Page 49 of Sinful Secrets

She crosses her arms. “And you can’t stop me.”

Rhett’s lips press together in a thin line as he glances at me and then back to her. “Try me.”

Swearing under my breath, I say, “I think we have enough eyes on us already. Let’s not cause a scene.”

The two of them look around the room.

Rhett sighs. “Fine, but I don’t care if they are in the middle of praying or talking about the few good things Jax did in his life. If I think you are in danger, I will jump over every pew to get to you.”

She nods slightly. “Noted.”

Rhett glares at the nosy busy bodies that are eavesdropping on our conversation. I watch as Francesca walks up to the front and slides into the pew with Giuseppe.

He stands to give her a hug before whispering in her ear.

Rhett growls beside me.

I whisper, “Dude, what the fuck? Calm down. You’re like a rabid dog on the end of his leash. We need to keep our heads clear and our game faces on.”

“I don’t like this.”

“Neither do I, but we have to deal with it. We will be heading back home in an hour or two.”

His legs bounce as a hardened mafia-looking man sits down next to Francesca.

I glance past them at the casket. The top is covered in white roses and lilies. The area behind the casket houses dozens of flower arrangements, ranging from roses to lilies, carnations, and even orchids.

The church fills with people as the priest walks up to the front to give his condolences to the family.

Spencer scoots closer and asks, “What’s been going on with you lately? You have been very distant over the past few weeks.”

Why is he bringing this up now at a funeral?

Why does it matter that I’ve been a little distant? I’ve been keeping up with my patrols and whatever jobs that are thrown my way.

Everyone is allowed to take a step back from work for their personal lives. Besides, he’s been busy planning his future with Francesca.

“Look, I know you mean well, but you don’t really want to hear about my concerns. I get it. I’m low on the totem pole. I do what I’m told and when I’m told to do it. I’m not marrying into the family, so my opinion means jack shit.”

“Is that how you really feel?” His eyes narrow as he gazes at me.

“I never thought that until a few weeks ago.”

Why is it so hard for me to talk to Rhett? We’re best friends and have been for years.

He lowers his voice. “Then what’s changed?”

“No one wants to talk about bringing Gage into operations, but we need him. That night was a huge eye opener for me. We’re not prepared to take on two enemies at the same time, and with the way things are going, it doesn’t look well for Arturo.”

I glance around to make sure no one is listening before continuing.

“Look at things with an unbiased perception. Tony and AJ split from Arturo, and they are running a very successful operation. Arturo’s side is still struggling years later. Sure, most people think things are good, but I know what’s really going on.”

“How do you know?”

“I listen, and I watch. Everyone thinks I’m the quiet, reserved guy, but I play it to my advantage.”

“Arturo and Joey are working on some things on the side that even Francesca and I don’t know about. I wouldn’t worry about not having a strong operation.”