Page 161 of Cross & Crown

stepped on the magazine, then dropped the gun and tossed

the slide toward Mikey, who caught it with a grin as wide as a

cartoon cat.

The bodyguard got to his feet again, glaring at Nick and

flexing his shoulders. His nose was bloody.

Paddy cackled gleefully. “Told you to be gentle with that

one. Now get the fuck on that door, both of you,” he added,

waving at the bodyguards. “Fucking useless bastards.”

They grudgingly took up their posts on the door, but

not before the bloody one pointed at Nick and murmured a

threat under his breath. Nick watched him, only turning back

to face Paddy once he was between JD and the bodyguard.

Paddy stood and came closer, opening his arms for a hug

that Nick returned stiffly. The mob boss pulled him close like

he was embracing a son, though, patting him on the back and

then on his head like a proud father might before pul ing him

over to the couches. “Been a while, Nicky.”

“No one calls him that anymore, boss,” Mikey informed

him with a cheeky grin.

Paddy gave Nick’s cheek an affectionate tap, then sat.

He gestured for all of them to take seats. Kelly was confused

again. Nick had been so tense, so worried, but this was a

162

warmer reception than Nick received at his own home when

he visited.

Paddy propped one leg on his other knee and reclined,

arms on the back of the sofa. He surveyed the four of them.

Julian had remained standing, his arms crossed. Mikey stood

beside him, hands in his pockets, looking at ease. JD and Kelly flanked Nick on the sofa. They waited silently while Paddy

looked them over.

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