Page 79 of The Merciless King

“Well, he might be leaving the country. It’s last minute, but how do you feel about tonight? I’ll have to check with Brax, but I’m sure he’d love to see you again.”

Brax? Mack mouths.

I shrug.

There are holes in the plan. I can’t be seen out in public with another member of a crime family. The cleanup my PR team did after the Mancini slaughter at our wedding is still ongoing.

I nod and point at the floor.

Here? Mia mouths

I nod again.

Mack raises his hand and Summer twists around, surprised.

“You and Mateo can go home, but I’m not leaving Connor alone.” He whispers so quietly I barely pick it up.

Summer is a trained soldier, so I’m not surprised when she shakes her head.

“We’re having people over tonight,” Mia tells Gianna. “But...why don’t you and Braxton join us?”

“Are you sure?” Gianna asks, sounding delighted.

“Yes. Our chef is amazing. Please. Connor would love to see Braxton again, I’m sure of it.”

“I’m so excited. Yes. We would love to,” she says, then asks. “Seven?”

“Yes. Perfect. See you then, Gianna,” Mia says then ends the call. She drops her hand holding the phone and stares at me. “This is a bad idea.”

It probably is.

But it is a wonderful opportunity to get Braxton out of the Baldassare house for the night and keep him safe.

Undercover work is hard.

He had no time to prepare, and I want him out if we can.

He’s done enough to line up the cargo and deserves some breathing room.

As much as he’ll get with Gianna present.

At best, it will give all the Dark Kings a chance to talk.

“Can we backtrack to the Michelangelo tongue part?” Summer asks, then laughs as Mack tickles her.

“You need me to show you real talent?” Mack growls in her ear, and Mia’s sparkling eyes find mine.

“Not a word out of you.” I growl as she grins.

I stand and take the phone from her, kissing her mouth as I grip her face. “Good work.”

Mia melts into my chest. “Looks like we have a dinner party to organize. Are we inviting all the Dark Kings?”

“Yes.”

Always.

We do everything together.

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