I smile and nod. I know this is big for him. I appreciate the gesture.
I climb into the bed and place a hand on Ny’s hip.
“You touch me, I’m fucking you up,” Gio teases.
“Shut the fuck up and take your drunk ass to sleep.”
He chuckles. “I love you, Jace. I wouldn’t do this shit for anyone else. If something ever happens to me, I need you to take care of her.”
“Shut up. I’ll die before I let something happen to either of you. I love you too.”
CHAPTER 24
New Recruit
Gio
“Is that edible food?” Jace teases as he walks up behind Ny in our new kitchen, placing a hand on her waist. She looks up and pulls a face before sticking her tongue out at him. He pecks her lips.
We’ve been living in this apartment for a month now. I’m starting to get used to seeing them together. It doesn’t piss me off nearly as much as I thought it would. It really is an extension of the friendship we grew up having.
Things between the three of us have gotten better, we’re all closer. However, I was annoyed the first few weeks because Jace wanted to fuck every five seconds, which meant he asked me a million times for permission. I understood though.
He was finally getting his cock wet. It was still an adjustment because I was fucking the shit out of Ny in my anger. I knew what I was doing, but I couldn’t stop myself. I’d fuck her, then leave to lick my wounds.
It has become routine for Jace to hold and console her after. Kind of like when we were little, and I’d kick her ass during training and would need to go sit by myself because I was so mad I hurt her.
It had to be done, it made her stronger, better, faster, but I was still angry I had to do it. I guess Jace has always been cleaning up my messes. Back then, he held her while she cried angry tears because she wanted to be better.
“Babe, I didn’t burn the eggs. You want some?”
I look up from my laptop to see the hopeful look in her eyes. Ny can’t cook for shit, but she’s always trying. She’s getting better. I’ll give her that.
“Yeah, why not.”
The way her face lights up makes my heart skip a beat. I look back at my computer screen at the files Jace sent me. I’m looking for a specific match. I know what Petey Romano likes. I need to own him, and this doll needs to grab his full attention.
I look up at Jace. “You ready to go do that thing?”
“Yeah, she’s ready. I leave in the morning.”
“Is she okay?” Ny asks.
“A little banged up, but she’s in a safe place for now. I’ll get to her in time.”
“Handle the boyfriend first. Then collect her.”
“To make her feel safe and like we gave her a gift, right?” Ny says as she chews on a piece of bacon.
“Exactly. If he’s still out there, she’s not going to be focused on training. She’ll spend all her time afraid he’ll come back for her. That puts you in danger. This way, he’s taken care of and Jace looks like a hero. She’ll be loyal to him and open to you because he’s handing her over to you.”
“Which means I’m going back home?” I hear the sadness in her voice.
I miss her already. Our long talks at night, the scent of her lying next to me. I’m not ready to let any of that go, but I know it’s time. We have to prepare.
“I’ll fly you in once a month, but yes, for now, you’re going back.”
She rounds the counter and climbs into my lap. I place my forehead to hers. Absentmindedly, Jace places a hand on her back. She relaxes and buries her face into my neck.
I remind myself this is why I’m doing all of this. The freedom to be us and to have her in my life. I don’t care what people think. I’d give my life for these two and I know they’d do the same.
“I’m going to miss you.”
I kiss her forehead. “This time, I will at least call.”
“You better or I’m coming back here to burn all your shit down.”
I laugh as I grab her face and kiss her hard. “Just remember not to play with me. No dates or bullshit to get someone killed.”
“I have all I want. I don’t need more than you and Jace. Besides, Jace is coming to the States after this thing in Japan, right?”
I growl and she laughs. Yes, Jace will be with her for a while. I’ve been in my feelings because I can’t be. I’m still working out my plan to head back home. I’m not living under Frances’s roof, that’s for fucking sure.