Page 71 of Vicious Little Princess

“Seriously, Levi?”

“Fuck, fine.”

We heard movement in the background again; him grunting, then the woman with him, who was obviously Brianna, giggling.

“You’re lucky you’re so fucking irresistible and I’m in a fantastic mood.”

“Then don’t let this call sour it. Or sour it for Caterina who you haven’t spoken to in a while.”

I heard Levi clear his throat, then he told us, “Malcolm Lynch is buried.Osirisis gone. Wiped out would be a more accurate way of putting it. Obviously, that means the deal your father was trying to make is dead in the water. You’re good to go there, free of that insanity. It’s over.”

“Good work,” Nico told him.

“This is amazing,” I spoke to Levi. “It must be surreal for you.”

“It is, yeah.”

“I’m really happy for you, Levi. I know what this takedown means for you, how much it was needed.” And how long he’d been fighting for it.

“Thanks, sweetheart.”

“You must be celebrating like crazy.”

“We’re about to, yeah. I just wanted to relay the news to Nico—and you—first.”

“We appreciate it,” Nico said, surprising me.

Surprising Levi too, it seemed, because there was a delay before he responded, unsure, “Right… okay, thanks.”

“I’m impressed,” Nico continued. “Taking that psychopath out of play was no small feat.”

“Well, I’m a relentless bastard. Takes one to know one, right, Nico?”

“Point made,” Nico said, amusement in his tone.

“I also had a great team with me, something I understand you do, too. Especially with Rina now a part of it.”

Hmm.The way he was talking, he knew it for a fact. He’d clearly been looking into things here. Even while being swamped with his own mission.

“That’s going to be the key to what you’re up against there. It’s power. Use it well. But guard it well too. And if you need an assist, you know I’m always here too, all right?”

“Thanks, Levi.”

“It’s appreciated,” Nico told him.

“I make a much better ally than an enemy, Nico. As so long as you treat Rina well, I’ll remain as the former.”

“Understood.”

“Good. Well, I’ll let you get back to… whatever it is that you’re doing, and I need to get back to my loves.”

“Talk to you soon, Levi,” I said.

“Definitely. You hear that, Nico?”

“Fine,” Nico grunted. “Yes, don’t be a stranger to Caterina.”

“Wow, good then. Until next time.”

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