Page 156 of Hexed
I glance at the sign again. “You own the butcher shop?”
“On paper. I give everything to his wife and kids. Take care of ’em, you know?”
My heart swells. “You know, you’re actually a really sweet guy.”
He looks at me like I’ve offended him. “I’mincrediblysweet, and it’s offensive you thought I wasn’t.”
I snort. “Please.”
We continue to make our way down the street. Eventually, I ask, “So how come you don’t live here now?”
“Makes more sense to be in the city. Can’t control the streets if you aren’t there yourself to see them. And can you imagine the drive? Forget about it.”
Suddenly, he stops walking and pulls out his phone, his brows drawing down when he swipes his screen. “My guy Gio’s here. Come on, we’ve gotta head back to the car.”
It only takes a few minutes to get there, but in the time we’ve been gone, Scotty and Bastien both have made their way out of the vehicle, Bastien leaning against the passenger door while Scotty talks to a tall, broad man I’ve never seen before.
They all turn to us when we walk up.
“Who’s this?” the guy asks, his brows wiggling at Enzo.
Enzo drops a heavy arm around my shoulder and drags me into his side. “This is Venesa.” He points at Gio. “You’ll treat her with respect, or I’ll fuck you up.”
Gio smirks and reaches out his hand. “Ah, Venesa. Heard a lot about you.”
I place my palm in his, and he brings it up to his mouth. He lingers, and I have a sneaking suspicion it’s on purpose.
Enzo smacks the back of his head. “That’s enough.”
I smile and take my hand away. “Nice to meet you, Gio.”
Enzo groans and squeezes my hip. “I’m gonna go chat with Gio real quick. You good?”
I suck on my teeth and nod.
Enzo tells Scotty to start the car, and the second they’re both gone, Bastien levels me with a look. “You tell him yet?”
His question startles me because how does he know I need to? Ashamed, I shake my head. “It’s not that easy.”
“Fuck that, V. You’ve gotta tell him. Get it over with.”
Something lodges in my throat. “He’ll hate me.”
“You let him decide that. But you can’t keep it from him. You need to be honest.”
“I’m going to,” I snap at him. “Don’t push me. It’s none of your business anyway.”
Bastien chuckles and shakes his head, stepping toward me. “Youare my business, V. I’m here for you, playing both sides and keeping your uncle none the wiser. I’m with you here, but you’ve gotta handle your shit. Tell him.”
It’s irritating to have Bas on my back, but that irritation is because deep down, I know he’s right.
Enzo walks over, a serious look on his face. “Change of plans. Gio found someone I had him looking for.” He glances at me. “You ever heard of Frankie Bianchi?”
My brows shoot to my hairline. “No, but Bianchi is my dead aunt’s maiden name.”
He nods. “Frankie is apparently Aria’s uncle, and someone I’m dying to talk to. You want to come with? Or else I can have Scotty drop you at the hotel.”
I nod, becauseof courseI want to go with him.
