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)
“Jace.”
I turn as Lucas calls my name. He’s waving me over to where he sits with his arm around Ava. I nod and turn to kiss Ny’s nose.
“I’m here if you need me.”
Nyla
This will never be over. I look around at all the envious-looking faces. They want what Gio has. I’ll never be able to put my sniper case away.
I think he knew this. That’s what the dolls were for. The twelve.
They are to guard me. I’ve been watching them move tonight. Although they’re dressed as cowgirls, sexy soldiers, and cops as they perform on stage or do bottle service, those are not prop guns on them. They’ve been gravitating toward me all night.
I’ve been moving around just to be sure. Holly and Ming have kept the closest. The master dolls move when I move.
Gianni is here and he seems to be anxious. He’s kept close to Ava as if he’s waiting to bolt with her if needed. Dante and Dario have been like human shields around Lizzy and Carleen. I glance at how near to the safe-room walls the family is.
I roll my shoulders, feeling the heaviness of the weightless vest. Its necessity has its own presence. Placing my hands on my belly, I look down. “Should we go home?”
Not if someone’s coming for our family. I’ve had enough. Ava said it was up to me to decide when it’s enough, and then I could move forward. Well, I’ve had it.
Things may never change, but he’s my man and as Don he’s never going to have to worry about anyone coming for him. This is who we are. If someone’s coming for mine, they better be ready to take their last breath.
Like Mom said, make an example, so they never try you again. I move my hands to my sides and finger the Glocks strapped to my thighs.
“For our family.”
Chapter 72
We Rise
Gio
Present…
Good, you’re still with me and you’re all caught up. Now, where were we? I lick my bottom lip and pull my guns from their holsters. The song changes to “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ‘N’ Roses. That’s the cue for my Dollhouse.
They’re here and I’m ready. I spin with my guns aimed. The vision that comes into view brings a smile to my face. The dolls are proving who they are. Guns are pulled and they are firing as they spin on the strip poles and flip tables. Men are falling at their feet.
“Jace, cover Ny,” I bellow.
“No, don’t cover me. Take care of him, I’m fine.” I hear her say behind me.
I grind my teeth, but I don’t turn to her. Instead, I fire to give Gianni a chance to get Ma behind the glass. Dad has flipped the table and is firing his guns.
Dante and Dario look as furious as I feel as Carleen and Lizzy have pulled their Glocks and are shooting from behind a table. The plan was for them to get behind the glass with Ma.
The back of my shirt is grabbed, and I’m pulled back. “He gets hit, I’m killing you all,” Ny screams.
I honestly don’t know if she’s talking to our enemies or the master dolls who have surrounded us. Jace appears at our sides and that’s when the atmosphere changes. Ny stops trying to tug me behind the bulletproof wall and begins firing around me as Jace fires at my side.
“Ny, get behind the fucking wall,” Jace snarls.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re pregnant. Get behind the wall.”
“How do you know?”
Time freezes. “Justice,” I bellow and hold my hand out. She drops and rolls, coming up in front of me. I take her automatic and hand her my Glocks. I black out as I move forward and air this motherfucker out. I feel more than see the master dolls close in around Ny so she can’t follow.
I’m like a man possessed. Jace is at my side, moving like we’re breathing the same breath. Dante and Dario appear at my other side.
Nothing and no one is safe. The sound system squeals and blows like it’s been hit. All you hear is the sound of gunfire. My dolls are dominating. Two last guys run in, and their bodies jerk backward as we light their asses up.
The room is silent and smoking as the firing stops. I’m vibrating with rage. I turn to find the master dolls still guarding Ny.
Not thinking, I move to get to her. They break rank and Ny flies into my arms. I catch her and hold her tight.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I wanted this day to be over. I planned to tell you guys in the morning.”
“I knew it,” Jace says happily.
I release Ny and Jace lifts her into his arms and spins her in the air before he places her on her feet. I can’t stop smiling.
Jace begins to bark orders and calls for a roll call. I have Ny tucked into my side.