Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
“Call in a few favors and find out why the Kelleys are here. If the Irishmen are here to help Riccardo come at me, he’s not going to live to see it. Let the master dolls know the celebration is the night.”
“Including Silk and Blake?”
“All twelve. The full army. Holly needs to come in with Ma. We end this for good in the next two days.”
Nyla
I haven’t been feeling so well the last few days. I should have taken a test, but I’m too nervous. I chew on my lip as I look in the mirror. I know I’m pregnant, there is no question about that. However, I do want to know how many babies.
Which is another reason I’m not rushing in to confirm. We wouldn’t be able to confirm the number of fetuses until ten to twelve weeks. I need to get this horse off my chest, Lizzy needs to know the truth.
As long as Ava is still hidden, we can’t reveal the full truth. I rub my temples. I need to get out of this house. My phone rings as I have the thought.
“Hey, Gwen.”
“Hi sweetheart. How are things?”
“I’m contemplating running off to Morocco,” I tease.
“Ny, we need to talk,” Jace calls.
“Hey, can I give you a callback? I’ll be at the house later to see Dad.”
“No worries, I’ll catch you then.”
“Okay.”
I walk out into the living room and the look on Gio’s face tells me the Don is here. My Gio has exited the building.
“He’s back. It’s time,” he says coldly.
Chapter 68
Take Me Home
Nyla
“Excuse me, ma’am, what’s that?” Lizzy gasps as I reach for a napkin to get a cupcake.
I placed my ring on my hand this morning after finally confirming my suspicions. We’re having a baby and since Ava is on her way, why shouldn’t I wear it?
“Today is about Bella. We’ll talk, I have so much to tell you.”
“Oh my God, but to who? Tell me that at least.”
“Gio, but I’m marrying them both.”
Lizzy frowns at me and places her hand on her hip. “How can you do that?”
“I’ll explain later.”
“Nope, tell me this now.”
“Ugh, Gio and I are going to get married legally. Jace and I will have a handfasting ceremony.”
“I knew it. I knew you were involved with them both.”
“Quiet down.”
She gives me a smile. “I haven’t told Dante yet, but I’m pregnant,” she whispers.
I tug her into a hug so fast it makes me light-headed. I squeeze her so tight. “I’m so freaking happy for you. You’re going to be a great mom. Look at this party. Mommy and Daddy would be so proud.”
“I hope so. Maybe you’ll have a baby soon too.”
I keep my mouth shut. I don’t want to tell the guys before tomorrow. If I tell Lizzy, it could slip and I wouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the plans.
“Maybe,” I choke out.
I release her and grab my cupcake. I get lost in thought as I walk around the rink. I catch Gio standing out on the roller rink on his skates. When I get to the DJ booth, I have an idea.
I smile and grab her attention to give a request. She nods and a moment later puts the song on. “Take me home” by Phil Collins comes on and I smile.
Throwing my cupcake wrapper away, I take off my skate guards and push my way out on the floor. Gio turns right as I roll up. He looks up toward the speakers and smiles. I come to a stop before him and place my hands on his chest.
Looking down, he spots my ring and his entire face lights up. He cups my face and dips his head to kiss me. I’m taken by surprise at first but sag into his heat and return the kiss.
“Is that Uncle G kissing Auntie Ny? Yes,” I hear Bella sing nearby.
Gio chuckles into my mouth before breaking the kiss. “I will forever love this song,” he says.
“I still remember the look on your face.”
He frowns and backs up, pulling his phone out. Turning his attention back to me, he kisses my forehead.
“Showtime,” he murmurs and pushes off across the rink to Dante.
I sigh. Yeah, I won’t say anything today. The day after tomorrow, we can celebrate our victories.
Chapter 69
Resurrection
Dante
I get the feeling Frances is pleading with the wrong person. I’m not stupid. I’ve just been distracted, but since yesterday, after that situation with Carleen, I’ve been thinking.
Something has changed in Gio. His words from the party come back to me. There’s always a bigger picture, Dante.
Suddenly it’s like my life flashes before me. The day Ma came in looking like she’d seen a ghost. I was heading into Gio’s room. The first time Gio met Bethany. The look in his eyes, it mirrored the look he gave her the day I married her.