Page 230 of Stalking Ginevra

I let out a bitter laugh. “Isn’t that the last line of theRapunzelitatrilogy?”

“You finished it?” he asks.

“It was so good.”

We talk about books for several minutes, in particular a deceased author with a suspiciously large back catalog. Mars thinks her agent hired a ghost writer to emulate her style, but I’m not convinced. Either way, we’re excited for her latest book about a woman who has an inappropriate relationship with a ghost.

Mars chuckles, the sound cutting through the weight in my chest. “Some women have all the luck. My ex sure as hell wouldn’t take a bullet for me.”

“Has he resurfaced?”

He shrugs, giving me a half-smile that freezes partway to his eyes. “I’m over that asshole. Dad says I should stop messing around with thugs, have a lavender marriage, and start a family.”

“What did you say?”

“I haven’t given up on love. Neither should you.”

The weight of his words settle over my heart. It’s only ever beaten for one man, and part of me still pines for his toxic love. “Find me a man who isn’t a controlling, manipulative bastard, and I’ll consider it.”

Mars tilts his head back and laughs. “Get in line, girl.”

I force a smile, wishing my chest didn’t feel so hollow. Mars fills the gap Martina left when she revealed she hated me for most of our friendship, but no one can replace Benito.

No matter how much time we spend apart, or how deeply I immerse myself in distractions, my heart still aches for the only man I truly loved.

ONE HUNDRED FOUR

BENITO

Months roll by, and I continue my therapy, but not a day passes without thinking of Ginevra. I didn’t expect her to reach out after locking gazes at the Demartini Casino, but seeing her looking so well only ignited my longing.

She’s thriving, yet I remain a shell.

Roman reunited with Emberly after rescuing her from Tommy Galliano. Cesare has already taken control of New Jersey and is blissfully content with Rosalind. Leroi and Seraphine have a perfect relationship. Even Gil has found himself a woman.

They’re all happy, except me.

Lorenzo and Vitale sit across from my desk, grinning like a couple of sharks. They’ve got reason to be smug—our profits this quarter have exceeded projections. Since helping Demartini with the credit scam, he’s guided us on how to optimize our games and maximize the casino’s revenue.

He’s even allowed a few interns from Mortis House into his operation to learn the intricate workings of the oldest gamblingestablishment in New Alderney. I’m thrilled to have broadened my boys’ career paths.

“Record profits, and we’re only halfway through the quarter.” Lorenzo slides the reports across the table.

“Old man Demartini really knows his shit,” Vitale adds.

I nod, the numbers already burned into my brain. They’ve been solid for weeks, and things are only getting better. “Good work,” I say, leaning back in my chair. “Keep it up.”

Our conversation shifts to Valeria House, the sorority I’m building with Rosalind and Reaper. It’s shaping up, following the Mortis House’s blueprint. Reaper’s been handling the groundwork and recruitment, while Rosalind is giving us pointers on training the new girls.

They’re daughters and nieces of our employees, eager for a college education. In a few years, we’ll have a small army of loyal women, just like Mortis. Valeria will be a real asset.

“Any chance we’ll get to train the girls?” Vitale asks with a salacious smirk.

I lean across the table. “Would you want someone like you watching over your sister?”

He grimaces. “No.”

A knock sounds on the door, and my new head of security rushes inside, his jaw ticking. “Boss, we’ve got trouble at the tables.”

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