One of Ivory’s men rushes up with his satellite phone.
“Gracias, soldado,” he tells him. “Now, do me a favor and go load up the crates of beer and drive them down here.”
He winks at me while our team hoots and cheers at the prospect of some celebration.Finally.
“Where are they?” The guy asks.
“I’m pretty sure Kent left them on the ferry.” His face shifts into visible melancholy as the guy scurries off in the direction of the ferry docks.
Ivory swallows, clutching Angel to him, who’s frowning, brushing fingers through the tousled strands of his white hair.
“What happened?” Angel asks softly, though he seems as if he could guess.
“Kent’s gone.” Ivory clears his throat, looking to me. “Did you see what happened?”
Truth is, I didn’t see much. I was just trying not to get shot while riding my motorcycle through hostile terrain.
“He saved us,” Byron answers for me. “Russo’s men were shooting at us and he… he protected us. When he probably wasn’t supposed to…”
“No, he wasn’t,” Ivory huffs, chin dipped. “That was just him. He was a good man. He didn’t deserve to…” His voice trails, and he shakes himself out of it.
“Lo siento, baby,” Angel whispers.
Ivory looks down at him, eased just by his presence. It’s wild to witness.
This man I could’ve sworn had no heart, being…human. Feeling things, like empathy, sadness… love.
Never thought I’d see the day.
I turn in search of my two, reminded of how I just want, more than anything, to lie down with them, in our bed, for the first time in too long.
But Ivory’s voice catches me once more. “I have a lot of work to do…” He stares at me, brows raised expectantly. He’s almost pouting.
I scoff, shaking my head. “Shit, you’re like a dog with a bone.” He smirks while I sigh. “Alright, boys.” I clap, addressing my men. “Cartel clean-up crew is on duty, which meansweget to kick back and relax for a bit. Beer’s on its way. Let’s get rowdy, you crazy motherfuckers.”
I laugh while everyone hoots and hollers, winking at The Ivory. “Parting gift. For being such a gracious loser.”
His grin goes wide and wicked. Angel looks worried.
“Yo, Linetti,” I call, snickering. “Remember that wholeQuiet Nightthing you guys thought I didn’t know about…?”
Linetti looks nervous, eyes following Byron Kang, who’s bouncing on his feet, throwing practice-jabs at Fenwick’s hands.
“Um…” Linetti croaks, peeking at me. Then Ivory, and his little bird.
I honestly don’t think he recognized Angel as Ari until right fucking now. But he’s piecing it together. And clearly, he’s more than worried.
“Alabaster Fight Club is about to commence!” I shout. “We’ve got our first bet on Byron “The Shadowman” Kang to take Camden “TheFucked” Linetti for two-handed-fifty K!”
“Wait, what the fuck?!” Linetti gasps.
Angel tugs on Ivory’s sleeve. “After him, can we do Carlos Zaza?”
He peeks at Carson, who beams with thrill.
“Oh, hell yea!” Peters cheers. “I’ll get in on that action!”
“How much are you putting down?” Ivory chuckles. “I’ll match it.”
