiter shook his head.

“This is Roderick Legrand’s little brother,” Emil said firmly, as if speaking in English was somehow going to clarify things. “Boss Cold’s own blood, plucked right from the safety of his home and our prisoner.”

Trev resisted the urge to correct him.

“But why?” Ugo pressed. “What is the meaning? What is the reason?”

“We’re getting territory back!” Sal exclaimed. “We’re getting the warehouse district in Strassen Springs and?—”

“No, no, no.” Ugo shook his head, appearing agitated. “This was a mistake. Have we not rebuilt? Have we not taken this city? Why keep looking back at the past, eh?”

Emil scowled. “Because Strassen Springs was ours! And it will be again.”

Ugo shook his head more passionately, and he yelled in Italian.

Emil yelled back, and then Sal got between them as Ugo rose from the table.

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