Dalton gives a lazy grin and adjusts himself. “I will neither confirm nor deny.”
Jackson’s chest expands and deflates, but he says nothing. He’s not even looking at Dalton. But Wyatt is. Like he’s about to take Matthias’s dagger and plant it right between Dalton’s eyes.
From the expression on Matthias’s face, he’ll let him.
Before all hell can break loose, I move us along. “Reach out immediately. I want reassurances that we won’t have any pushback from anyone on their side. Find out what we need to offer to get the other families on our side.”
“Done and done,” Dalton says, already typing on his phone. He’s still wearing his grin as he puts it back into his pocket. “Shame we need reassurances so fast. Would love an excuse to pay him a visit.”
Samson claps him on the back. “You should consider a thank-you visit.”
“Already planning on it. Because there’s no way the Sicilians won’trally behind us. Umbra might be powerful, but they’re the new kids on the block. We have connections in this territory going back generations.”
Connections that owe us for many requests granted. I have no issue calling them in if needed.
“If there is any pushback, remind them that we never requested payment for the mess we dealt with regarding Emil’s daughter,” I advise, stroking my stubble. I went to shave this morning, but when Neo told me he liked how the burn felt on his thighs, I put the razor down.
“There won’t be any pushback,” Dalton says.
No, I don’t expect there will be. “Still, I like to have plans A, B, and C in place, just in case.”
“Unless we’re counting Dalton pushing back on Dante’s cock.”
Samson’s lewd comment has Jackson standing up quickly. His skin’s so pale I can see the veins underneath. “Sorry. Excuse me.”
Wyatt waits until the door closes behind his brother. “Seriously, did you want to make Jackson watch a home video of Dante fucking Dalton, or is the explicit description enough?” he seethes.
Samson rocks back on his chair, tossing the apple core on the table. “Not my fault that the kid has a crush. It’s not like it’ll ever be returned. He should know the reality of the situation before he hurts himself even more.”
“I disagree. You don’t need to rub Jackson’s nose in it. He can’t help how he feels. He’s just a kid.” Wyatt’s glare is murderous, and Matthias’s isn’t much better. I give Matthias a small shake of my head, letting him know I’ll be pissed if Samson is decommissioned. Any fight they want to have can wait until after Umbra and Gordon Marino have been dealt with.
“And I can’t stop living my life because he stupidly caught feelings for me,” Dalton says bluntly before sighing. “But you’re right. Samson, you’ve got the tact of a fucking cactus.”
Samson shrugs. “Or you’ve all become soft now that you’re all in love.”
Neo grins widely. “Wylder’s anything butsoftwith me.”
“Same with Cade.” Ansel winks at his friend.
Neo’s comment has the intended impact as lighthearted bickering breaks out, the tension leeching away.
We have more planning to do, but with Dalton now trying to slip out of the room unseen, it’ll have to wait a few more minutes.
When he returns, a tight-lipped Jackson in tow, I decide to wrap things up. “I think it’s best we take out Gordon before he gathers another team to send out.”
Cade nods. “Tell me that’s going to be done soon?”
“Yes. As soon as we have the confirmation from the Sicilians.” I brace myself, knowing exactly how well the next statement will go over. “It’ll just be the Buckinghams. Everyone else will be staying behind in the panic room with several guards.”
There’s a heartbeat of silence.
Then chaos breaks out.
Everyone is talking over each other. My brothers are in agreement with me. Neither Matthias nor Cade want their partners involved. They’d be more of a hindrance than anything. And Harley is insisting Jules stay in the panic room rather than returning to Matthias’s house. Even Dalton and Jackson are shouting loudly at one another.
I wonder how much of that is connected to this…or if it’s tension from what happened earlier.
To my surprise, the only one silent is Neo. He’s reclined in his chair, watching this all play out with a small smirk on his face.
