Page 99 of Twisted Games of Revenge

“I saw the paper. Good work. The press will be a new weapon altogether with you in charge of such a big share of it,” Sloane says to him, and I’m surprised, but I think by her expression, it was a compliment, not a stab at him.

Alex looks to me to explain. “A story released this morning revealing the awful truths that have been buried in this town for so long.” He hands me the newspaper that was tucked under his arm, and the title on the front page,Sinners of Ravens Hollow,stares back at me, sending a shiver down my spine.

“I can’t read it,” I murmur, not able to revisit the details so soon. “But I hope whoever told the story made sure to leave no room for error. That man was pure evil and so was my brother.”

Ricky takes the paper from me, flicking through the story.

“My journalist did a good job. It’s an exposé, detailing the pervasive corruption of the police force, their blatant disregard for justice; the sordid underworld, its dark dealings leaving a trail of bodies and broken lives; and the reign of Enzo, whose rule brought only destruction and chaos to our town.”

“‘The screams of the innocent still echoing in the streets,’” Ricky reads one line. “Chilling.”

Maddox nods in agreement. “That shit sends shivers down my spine,” he says, and I nod in understanding. It’s why I can’t read about it. Not now or probably ever.

Sloane raises a perfectly manicured brow. “Hope you left out the massacre at the end.”

Alex’s lips twitch up at the side into a cruel smile. “Personally, that was my favorite touch to the story. How Enzo, his last remaining men, and the corrupt law enforcers, including the police commissioner, turned on each other, finally bringing an end to all the pain and suffering they have caused.”

“Well played, Mr. Moretti,” Sloane says. Her smirk is subtle, a slight upturn of her lips, but I see it—she’s impressed. So am I. I guess the press really can be used as a weapon. Lucky we’re on the right side of it.

“Have you had any more time to think about my offer, Sloane?” he asks my friend, and I wonder what the hell they have been doing while I was out of it.

“Your girls are welcome at my club. Tell anyone who is interested to come meet me tonight at six. Harley can help me deal with all the new registrations and inductions. Right, Harley?” She looks to me.

“Sure,” I agree with a half-smile. I feel the tension kick up a gear, and the boys all exchange looks, but they don’t open their mouths to stop me. And I’m grateful. I can’t keep moping around my apartment all day and night. I need to keep busy. “I’ll go to work with Sloane while you guys deal with this mess. Not even sure how you do.”

“Be safe, temptress,” Maddox growls out. He’s awful quiet today, even more so than usual.

“New mayor,” Ricky announces, still reading the paper.

Alex grins, a mischievous glint in his eyes that screams he was the mastermind behind the selection. “That’s right, I forgot to tell you we found a replacement.”

“So, you’re off the hook?” I ask, relieved. That idea of Enzo’s was never a good one.

“I was never going to run for mayor, princess. I might not be my papa, but I’m no saint, and this town needs someone who can reform it. In other good news, we also have a newpolice commissioner, flown in from New York two days ago, bringing a whole team with her.” He raises a brow toward the boys and Sloane. “Best behavior till we know what we’re dealing with, people.” I know what he’s implying. There is real law enforcement in this town now. The balance has been restored.

Chapter 42

“How was your andDani’s appointments, baby doll?” Ricky asks as I enter the front door of our apartment, the lingering smell of coffee in the air.

“Okay.” I sigh heavily, anxiety churning in my stomach because I don’t know if I’ve done the right thing or not.

He leans in, his lips brushing against mine, and then he takes hold of my hands, his concern for me adorable. “Did you like her? I can find you someone else if she wasn’t a good fit. Did Dani like the lady I organized for her to see, did she think it will help her sleep better?”

I stare up at him, my head spinning with all of his questions. I know he’s just trying to help, and I love him for it. He’s done so much for both me and Dani the past couple of weeks. Booked appointments with doctors and psychologists, even got someone in to give us remedial massage to try and help relieve the stress and help us sleep at night.

Dani is a mess. She’s looking so thin, and I know she is having trouble just functioning throughout the day. I’m trying to keepher close by so we can all keep an eye on her. I know Geovani is especially worried. I went along to my own appointment today because I knew Ricky wanted me to. I wasn’t really ready to unpack any of the shit now permanently living in my head.

“She was nice enough.” I shrug. “I can’t get another appointment for four weeks. Did you know how much it was going to cost? Most girls who need this kind of help wouldn’t even be able to afford it. The doctor said it’s because they’re in such high demand.”

“That’s the medical system for you.” He sighs, and I know it weighs just as heavily on him as it does me. This morning at the clinic, it opened my eyes in a whole new way. A way I can’t forget so easily.

“It shouldn’t be. People who need medical help should be able to get it. While I was there in the waiting room, I saw this poor girl, she wouldn’t have been much older than me. She had one kid on her hip, and she was pregnant again. She had a black eye and bruises all up her arms. Ricky, they turned her away because she didn’t have any money. I still feel sick about it.”

He looks just as sick as I feel. “I agree. It’s not right.”

“There must be something we can do to help,” I say, hopeful.

His brow furrows in concern. “Did you want to go back down there and see if we can find her?”

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