Page 51 of Queens and Monsters

The capo wouldn’t like my findings.

His amicability wasn’t my concern. Jasmine’s safety was.

The deal Dario thought he brokered with Myshkin was a sham. He needed to see that the bratva was double-crossing him before it was too late.

There was one place I knew without a doubt Jasmine would be safe—out on Bella.Mí padre’sfloating mansion was as secure as Fort Knox, if not more so.

“Straight to the penthouse,” I said. “There’s no use being secretive.” I considered entering with guns blazing. However, I knew my lack of sleep wasn’t helping my judgment.

The phone in my pocket vibrated. Jano’s name was on the screen.

I answered, doubting this would be a productive conversation. “Hola.”

“Where the fuck have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you.”

“I was in the plane. Had my phone off.”

“Fuck, Rei. The compound in Culiacán was attacked.”

His announcement rang in my ears.

The compound.

Our parent’s home.

“Mama andPadre?” I asked.

“On Bella.Padreestá lívido. He wants us all out on Bella immediately. He’s called for a counter strike on Herrera’s compound outside México City.”

“Tell me about the attack.”

“Gunmen took out most of the staff. There were explosions.”

I shook my head. “I’m not leaving Kansas City without Jasmine.”

“Fuck,” Jano barked. “You’re in Kansas City? I should be with you.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Like hell you don’t.” His voice was raised. “Our world is exploding, and you’re storming off to fucking Kansas.”

“It’s Missouri, asshole.” I watched the growingly familiar scenes pass by the car windows. “What would you do if you had reason to believe Mia was in danger?” I didn’t give him a chance to answer. “You’d burn the fucking world down—scorch it. Admit that I’m right.”

“Fuck you.”

“I didn’t tell you I was coming here because even if you wanted to be with me to hold my hand?—”

“To save you from blowing up the alliance.”

“Yeah,” I said. “Whatever. Even if you think you should be with me, I know you wouldn’t leave Mia, and I didn’t want to put you on the spot. Little Reinaldo is coming soon. You can’t miss the big day.”

Jano and Mia had been tight-lipped on the gender and name of their upcoming bundle of joy. No matter how many times I brought it up, my brother didn’t take the bait.

“She’s still a month out. I’m getting her out to Bella. If I must have a fucking obstetrician on the superyacht, I will.” Jano sighed. “Listen.” His tone was calmer. “I spoke toPapá. He’s good with you marrying Jasmine with the capo’s approval. He said the capo won’t budge. Keeps saying she’s not a Luciano.”

My grip tightened on the phone. “I’m so fucking tired of hearing that. I don’t give a damn about her name or her past.” My thoughts went to the last time I was with her, in her bedroom. I told her she was mine. And then as time passed with no contact, I wondered if I should have said more. “Mia said you proposed.”

“I did. We’re married.”

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