Page 22 of Little Bird (Advantage Play 3)

Clearing my throat, I probe, “His sister?”

“Oh, did I not tell you that part?” He laughs. “One of the passion fruits. The one who was drooling over you during the photo shoot. She’s the Romano princess.”

“So you found her then?” I ask, turning to Sei while pretending I didn’t know the truth.

Rolling his eyes, Sei puffs out his chest. “Of course, I did. Burlone ordered me to retrieve her. You’re not the only one who knows how to do their job, Dex.”

“Now, now,” Burlone interjects. “Dex deserves a little more credit for not being a nosy sonofabitch. He understands the importance of keeping his head down while focusing on his tasks and his tasks only.” Burlone’s beady eyes shoot to Sei. “You could learn a thing or two on that front, Sei.”

Jaw clenching, Sei’s earlier amusement vanishes, but he keeps his mouth shut.

“So, you have no intention of letting Kingston leave?” I ask in an attempt to pull a bit more information from Burlone while he seems to be in an arrogant enough mood to give it to me.

“Of course not.”

“Even if he wins?”

Burlone scoffs. “Do you really think that’s possible?”

“No.” I shrug. “I was just wondering if you’d honor the rules if he performed a miracle and did. That’s all. Does anyone else know about your plan?”

“Not yet. I thought it’d be fun to surprise everyone. They all see how weak he is. It’ll be a relief for them to finally cut his family line.”

That’s a load of bullshit, I think to myself. The Romano name is not to be taken lightly, and I don’t think Burlone has really considered the possibility of his idea backfiring. Even with Burlone’s sizeable backing from multiple cartels and a few other key families who have a problem with the Romanos, taking them on is a death wish. And killing the head of the family while at a sanctioned neutral location? It’s ballsy, to say the least. And insane.

Which is exactly what Burlone is counting on while assuming his associates will choose his side over Kingston Romano, and consequently, my Little Bird.

“And the Feds? Anything new on that front?” I probe, even though I can’t stand to hear another word. The need to see Regina and figure out a solution is overwhelming, but I fight the urge to run out of Burlone’s office and slam the door behind me. Keeping my composure cool and relaxed, I cross my arms over my chest and wait for his answer.

“No. They’ve been quiet lately. Although, we’ve been laying low too, so maybe that’s why. Have either of you suspected anything?”

Sei shakes his head, and I follow suit.

“Interesting. If either of you hears anything, I expect you to report it immediately. Understand?”

Duh.

“Yeah, Boss,” Sei confirms.

“Good.” The ash falls from his cigar, landing on his desk before he brings it to his mouth and inhales slowly. Seconds later, he exhales and lets the puff of smoke swirl in the air. “Dex, make sure the women are showered and have clothes. We need them to look presentable for the tournament. Sei, can you please get everything ready for the transport to the sanctioned location?”

Again, we both nod. “Sure thing.”

“Good.” With a flick of his wrist, Burlone excuses us. “Now, get out of here. And close the door on your way out.”

I try to keep my steps casual when a burst of adrenaline pumps through me. I’ve got shit to do too.

The question is…where do I start?

Chapter Sixteen

Dex

With a soft click, the door to Regina’s prison closes behind me.

“Hey.” An innocent smile tugs at Regina’s lips when her eyes flutter open. She’s been sleeping more peacefully since we had sex as if her trust in me is absolute. And it’s that same blind trust that urges me forward, pulling her into a hug. Her entire body melts as soon as she’s in my arms. A soft sigh escapes her lips.

“Mmm…I’ve missed you,” she admits dreamily.

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