As I stand, I wipe at the dirt on my slacks. “You did get a new jet, right?”
“Sure did, jefe. It’s a good one.” Paz smirks.
“Good. Blowing up in a ball of flames is not how we go down,” I tell him.
“No, we’ll go down in a gruesome war.” The psychopath smiles at the thought.
“I have no doubt,” I agree. Because in this life, that’s how everyone goes out. It’s how my father went out. Or at least, that’s what the world believes. The only two people who know the truth are me and the old man. And since one of us is dead, that secret will stay in the grave with him.
I send a message to Lailani as I walk towards the car.
Me:
I’m heading to your apartment. Meet me there.
Lailani:
Are you summoning me? Because you’re not the boss of me, E.
Me:
Who pays your wage?
Lailani:
I’ll meet you there, but just know you’re cock-blocking me.
Me:
Yeah? Whose cock?
I know it’s Sammie. He won’t tell anyone about them for some fucked-up reason, though.
Lailani:
Not yours.
A shudder runs through me. I love the girl but she’s more like a sister.
Me:
I’m going to need therapy if you put that image in my head again.
When I get to Lailani’s door, I let myself in. She’s not here. So I drop down on the sofa and wait for her to arrive.
“You look like…” I stop talking and grin when she lands me with a glare.
“Please, let yourself in,” she says, sarcasm dripping from her lips.
“Nice place.” I smirk as I look around the small living room.
“It’s a shithole, but it’s what a struggling college student can afford.” She shrugs. “Is there a reason for this visit, E?”
“Can’t a friend just check up on a friend?” I raise a brow at her.
Lailani’s lips twitch at the corners. “You don’t have friends.”
“Ouch.” My hand rubs over my heart. “This Charlotte woman checks out.”
