Page 25 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

Gio

“That was a waste of time,” Dario says as we climb into the SUV.

“It was what it needed to be. Things are changing. It’s making all of the leadership antsy. Things haven’t settled since Don Barbieri’s death.”

Dario pulls a hand down his face. “I didn’t think I’d be here when I grew up.”

“Relax, Peter Pan. It’s not that serious,” I scoff.

“Tell that to Papa Riccardo,” Dario huffs.

“That dick is still in your ear about shit he knows nothing about?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Dario, you’re not slow. Stop letting him treat you like his puppet. As a matter of fact, you should stop talking to him.”

“Are you for real? He calls me every day.”

“And? Ignore, block, delete. All options. I mean it, Dario. Keep him out of your ear and our business.”

“I hear you. I won’t answer any more of his calls.”

“Good.”

That should keep that bastard from digging and piss him off while at it. I can’t wait to see him begin to freak out and become unhinged. Let the stupid begin.

Chapter 11

Trick or Treat

Gio

“Have you seen Lizzy?” Jace says as he leans into me.

I look up from the glass of brandy the bartender just gave me and pull a frown at Jace’s lack of costume for the millionth time. It’s not what he was supposed to wear. I rented him a Viking costume, but since I won’t talk about Ny or when I plan to bring her home, he’s being an ass.

Blood slave. As if.

What the two of them failed to realize was that I had been ready to bring her home. I had every intention to until she took off. I don’t even know where the hell she is, so no, I don’t want to talk about her.

“No, I haven’t,” I say in reply to his question.

He gives me a smug grin and nods his head. I turn to follow the direction he’s gesturing toward. My mouth falls open. Even hunched over a book, she looks elegant and graceful in her costume.

I’ve never seen Lizzy like this, and this isn’t my first time seeing her dressed up. She’s radiating beauty as if she knows tonight is the night I’m going to present her to her match. She’s sure to pull Dante’s attention looking like this.

I look across the room and see Dante with Bella in his arms. Bella’s pointing at Lizzy while talking animatedly. The look on his face says it all.

“Got ’em,” I murmur to myself.

I start for Lizzy to ensure Dante crosses the room to engage her. Let him deny his attraction tonight. I’ve seen him glancing at Lizzy in the office, unconscious of the action.

I stop and look down at her as she reads. She smells really nice tonight too. Not her usual scent. Good. She’s done most of the work for me.

“Is this what I have my brother paying you so much for?” I whisper.

She turns to look up at me and it’s like I’m thrown back in time. All I see is Ny. I lose my breath for a moment. I crack my knuckles at my sides and reel my shit in.

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