Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 96198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“Fuck you, and I’m going to tell her about this, you asshole. I can’t believe she’s so crazy about you. What the fuck?”
Ny comes sauntering out of the shadows, clapping her hands. “I’m glad you passed his test because I was going to kill your ass if you touched him and make him get rid of the body. Gio,” she drags out my name. “Your ass plays too much. I’ve only been here two days and you’re trying to make me catch a body.”
“What?” Ming says, looking between the two of us.
Ny takes a seat beside her, placing her long legs into the water. I fight against my impulse to stare at her, rooting myself to where I stand so I don’t move closer as Nonno’s words play in the back of my head.
I shrug. “I do want you to stay longer, but I would never cheat on Ny. By the way, that’s the first secret I need you to keep. Ny and I are only friends to the rest of the world. I don’t care who you think someone is to us. We’re friends.”
“You were testing me? Why?”
“I needed to know you’re not the type to be a problem for her, my goals, or our relationship. I want to help you and your family, Ming. In return, I have something I want you to do for me and Nyla.”
“Okay, I’m listening.”
“You can say we’re about to become business partners. Nyla has given you a set of skills. You also have a few skills of your own I want to acquire. You come work for me, I’ll help you with the rink. I’ll put it in your name. However, you will also give Ny access to the facility for what I’m asking for.
“I’ll pay for all the upgrades and renovations. I also need you to run point for Ny. You will work with her and Jace until my goal is accomplished.”
“What exactly is your goal?” Ming asks, looking at me warily.
“I need soldiers. Soldiers who serve two purposes. The men I’m about to engage will need favors, I will grant those favors. My soldiers will be liaisons between myself and these men and on occasion, my soldiers may need to exterminate them or others.”
“You’re talking about women, women soldiers.”
“Yes, I’m building a house for them with our new partnership. You will house my collection.”
“Your doll collection,” Ny snorts. “You don’t just want soldiers. You want pretty killers.”
I wink at her and tip an imaginary hat. I knew she would pick up on what I’m up to. Men don’t think clearly around pussy. They’re willing to lose it all for it. I can control just about any outcome with the right pussy.
That’s why I need a collection. If I have the pussy, I have the value. So I control the fucking room.
“Loyalty is key, and discretion is a must. We don’t hesitate to kill. You’re either with us or against us and if you’re against,”—I shrug—“there’s no need for you to exist.”
“Cool. My parents are driving me nuts. I could use my own thing. I’m in.”
And just like that, I have my first doll.
CHAPTER 19
Something for You
Nyla
“Look at you. You’re so grown up and pretty,” Ava coos as she hugs me and rocks back and forth.
“It’s so good to see you. You look great.”
“I spend most of my time working in the sun. It’s a far cry from my old life.”
“I told you we could move you somewhere else, somewhere away from Italy and America. You can have your life back,” Gio says.
“I’ve grown attached to this place. I like knowing your grandfather is in the same country as I am. This is home.” She waves him off. “Come, Nyla. Sit with me. You have to tell me all about what you’ve been up to. Is there someone special in your life?”
I look up at Gio. He has his eyes narrowed on my face. I don’t get to answer as he moves behind me, wraps one arm around my waist and his other hand around my neck to tip my head back, then kisses me breathless right in front of his mother.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you two picked things back up.”
“Actually, I came to visit Nonno and somehow, this guy has been all over me since I arrived,” I tease.
“Fuck outa here,” Gio croons, tugging me into him and burying his face in my neck. He pinches my ass, causing me to yelp.
I look up at him and pout. He pecks my lips before saying, “She almost made me go back home to kill some guy. Showing up was her way of saving her little friend.”
“I love seeing you this happy, Gio. I’m also glad you’re here, Nyla. I’ve been wanting to talk to you for some time. Did Jace come with you guys?”