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)
I need this time to myself. If they know where I am, that’s going to change things. I don’t know if I want that change just yet. If Gio’s not offering Riccardo up, that’s only going to fuel my anger more.
I look down at my phone as Ming group texts the photo the guy just took. I smile and decide to forward the pic to Jace. After all, he has helped me to find these treasures. He texted me earlier to wish me a happy birthday.
Jace: Your first ink. I can’t wait to see it in person.
Jace: Are you good? Do you need anything else?
I look around at the girls again. Nope, I don’t need anything else. I figured out the formula Gio was missing. Not all the girls he chose were legit smart. They could impersonate wits, but when you deep dove, they couldn’t handle the task.
Me: I’m good. These will do for now. Thanks.
Jace: I miss you.
Me: I miss you too.
Jace: Don’t you think it’s time to come home?
Me: He has to tell me he wants me back.
Jace: He does. I do.
Me: It has to be him.
Jace: I know, but I need you. I love you.
My heart pangs. Jace is always in the middle of things. This is so unfair to him. However, I can’t sacrifice myself anymore. I’m losing myself.
Me: I love you too. I’ll come when he asks for me.
Jace: Enjoy the rest of your day, baby. Love the tat. You look gorgeous. See you soon.
I can’t stop smiling as I put my phone away. I look around me and see the family I’ve made for myself. The only one missing is Lizzy. I miss my sister.
The last time I saw her in person was right before I took off. It was Halloween—almost a year ago—we dressed up and took pictures together. It was one of those pictures I sent to Gio to tell him goodbye.
For a while, I would FaceTime or something with Lizzy. The curious looks on her face are what made me stop the video chats before she called me on lying about where I was.
She thinks I’m on some assignment for Gwen and the firm. It’s been six whole months since we’ve gamed together. I miss her so much.
This time when I do go home, it’ll be to spend time with the people I love. It’s time I stop chasing ghosts. Daddy didn’t want this for me.
My anger and need for revenge are my one regret. I don’t know what may have been different if I had let go of all this years ago. Now it’s too late. Everything is gone and I can taste the one thing I’ve been chasing.
“You all right?” Holly leans in to whisper.
I turn and smile at her. “Everything is perfect.”
The waiter comes over and places a drink in front of me. He gives me a smile and nods over his shoulder. I follow his gaze and find a tall blond smiling my way as he lifts his drink.
“I was told to give this one to you specifically.”
I turn back to the table, ignoring the guy and the drink. Holly, Ming, Kamiko, and Alyona all laugh. I shrug.
“He’s kind of hot,” Kamiko says.
“Not my type. And look at him. I know I don’t look my age, but I know I have him by at least ten years. No thanks.”
“Not to mention, he doesn’t have half the swag of one of your guys.”
“Right?” I say and lift my drink to Holly.
“You one lucky woman,” Alyona says, her Russian accent getting heavier with each drink. “Jace not beta. I don’t know how you handle all that energy, my friend.”
I grin at her, not saying a word. I don’t kiss and tell. Their curiosity won’t come from me bragging.
“More shots,” Blu sings.
“I like you,” Alyona says.
“So far, so good, but I’m waiting for them to meet the doll collector and curator,” Ming says with a mischievous smile.
“Um,” I murmur and take a sip of my drink.
I made myself clear from day one. These girls aren’t going to play themselves. Everyone at this table has genuine respect for me. They match my vibe and there’s no jealousy.
I’m not fighting with their insecurities. This time I have women. Not little girls trapped in women’s bodies.
“To true friends,” I say and lift my glass.
“To true dolls. Protectors of the Dollhouse,” Ming says.
Chapter 10
Don’t Lose Focus
Gio
I stand in my Manhattan apartment, staring out the floor-to-ceiling window, lost in thought. A while ago, I pulled Ny’s engagement ring out of the safe and placed it on my pinkie as my longing for her has gotten heavy today. I lift the hand I have it on and stare down at it.
“Marone, baby. How did we lose our way?” I murmur to myself.
I’m split into pieces. I’m the man who knows his mission. I’m also the man who knows I’ve unintentionally abandoned the one person I love most. I’m also a man bleeding out as he holds it all together.