Page 117 of The Gangster King

I walk a few yards behind her as Mikey and Dom cruise along beside me.

“Boss. Do you want us to drive up ahead?” Dom asks.

I keep walking.

They keep cruising.

This went as well as could be expected.

I use the napkin to wipe more of the cupcake off my face. It really was delicious. But I could have done without the sticky mess.

“Park a few houses up from her house.” I tell them and they glance at one another. “Now.”

The car pulls away despite their reluctance, and I walk faster.

“Talk to me,” I say as I catch up to Addy.

“I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t want to go home. And I’m not telling you that I love you,” she snaps, stomping as she walks.

I keep my pace, walking alongside her.

“Just go.” She stops and punches me on the chest. “Go away. Let me live my life. Go away.”

Okay, this is probably not great. A few people glance our way, and I glare at them. Mostly they keep walking.

The cops better not get called.

“If you want the police to find a certain missing person, then keep up this tantrum, kitten.” I grab her arm to stop the assault.

“Who cares? You’re taking me back there, anyway. Or whatever you choose to do with me. Ugh.”

“Am I?” I lift a brow.

“Or killing me. Whatever.” She shrugs.

I frown.

“Christ. Let’s get you inside.” I shake my head and steer her along the road to her little home.

Adelina glares at me when she unlocks the door, and it bangs open. I catch it and follow her inside, stopping to check the boys are across the street.

Mickey nods at me.

Then I shut the door.

“I like what you have done with the place,” I say, sitting on the sofa with my legs spread open.

“You’re a fucking asshole,” Adelina replies, tossing her phone on the coffee table.

Then she crosses her arms and stares down at me.

I stare back.

We’re at a crossroads. One of us has to make a move because I have a feeling she’s got secrets and so do I.

“Sit.” I reach out my hand.

There is only one spot for her, and that’s next to me. It takes her a moment, but she flings her arms out in resignation and walks around the coffee table and flops down.

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