Page 48 of Wild Card (Advantage Play 1)

“No, but he asked for your private email to forward the picture.”

“Why not send it to you?” Sei asks while stubbing out the butt of his cigarette in the ashtray sitting on the corner of Burlone’s desk.

I shrug, though I know why.

Burlone answers for me. “Because he knows how to respect the boss, Sei. He knows who has the iron fist, and it sure as hell isn’t Dex…or you.” Turning to me, he continues, “And did you give him my email address?”

My gaze connects with his from across the room, a silent battle that I have no intention of fighting. “Yeah.”

“Perfect.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Kingston

I’m exhausted. With a tug on my tie, I loosen the knot before knocking on Regina’s bedroom door.

Stefan said this is where she is, though I’m not surprised when I’m greeted with silence.

“Regina?” I call out.

No answer.

Gritting my teeth, I pray for patience then try again. “Regina, I need to talk to you. Will you please open the damn door?”

A muffled sound echoes through the solid door before it squeaks open. “Yes, oh wise one?” She’s in her pajamas with her hair pulled into a messy ponytail, confirming her plans to stay in for the night.

“Hey. I just wanted to check in with you.”

“And why is that?”

“Because you’re my baby sister, and I care about you.”

She scoffs, unable to hide her disdain. “Or is it because Dad left you in charge of me, and you’d feel guilty as hell if you let his regime fall, including the itty bitty piece I play in it?”

I look toward the heavens, wanting to scream at her for acting so damn childish. I’d give anything to relinquish my rights as her protector. Not because I don’t love her, but because it’s so freaking difficult to keep her safe while staying in her good graces. Once upon a time, we were close. Then Dad started to get sick, and I was forced to step up while Regina was forced to remember her place. Neither of us has had an easy time accepting our roles.

My nostrils flare, but I somehow manage to keep my tone calm. “Don’t go there, Regina. Not tonight. I have enough shit on my plate right now, and I really don’t think I can add your daddy issues to the agenda, okay?”

“Fine.” She spins in a circle with her arms raised at her sides. “As you can see, I’m doing just great, thanks for asking. You should definitely give Stefan a raise. He’s been keeping me in tip-top shape. Won’t even let me break a nail. Ain’t that sweet?” Her sarcasm is potent, but I choose to ignore it.

Swallowing the need to strangle her, I channel my inner Gandhi and press forward. “Well, I’m glad it’s been working out then. Thank you for being accommodating with the new rule of him shadowing you.” Her brows furrow at my comment, and I have no doubt it’s because I actually complimented her on something. Humility isn’t exactly my strong suit. Edging closer, I add, “I actually wanted to talk to you about that.”

“About him shadowing me?” With folded arms, Regina leans against the doorframe.

“Yeah. There’s some shit going down tonight, and I need him with me, which means I need you to stay home.”

For a brief second, her eyes dim before heating with fire. “Sorry, King, but I can’t do that. I have plans tonight.”

“Well, you’re going to have to reschedule because I’m already going to be one man short, and I need Stefan. He has a particular skill set that we need.”

“What do you mean, you’re going to be one man short?” she inquires.

Surprising both of us, I reveal a minor piece of information. “Reggie. He’s following someone for me who doesn’t have the luxury of staying home tonight like you do, and I can’t be in two places at once, which means I need you to stay home.”

“What’s going on tonight? And don’t tell me it’s family business, Kingston. For someone that’s been cooped up my entire life, I’m not an idiot. If you want me to stay, then you sure as hell better fill me in.”

Groaning, I let my head fall back on my shoulders before scrubbing my hands through my hair and tugging on the roots. The bite of pain is enough to clear my head.

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