Page 108 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

Leaning into my ear, he whispers. “What is it with the men in this family? Do I have to fight the old man for you?”

I laugh and place a hand on his chest. He’s in such a good mood. I go to tease him back, but I’m cut off by Nonno’s next words.

“Ah, Dario,” he croons. “Come, I have something for you.”

I hand over the gift bag and turn back to Jace. “You think you’re so funny. I love how happy you are today,” I say.

“How could I not be in a good mood? Did you see his face?”

“Who do I have to pay to rewind that moment and amplify the heart attack he had?”

We both laugh. Jace reaches to pull the metal stick from my hair. I take it from him carefully and tuck it away. When he looks me in the eyes, I turn away.

“You planned to stab him with that, didn’t you?”

“I thought about it.”

“G knew you would come close.”

“Always testing me,” I snort. I side glance him. “You two had a bet. That’s why you’re in such a good mode, isn’t it?”

He shrugs. “Just know I was rooting for you either way.”

“We’re leaving soon,” Gio joins us and says. “Come, let’s say our goodbyes to Bella.”

Chapter 41

Viking Triangle

Jace

“I say it was worth it. He wasn’t expecting to see you and when you said ‘Boo, bitch,’ I almost lost my shit.” Gio laughs and sips at his drink.

I haven’t been able to stop smiling all day. Having Ny around felt good. Watching the look on Riccardo’s face felt better. Nothing can break this good mood I’m in.

I sit in only a pair of jeans with a tumbler of spiked eggnog in my hand as we sit opening gifts on the floor of the living room in our apartment.

Ny has changed into a pair of her brand’s logo short shorts and a crop top. Gio is like me, shirtless and barefoot. Music is playing softly in the background. This feels so normal.

“I don’t know. I don’t think we should have been there with Lizzy around. What if he targets her?” Ny says and chews on her lip.

Gio makes a bitter scoff. “The fuck he will. The only reason he pulled that shit with you is because he thought it would piss me off and get Nonno’s attention.”

“That’s why you wanted him to see me today. You wanted to see where his head was. It’s not about you. He’s provoking your grandfather. He still doesn’t see you as a threat. Oh my God. How can he be so obsessed with you and still so fucking blind?”

“It’s the obsession that blinds him,” I say. “Did you see how he dismissed you in the end? I doubt he took the time to connect who Lizzy is.”

“I know he didn’t,” Gio says. “But enough about him.”

Gio hands each of us a gift. Ny and I tear into them like little kids. Inside are leather-bound journals with our initials on the front. I look up and grin.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

“We have to say our pact over them,” Ny gushes as she holds hers against her chest.

“We will,” Gio says with a smile.

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