Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Toni’s a pretty woman like Carleen. Only shorter and a bit thicker. Those amber eyes are the killer, they pull you in. Their deep, dark complexions are only a bonus to their pretty faces.
I look into her eyes and know in my gut she’s here to do her part. Something has come our way. Not that I don’t already know they’re coming. Her uncle came to me a few weeks ago.
While Talon can warn me, Toni can offer me the details I need to fix this situation. It’s why I wanted her in my pocket. In all honesty, I knew this would come now. It’s time to reveal all I’ve been up to, and this is just one more obstacle I’ll have to work around.
She leans into the bar. I place my elbows against it and lean into her. “It’s your brother—Dario. His name has been mentioned a few times this week. I’m trying to find out for what charges, but I thought you would want to know,” she says and licks her lips.
I push off the bar and wink at her. “Thanks, Toni. If you can get me the names of their rats, I’d appreciate that.”
She blows out a breath. “How did I know you were going to ask for that?”
“It was a part of our deal. You told me you’d give me anything for Kaden Alderman. I’m only making a simple request as I pull major resources to find this guy,” I say innocently.
It’s total bullshit. Jace found the guy a year ago. He’s a recluse living in the mountains all alone. He’s had a shit life, starting from when he knew Toni here. He hasn’t caught a break since.
I haven’t told her yet because I need her to come through when the time comes. I’ll give her that address, I just need her to do her part.
“I could go to jail for this,” she hisses.
I fold my arms across my chest. “Your cousin is Dario’s best friend. Now you wouldn’t want to see something happen to her best friend, would you?”
She sucks her teeth and purses her lips before waving for me to refill her glass. I fill it. She throws it back and looks around the empty space as if the feds are going to run out at any minute.
“You better find Kaden,” she sasses before reaching a shaky hand into her bag to pull a sheet of paper out. “I will deny I gave you this until I’m blue in the face.”
I smile at her and take the paper. I glance at the names and commit them all to memory, then ball it up and pull a tray from under the bar to place it in. I light the paper on fire and watch it burn like every cocksucker on it will.
“Gio,” Toni gasps. “I can’t get you a copy of that.”
“You don’t have to. I have a photographic memory.” I tap my temple. “It’s all in here.”
She side glances me. “You’re one bad motherfucker. I thought Uncle Kingston wasn’t one to play with.”
“I’m going to ask for one more favor. Can you slow this down for me?”
“I can try. I’ll do my best.”
“That’s all I ask, sweetheart,” I say and turn on my best smile.
“Let me get my ass out of here. I need that favor, Gio,” she sings the last part over her shoulder as she saunters out the way she came.
“I’ll call you.”
She lifts a hand and waves. Jace walks by her as she exits. I lock eyes with him as I silently fume. All the names on that list were names that link to Dante, not Dario. They’re after the wrong twin.
Someone has to know this. However, if you look at the pecking order of the family, Dario is much higher than Dante, so I don’t think they care. I care and this ain’t happening on my watch.
Jace
I love how happy Lizzy gets over books. Ny loves to read too, but Lizzy is next level in a bookstore. I think Gio just loves to spoil her because he’s missing Ny as much as I am.
“Oh, I’ve been meaning to buy this one,” Lizzy says as she plucks up another book.
I already have my arms full of the second stack she’s made so far. Gio won’t deny her a single page. She places two more books on my pile.
“Don’t you have that one?” Gio teases as she picks up another.
“You know what?” She starts to chew on her lip. “I was thinking that I might. I’m not sure though.”
Gio laughs. “I was joking.”
She shrugs and picks up another to read the jacket. I turn and head to take this stack to the counter where the girl who knows us takes them to place with the others. I head back for Gio and Lizzy, checking my phone for messages.