Page 126 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“Nyla, we all grieve differently, you were still a child when your life exploded before your eyes. Anyone who can’t understand who you’ve become because of that has never been through something so traumatic.

“I think you’re doing better than most, but you are the only one who can give you permission to be free. You have to say enough and mean it. I’ve always wanted you for Gio because you match his energy. When you three come together, you’re this force.

“Heal, then take that for all its worth. You have the potential to have a great life. Now, help me get this body bagged.”

“Oh, I wasn’t sure if you wanted to leave more parts in the freezer. Ming will handle the rest of the body. That bitch is going to ash land,” I say.

Ava claps her hands together as if cleaning them off. “Well, my work is done here.Andiamo,let’s get this old ghost back on her flight. Next time I’ll be coming home for my resurrection.”

“I can’t wait.”

Chapter 52

Perfect Act

Nyla

I sit at my laptop looking over statements for our businesses. The hotel, dispensaries, online loans, online betting sites and the security and hits firm. We’ve done well for ourselves.

I’ve done exactly what Gio asked for, I’ve found a bunch of earners and the best part is I’m the one-person crew he needs to keep them running. Well, there’s our tech staff, but that’s not what I mean.

In this thing, all the families have crews and territories. Online we’re not fighting for neighborhoods or worrying about who can’t get their crew to earn and kick up. The best part of all this stuff is it can’t bring a RICO case to Gio’s door.

Jace stays on top of the laws and changes, and we adapt to skirt around the changes when things become illegal. It’s a smooth machine. Between overseeing all this for Gio, training dolls, and running my gaming channel with Lizzy, I’m always busy.

I’ve never left Gio in a lurch when it comes to the businesses. I’ve done my part even from a distance.

Suddenly the scent of something delicious fills my nostrils. Then a bag appears before me. Gio places a bottle of tequila on the table and dips to kiss the side of my neck.

“What’s this?”

“I heard you on the phone earlier. You said you wanted tacos and a bottle of tequila so you could relax tonight.

“Are you trying to make up with me?” I say with a little smile.

“I know you’re going to still give me attitude for at least another week, but this is a start toward some makeup sex,” he teases before kissing my neck again.

“I don’t know about the makeup sex, but I’m killing those tacos and that bottle. Get a glass, I might share.”

“Are you working on that thing for the Andersons to find?”

“I finished that. I uncovered everything I’ve been blocking for the last few years. They’ll be able to find Kaling’s handiwork with no problem.”

“Good. I spoke to Dante earlier. I’ll call Dario tonight to finish setting things in motion. What about Riccardo’s shell company? Were you able to link the funds to it?”

“Yes, I did everything Jace told me to. I’m probably going to be sorry I asked, but what’s that move about?”

“I have a few moves you are not going to want to know about. When my brothers uncover all I want them to see, I want all fingers to point to Riccardo.”

“Gio,what are you up to?”

“I’m making Riccardo’s moves before he can. That’s all. Just remember, I’m always in control.” He winks at me as he sits and fills three shot glasses.

Jace comes out in a pair of gray sweats. He takes a seat at the table while pulling his hair up. I watch as his muscles flex. He drags my laptop in front of him and grins as he looks at the reports I was just looking through.

“Great minds,” he says. “I just finished checking in.”

“Looks good, doesn’t it?”

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