Page 41 of His Kingdom

Should I be saying all this over the phone?

“He what?”

“He has guns, Evie. He opened a safe in his closet. He took guns. Told me to go to bed and that he’d be back,” I whisper.

“Okay, calm down. It’s going to be okay,” she says. “Wait… Are we even worried about Owen? I mean, he kinda deserves whatever he gets.”

“Evie!” I gasp. “We don’t want anyone dead.”

“Right. You’re right.” She nods in agreement before adding, “But… if anyone has to die, Owen is a good choice.”

“Evie? Why would someone have a safe full of guns?” I ask her.

“Ah… I’m not sure, but I have an idea. What did you say Louie’s last name was?”

I didn’t. I purposely didn’t tell them. I didn’t want them to know that he owns casinos. I don’t want them to judge him for being some rich asshole. Especially because he’snotan asshole. Well, not towards me anyway. “Louie Giuliani,” I tell her.

I hear Evie typing the name into her keyboard. “Holy shit, I mean, I knew he was hot after that quick peek. But, Sweet Mother Mary, this man is fine, Charlotte.” She whistles.

“He really is.” I sigh.

“Ah… Charlotte?” Evie pauses.

“What?”

“Have you looked him up, like at all?” she asks me.

“No. Why?” I tell her.

“He owns casinos, as inmultiple. On the Vegas strip.”

“I know,” I admit.

“There… ah… there are also some articles that suggest he’s involved in the criminal underworld,” she whispers.

“What? That’s ridiculous. Why would he be involved in the criminal underworld?” I ask.

“Why wouldn’t he be?” Evie counters. “He’s a casino owner.In Vegas. He has a safe full of guns, and he’s gone after a cop because the guy hurt you.”

“Well, when you put it like that, it doesn’t sound good. But… he’s not a bad person, Evie.”

“You don’t know him,” she reminds me.

“But I know that he’s good. He’s… I don’t know how I know. I just know that he’s not bad,” I try to explain.

“I think you should come home. I don’t like the idea of you being out there by yourself,” Evie says. “You’re in bed with a mobster.”

“Actually, I’m in bed alone right now,” I say, attempting to lighten the mood as I fall onto Louie’s mattress. “And it’s the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on.”

“Probably 'cause it’s paid for in blood money.” Evie laughs. “Look, I’m just worried about you. But I’m also excitedfor you. It’s been a long time since you’ve done anything for yourself.”

“I know.” I sigh.

“And if it’s a mobster you want to do, then just… maybe learn how to shoot a gun or something. You might need it.”

“Funny,” I retort.

“I really am booking a flight. I’m coming to see for myself that you’re safe.”

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