Page 20 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“He has his eye on the prize. This is something he has to do, but you aren’t forgotten.”

I give her a weak smile. In my heart, I hope she’s right. In my mind, I’m not sure if I even care anymore. Ava is the only reason I’m still thinking about my relationship with Gio and Jace. If not for her, I would have pushed myself to forget them while finishing my task and waiting my time.

“We’ll see, I guess.”

“When are you headed back?”

“I don’t know.”

“They’re ready.”

“I know they are, but is he?”

“We shall see.”

“Mm, I might not be here if he decides to show up.”

“Nyla,” she chided.

“I love you, Ava, but I’m not a child and I need some space from it all. You have to understand that. I just want to try to breathe away from this for a moment. When he needs me, I’ll be ready. I’m going to get what I asked for. Riccardo is going to die.”

“Where will you go?”

“Ha! Like I’d tell you. I know you report to him as much as you snitch on him,” I say with a smile.

“You’re both stubborn and if I don’t stick my nose in, I’m not going to get my daughter-in-law,” she says with a little fake frown. “He’s going to call for you soon. I know he is.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. We’ll just have to see if I’m still here.”

She kisses my forehead. “Don’t give up now. See your path through.”

Tears well up. I hear what she’s saying. However, for now, I’m taking it one step at a time.

Chapter 9

Trusted Friends

Nyla

“To Master Ny,” Holly sings as she lifts her glass.

It’s my birthday and the girls wanted to celebrate. I smile as I look around at my girls. My heart swells as I look at Ming and Alyona. They flew in to meet the others and check in on me. It’s been almost a year since I last saw either of them.

We’ve all just finished getting tats on the backs of our necks. They couldn’t have shown me more commitment than that. While I haveDoll Mastertatted on my skin. They all haveDollhouseandMaster Ny.

“Hey, hey, buddy. Come here,” Ming calls to a guy passing our table as she waves him over.

He looks around the table at us with his mouth open. Then shakes it off and puffs his chest out as he struts closer. I try not to laugh.

“Here, can you take a picture for us?” Ming says.

“Sure.” He takes her phone.

“Come on, guys,” Ming says, pulling her shirt up and over her head to reveal the top of her neck.

We all follow and line up with our backs to the guy. The shorter girls squat down behind us taller girls, making two rows. We look over our shoulders at the camera and smile.

“Okay, say Dollhouse,” Ming coos.

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