Page 113 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“I’ll talk to him and see what we can do,” he says into the phone.

“So, things are going well?” Holly says, pulling my attention.

“Yeah. It’s different.”

“Different good?”

I smile. “Yeah, I have a lot to catch you up on.”

“Hold that thought. Can you show me to a bathroom?”

I point out the direction of the nearest bathroom. “It’s on the right.”

“Thanks, I’ll be right back.”

I turn back to Jace and lift a brow. “That was Gustloff. Adrian has been jumped every day for the last two weeks. Gustloff is calling for Gio’s help.”

“About time. He’s been waiting on that call.”

“Sure has. Look, I need to run through a few emails before we head out. I’ll be right back.”

I nod as he leaves the room, then get lost in thought. Yup, it’s all falling into place. Life is getting real.

* * *

Gio

I toss on my suit jacket and fix my collar and cuffs before I head out of the bedroom. I pull out my phone and make the call I need to set my next move in motion.

My brothers are both gone. Dario is tucked safely away in Sicily and Dante is away on business. That gives me time to get everyone where I need them. When Dante returns, I’m going to force him into the man he needs to be. The guy who protects what’s his and takes care of family.

“How you doing, Fraya?” I say into the phone as I walk by Ny at the kitchen island and kiss the top of her head.

She looks up at me with a smile. I place my hand on the back of her neck and begin to rub. She moans and leans toward me.

“Hey, Gio,” Fraya says, drawing my attention back to the call. “What can I do for you?”

“I’m glad you asked. Carleen’s still coming to see you, right?”

“Yeah, she’s supposed to come in today. Um, did I do something wrong?”

“No, no. I need you to do something for me. Get a little aggressive today in your session but watch her midsection. I only want you to push her hard enough to not come see you for a while.”

“I like my job here, sir. I’m not being reassigned, am I?” Concern is clear in her voice.

I knew early on she wouldn’t be a field or Dollhouse doll. I placed her at the gym as a trainer, wanting Dante and Carleen to work with one of the best.

“No, Master Ny will have a package for you when she arrives. It will cover two years of what Carleen and I pay you. Can you do this for me?”

“Yes. Thank you for the opportunity.”

“Thank you for your service, Fraya. Make it look good and remember, watch her midsection.”

I hang up and Ny is glaring at me. I know that look. I’ve intentionally been avoiding telling her about Carleen and the pregnancy.

I needed Dario gone before she found out. I knew she’d be pissed about what I have planned. I hold my hands up.

“Listen, this has to be done. Carleen is pregnant. I need you and Holly to trigger her without too much physical contact. Once Riccardo realizes Dario isn’t getting the promotion, he’s going to lose his shit and I’m not leaving any of you unprotected. Besides, Gwen asked me to do this.”

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