Page 91 of Pretty Little Lies

“You sit right along the shoreline. Your town is the gateway for international anything to get your people cash. You guys just don’t use it.”

Because the Coast Guard is up our entire ass thanks to Sheriff Muncy and Emilio. “Because we’re not looking to get rich quick and get on Sheriff Muncy’s radar.”

“You already are,” he drawls, clearly becoming exhausted at my lack of concern. “You know damn well about Muncy being under Emilio. And if Wildes wants him to pull the trigger, he will. Without the Forsaken Crew as muscle, he has nothing. He doesn’t own The Landings anymore and the people there aren’t total fans of him because of what he did to Penn Northcott.”

“He’s building The Void, Matteo. He won’t need the Forsaken Crew anymore.”

“More reason to stand together.”

Steering my focus back to my ex, I mark him with a glower. “You want to stand here and tell me you want a truce, Matteo? Because I’m not stupid. The more power you get, the more you’ll want. And South Shore will be on your list.”

“Not if you’re an ally.”

“That’s not my call.”

“Like I said, you have pull. And those boys you’re playin’ with are going to rip you to shreds when they found out what you’re doing.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

Matteo perks a brow, then recognition dawns all over his face. “Oh, Bay…” He laughs, and I obviously don’t join in. He knows who I am and who I’m around, but he still thinks of me as a stupid litlte girl. “You think Torin Wildes isn’t going to have him and his band of white boys take you out the moment Emilio announces you publicly as hissoleheir? When you decide to take what those boys have been built to take the whole time?”

Maybe Matteo doesn’t think I’m so stupid after all.

I don’t confirm nor deny Matteo’s assumptions of what I am and not going to do. The last thing I need is him running to Emilio with my thoughts.

“And you pushin’ me in the pool was going to get you on the friends list with them?”

He shakes his head. “It was to keep your name away from mine. If they saw that we weren’t on good terms?—”

“You're fucked up.”

Matteo smirks, and it’s nauseating. “I wouldn’t have let you drown. I knew one of those fucks wouldn’t want a dead body in their pool. I’m a little shocked it was Cairo Black who rescued your ass. Levi is just as adamant as I am to keep Emilio out of his home turf. That rich prick is going to make suburbia in our backyard, bring in his rich friends and we’re out. Plain andsimple. Those boys you hang out with, who are always up your ass…I hope you don’t catch feelings and think you’re going to change them.”

“Nah, Matt,” I hiss out. “You taught me that. I’m good.”

He lifts his shoulders dismissively. “You don’t have to explain shit to me. If you know to keep away, you’re already ahead of the game. You’re pullin’ some spy shit with Levi then, by all means, go for it. However, Torin and Ramsey are fishing around. I’ve heard about it because I have my own spies within the Forsaken Crew.”

“That’s public knowledge.”

“They think you’re part of the grand master plan to take them down. That you’re playin’ them. You’d be smart to do it. You’re in the right spot. Use your magical pussy?—”

“Shut the fuck up while you’re ahead,” I leer, balling my fingers into fists.

“Just remember you’re guilty by association, sweetheart, get used to it now. You’ve made it no secret that they’re your boys—Levi, Juice, and Hot Rod. I’m curious, though…what are your plans?” I just gape at him and notice how he’s not doing well. His jaw keeps ticking, if I were anyone else, he would’ve beat my ass for answers. It’s a warning sign, so I don’t push back on him any further. “We have the same agenda. When I get the Titan’s spot, Bay, you’re gonna want me as a friend, I promise you.”

“I’ll get a call out to Levi, but I can’t promise you anything.”

“The sooner the better. Emilio is coming for South Shore.”

“Do you have a date and time for this?”

“No.”

“Then your information is as worthless as you are.”

He shakes his head. “What did I tell you about runnin’ your mouth.”

“Fuck…you—” Matteo pounces toward me, but my fingers have already brushed the handle of my gun and I yank it around to point it at him.

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