Page 21 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“Dollhouse,” we all say in unison while smiling for the camera.

The dude stares down at Ming’s phone as if in awe, then looks up as she takes it back. “Thanks.”

“Are you all supermodels or something?” he asks.

“Something,” Kamiko laughs.

“You’re all stunning.”

“Thanks,” Holly says.

“Are any of you single?”

Alyona walks over to pat his cheek. With her heavy Russian accent, she says, “You don’t want this trouble. Move on, my friend.”

He frowns and turns to leave. We all erupt into laughter. I wave for another round. One of the benefits of owning this hotel, we’ve been getting the VIP treatment. Although Chicago has been good to us overall.

Tony C. knows not to report I’m here to Gio or Jace. I think he might fear me just a bit more than the other two. Well, it might have something to do with me and Smoke hanging him off the penthouse balcony while telling him he better keep his mouth shut.

I need this time to myself. If they know where I am, that’s going to change things. I don’t know if I want that change just yet. If Gio’s not offering Riccardo up, that’s only going to fuel my anger more.

I look down at my phone as Ming group texts the photo the guy just took. I smile and decide to forward the pic to Jace. After all, he has helped me to find these treasures. He texted me earlier to wish me a happy birthday.

Jace:Your first ink.I can’t wait to see it in person.

Jace:Are you good? Do you need anything else?

I look around at the girls again. Nope, I don’t need anything else. I figured out the formula Gio was missing. Not all the girls he chose were legit smart. They could impersonate wits, but when you deep dove, they couldn’t handle the task.

Me:I’m good. These will do for now. Thanks.

Jace:I miss you.

Me: I miss you too.

Jace:Don’t you think it’s time to come home?

Me:He has to tell me he wants me back.

Jace:He does. I do.

Me:It has to be him.

Jace:I know, but I need you. I love you.

My heart pangs. Jace is always in the middle of things. This is so unfair to him. However, I can’t sacrifice myself anymore. I’m losing myself.

Me:I love you too. I’ll come when he asks for me.

Jace:Enjoy the rest of your day, baby. Love the tat. You look gorgeous. See you soon.

I can’t stop smiling as I put my phone away. I look around me and see the family I’ve made for myself. The only one missing is Lizzy. I miss my sister.

The last time I saw her in person was right before I took off. It was Halloween—almost a year ago—we dressed up and took pictures together. It was one of those pictures I sent to Gio to tell him goodbye.

For a while, I would FaceTime or something with Lizzy. The curious looks on her face are what made me stop the video chats before she called me on lying about where I was.

She thinks I’m on some assignment for Gwen and the firm. It’s been six whole months since we’ve gamed together. I miss her so much.

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