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“It’d be difficult to move his printing equipment. The machines are old and the local he’s using is free. Owned by a friend who likes free weed and uses the fake currency to remain high.”
“The connection to the brothers must be deep.” Not a question.
“Henry’s nothing more than a nuisance hiding behind false protection, brother. The man is a low-level criminal with the stupid penchant for paying for his purchases with his homemade cash.” His mistakes are something I’ll make him pay for before his last breath. Just like I’ll be seizing his operation and assets—real money and the counterfeit as payment to the De Leons.
“Okay. Get some rest.” On his end, the sound of a woman comes through the line asking if everything’s okay, and a pang of jealousy hits. It doesn't happen often, but I also can’t stop it. I want what he and Luna have. How simple it is. The comfort in having someone on your side. “My wife says to behave and make the right choices in life.”
A bark of laughter escapes me, yet that tightness in my chest intensifies. “I’m a model citizen. Honest and honorable.”
“Sure, you are.” Her voice comes through clear, and I know he’s placed me on speaker phone. “Should I ask around and take a poll?”
“Be my guest, sis.”
“Dork.”
“Takes one to know one,” Thiago grumbles something on their end that’s too low to hear, something she giggles at, and I know it’s time to get off the line. “All right, children. I’m done for the night.”
“Three nights.” Not a command. He wants confirmation.
“Yes.”
“Brother, you look like a man about to commit a grave sin,” Thiago says from beside me and I look over, then follow his gaze. I’m not surprised in the least to find his focus on his soon-to-be wife; she’s his world. “Regret looks good on no one. Remember that.”
“Never said it did.” Luna’s standing beside my own obsession, the women laughing at something another member of their group said, and I can’t help but watch her. From her short stature to the sexy little black dress and stilettos from a designer she loves. The latter are in the same color, a gift from me on her last birthday—she rewarded me by wearing them and nothing else while escaping for a weekend trip to a private beach in the Gulf of Mexico.
I’m also aware of the way my hand rubs across my chest; I’m hurting us both. Moreover, I can't help but to be drawn in. There’s something so pure about Amberlyn’s carefree expression right now, the hint of pink on her cheeks tugging at my own lips. “But I have my own redemption to navigate when the time comes.”
“Amberlyn’s a sweet girl, Ivan.” A waiter stops to Thiago’s right, extending a tray with two drinks on it and a note. My brother picks up the small paper first and chuckles before pocketing it. “That woman will be the death of me.”
No need to ask who he’s speaking about. There’s only one person in this world that can make him bend the knee. “How much is this going to cost?”
“Depends on how much we piss her off in the future.” At my raised brow, he sends a wink in her direction. She’s watching him too. “Luna wants us drunk. Says she needs new blackmail material for later.”
“Jesus.” The women in this family are insane. But then again, I’m the same for Amberlyn. A sobering thought because the truth is, I can’t. Not yet. Taking her with me would be irresponsible, and while my men are loyal, until I have complete control over the island—more importantly, its government—I’d never put her in that position. “Then so be it.” Taking both drinks, I knock them back while he raises a brow. “I’m sure she’ll have plenty against me soon enough.”
“Two more.” He tells the waiter while grabbing the glasses in my hands and placing them back atop his tray. “And she’s already pissed at you.”
A rough exhale leaves me, and I scrub a tired hand down my face. “How many people know?”
“Those that matter.” Thiago shrugs. “We also don’t agree. Never have.”
“I don’t need you to.” It comes out much harsher than I intended it to, my jaw clenching. The phone in my pocket also vibrates then, and it reminds me of each text I’ve ignored in the last forty-eight hours. All hers. All make the guilt worse.
How’s your day going? ~Mermaid
I’m all sore and achy today. ;) ~Mermaid
Is everything okay? ~Mermaid
You know where to find me when you’re ready. ~Mermaid
“True, but we care enough to warn you that there’s an unnecessary huge wall you’re about to slam into.” Thiago’s hand on my shoulder gives a squeeze, while his head tilts in my mermaid’s direction. “What you do with the warning is your problem, but don’t complain afterward. You crash and burn, and I don’t know if she’ll ever forgive you.”
“Luna forgave you.”
“She also knows I love her more than my own life.” His eyes meet mine, his expression deadpan. “Can Amberlyn say the same?”
The answer is no, and that burns like acid in my chest.
