Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70269 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70269 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Pops laughed. “In case you don’t realize it, we’re in the business of extortion. You didn’t just hand him the money, did you?”
“No, I gave him the standard contract for a large loan.”
Pop scowled. “How large?”
When I said the amount, Val gasped. I glared at him, and he had the decency to look apologetic.
“You’re not authorized to loan that amount,” Pops growled.
“I was going to discuss it with you, then things…got out of hand.”
“You’re goddamn right they did. Now you’ve loaned out all this money, and you fancy yourself Balogh’s savior. He’s constantly in the spotlight, and we’ve got an enemy back in town planning to do God knows what.”
“It’s not my fault Benito came back to Boston.”
“Somehow, I feel like it must be.”
“Pops,” Val said, frowning at him.
Their relationship had improved since Liam had saved Pops’ life. But my father still regarded me like a wayward child. To be fair, me punching a security guard had only made that worse. I’d known better. I always knew better, but I was impulsive. I knew it was a fault, but I wished it didn’t mean I would always be the shithead brother.
“You’re not going to listen no matter what I say, are you?” Pops asked. I had to acknowledge he’d changed since Val and Liam’s wedding. He still didn’t trust me like I wanted him to, and he was still scary as fuck, but he was softer, more willing to talk instead of command. He’d been through hell, and I realized why he was so distant and cold, but it was nice to see him melting a little around the edges.
“You’ve already pulled guards to stay with him.”
So he did know. “How did you figure that out so fast?”
He smiled. “I never reveal my secrets, but in this case, I made an educated guess. You wouldn’t be here if he was alone and unguarded.”
Damn it. Would I ever learn not to get caught in his traps? “I don’t think Zeke realizes how much danger he’s in. He’s scared, and he knows the guys in Vegas mean business. He’s desperate to keep his career on track and not let his gambling ruin everything for him, but I don’t think he realizes how fucking crazy Benito is. That motherfucker would attack him in the middle of the street in broad daylight. Zeke’s strong as hell, but—”
“His strength won’t do a damn thing against a gun.”
“Exactly. And he was walking around unarmed. He doesn’t even carry a fucking knife on him. I put a tracker in the pocket of his leather jacket while he was in the bathroom. He wears it everywhere.”
“Jesus,” Val said.
Pops actually smiled. “You really have assimilated to this world. You were meant for the life you’re in, but if Zeke isn’t….”
“He’ll adjust,” Val said. “Liam has.”
“Liam was also born to it.”
“It’s not like in your genes or something,” Val argued.
Pops raised his brows. “Are you so sure?”
“Look at Cousin Ricky.”
My father snorted. “Don’t mention him ever again. I don’t think he could shoot a wall if he was two feet from it. He’s crashed at least five cars, and he faints at the sight of blood.”
“So I’m not the biggest fuck up in the family after all.”
Pops rolled his eyes. “Go back to Zeke. I’m going to need time to delve into this. I’ll put everyone on high alert and talk to Lucien first thing tomorrow. We’re not going to let Benito leave the city alive.”
“Fuck right we’re not.”
I walked out side by side with Val. I’d won. At least for now.
16
ZEKE
So much had happened in the last day that my head was spinning. I felt the need to pinch myself and make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Had Vito gotten on his knees and given me the best blow job of my life? And then he’d come on me? And I’d begged for it? This was insane.
I wanted him to tell me everything he knew about Benito. I might not love the idea of Vito enacting revenge on anyone who threatened me, but Benito deserved whatever he got. I was sure Vito knew more about him than he’d told me.
How long would it be until Vito returned? This was all so overwhelming that part of me wanted to run before he got back, but I had a feeling I’d never get past the guards he’d stationed here, especially not with one of them across the room. Even if I could elude them, where the fuck was I going to go? I had a game the next day. I had to show up for that unless I was going to run from everything, which would be incredibly stupid. Especially when I had no idea where Benito was or what he was planning for me next.
Also, I really wanted to see what else Vito would do to me, with me. I couldn’t imagine ever getting bored with him. He might be a fucking criminal, but so were the people who were after me. I might not be sure of much, but I knew I was safer with Vito than with some raging psycho.