Page 91 of The Merciless King

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

BRAXTON

Well, this is awkward as fuck.

I might not know these men as well as they know each other, but I feel like I’m pretending to not be me, while pretending to be Braxton Rossi but pretending I’m not Braxton Rossi.

Jesus, I’m confused.

We’re all acting and I’m highly impressed by the girls not slipping up. I was worried, but I shouldn’t have been. I don’t give these guys enough credit. They would never let their women do anything to mess up a mission. Or put them in danger.

Not that Gianna is a danger to them.

Despite Mia’s tears.

Jesus, it even touched my heart, and I only met her a week ago.

I didn’t realize they knew each other as well as they do.

I’m starting to understand the feelings Mia’s been struggling to hide since the beginning. She knows how important it is to get Amy home, and yet there’s a friendship and history between them which must be difficult for her to betray.

Especially when Gianna is innocent.

I think.

My mind feels like a ball of fusion with all its contrasting thoughts.

I can feel Gianna growing emotional beside me and want to pull her into my arms and tell her I will protect her.

But there is only so much I can lie.

All evening, she’s been looking at Mia like she won the lottery. If I was a jealous man, I’d think it was Connor.

Take me with you when you leave.

What I really want to know is if she wants a ticket out of Gangsterville or if she wants me.

I’ll never know the answer.

And I can’t ask for it.

“Men,” Connor says, pushing his chair back and letting out a sigh. “How about a cigar or two on the balcony while we let the girls talk?”

“Count me in.” Decker tosses his napkin on the table.

Mack and Nathan do the same.

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