Page 31 of Dark King (Advantage Play 2)

So, apparently, that rules out the I-want-her-virginity theory.

“Do you care about her the same way she cares about you?”

“Yes.” He’s more confident this time. A hint of pride laces his tone as he admits it.

Truth.

“Am I walking into a trap?”

“Yes.” This time, I see him almost deflate with guilt right before my eyes. And I know the situation is killing him. He doesn’t want me dead, but only because he knows it would gut my sister.

Truth.

“Are you willing to betray the Allegretti family by giving us confidential information that, if linked back to you, will guarantee the skin being flayed from your body by Burlone? And that if we find out the information you give us is faulty, then we’ll do it ourselves?”

He swallows but doesn’t break my gaze, which only emphasizes his resolve. “Yes.”

Truth.

“And what do you want in return?” I almost want to laugh when I realize how similar this conversation is to a hand of poker. We’re both watching the cards unfold in front of us in little pieces of honesty and trust. And are now about to place our bets on each other, praying it’ll pay out in the end.

“I want your sister to be safe.”

My suspicion spikes, sensing a lie, or half of one anyway.

“Tell me the whole truth, Dex. I told you to cut the shit, remember?”

Bristling, he drops his head back in defeat and stares up at the ceiling. “You want the whole truth, Kingston? Fine. I want her to be safe. But I also want to keep her for myself because she already owns me. I didn’t ask for it because I’m not stupid enough to think it’s a possibility. I’m a fucking Allegretti who’ll be dead by the end of the week as soon as my men find out that I’m the traitor who screwed up Burlone’s plans by squealing to the enemy.” Dragging his hands from the top of his head and down his face, he brings his gaze back to mine. “So, yeah. If I can ask for one thing, then I want her safe. That’s it.”

“And you’re not going to ask for your own protection?” I push curiously.

“I’m not naïve enough to think I’d get it, Kingston. I’ve been in the game long enough to know you never really trust someone who’s always been your enemy, even when they show up at your front door to help you.”

“No. You’re showing up at my front door to help my sister. You don’t give a shit about me because of what your dad did to you as a kid. Or didn’t do, in his case. However, you haven’t always been an enemy to the Romano family. You’re a victim of an old man’s wrong decision, and I think we can both come to an agreement––if you’re willing to prove your loyalty.”

The man in front of me goes deathly calm, the anxiety from moments before vanishing into thin air as he comprehends what I’m offering. Little does he know, I’m not doing it for him. I’m doing it for his brother and for my baby sister. I’m righting the wrongs that should’ve never happened in the first place. I just pray I’m not going all-in on the wrong hand.

“And how do I prove my loyalty?”

Scratching the five o’clock shadow on my jaw, I tell him, “We’ll be in touch.”

Chapter Sixteen

Jack

Running my hand through my hair, I tug on the roots before shifting my phone to my other ear.

Gritting my teeth, I spit, “Yeah, I understand. I haven’t found shit on Burlone recently. His entire operation has been silent since the night of the poker tournament at Sin.” Ace’s face flashes through my memory before my boss’s voice pulls me back to the present.

“Three girls were reported missing that night. Three, Connelly. That number doesn’t include all the women from the last fifteen years that we can link to Burlone. Do you want me to get you the headcount?”

“No, sir.” I already know the answer by heart and don’t need a reminder.

“Then, where the hell are they?”

“I stayed at the casino all night. I was on Burlone the entire evening just like you told me to be. He disappeared into the elevator for about thirty minutes after he lost the tournament then showed up on the main floor and spent the night toasting opponents and having his ass kissed. You told me to watch Burlone, and I did. I can’t be in two places at once, sir.” With my hand clenched at my side, I picture Ace’s face a few days later while knowing it was partially my fault for not following her that night and protecting her. I’m just grateful she didn’t end up missing, but I know Burlone’s smarter than that. He’s too smart.

“Did any of his men leave through the front door?”

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