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“I’m twenty-four, Ny. He’s the only real friend I’ve had in a long time. He gets me, he allows me to be me.”
“Fuck,” I say, away from the phone.
I’m going to bust his shit. Damn puppet master. He’s trying to draw me out. That’s his endgame.
“Ny,” Lizzy whispers. “If you think I shouldn’t hang out with him. I’ll stop. Are you coming home soon?”
“I’m coming back soon. I promise. Don’t stop. Let him be your friend. I’m sorry. I just want to protect you. I love you.”
“I love you too. I miss you.”
“What else is new? Your graduation is coming up. I’m so proud of you.”
“Yeah, this semester has been hard. It’s like I know it’s the end so it’s dragging. I hate writing my papers and will find anything to do instead. I’ve been at the office with Aunt Denise a lot.”
I lift a brow at this. It’s the first I’m hearing about it. I guess that’s better than her going out on contracts. I’ll be calling to check in with Gwen.
“Nyla, honey, I need to talk to you when you’re done,” Ava calls.
“Hey, Lizzy. I need to go. Love you.”
“Okay, I love you too. Later.”
“Later.”
I hang up and go into the living room where Ava is waiting for me. She has a straight face, telling me this is business. I take the seat across from her and fold my hands in my lap.
“I need you to do something for me. A guy in Naples has been running his mouth. I need him silenced before they come out here looking to confirm his words.
“Do you think you can do this for me? You would need to go tonight.”
“Of course, you know I will.”
“Good, I have the address and information here. Go to his hotel suite and deliver what his big mouth has earned him. Make sure you’re understood.”
“Got it.”
She smiles and it reminds me so much of Gio’s smile when he’s holding cards no one else sees. “Thank you, honey. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes, a friend of ours will see to your accommodations for me. Stay the night in Naples. You can return tomorrow. You’ll look like a young tourist. Enjoy yourself.”
“Thanks, Ava.”
“No, thank you and be careful.”
* * *
Gio
I thought she’d be back by now. I’ve been in Lizzy’s life for three months and still no Nyla. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been enjoying my time with Lizzy.
She has become a friend or more like a little sister. I grow more fond of her with every meeting. Jace doesn’t speak much around her, but he likes her too.
However, it’s time I pivot. I know for a fact Lizzy is what I’ve been looking for when it comes to Dante. I need to ease her into his life. This needs to happen naturally. She can’t know what I want, and he doesn’t need to know what I’m up to either.
Lizzy is too shy, and Dante is stubborn and won’t see what’s right in front of him. No, this will have to play out as naturally as possible. Good thing I’ve mastered patience.
