Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
“Enough about the fucking pie.” Marcelo lowered to his seat.
I returned to my chair.
Dima turned to Marcelo. “Then, can I have your pie?”
Ignoring Dima, Marcelo glared at Kashmere. “I want answers about these Italians.”
“Motherfucker, I want answers about Pedro.” Kashmere raised her voice. “Fucking Gypsy came to me with his men, talking shit about a possible war with Killer Crows because Pedro was missing which is something I have nothing to do with, so you can shut the fuck up!”
“Which one is it, Kashmere?” A dark chuckle left Marcelo. “You want answers or you want me to shut the fuck up?”
She sneered. “I want you dead.”
“Third fucking threat this month from you.” Marcelo bobbed his head. “Is that why the men are here? You’re coming for me—”
“Boy, please. You’re paranoid. Your bitch ass is not even on my mind.” Kashmere turned to Dima and then Lei. “What happened with Pedro, and why wasn’t I told about it?”
Lei sighed. “I believe we were going to eventually say something—”
“No.” Dima shook his head. “I planned to keep it a secret forever.”
Lei frowned.
Dima continued, “So secret that I had not even discussed this with Lei, even though I knew he was at fault.”
Kashmere raised her hand and snapped her fingers.
Rue hurried over with the folder that Gypsy had given Kashmere last night. She set the thick folder down on the table.
Kashmere opened it and then spread the pictures along the plates and cutlery. “Answers. Now.”
Lei, Dima, and Marcelo stared down at the images.
“Marcelo has had his nose in Killer Crow business.” Kashmere placed her hands back on the table and knitted her fingers together. “Lei clearly did something to Pedro, and Dima cleaned the shit up. And not one of you came to me about it.”
They raised their view to her.
“I’m sure you all want to know why Italians are in Paradise City.” Kashmere gazed at them. “I am getting married this week. You all will get invitations, even fucking Marcelo. That is my showing you that we are all still friends, but are we?”
Marcelo blinked. “Marriage?”
“It would be a smart move for Kashmere to align with the DeLuca Family.” Dima turned to me. “My only discomfort comes from the fact that you chose Santino DeLuca dubbed the Destroyer of Cities.”
So the Russian knows exactly who I am. I guess he is smart.
Kashmere shrugged. “It was love at first sight, Dima. What can I do when the heart wants what it wants?”
Dima put his attention back on her. “Do you remember the story of Paradise where many years ago, the Coffin Cheaters had a good bit of control over this city, and our families united into the Diamond Syndicate and got rid of them and others?”
“I know the story.” Kashmere nodded. “What’s the point?”
Dima pulled out a black king chess piece with diamonds on it. Slowly, he twisted the king between his fingers. “The moral of the story is never bet against us.”
Lei spoke, “I killed Pedro.”
Kashmere snapped her view to him. “Why?”
“Because Romeo had died and your sister Chanel was in her office crying, and it pissed me off that her supposed husband was not there consoling her.” Rage decorated Lei’s face. “So, I went to find Pedro, and when I did, he was at a brothel getting his dick sucked by two women. I killed him right there, and I won’t apologize for it.”
Kashmere nodded. “Pedro was a cheating asshole. I won’t shed any tears for him, but there’s the problem of the Coffin Cheaters.”
Dima tapped the king chess piece against the table, getting everyone’s attention. “I should have told you, Kash, but there was so much going on. I hoped the secret would remain buried just like Pedro’s body. Therefore, the problem of the Coffin Cheaters does not fall on your shoulders. This weight is something that the Diamond Syndicate will carry.”
Marcelo raised his eyebrows. “Your marrying has nothing to do with toppling over the Diamond Syndicate or grabbing my territory?”
“I want to make Killer Crows strong, and,” Kashmere moved her hand to my lap. “And. . .I am actually falling in love.”
“Then, I’ll be at your wedding with a nice tux and a beautiful woman on my arm, ready to celebrate your love.” Marcelo nodded. “Meanwhile, Rowe Street Mob will unite with the rest of the Diamond Syndicate in handling the Coffin Cheaters.”
Lei nodded. “Four Aces will surround the West and some of my best men will unite with your main guards.”
Marcelo formed his hands into fists. “And we won’t stop until we finish Gypsy and his men for threating you.”
Hmmm.
I tenderly squeezed Kashmere’s hand, letting her know that I approved for now.
Waiters appeared with plates of food and set them down in front of us. I looked and saw a lovely cut of seared sea bass laying on top of squid ink risotto. Savory steam rose from the plate, luring me to give it a try.