Page 69
-B.L.T.
And then, at the bottom, I add his name and address.
This one makes me the most nervous, but there’s nothing to be done about it.
Ring!
Benedict Barley is calling.
Grabbing my phone off the desk, I answer.
“Three done. Three left to go,” I confirm.
“You’re a good man, Reuben. You are doing right by my daughter. And after this is all said and done…we still need to join our families.” The offer lingers between us.
One that Benedict hangs over us.
“I don’t know if that’s—”
“Look son, we need to become stronger if we are to withstand the ire of the remaining Napolitans and Aldentes. They will come for their pound of flesh. What happened to her wasn’t your fault… It was theirs.”
“But our bad luck. The curse.” My hand reaches out to the picture frame with Maple’s face. I lay it down on my desk.
I can’t look at her while having this conversation.
“Is bullshit. Made up nonsense,” Benedict snaps.
My mind circulates and cycles. “Who would you suggest I marry?” Because there’s no one my age left. Brandy and Colby don’t have kids. And his other sister opted to not be a part of the family, living outside of town entirely.
Benedict barks a laugh. “Once the last name is marked through, we can finish this conversation. And Reuben?”
“Yes?”
“Your father would be proud of you. I know he would be.”
Ice bristles along my skin. “Thanks.” I disconnect the call.
My father wasn’t a good man, but I don’t have the heart to tell Benedict that.
Another slew of memories threatens to consume me, but I slam them down.
What if Kale tells them? He’s working with one of the names on the list…
Shutting the thought down I lean back in my chair, but as I do, a scent wafts slowly to me.
My stomach gurgles, and I realize I’m starving.
Maybe I should just go downstairs and ask for a plate of food.
Mind made up without any actual thought behind it, I decide to take the stairs so he won’t hear me coming.
***
Pushing the door open into Orzo’s space, I immediately know I have made a mistake.
My eyeline is directly into the kitchen. To the bar along it.
To the creamy thighs rucked up. To Orzo’s bare ass as he rolls his hips.
