Page 13 of Queens and Monsters

“Camila’s apartment with Dante,” Em said. “You okay with that?”

He was asking me. “We were there this morning to meet the fuzzy cat. She and I are still like we’ve always been—friends.”

“And this” —Jasmine motioned between the three of us— “friends.”

She wasn’t asking, and while I nodded, the possessiveness I felt was for more than a friend.

With one last look in our direction, Jasmine made her way over to her bodyguard.

“She’s hot,” Em said, keeping his voice low. “I thought she was a kid when Jano took her to Cat’s wedding.” His smile grew. “She’s grown up.”

This was my friend, but at the moment, I wanted to slice the grin from his face. “This was your idea. Where do you think we should take her?”

“If we can get her out of here, my vote is Emerald Club. You know the capo has that place locked down. Don’t want anything happening to his princess.”

“I’d agree, but Jasmine was right; they’d call the capo and then who knows?Mí padrewon’t be thrilled if we fuck up the alliance.”

“Last time I was in Kansas City some of the famiglia guards were talking about a place called Green Lady Lounge—a jazz club.” Em pulled out his phone and began swiping. “It’s not far and is open until midnight with live music.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I laid my hand on Em’s shoulder. “Nothing happens to Jasmine. Not for the alliance but because she’s trusting us. I don’t want her to regret that.”

“Who the fuck do you think I am?” Em growled.

“No, I mean out there. One of us is with her all the time. She isn’t the capo’s daughter, but that doesn’t mean she’s not valuable. That’s why he has bodyguards with her 24/7.” I tilted my chin. “Let’s head down to Dante’s place.”

The two bodyguards stared into the living room without questioning our intentions. The elevator stopped on the floor below, the doors opening to the same entry we’d seen this morning.

We stepped into the dimly lit apartment. I turned a complete circle. “Nice place.”

“Camila would have a nicer home with you.”

“Fuck,” I growled. A few months ago, I’d been moved to Northern California to oversee our men in that region.Mí padregave me the former lieutenant’s giant-ass home. “That damn mansion is too fucking big. I’m ready to move back to your parents’ pool house.”

“Do you think Dante has any of the good stuff?” Em asked, walking toward the liquor cabinet in the living room.

“He probably just drinks the capo’s top shelf.”

Em’s eyes widened as he pulled out a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle.

“Fuck yeah. Pour me a shot.”

Em didn’t waste any time, handing me a crystal shot glass filled with amber liquid. “To Jasmine.”

Inhaling, I lifted my shot glass until it met Em’s. Without hesitation, I threw back the bourbon. The rich blend hit my tongue with vanilla and toasted-wood aromas. A hint of caramel and roasted nuts turned into a spicy finish. Fucking delicious.

We both turned to the sound of the elevator.

My smile disappeared as Jasmine walked off the elevator. Her emerald holiday dress was replaced with tight blue jeans, boots, and a hooded long sweatshirt. Her blue eyes were vibrant, outlined with more makeupthan before and her lips were bright, matching her hair. She went from elegant to strikingly sexy. The way those jeans hugged her legs…If anyone else looked at her, I’d have to kill them.

“Sporting a punk look,” Em said. “I like it.”

Unzipping the sweatshirt, she revealed a sparkly silver top. “Trying not to raise suspicions. I told Camila I’d come down here and check on Diamond.” She looked around. “Have you seen her?”

Diamond?

I turned to Em.

“The kitten,” he said.

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