Page 11 of Giovanni

“Getting the bags.”

I nodded, seeing the young woman in his arms. I couldn’t see her face, but her hair was golden blonde, and from the look of her, she was very much underweight, which worried me. Was she sick? Would she need medical care? What exactly was she doing with the Golden Skulls? He would soon answer many questions, but first, I needed her name. “And who is the beautiful woman in your arms?”

“None of your business.”

Well, I wasn’t expecting that response. Reginald had grown up since we last saw each other, apparently. I was happy about that, well, not that he had a smart mouth, but happy, nonetheless. Grinning wickedly, I simply stated, “That wasn’t very polite, cousin. Now before I lose my temper, I’ll ask you again. Her name?”

Answering quickly, he replied. “Layla. Her name is Layla.”

“Thank you.”

“Holy fuck, Reggie,” I heard Dwayne curse and sighed. Seeing him was refreshing. He, too, had grown up, and like Reggie, Dwayne really did need a shower and shave. Apparently, he really took to the M.C. life. That boy was never going to change. God help me. “What the fuck did you pack?”

“And there is that mouth I’ve missed.”

Dwayne froze. He dropped all the bags he was carrying, and before I could do or say anything, he had his gun out and pointed directly at me. “Blink bitch. Do it. Give me a reason to fucking kill you.”

Sighing, I slowly put my glass down on the small table next to me before I said. “Hello, Dwayne.”

“Asshole.”

God help me.

I was going to have to take that mouth out back and reintroduce him to some manners.

4

Giovanni

“Reginald, there is a cabin in the back. You can put the young lady in there. I am sure she would like some privacy. When you have her settled, please come back out here so we can catch up.”

Reggie quickly did as I requested, leaving me alone with Dwayne.

“Put the gun away, Dwyane. I’m not armed.”

“And I’m Mother Theresa.”

“Don’t be sacrilegious.”

“Don’t be an asshole.”

“Put. The. Gun. Away.”

“No need to get snippy, asshole,” Dwayne muttered under his breath as he secured his gun. “Just making sure my bro is safe.”

“I would never hurt Reginald.”

Dwayne snorted, saying nothing as he found a seat and plopped down like a two-year-old. No manners. When he belched and stretched out, it took everything in me not to get up and smack him on the back of the head. “So, whatcha been up to lately?”

“I have been up to family business, and please remember you are part of this family, and as such, you will behave properly.”

“Not my family anymore.”

“You may not want anything to do with us, Dwyane, but you are and will be until you die, a part of my family. Have you called your mother to let her know you are returning?”

“Nope. Reggie sprang this on me about two hours ago.”

“So why am I hosting you and the young lady?”


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