Page 81 of Wrapped in Silver

I sigh at that. Here I am, doing everything to make sure the family remains unaffected, but of course there would be some short-term residual damage.

“It’ll be fixed, and you’ll end up on top when Yuri’s out of the picture.”

“Yeah, that’s the second time you mentioned that. The fuck are you planning?

“I’m with the asshole on this one,” Quinn says.“What exactly is going on?”

“None of your business, kid. You and your father will be fine. That’s all that matters.”

“So he’s alive.” Donny nods. “Interesting. You really have lost your fucking mind.”

“I told you. I’m not involving you in this.”

“You brought a prop from your play on fucking set.” He motions to Quinn’s wig.

“I don’t like this vague secrecy.” She scratches it.

I lift my arm over Quinn and pace up to Donny, getting close so he understands. “I’ve never once left a mess uncleaned in my life.In my life,Donny. I’m not about to start now. This is my last play… and it’s for her. Turn off that strategic brain of yours and remember when you met Ellie. You called me in confidence asking what to do. Remember?” I look back at Quinn, then Donny. “Maybe it’s in our blood or something. Not every part of us is bad.”

Donny grunts, knocking shoulder to shoulder as he moves past me, up to Quinn. “You really like him, don’t you?”

I turn toward the window. This day turned into a fucking mess. It was supposed to be a nice date… something we both enjoy. Yet again, we’re interrupted. It makes me want to punch Donny all over again. Maybe I will.

Pacing back toward them, I’m back in earshot.

“He saved my life, but it’s not that,” she says, making me freeze. Her tone is all serious, like she doesn’t owe the don an explanation, but is giving one anyway. “We’re connected. I can’t explain it, and I don’t have to, especially to some raging maniac who destroyed the set tomy favorite show.”

Donny grunts, then laughs. “This one’s a pisser.” He approaches me.

“What you did was uncalled for.” I set my jaw. “We’ve had a rough time up ’til now. Needed a break. You fucking ruined that.” I poke my finger into his chest.

“Not all about you, Ghost. Something loners like you don’t understand—I have a family to run.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I had one too,” I remind him, and he turns sharply away. “And you coming here was a mistake on that part too. You have your little rats running around for you, who’s to say the Russians don’t have one too? What if they see you here with me?”

“In here? That’d be a reach.”

“Can never be too careful, Donny.”

“I’m counting on that paranoia to keep us Valentinos out of this mess.”

“I’ll say it one last time.I’m fixing it.”

He slaps the back of my neck. “You’re a scheming, smart motherfucker. Always have been. Find another way. I don’t want to hear about you in a body bag. Stay safe, Aros.”

“Mm,” I groan, watching him walk away.

“I’ll tell the staff lunch is on me, and not to enter until you say so.” Donny holds the doorknob before he leaves. He eyes Quinn, then me, then shakes his head as he shuts the door.

“Well, that was effing bananas.” Quinn walks up to me and slides her arms around my back, laying her head on my chest.

“What’s this?” I ask, confused by the hug.

“You giving up everything for me, defending me. You’re something else, Silver.” She looks up at me, her big brown eyes shimmering in the window light. “And there’s no way I’m letting you get hurt in this… whatever you’re planning.”

“That’s not up to you,” I growl.

“Oh yes, it is.” She squeezes me harder.

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