Page 71 of Jackpot Joker

I jolt out of my seat, crossing the room. Something isn’t right. Something isn’t lining up. I don’t understand it, and it’s driving me crazy. I should be with Jasmine right now, but somebody out there is trying to fuck with me and mine. “Then I don’t know, Gio. Maybe multiple people are out to get us. Hell, I’m surprised we aren’t under attack by multiple families all the time. All I know is we’ve found devices planted throughout Angelo, that woman was sent to try and plant one on me, and now my car has been hit. Excuse me for thinking things feel pretty fucking personal right now.”

Luca walks over and places a hand on my shoulder. I glare up at him, but when he gives it a squeeze, I soften. “Thanks.”

He nods and removes his hand but remains close.

“Well, if this is personal, there has to be a reason why. Have you pissed anyone off lately?”

I hold out my hands as though I’m appalled by the question. “Everyone loves me.”

Luca snorts. Gio pinches the bridge of his nose.

“I mean, I guess I’ve killed a few people lately. Maybe their families?”

“We’ll look into them. Write down the names of everyone you’ve hit in the past six months.”

When I finish the list, I pass it back to Gio, and he whistles. “Shit, baby bro. I think this is more than you’ve killed in your life. What’s gotten into you?”

I shrug, pulling my ringing phone out of my pocket. I can’t help but smile when I see that it’s exactly what has gotten into me that’s calling.

“Mio toro, I was just thinking about you.”

“Dario!” Her voice is panicked, and I’m immediately on edge.

“What’s wrong? Where are you?”

“There’s someone here.”

“Where?”

“In my home.”

I look at my brothers, and they’re on their feet, walking briskly as we work our way through Demone and out to one of Gio’s armored vehicles. “I’m on my way.”

“I really think it’s the same one.”

“I told you.”

“It looks exactly like it.”

“I know!”

“Luca!” Gio hollers. “What do you think?”

Luca walks into the living room from Jasmine’s bedroom and studies the hideous floral couch where Jasmine sits. “It’s the same.”

I smile, knowing I was right about our nonna’s old couch, but it fades fast when Luca opens his hand and tosses at least a half-dozen tiny coin-like devices on the coffee table.

“What are those?” Jasmine asks, her eyes wide as she takes in the sight.

“Bugs,” Luca answers.

Jasmine scrunches her face up, and Gio clarifies. I’m thankful for my brother, as he explains how listening devices have been planted throughout her condominium, because right now, I’m doing my very best to not punch a hole in one of the walls.

I’m in the kitchen, my head in the freezer as I’m literally attempting to cool down, when I feel a gentle press to my back. Lifting my head, I stare at a beautiful pair of hazel eyes with gold flecks. “You okay?”

I take Jasmine into my arms. “I should be asking you that.”

She rests her head on my chest, and I soak in the feeling. “I’m fine. It was unsettling, and I really hate that he’s seen me naked now, but I knew I’d be okay. I knew you would be here.”