Page 61 of Sweet Lies

“You’re both idiots,” Claire mutters in disgust before leaving the house, content now that we won’t kill each other.

“What’s the plan?” Andre asks.

I’m sure he hates this turn of events, now he’s independent and used to making his own plans. I have to hold in my laughter at the comedy of the situation.

“We leave in the morning. I’m sending Lily to Texas to stay with Alex. I don’t want her here without me, and I don’t want to take her with us in case things take a turn. Alex will see to her safety, and Becca’s. For now, they’re better off not involved, or at least being not seen.”

“Don’t you think we could use Alex and his men here?” Andre challenges.

“They would be helpful, but not yet. They’re of more use working in the background. The others don’t know the connection he has with Logan and Sebastian—Logan wants to keep it hidden for his own purposes. He doesn’t want anyone to know of his other dealings and power outside this world they’ve created. But with our connection to that family, we have more power than they believe, and I want to keep it that way.”

“That family played the largest role in our father’s death,” I spit. “In case you’d forgotten.”

His eyes harden. “I haven’t forgotten anything.”

I know he’s also referring to me shooting him, but since he’s been so forgiving to the others, I won’t concern myself. I just mentally roll my eyes.

“I need to return home and get everything in order. I’ll see you two in the morning. Little sister, if you double-cross me, I’ll send you to hell. We’ve both changed. Best you remember that.”

He takes his leave of us then, and once the door shuts, I direct all my rage toward Andre.

* * *

ANDRE

If I were a weaker man, I might have crumbled under the weight of Rebecca’s stare. Instead, I face her and take it all. Her face tightens and her eyes flash in rage. Everything she wants to give me, I let her. She needs a release, and it seems I’m the target.

“You betrayed me,” she hisses, attempting a jab in my direction. I block the move easily and grip her arm before pushing her back.

“You did yourself no favors. Why did you go after him? You knew what would happen. Don’t act the victim; it doesn’t suit you.”

“You’d take his side after everything?” She aims a kick at my midsection. Expecting the move, I slide back, which only makes her angrier. Neither of us is trying to do any damage though, so this is just a waste of time.

“You believe whatever you want. I don’t have to waste my breath trying to explain myself to you.”

“You’re right; you don’t. Writing your excuses down has always been more your style,” she states, kicking out once more.

This time she does makes contact. I catch her leg and twist it down, causing her to tumble to the floor.

This is getting us nowhere. “You wanted out, and I gave you that; you caused your fate returning.” I turn away from her. “I’ll see you in the morning. Don’t think of running. I’ll find you, and I won’t consider our history when I do.”

I’ll sell this safe house within the week. I don’t want to take any chances. There’s a possibility I won’t buy another one in New York either—there are too many complications here. Showing my face with the Rossis will make a statement as to where my alliances lie, and someone will make an attempt. I’m sure it’s just a matter of when and how this will play out. There’ll be hell to pay if the other families find out the connections between the Rossi and Regio clans. They’ll be concerned for their safety and businesses and take action.

My phone rings as I slide into my car. I answer it and wait for the voice on the other end to speak.

“I hear you’re the man to call if something needs to be taken care of.”

I don’t recognize the voice, though that isn’t out of the norm.

“You’ve heard correctly. I have personal business I need to take care of first before I take another job. How soon do you need it done and what’s the name?” I ask. I’m not one to say no to work, but I can’t commit till I know long this thing with the Rossis is going to take.

“Alex Moretti. Soon. Going rate is a million,” the deep voice answers.

I’m thankful no one else can see my shocked expression. It can’t be a coincidence that someone has put a hit out on Elijah’s brother-in-law and Logan’s half-brother. They may not know the full details, but they want Alex gone.

For the first time in God knows how long, my gut twists in response to an offer. If I don’t accept, someone else will. However, if I don’t complete the job, it’ll affect my options in the future. I live off word of mouth, and one live man that’s supposed to be dead is bad for business.

This was a moment of choice—a moment where I had to choose where my true alliances lie.

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