Page 50 of Dark King (Advantage Play 2)

“Why would they kill you?” I ask, confused.

“Because I said I worked for the FBI. That doesn’t exactly sound promising to men like that.”

The girl makes a good point.

Though I don’t miss the way she worded her comment. I said I worked for the FBI. Not that she actually does.

“Do you work for the FBI?” I press, unable to hide my curiosity. Jack didn’t know what the hell Kingston was talking about when he brought Q up. So who the hell is she?

She doesn’t respond, so I shake my head and remind myself that we have somewhere we need to be.

“It doesn’t matter. Let’s go.”

Gently, I start guiding her down the hallway, and by some miracle, she follows. I can’t blame her. I wouldn’t want to talk, either. When I’m sure my question will go unanswered, Q surprises me by reaching for my hand and holding on for dear life. The action makes me want to cry, but I restrain myself because right now, she needs me to be the strong one, and it’s the least I can do for her.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ace

I grab Q’s hand and bring it into my lap in an attempt to help her feel like she’s not alone. She returns it with a tight squeeze. We’re sitting in Kingston’s office as we wait for everyone to join us. Well…when I say everyone, I mean Dex and Regina. Kingston is sitting behind his desk, Stefan is looking at his phone, and Diece has been busy staring at Q like she’s a damn steak for the last five minutes. There’s no way Q can’t feel his gaze eating her up, but she’s been handling it like a champ when all I want to do is smack him upside the head. Does he not know what she’s been through? How terrified she is? Peeking over at her from the corner of my eye, I study Q from a man’s perspective. She’s absolutely stunning. I can’t even imagine what she’d look like if the bruises were absent and a smile graced her lips instead of the constant frown that’s been crippling her. Regardless, Diece needs to know what he’s dealing with and how to keep his hands to himself. After everything she’s been through, it’s going to take a special man to help her open up. I glance over at her again. And I doubt it’ll be any time soon.

The sound of footsteps down the hall distracts me from dissecting Diece’s obsession any further. Gigi appears in the doorway, and seconds later, Dex follows behind.

Jumping up, Diece wraps Gigi in his arms, and they start whispering to each other.

Taking advantage of the privacy, I pull Q closer and murmur, “You doing okay?”

She nods, but her face is blank.

“Diece is harmless.”

With a quiet scoff, she rolls her eyes. “No one’s harmless.”

I open my mouth to argue when I’m interrupted by Diece as he asks Dex, “Hey. How’d it go?”

“Good. Burlone’s still in the trunk. Where do you want me to put him?” He shifts his weight between his feet, looking awkward as hell. And I don’t blame him. Until Kingston gives him the okay, he’s still technically the enemy.

“We have a shed out back,” Diece offers. “But let’s catch up with King first.”

“Speaking of which, way to steal my thunder, D. She’s my sister, remember?” King argues, marching toward Regina and tugging her close. Apparently, he doesn’t like being second. I smirk.

Again, Gigi is busy whispering, but I think I hear apologies on both ends before Kingston finally releases her. Tears are streaming down her face as she hastily wipes beneath her eyes and returns to Dex’s side. The movement makes me anxious. Dex might’ve pulled through, but I still know what his fists can do. Without a word, he wraps his arm around her waist and kisses the top of her head. I look over at Kingston in concern to see him glaring at the exchanged affection.

“Well, since we’re all here and we’ve had our little reunion, I figured it’d be best to get everyone caught up. Dex,” he barks. “Where’s Burlone?”

“Still in the trunk. D said he’d show me the shed in a few,” Dex answers.

Stefan interrupts, “I’ll do it. Just give me your keys.”

Dex digs into his pockets then tosses them through the air before Stefan catches them and disappears out the door. Seconds later, Dex throws another key at me, making me jump in surprise. Untangling my hand with Q’s, I pick it up from my lap as he motions to Q’s cuffs. Finally understanding, I start unlocking them while Kingston gets to the next order of business.

“As far as your loyalty goes, you’ve earned your spot in the Romano family. I’ll make an announcement tomorrow.”

The relief in Dex’s expression tugs at the knot in my chest, lessening the pressure that usually accompanies it whenever I lay eyes on him. Maybe I can learn to trust him one day too.

Maybe.

Clearing his throat, Dex looks to his brother quickly before dropping his gaze to Regina.

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