Page 9 of Revenge & Truth

Luca grinned and leaned forward to rest his arms on the table. “That’s not entirely true. I don’t deserve to be here for the mayor’s death, but one day I’d have popped in for a visit. These hands of mine have plenty of blood on them to warrant my stay.”

I rolled my eyes. “Wow, it’s a really good thing they can’t see or hear a word that’s going on in this room because that, my friend, was a damn fine confession.”

“Baby girl, I’ll confess all my sins to you if you’d like, but you’re right. This should probably wait until I get back home where the walls don’t have ears,” Luca agreed. “Speaking of home, you two better head out. I’m surprised no one’s come to check on why the video and sound aren’t working.”

Glancing at the table, I saw the scrambler blinking yellow, which told me it was almost out of juice. “Yeah, our time’s up, plus I have a matter to settle with Braxton and Atticus. Seems one of the clubs they tried to audit last night decided to terminate our agreement without notice or paying their bill.”

“A queen’s job is never dull,” Luca pointed out with a smirk. “Now kiss me and cuff me, baby girl. I need something to dream about tonight.”

Why that sounded so hot to me, I don’t know, but I wasn’t going to argue with his request. I grabbed his face and kissed him with all the emotions I wasn’t ready to say out loud. Finishing it off with a rough bite to his lower lip which made him grunt, I pulled back.

“Just in case you thought this was all a dream,” I reasoned, giving him one last peck on the lips before returning the cuffs and tightening them around his wrists. “Be safe, Luca. You need to come home to me.”

“Nothing will keep me from returning to you, Astin,” Luca stated, and the look in his eyes told me he believed every word of it to his core.

Liu took my hand, giving a slight tug toward the door, telling me we had to go. With one last look at Luca, I allowed Liu to lead me back through the prison and out to the car. As if the universe understood my mood, the moment we left through the prison gates and pulled out on the main road, the sky opened, and rain pelted down on us.

The ride home was quiet, but Liu refused to let go of my hand, offering me his silent support, knowing I’d never ask for it. We had a lot of work ahead of us to settle the situation with Luca, but all our problems seemed tied back to one source—Harvey. Yet, I had the sneaking suspicion that Harvey was merely the puppet for the puppet master controlling all his actions. Once I knew who that person was, nothing would hold me back from exacting the revenge I justly deserved.

“Astin,” Liu said, drawing my attention.

Blinking, I focused on the here and now and realized we weren’t home. Instead, I found us parked in front of a coffee shop. “What are we doing here?”

“There’s someone I want you to meet,” Liu answered cryptically.

Before I could say anything, he got out of the car and unfurled an umbrella before pulling open my door. Liu wasn’t one to do things unnecessarily, so if he said I needed to meet with someone, then it was important. I took his hand, letting him pull me from the car and tuck me close as we entered the café.

The chime of a bell announced our entrance, but no one looked up or seemed the slightest bit interested. Following Liu’s lead, we ordered drinks and then walked to the back of the café, where a small reading nook was hidden away from the rest of the customers. Sitting in a battered armchair was the most stunning woman I’d ever seen.

She wore a simple black trench coat that set off the rose color of her hair. Everything about her screamed high-class, and she oozed elegance that no one could teach. Even the simple way she lifted her coffee cup to her lips was mesmerizing. When her gaze flicked up to meet mine, I was stunned by the cool, calculated expression in those crystal-blue eyes. Setting her coffee aside, she stood and extended a hand to me.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Caprioni. I’m Ivy. Liu said you could use my help,” Ivy stated as she shook my hand confidently.

I glanced over at Liu, but he just smirked, far too entertained with my rare bout of speechlessness. “Is that so?” I commented, returning my attention to Ivy. “How exactly did he think you could help?”

A smile tugged at her full lips that would have men begging to get a taste. “Why don’t you have a seat while I share the nature of my business, and you can decide if I can be of service.”

Now, I’m all for people loving whoever they want to, and I’ve dabbled once or twice with a woman in bed. It had been earth-shattering, but ultimately, while I enjoyed the sex, I didn’t feel I would develop feelings for a woman past friendship. However, Ivy was making me question all of that as I sat on the couch opposite where she’d been sitting.

“How is it that you and Liu know each other?” I asked, trying to connect the dots about how we got here.

Ivy crossed her leg over the other as she picked up her coffee. “Mr. Gallo and I have known each other for a few years now. He needed help finding something on his mother to use against her when she tried to pull a fast one on the late boss of the Caprioni Family. Since then, he has reached out from time to time as needed, but I wouldn’t say we know each other if that’s what you’re afraid of.”

Damn, this woman was certainly perceptive if she picked up that much after knowing me for two minutes.

“I must be slipping if you could read me that easily,” I said as I sipped my coffee, humming at the warmth and caffeine it offered.

“Oh no, you’re incredibly good at keeping your feelings hidden, but he’s not,” Ivy answered, pointing a finger at Liu. “He is incredibly worried you’re going to think he’s fucked me once you discover my skills.”

Cocking an eyebrow, I waited for her to continue.

“My public career is stripper and prostitute, but my real business is secrets. I collect payment through favors and information, allowing me to sell it to the highest bidder. Occasionally, I dabble in some assassin work when the right situation presents itself, but that’s only available to those I’ve vetted thoroughly,” Ivy explained, her whole demeanor relaxed as if she were talking about the weather.

“Huh…” I said, cocking my head to the side. “Can I ask where you’re currently working right now?”

Ivy gave me a wide, approving smile that made her look even more beautiful. “I knew you’d be fun to work with. It’s not often I get the chance to work with another woman in power who can keep up with me intellectually. Something tells me you and I are going to be good friends, Astin,” she gushed, winking at me. “As for your question, I was hired to work at this club called Kiss ’n Ride. You know it?”

That was Harvey’s biggest club and the one he spent the most time at. “You know, I think I have heard the name, never been, though. Is it nice? Do they treat you well?”