Page 102 of Revere: A Legacy Novel

“It’s going to work that way this time.”

Cross would make sure of it.

“No, I don’t—”

“Andino, is something wrong?”

The new, quiet voice made Cross glance down the hall. A pale-skinned, willowy blonde leaned over the staircase railing at the end of the hallway. Teal and violet streaks colored her platinum hair. Nothing but a sheet she had clutched at her chest kept her covered. Peeks of tattoos covered her collarbones.

“Who are you?” Catherine asked.

The girl looked between Andino and Catherine. “Um …”

“None of your business,” Andino muttered to Catherine. Then, he looked to the girl. “Haven, head upstairs, all right?”

Haven didn’t look pleased, but she flicked a hand over her shoulder before she did as Andino asked. Colorful tattoos inked up her shoulders and arm.

“Who was that?” Catherine asked.

“I told you—”

“Yeah, yeah, mind my business. Who is she?”

“A woman,” Andino snapped.

Catherine cocked a brow in challenge. “She just shows up to your place wearing a sheet or something? Since when did you start seeing someone?”

“My personal life is not up for discussion. There’s enough fucking people in this family who seem to think it is.” Andino stepped to the side, and yanked open the front door. “Now, get the fuck out. The next time you come to my house, make sure you call first.”

“Fuck you,” Catherine spat over her shoulder.

“Remember what I said, too. This is business, Catherine. You don’t get to walk away from business just because you want to.”

Catherine flipped her middle finger over her shoulder as Cross followed behind her. “And you hear me—I won’t ever deal for you again, cousin.”

Andino slammed the door behind them with a bang.

“I’ll take you home,” Cross said as Catherine dug through her bag.

She looked up at him on the cold, empty street. “Actually, I think I’m going to call a cab.”

He frowned. “Why? I’m here. I can take you.”

“Just … you were supposed to be different, Cross. Especially back then, okay?”

“I don’t get what you’re trying to say.”

“You lied to me back then about this. Just like Andino. Just like my mom and dad. You were supposed to be different for me.”

“Catty, come on. That was a long time ago.”

Catherine scoffed. “Yeah, right? Still feels like yesterday, though.”

Those words stung.

Cross had to let them.

“I’ll call you,” Catherine said over her shoulder as she headed down the street. “I will, Cross. Give me some time.”