Page 483 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

“Nico, you didn’t drag Shaye into marriage kicking and screaming,” I remind him. “She adores you and always has. She grew up in the same life you did. And when she tried to distance herself, she always came running back because of you. You didn’t drag her into anything, so stop beating yourself up over that.”

He sighs. “I’m just always waiting for the other shoe to drop, and I hate that I can’t watch over you.”

I giggle. “That’s a joke. I feel like you have more surveillance on me out here than you did when I was back in New Jersey, between the Severinovs and Kat. I’m fine!”

“Just do me a favor,” he says, his expression darkening. “Keep your eyes open, okay? Have Kat give you a few more self-defense lessons, her way.”

“Oh, you mean the way where she cuts open someone’s jugular?”

Nico snickers. “Yeah, that’s her signature move. Learn it, love it, live it.”

“Okay,” I say. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Lil. Say hi to the girls for me. We’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”

“Right, the meeting you told me about to discuss working with that syndicate something or other,” I muse. “So that’s happening? You decided to move forward with it?”

“Looks that way. We needed to feel out one of the families, and Dad seems happy with work they did.” He sighs. “I don’t know if I love the idea. Too many cooks in the kitchen fuck up the meal, you know what I mean?”

“Or maybe it’ll be an even better, more delicious meal because of what you all bring to the table.” I snicker loudly. “You get it? Table?”

Nico rolls his eyes. “You’re hysterical.”

“I try.”

He grins. “Okay, I’ve gotta run. Be safe and I’ll talk to you soon.”

I blow him a kiss and click to end the call.

Talk about ‘big brother’ watching.

I bet he got a full report from Kat earlier this morning.

And I have to ask Kat about that signature move, too. I’ll have the scalpel, may as well learn how to use it like a ninja assassin.

My phone rings again, almost immediately after hanging up with Nico.

“Morning, sunshine! Come and meet me for breakfast! I’m at the Café Metro,” Kat sings out. “And I already ordered you a Bloody Mary so you can start your day right!”

“One for you, too, I hope?” I ask.

“Hell, no! I don’t pollute my vodka with fucking tomato juice!”

“Okay, let me call Chloe?—”

“No need. She’s already here and one drink in!”

“You guys are crazy. I need coffee!” I giggle, butterflies in my belly awakening at the thought of walking through the lobby.

You never know who you might see…

“I’ll make sure both are waiting for you.”

“Great, I’ll see you in ten.” I click off the phone and grab my handbag, sliding my feet into a pair of sandals.

A few minutes later, I’m in the elevator, sailing to the lobby, anticipation coursing through me despite the fact that I haven’t had a single sip of caffeine this morning. I step into the lobby, greeted by clanging slot machines. I shake my head. I guess slot jockeys have no concept of time.

I walk through the casino, grinning at the jingling bells and excited cheers coming from the gamblers I pass. My heels click along the polished marble tile floor and my eyes dart left and right, searching, hoping to catch a glimpse of Zeno. He didn’t say how long he’d be here. Actually, he didn’t say much of anything, come to think of it.

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