She goes to speak, then stops herself. The pause feels deliberate. Calculated. “That part of my life is over, Lily.” Her eyes fix on mine. “I want to focus on the future.”
I nod, slowly. “We can try,” I say, because it’s all I can give her.
I don’t know where my future is going to take me. Or whether I want her in it.
“So what’s new with you?” she asks too brightly. “Art? I never knew you were so into art. Tell me everything.”
I start to relax only because her mask is back in place. Because it’s easier. Because I’m just waiting for the clock to run down until I see Drago again.
That’s all I’m thinking about.
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
Drago
Song- Kingslayer (feat. BABYMETAL), Bring Me The Horizon.
Frankie, the leader of New York, and his men are already waiting for us in the parking lot across the street. Romeo’s here too, standing to Keller’s right, cigarette burning low between his fingers like he’s got nowhere else to be.
Enzo’s already scoped out the building from the cameras; there are three men inside. The bar isn’t open, and it hasn’t been for months.
All my plans for tonight are in place, and I managed to arrange the final touches on the quick flight over here. I have to push the thoughts aside and deal with the task in front of me. Even if the anxiety is clawing at me with every breath.
Because no matter how many times I play out how I will tell Lily the truth, every single time, I get it wrong.
I pull in beside Frankie’s car and check the time. Everything is aligned. Timed down to the minute. I need to be back in three hours.
Not for the job. For her.
“I need you guys to help me later,” I say, turning toward the twins in the back.
Conan chuckles from the passenger seat, already amused, already plotting. “I have a price.”
I roll my eyes, leaning back against the headrest. “Me in the cage, no doubt?”
His mouth drops open, genuinely offended that I’ve ruined the surprise. “How did you know?”
I tap the side of my head. “I can read your mind, Conan.”
Finn leans over from the back and smacks Conan around the head, the sound sharp in the enclosed space. “Nah. It’s cause you’re a predictable cunt, Con.”
I bite back a grin. Somewhere along the way, these idiots became family. The brothers I never had, but the ones I’d risk everything for.
“What do you need us for?” Conan asks, rubbing his head.
I run my tongue along my teeth, buying myself a second before I answer. “I’ve arranged a private viewing of the ballet tonight.”
“Weird.” Rowan chimes in without missing a beat.
I shoot him a glare in the rearview mirror. “It’s for Lily.”
Reggie clears his throat, glancing between us. “A date?”
“This is his big grovel, bro! Drago’s doing it.” Rowan laughs, far too pleased with himself.
“One day, when I snap, someone is going to have to stop me from killing him,” I say, looking directly at Rowan, dead serious.
I love him to death, but dear fucking god.
