Page 26 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“You and I both know this isn’t what your brother pays me for,” she says then leans in to whisper. “Nor is he the one who pays me.”

It’s the wink. Ny’s face flashes in my head. I recover quickly and wink back, placing a finger to my lips. I pretend to glance around swiftly as if to hide our secret, but in fact I’m looking for Dante.

I find him watching us. Bella’s still talking excitedly in his arms. Thank God that troll cunt wife of his isn’t around.

Come on, make a move.

I turn my attention back to Lizzy. “You look stunning. I don’t regret a dime.”

I don’t. If I can give Dante what I wish I had years ago, it’s money well spent. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

She laughs. “But that’s not what you pay me for either and we know the pumpkin will return at midnight.”

I frown and look her deep in the eyes. She’s gorgeous with or without the makeup and costume. I wish I could get her to see that. If I weren’t in love with her sister and a few years younger, I’d keep her for myself.

“It’s always the treasures that don’t understand their value,” I murmur.

“Whatever, my world is much more reality based than yours. This is why we’re friends. I anchor you to the real world.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re a brat.”

I tug her into a hug. She is, but I still love her. Call me crazy. I have a thing for the bratty Manning sisters. As I hold her in my embrace, Dario and Carleen come over. Dante is still watching as if he’s contemplating crossing the room.

Don’t be a stunad. Come over.

“Good to see you again, Lizzy,” Dario says as he looks between myself and Lizzy.

I almost reach out to pop him upside his head. I’m sure he’s thinking Lizzy is one of my latest conquests from the look in his eyes. I’ll get the last laugh concerning him.

He hates Lou Kelley and the fact that Carleen has been dating him for the last six months, since I matched them up on that bogus app. He’s asked me to look into him and even mused out loud about shooting the guy.

In time.

“Nice to see you too. How’s the restaurant?” Lizzy replies, right as Dante starts for us.

“No. Not tonight,” I say sternly.

If Dante hears us talking business, he’ll forget about having a good time and we’ll be talking numbers and strategies. I don’t want that tonight. His focus needs to be on Lizzy.

Jace comes over and leans into my ear. “I’ve found her. She’s in Chicago. She’s been there for a few weeks,” he whispers.

I school my features, although I’m ready to explode. Tony C. told me he didn’t hear from her when I called to see if maybe she was hiding there. I’m going to slit his fucking throat.

I nod slightly to Jace. I’ll handle this shit later. “Give me a second,” I murmur to him.

* * *

Jace

I nod and say nothing. I knew he’d be pissed. Tony C. has some explaining to do. I personally want him to do it face to face.

I only found out the truth through Alyona. She may be loyal to Ny, but she still has a bond with me from when I saved her from her husband all those years ago.

As I stand and listen to the exchange between Lizzy, Bella, and Dante, I’m stewing. I’m ready for Ny to come home. She would be safe with me in the Tuxedo house. I don’t like how we left things.

“I’d like that.”

Bella’s little voice pulls me from my angry musing. I can’t help staring at how adorable she is. Instantly, I imagine a pretty little daughter with Nyla. This has been killing me, my dream feels like it’s slipping away.

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