Page 4 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

Things begin to move in slow motion. I’m aware of everything going on in the room as Chaka Khan’s voice comes through the speakers singing about going through the fire, to the limit and to the wall. Even as the words pierce my chest and say all I feel for this woman standing before me, I feel them coming for me.

My time is up on all accounts. I have to reveal my final hand. Tonight, everyone will learn who I am.

This time it’s all about me. The veiled secrets. The cracked plate, the forgotten son, the hidden ace.

I’ll tell you a little secret, I know who I am. I know why it had to be me. Why they’ve been watching me prepare.

Yes, I collect dolls and they have a purpose. I’ve been adjusting them to fit my needs for years. They’re finally ready and not a moment too soon.

They’re my front line. To get to me, you have to make it through my Dollhouse. That’s no easy feat.

If ever you make it through my Dollhouse, then you’re met with by knights—my soul twin and my queen—the curator and doll master. If either falls, then you’ll wish for death because I’m going to make the world fall down around you.

I’ll reveal to you pain no man has known and lived through. I’ve never been weak. I’m always aware of everything around me.

Like now. I lick my bottom lip and pull my guns from their holsters. They’re here and I’m ready.

Bringing this war to my door. Big mistake.

I’ve been getting ready for this day since I was sixteen. We’ve been waiting for this. Tonight, all my sacrifices start to make sense, it all falls into place. Tonight, I claim my throne.

Wait, hold on—you’re missing some things. Allow me to rewind and fill you in. Let’s go back four years to the night of the car bombing. Yeah, that’s where you need to be.

Chapter 2

It’s Time

Gio

Four years ago…

“You all have a great life. I’m out of here.”

“Ny,” I call after her. “Nyla.”

“Goodbye, Gio.”

I ball my fists at my sides. I want to stop her, but this is feeding my next move. I need Ny angry, and I need her ghost for a while. When I pull the curtain, all will make sense, but she can’t be here until then.

“Is that going to be a problem?” Dad asks.

“No, Lucas, it’s not. I’ll handle it.”

“Good, Riccardo’s demise has to fall at the right time.”

“I know this.” I turn to him and narrow my eyes. “What brings you here? I’m sure you didn’t come to deliver the message about Barbieri. You could have sent one of your guys for that.”

He shakes his head and gives me a smile I’ve seen in the mirror a hundred times before. “I need you to take a ride with me,” he says.

“What?”

“Gio, Gio,” Holly calls as she rushes into the room.

“What’s up, Holly? What’s going on?”

She shoves a tablet into my chest. “I’ve been watching the cams since Ny pulled up,” she says.

I raise a brow but look down at the device as I take in how frantic she is. My blood boils as I watch the screen. I pull out my phone immediately and text Ming as fast as I can.

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