Page 21 of Connected

“Jack Parrish.”

“Who?”

“You’ll meet him,” Victor assures. He pauses for a second and his lips quirk. “God, he’s going to fucking hate you.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Rocco mumbles.

“Rocco, look at me,” Victor orders.

“He’s going to hate you, but he’s going to have your back and that’s fucking golden. It’s a bridge you don’t ever fucking burn and don’t you forget that.”

“Parrish is the messiah, I get it.”

“Oh, son, you have no fucking idea,” Victor retorts shaking his head. A sigh escapes him, and he leans back in his chair. “Now, are we clear because I’d like to get back to the cut of beef on my plate?”

Only an experienced man like Victor can drop a bomb like that and still have an appetite. The rest of us remain with our stomachs in knots and our heads racing with questions. I suppose time will only tell our fate, but I can’t ignore the now.

“Victor, about last night . . . ”

“What about it?” he questions as he slices into his steak.

“Well, I guess I’m concerned that Pablo’s men are going to retaliate against the hit.”

Instead of responding, he brings his fork to his lips and pops the piece of steak into his mouth. Chewing slowly, he seems to give my worry deep thought, but just as he goes to comment, the door to the private room storms open and my sister stumbles in.

“Shit,” she hisses.

Pushing back my chair, I jump to my feet and start for her.

“For fuck’s sake, I told you to stay put,” I growl, grabbing hold of her arm before she topples over on her face. My fingers dig into her skin as I look across the room at Victor.

“I’m sorry, my sister seems to be unable to follow instructions.”

“I’m not a fucking child,” she sneers, tugging her arm free.

I reach for her again, this time with both hands and I pull her out of the room.

“I’ll be just a minute,” I call over my shoulder before closing the door. Once we’re alone in the hallway, I release my hold on Violet and back her against the opposite wall.

“Are you fucking crazy?”

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