Page 159 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“No, no, I’ll kill you, you fuckingfin—”

* * *

Nyla

I rest on my belly in the rafters. I had wanted to get a closer shot, but with the baby, once Jace and Gio suggested I snipe, I agreed.

I hold my breath, feeling my shot coming. It’s like time slows down. Gio tosses Riccardo back from his hold, and I see Jace moving into position as he pulls his axes from his back. Riccardo is screaming something but none of that matters.

It’s when Gio moves lightning fast, pulling a blade and tossing it into Riccardo’s forehead, that I know it’s now or never. I breathe and take the shot. Red blooms in the center of his chest. His body starts to fall with the blade lodged in his forehead and Jace swooshes in, wielding his axes before he takes his head clean off.

His head rolls right in front of Don Ferrari, who punt kicks that shit and roars. Then as if nothing happened, Don Ferrari tugs at his cuffs, smooths a hand down his front, then turns to kiss Gio’s cheeks and walks off.

I drop my head against my rifle and break down. Now I’m free. I breathe for the first time in twenty-seven years. I let go.

“I can live,” I breathe.

I don’t know how long I’m up here crying before Gio wraps me in his arms and lifts me. Jace gathers my things and they take me out to the SUV, where the girls are surrounding it while on their bikes.

I’m so numb. The girls rev their bikes and the SUV pulls off as I lean against the window. A caravan of SUVs rolls past as we move up the road. Holly pops a wheelie beside us, Gio kisses my head and I turn to him, noticing Ming popping a wheelie on the opposite side.

“Rest in peace, Mommy and Daddy,” I whisper.

Chapter 71

To the Don

Jace

The Dollhouse is filled with energy. Gio has already been formally announced as Don. The family is sitting in a private section. Ava looks so happy and proud. I can’t tell you how many times she’s hugged me or introduced me as her second oldest son.

I wasn’t expecting Giuseppe to be here. Seeing him makes this all real somehow, but none of that has held my attention. Something is wrong with Ny. She won’t eat anything, and she’s been on the move all night as if to avoid me and G.

I can’t say I’m not filled with anxiety. The Kelleys plan to hit this place tonight. Bad idea, but I get the feeling once they find Riccardo’s decapitated body, they’re going to show up without question.

That’s who Riccardo was at that warehouse to meet. Don Ferrari was a last-minute request Riccardo couldn’t deny. Gio planned it perfectly. The Kelleys drove right by us.

“You all right?” I whisper into Ny’s ear from behind.

She jumps and turns to me. She smiles and cups my face. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking.”

“Care to share?”

She shakes her head. “Just hug me,” she whispers.

I pull her into my arms and hold her tight. My heart aches. I thought today would free her.

You know what’s wrong. Make her say it. She knows too.

“Jace.”

I turn as Lucas calls my name. He’s waving me over to where he sits with his arm around Ava. I nod and turn to kiss Ny’s nose.

“I’m here if you need me.”

* * *

Nyla

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