Page 109 of His Hell Girl

"You're right," she agrees, "because who else would have direct access to both Misha and Miles if not someone who knew them both?"

I'd already gone through all of Misha's connections from New Jersey—most of them dead by now—and I'd come empty-handed. Still, there is one more person…

"I need to look again at all the people Misha had been in contact with," I tell her.

What I don't say is that I'm becoming increasingly sure that this person could be Meester. He knew my father and our family, and he sure as hell knew Misha. Besides, his heated attempt to get me married to his daughter years ago to get some footing in New York does make him suspicious.

But I haven't uncovered any evidence that he's been in contact with Miles—one way or another. That he'd sent an entire squad to finish me off does put him in the running, but I don't want to speak without having any proof to back up my hunch.

"We should do one of those connection boards like they have in detective shows," Sisi suggests, excited. "That way we can keep track of everyone."

"You know what, hell girl? That's not a bad idea at all," I praise her, entrusting her with the task of doing that when we get home.

Home…

Funny how it had never been home before. But one plucky former nun and my entire life's been turned upside down.

"Shit, Sisi. Your brother," I groan as the thought suddenly crosses my mind.

Surprisingly, he hadn't come looking for me in New Orleans. Knowing Marcello, I would have assumed he would send an entire army to rescue his saintly sister from the clutches of the devil–armed with holy water, of course.

But now that we'll be back in the Big Apple, there's no way Marcello won't be alerted to our presence.

"Don't worry. I'll handle that." Sisi puts her hand up, a serious expression on her face. "We'll go to the house and we'llcalmlyexplain the circumstances. He's bound to understand, right?"

I don't want to scare her by telling her that there's no way in hell that Marcello's going to understand. But I find myself agreeing with her anyway.

"Exactly, it shouldn't be too bad." I nod, my features strained.

But she is right in one respect. The faster I solve the situation with Marcello, the sooner I'll have time to focusallmy attention on Miles and his cronies. Though I am sure therewillbe blood spilled.

"There's also Guerra," Sisi bites the inside of her cheek, looking worried. "I don't think they're too pleased either. They'll want some type of retribution to save face."

"I'll deal with Guerra, don't worry." I wave my hand dismissively. They're the least of my concerns right now.

"How?"

"Let's just say I have something they want." The corner of my mouth tugs up. "And they would certainly be put out if I were to offer my services to DeVille instead."

"You're devious." Sisi punches my arm playfully.

"It's the politics of our world." I shrug. "And you're becoming better and better at dealing with them."

"I adapt," she replies, a haunted look on her face. "I always adapt."

Snaking an arm around her, I bring her into me, her front flush against mine. It will never cease to amaze me that despite our different sizes we fit so well, her place right at home in my arms.

"You don't have to adapt anymore, hell girl. From now on, the world will adapt toyou." I tell her, taking a strand of her hair and pushing it gently behind her ear to get a better look of her lovely face.

She raises her eyes at me, her gaze dazed as she's trying to ascertain the veracity of my words.

"I made a vow to you, Sisi. I'll lay the entire world at your feet.No onewill ever look down on you again."

I tip her chin up, leaning forward to press a kiss on her lips.

"From now on, everyone will bowto you," I continue, watching a small tear make its way down her face.

Pressing my thumb to her skin, I wipe it away.

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