Page 312 of Secret Shifters Next Door

“I’m starving. Is there any food in this place?” Ava asked as she started getting dressed.

“Yeah, the woman who works for your dad stocked some essentials in the little kitchen. Cereal, bagels, butter, stuff like that. I think there’s coffee and cream.”

“Oh my God. A royal feast?”

I pulled my pants back up and headed out the door. “I’ll put something together.”

A few minutes later, we were sitting around the small table. I was eating a bowl of cereal and Ava was nibbling on a bagel with cream cheese. We didn’t speak, but the silence was companionable—not awkward or strange. I sipped at my coffee and watched her smear more cheese on her bagel. The corner of my mouth tugged into a smile. It was strange howeverythingcould change in such a short period of time.

My phone rang, and a glance at the screen showed me it was Gio. “Blayne here.”

“Blayne, I’ve received some new info on Antonio. I think you and your boys need to hear this. Can you round them up and come over?”

“Yeah, I’ll call them now and be over in a bit.”

Once I’d hung up, Ava raised an eyebrow. “What was that about?”

“Your dad has information on Antonio. I need to get the guys over here.”

Tate answered on the second ring. “Morning. What’s up?”

“Gio’s got news he needs us all to hear. How soon can you and the guys get to Gio Francis’s place?”

“Miles and I are at the office. Steff went to pick up coffee. He should be back any minute now. Give us around fifteen minutes.”

“Cool. See you then.”

“What did my dad want?” Ava asked when I was done.

I shook my head. “Nothing really. He did sound excited. Well…excited or nervous, or some combination. Won’t know until we talk to him.”

My coffee cup was halfway to my lips when I froze and clenched my jaw.

“Why do you look like you just pooped your pants?” Ava asked.

“I didn’t shit my pants,” I said. “Does your dad know you came over last night?”

Ava shrugged. “Not sure. Uncle Sam saw me head over here.”

Shit. That meant every member of her family knew she’d spent the night out here. Suddenly, I was no longer a full-grown adult man. Now I was a horny sixteen-year-old, hoping the dad of the girl he liked didn’t know he’d been doing naughty things with his daughter.

I let out a sigh. I’d probably be subjected to thetalksoon. Gio was sure to ask me what my intentions were with his daughter. Would he do the stereotypical thing with the shotgun laid across his knees? Or worse, a few of his mafia soldiers standing behind him while he asked if I was going to break his little girl’s heart?

Either way, it was coming. At least there was the little issue of the hunters and Antonio to deal with first. I never would have thoughtthatwould be the least of my concerns.

We cleaned up and I changed into fresh clothes. Due to the spontaneous nature of the night before, Ava only had the clothes she’d been wearing when she’d come over here. Thankfully, no one noticed when we headed back to the main house.

As we circled the pool, Tate’s big black truck rolled up to the front door. Ava’s cousin LJ greeted them as they got out. Miles, seeing me and Ava, raised a hand in greeting. I thought I spotted a shit-eating grin on his face when he saw us walking together, but decided to ignore it.

Ava took my hand as we joined the guys. Tate glanced down and quirked an eyebrow.

“Yeah, yeah. Shut up,” I grunted.

LJ led us through the foyer and up the stairs to Gio’s office. As soon as the door opened, I could tell Gio wasn’t doing well that morning. His skin was ashy gray, and it looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

Ava rushed over to him. “Dad? Are you okay?” she asked, kneeling beside him.

Gio nodded. “It is what it is. Some days are better than others. Plus, I may have overdone it last night.”

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