Page 74 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“Yeah. He needs to find himself again. Car isn’t the only one sleeping. From here, every move is to remind him of who he is. That broken man in there isn’t my little brother, that’s not who he was raised to be.”

I could take care of all of this for Dante, but that would be babying him. What I need is for Dante to handle his shit so he remembers who he is. This has to be his moves, his way.

“And Lizzy?”

“She’s just the start. I’ve got him.”

My brain starts to move through all my pieces and the moves I need to make. I list my goals in order and by priority. I’ve started this snowball rolling and it will stop and land right on its mark when I’m done.

Jace nods and pulls off. I’ll give Dante some time to get himself together. A grin comes to my lips. Bethany Kurmar and her family would regret the day they decided to fuck with my brother and our family.

Chapter 28

My Loyalty

Nyla

I open my mouth as Gio holds a piece of pineapple up to my lips. I have one leg thrown across his waist and my head resting on his chest. I woke this morning nestled between two large, warm bodies.

After freshening up, we all ended up back in bed. The exhaustion is clear in Gio’s eyes. Jace looks just as tired. However, he seems content as his cheek rests on my butt and he palms my thigh as he runs his thumb back and forth over my skin.

“I need to go get my things from Dad’s,” I say after I chew and swallow.

“I need Jace with me. I have a friend I need to see. There are three cars downstairs. Take any that you like. Your car should be ready by Christmas,” Gio murmurs as he looks at me and runs his finger through my hair, then tucks a lock behind my ear.

“Ugh, Christmas. I still need to do my shopping,” I groan.

“Yeah, about that. I have a little gift of my own I want to give you.”

Jace chuckles and turns over on his back and lays his head on my ass. “I had a feeling you were going to do this. I’m for it. He gets out of line, I’m going to put one in his head.”

“Marone. You two are so fucking trigger-happy. It’s not time. I just want him to shit his pants knowing we’re coming. It’s time for a dose of reality,” Gio says smugly.

I gasp and sit up to look him in the eyes. “Riccardo. You want him to know I’m alive?” I shake my head. “Aww, G. You have a lot of faith in me. You really think you can put me in a room with him and I won’t kill him? Come on.”

He pecks my lips. “I’m counting on it. Allow me to fill you in on all the things you don’t know. Then you will see how sweet this gift is.”

I roll my eyes. “Start talking.”

He goes to open his mouth, but his phone rings. He bares his teeth and scowls. My nostrils flare. The timing around here always sucks. He holds his hand up and reaches for his phone.

Jace turns over and bites my ass. I yelp and turn to lunge off the bed after him. He’s up and running from the room. Genuine laughter leaves my lips.

I catch him in the kitchen, but he turns the tables on me. He catches me in his arms, bringing me onto his waist. Then he spins to allow my body to slide down his as he backs me into the island and crowds my space.

I look up into his eyes. They’re green and shining bright.

“I’m glad you’re home. This place finally feels right.”

“What don’t I know, Jace? It seems like he’s changed. Something happened while I was gone. I know it did.”

“I’ll tell you everything later,” Gio calls as he steps out of the bedroom. “We need to head out. Dante says he needs to talk to me.”

Jace turns. “You think they have something?”

“No, but I want to be sure. I need to know what he knows.”

Jace nods, then turns to kiss me. Then he looks me in the eyes. “Call me if you need anything.”

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