Page 92 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“I don’t give a fuck if you’re in the middle of taking a shit with no toilet paper in sight. Answer my question.”

“We haven’t seen each other in weeks. We’re taking a break.”

“Fuck your break. I want you to make sure she’s not involved with Dario. She better not be the reason he’s not answering me.”

“God knows there couldn’t be any other reason not to talk to you,” he mutters.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing. I have to go.” He hangs up in my ear.

“Pussy,” I growl. “Shit.”

Chapter 34

P.Y.T.

Nyla

I’m sitting in the living room looking up information about the clinic as Gio and Jace finish getting ready. Today is my first appointment. Music starts to fill the room, bringing a smile to my face. Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T.” plays.

I lift my head and find Gio rocking his hips and watching me with a smoldering look on his face. I burst into laughter as he dances his way closer. I remember when we were fourteen and fifteen, Gio swore he was Michael Jackson, which makes this all the more hilarious. I love this side of Gio. He looks younger and happier today. This is the guy I grew up with.

“Come here,” he says and beckons me with two fingers as he stands about a foot away.

I place the laptop aside and stand. He tugs me into him and holds me close as he rocks us both to the music. I laugh more as I’m thrown back in time to a memory of Gio dancing to this song with my mom, we had to be about six and seven. Uncle Emil was still alive and wouldn’t dance with Mom, so she grabbed Gio’s hand.

Not wanting to be left out, Jace grabbed my hand and we danced beside them. As if hearing my thoughts, Jace appears, and we all dance around the living room as if we don’t have a care in the world.

Gio moves to the middle of the floor and starts to really sing and perform. I look him over with his black dress shirt sitting open as it’s half buttoned and tucked in his black slacks. He bends his head and claps his hands above it, getting into the music.

Damn, this man is fine.

Jace gives a boisterous laugh, pulling my attention to him. He has on gray slacks and a white dress shirt. His feet are still bare. His blond hair is loose and falling in his face, but I can see his smile through it. He starts a side-to-side step and begins to clap too.

“All right now,” I say and shimmy my body.

They surround me and we move as one like we were taught as children. Jace turns his back to me. I slap at his firm ass to the beat as I bop my head. This is what I’ve always imagined our lives would be like. And just like that, Gio’s phone rings.

The impassive expression on his face tells me the moment has passed. Don Gio takes over in the blink of an eye. I look down at my jeans and T-shirt. Cute, but I’m not going out with these two looking like this.

Not only do they both look gorgeous, but they smell amazing. I’m engulfed in the most mouthwatering scents. Taking a glance at the clock, I turn for the bedroom.

Jace reaches for my forearm. I look up into his eyes and place the hand of the arm he grasped on his waist. I mouth,I’m going to change.

He nods and leans in to kiss my nose. He’s nervous. I can feel the energy coming off him. Then it hits me. The dancing was for us. Gio knows we’re both about to lose our shit about this appointment.

I’m falling for him all over again. So hard.

* * *

Jace

Gio hangs up the phone and looks at me. “Find Toni. I need to see her today.”

I nod and pull my phone. It only takes a few texts to find an answer. I look back up at Gio.

“She’s having lunch with Car and Blake this afternoon atAnima Mias.”

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