Page 54 of Little Bird (Advantage Play 3)

“It’s not your fault, Ace,” I console, unable to listen to her question her actions that might’ve led to a different outcome. It’s a dangerous rabbit hole that she shouldn’t go down.

“And following orders when that’s all you’ve ever known,” she clarifies, “isn’t entirely your fault, either.”

“I’m so fucking sorry,” I reiterate.

With another kind smile, she picks up the mug she’d initially poured for me and nudges it toward me.

“I forgive you, Dex. And, hopefully, we can both learn from our past mistakes and maybe even figure out when to follow our own hearts instead of someone else’s orders, ya know?”

My suspicion spikes as I register her comment before brushing it off as a coincidence. There’s no way she suggested I ignore Kingston’s order to stay away from Regina. It’d be like signing my own death warrant while stabbing my Little Bird in the heart while I’m at it. I can’t do that to her.

Bringing the cup to my mouth, I let the bitter liquid wash over me before adding, “I know the likelihood of you ever trusting me is slim at best, but you have me, Ace. If you ever need anything, it’s yours.”

Her mouth quirks on the corner, only this time it’s genuine. “So, like…you owe me a favor or something?”

With an awkward laugh, because I have no idea where she’s going with this, I confirm, “I guess so?”

“Noted. Can I claim it right now?”

Gaze narrowing in suspicion, I repeat, “I guess so?”

“Good. Don’t hurt Gigi ‘cause she deserves the world. And while you’re at it, don’t piss off Kingston, either.”

And I guess there’s my answer. If I disobey Kingston’s orders, it’ll definitely piss him off. Guess that means I’ll need to keep being a good little rule follower.

I just hope Regina will be patient with me while I sort out this messed up situation and figure out how to give her everything she deserves.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Regina

My entire body is humming with anticipation. Or maybe it’s nerves. Maybe it’s annoyance. I can’t really put my thumb on it, but I do know that I want to throw up as I lean against the counter in my bathroom and swipe the mascara wand along my upper lashes one more time.

Hearing a soft knock on my bedroom door, I call out, “Yeah?”

“It’s me,” a feminine voice responds.

“Come in.”

My hair is pulled to the side, hanging over my right shoulder in soft waves. Even though it looks fine, I run my fingers through it and tease the roots a little more to give it some body.

“You look great,” Ace compliments as she peeks through the doorway.

“Thanks,” I mutter before checking her out. “Uh…speaking of looking great. Day-um, Ace. You look awesome.”

Her cheeks heat as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thanks. I don’t really know what to expect with this whole shindig tonight. What’s it like?”

Snorting, I reply, “You’re asking the wrong girl. I’ve never been to one of these, either.”

“Seriously?”

“Yup. Depressing, huh?”

“I’m just surprised. Kingston said it’s kind of a big deal.”

I laugh. “It is. Surrounding families and associates come from all over to attend, but I was never allowed to go because my dad wanted to keep my identity hidden.”

“Your brother may have mentioned that part,” Ace admits with a look of pity. “But look at the bright side. Now, we both get to pop our mafia party cherries together.” She bounces her perfectly shaped eyebrows up and down for good measure.

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