“I’ve got it. Your mother wants the same thing. You think just like her,” Gwen says proudly.
“Thanks for all you’re doing for us.”
“No thanks needed.”
I almost ask her why she does what she does, but I remember Nonno telling me why he thinks the bond was formed. Gwen is the reason for my mother’s first kill. Beth helped clean it up. The three were inseparable from there.
It’s not something you ask a woman about. It’s also why Beth picked her soldiers the way she did and why I will do the same. We will hand them a reason to be loyal.
CHAPTER 10
Handling Business
Nyla
I’ve had so much fun today. We went to dinner and Jace drove me around in the new car Lucas gave him as a present. I love that Lucas still spoils him like a son. Jace even gave me a new Sidekick. I’ve been wanting one of those.
However, something has changed in the last hour. Jace keeps looking at his device and it keeps buzzing. I’m hoping he’ll stick around until midnight for my birthday, but I’m starting to wonder if he has another girl waiting for him this visit.
I pull my hair up in a ponytail and scoot closer to him as we play video games in my room—well, I’m playing, he’s watching. I try sticking out my nonexistent boobs. I’ve been hoping he’ll try to kiss me all day.
His Sidekick buzzes again, causing him to check it. I pout to myself and focus back on the game. Project 007 is one of my favorite games. I love the first-person shooter action.
“Hey, gorgeous, I have to go. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he murmurs and leans in to kiss my forehead.
I sag my shoulders. “Aww, do you have to go? It’s only an hour before my birthday. I wanted to bring it in with you.”
He cups my face and kisses the corner of my mouth. “I promise to text at midnight. I need to be somewhere.”
“Are you going to see a girl?”
“Never,” he breathes. “I’m forever yours. I’ve loved you all my life, Ny. You have no idea all I’ll do for you.”
He kisses my forehead again and stands. Just then Lizzy ambles into the room with her doll baby under her arm. She walks right by Jace and comes to sit and pick up the controller I’ve abandoned.
I stare after Jace. My heart hurts as I wonder where he’s off to. I love him too. Maybe it’s wrong for me to be so hung up on Gio when Jace is always here. I don’t blame him for not wanting to kiss me.
Tomorrow, tomorrow I’m going to let Gio go and move on with Jace. He’s the one who shows he cares. Look how often he comes to see me.
Yup, I’m letting Gio go once and for all. I knit my brows as I turn my attention to the TV screen. Lizzy is five, but she’s also really smart. Which she proves as she plays the game with her tiny hands and maneuvers the level like a pro.
“Holy cow, Lizzy. You’re killing it.”
I guess I startle her because the screen goes red. I wrap an arm around her and squeeze. I love this little girl so much.
She looks up at me as I release her and makes a little rat face as she sniffs the air. I smile and laugh, she’s so stinking cute. However, she’s right, it smells good in here. Jace’s scent is still lingering in the room.
“Okay, you. Let’s get you tucked in.”
I take her to her room and get her into her bed, then read her a story. I have another thirty minutes before midnight once she falls out. I head to my room for a shower.
Jace
I wanted to stay until Ny’s birthday, but Gio and I need to make these hits happen at the same time. He’s on his way to the address I got for him for Pauly R’s goomar.
Pauly T. is my job. He’s at a restaurant across town. Lucas invited him out under the pretense that he’ll get a shot at running a crew if he does a job for him.
Total bullshit. Lucas has been running things here in the States for Nonno in Ava’s absence, but he would never allow someone like Pauly T. to do anything more than park his car. Riccardo and his minions are all stupid. Riccardo’s arrogance will be his downfall. He thinks he’s controlling things.
He was actually happy to see Lucas step in, never questioning Nonno’s move. I guess it’s because Frances is his pawn. However, the Di Lorenzos are the smart ones here.
Lucas moves as if he’s an adviser to Frances. You would never know he’s an acting underboss. Frances is as much his pawn as he is his father’s.
I’m learning from the best. Patience will get me to my goal. However, first I need to make sure our girl remains safe.