Page 39 of Little Bird (Advantage Play 3)

Everything. Everything about her is mesmerizing. As if she’s a puzzle piece I can’t quite place. Which is ironic because that’s exactly what she is.

How the hell we ended up with her in Kingston’s house is beyond me, and I’m anxious to be filled in. I assume she’s Ace’s missing friend, Gigi, but I don’t know why she’s down here waiting to speak with King and the rest of the family when, if she were simply Ace’s friend, she’d already be tucked away in the guest room to recover from her ordeal. Or at least, that’s what I would guess, anyway.

From the corner of my eye, a flash of movement demands my attention. I’m on my feet and rushing toward Regina before she even steps into the room. Throwing my arms around her, I lift her up and give her a heavy hug that leaves her gasping for air.

She slaps my back and squeaks, “Let me go, you big oaf!”

With a laugh, I release her, and I’m joined by Stefan and Lou, who both pull her into their own embraces too.

“How are you doing, Regina? King has a doctor on call in case you need it.”

She waves me off. “I’m fine, D. Promise. Your brother took good care of me.”

The casualness in which she brought him up is staggering, making me feel like I got sucker-punched. We still haven’t really addressed our familial ties other than a few offhand comments in the car that first day we met. I’m not sure if I’m ready to get into it in a room full of spectators.

With a simple nod directed at him, I say, “Hey. How’d it go?”

“Good. Burlone’s still in the trunk. Where do you want me to put him?” Dex asks, shifting his weight uncomfortably.

“We have a shed out back,” I offer. “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.

“I’m so sorry,” Regina begins with a hushed apology. Sensing their need for privacy, I take a step back and find the mysterious blonde staring at me with restrained curiosity and a bit of hatred too. I haven’t done a damn thing to her, but the animosity is palpable. When our gazes connect, hers snaps down to her hands as they fumble with the tight black material of her dress.

Clearing my throat, I pull my attention up to the ceiling before a sniffle from Regina commands my focus again. Hastily, she wipes away a few tears from her face then leans into Dex’s side. Without a word, he wraps his arm around her waist and kisses the top of her head. I don’t miss the display of affection, and neither does Kingston. But he doesn’t comment on it. Not yet.

“Well, since we’re all here and we’ve had our little reunion,” Kingston begins, “I figured it’d be best to get everyone caught up. Dex, 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.”

After digging into his pockets, Dex tosses them through the air, and Stefan catches them before disappearing out the door. Seconds later, Dex throws another key at Ace and drops his chin to her friend’s cuffs. While Ace unlocks them, Kingston gets to the next order of business. And I’m just as anxious as everyone else in the room to see what he has to say on the matter.

“Good. As far as your loyalty goes, you’ve earned your spot in the Romano family. I’ll make an announcement tomorrow. You’re blood, Dex. Through and through.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Dex

Kingston’s declaration nearly brings me to my knees, but I keep my balance steady and attempt to maintain a semblance of control. I never thought I’d hear those words. I’m an outcast. I’ve always been an outcast. But it seems redemption just might be in order. Maybe my soul isn’t lost after all.

My gaze shoots to Diece a few feet away before dropping to Regina.

“And what about her?” The question is clear in my voice. The room goes silent as we all wait for the rest of Kingston’s verdict. One that will make or break me.

“Let me ask you something, Dex,” Kingston says carefully, lifting his chin to my Little Bird. “Do you know who she is?”

With my heart pounding in my chest, I answer, “Of course.”

“Tell me.”

Cocking my head, I give him the most watered-down response possible. “She’s Regina Romano.”

“And who is Regina Romano?”

I open my mouth to reply, but he cuts me off. “She’s the princess of the Romano family. She’s the daughter of Gabriel and Emilia Romano and sister to Kingston Romano, the head of the Romano family. Now let me ask you this. Who. Are. You?” With three simple words, I know I have my answer. And I want to kill him for it.

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