Page 44 of Mafia Handbook

Nodding, Bash blew out a breath. “I have to tell her who Gridlock is.”

“True,” Slate agreed. “You need to be honest with her.” Tipping his head toward the door, “Right after I deliver the message your Uncle Kevin sent her.”

* * *

Milena cringedwhen she heard the door to the maintenance room open and shut, followed by the distinct sounds of Bash and Slate talking in hushed voices. Keeping her focus on the task of making coffee, Milena mentally prepared herself to act as if she hadn’t learned of Bash’s betrayal.

Rounding the corner into the kitchen, Bash froze in his tracks as he laid eyes on Milena. As much as he wanted to argue with Slate, he knew it was time to come clean. “Hey, babe, I didn’t wake you, did I?”

Sucking in a measured breath, Milena donned the best smile she could conjure up, slowly glancing over her shoulder.

“Not at all,” she lied sweetly, her gaze drifting to Slate who stood silently beside Bash.

“Mr. Slate?” Faking surprise, Milena dried her hands as she rounded the island, “I didn’t know you were coming. Has something happened?” Vaulting her attention between the pair.

“Yes, Milena, something has happened. Why don’t you finish brewing the coffee. I had a late night which spilled into this morning and could use a pot or two of caffeine. Bash and I will gather everything and meet you in the office.”

Milena took her time in preparing the tray of coffee. Using the precious minutes to remind herself no one ever died of a broken heart. Granted, the coming weeks would be hell, but she’d survived being homeless, cut off from her family, and hunted by some psychotic asshole, she would get over Bash.

Making sure she made plenty of noise as she padded down the hall, the last thing she wanted was to stumble upon another conversation not meant for her.

“I didn’t know if you took cream or sugar.” Keeping her focus on the cups full of black nectar, Milena set the tray on an empty table in the corner of the room.

Standing from his chair, Slate crossed the space. “Black is fine, Milena. Bash says you make a hell of a cup of coffee.”

Uninterested in small talk, Milena moved to take her usual chair beside Bash, but thought better of it. “You mentioned something happened. Did you locate Gridlock?”

Bash could feel his heart hammering in his chest. He’d faced a multitude of dangerous situations during his time as a SEAL, however, this moment tarnished them all.

“Before we get to that, there’s something you need to know.” Slate admitted over the lip of the cup, he could sense the apprehension rolling off Milena. “Grab a chair, Milena. I have a feeling you’ll want a seat for what I have to tell you.”

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