Page 63 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

I wince as Dario slaps my face. I quickly slap him back lightning fast. He rubs his cheek. Pissed I got caught off guard, I stand scowling at him.

“Damn,” my other brother croons.

“Don’t get mad at me because I caught you slipping,” Dario says with a smirk.

“Make me redden the other one,” I taunt.

Before we can get into it, Dante’s entire demeanor changes and he starts over toward the table Lizzy has been standing by. I look over and see Bella in Lizzy’s arms. Within seconds a full scene starts as I move to intervene before it escalates.

The last thing I need is for Lizzy to reveal herself, and knowing Ny, she’ll beat the shit out of Bethany in the blink of an eye. She’s already closing in as Bethany shoves at Lizzy.

My mind starts to revisit my plan. Maybe I’m not being so hasty when it comes to Dante’s love life at all.

I step up as Dante pauses as if to take a calming breath. “It’s time you get some help. Talk out your issues and pull it together. Whatever you need to do, but you’re not going to subject Bella to this any longer.”

“Subject her? Subject her? What about me? She’s the issue. I never—”

I see fucking red. I may know my mother didn’t abandon my brothers, but this is something that haunts Dante. The way his body stiffens, I know he’s ready to snap Bethany’s neck. Regardless of our past, Bella should never be subjected to such vileness.

“Finish those words and I’ll have you dropped right here where you stand,” I seethe.

“You should be careful who you threaten, Gio,” Bethany snarls.

“I don’t make threats. You don’t even know how close you are to taking your last breath.”

This cunt has just sealed her fate. As I look into Ny’s eyes, we have a silent conversation. We both know this is the last time I’m going to allow Bethany to talk shit. She’s about to meet my doll master in the flesh.

“This is your fault.”

Bethany goes to slap Lizzy, but Lizzy catches her hand midair. Fuck, this is what I didn’t want. As if knowing what I don’t need to happen. Nyla grabs Bethany by the back of her hair.

I have a shit-eating grin as she hisses into Bethany’s face. Ny is like me, she doesn’t do idle threats. She means every word.

“Ny, don’t,” Lizzy says. Then in pig Latin she continues. “She’s not worth it.”

Nyla shoves her away. “I’ll see you again soon.”

That she will. I watch in disgust as Bethany storms off in tears. I’ve already tuned her childish ass out. Everyone is staring, but I don’t give a fuck.

I signal for Apollo to make sure the flow of wine and champagne is turned up. Then I turn my attention to Dante. He’s heading for the back of the restaurant with Bella in his arms. I place a hand on his shoulder and lean into his ear.

“That’s a problem.”

“I know. What would you have me do?”

I look him deep in the eyes. I could guide him to handle this on his own, but I see the deep-rooted pain and I make the decision for him. This is the last time Bethany will embarrass my brother or hurt my niece. I’m done allowing this. I nod.

“Nothing, do nothing.” I kiss the top of Bella’s head. “Uncle Gio will make this better. Promise.”

I already have my phone pulled out to send Ming a text. My gut was right. It’s time. I quickly text my instructions to Ming and turn to find Ny watching me. I nod for her to follow me as I start for the back door.

Jace follows, not needing anything said. We all huddle up outside by the trash cans. I look into Ny’s eyes.

“There’s a vehicle I’d like for that cunt to come in contact with,” I say. “Can you do that for me?”

“With pleasure. How do you want this to play out?”

“Give it some time, allow the event to end and go home with Elijah and Gwen. Shower, change, and leave as if going on a date. At the end of the night, you’re going to end up at the Dollhouse.”

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