Page 110 of War Within
“You sure about this?”
“Welcome back.”
Rolling his eyes, he shook his head. “Yeah, thanks. You been surviving without me?”
Arching a brow, I pursed my lips.
“Right.” He nodded.
“All the drama gone?”
He shook his head. “She's in rehab, so that’s a plus.”
Nodding once, I agreed. “About Jane, I’ll be back over tomorrow morning. Keep her inside until then. She might just go to bed, so you probably won’t see her tonight. I will go tell her bye before I go.”
“Got it.” Unconsciously, he bobbed his head, processing my words. “Any other special instructions?”
“No but beware if you see her. She's being a bit cold.”
He chuckled. “Nothing I can't handle.”
“Yeah, I don't do women drama, and something seems off right now.”
“Go home and rest, boss man. You have been through enough shit. I got someone watching my club for the next week. I got things here.”
“Thanks, Nick.” I slapped him on the back of the shoulder.
“I haven't met her yet anyway.” He shrugged. “Maybe I can figure out what her deal is.”
“Have fun with that.” I strode toward the hall. “I’ll go tell her goodnight.”
What a fucking mess. Jane had not let me in the room to tell her goodnight, so I leaned my head on the door, talking to her through the wall. When I would start to get pissed off at the way she was treating me, I reminded myself that I took her own father from her. She had every right to hate me, though she did not know the truth. I knew she needed to know. Regrettably, I was unsure I could ever tell her.
Tonight when I got home, I mindlessly roamed out to the pool, smoking and having a large glass of whiskey. I became enthralled by the movement of the water glistening in the reflection of the lights. Back and forth, back and forth. I paced, smoking one cigarette after another.
Just as I was lighting another, I heard giggling behind me. I spun toward the noise. Carmine and Lily were strolling hand in hand toward me.
“Where have you been?”
“We had to talk so we went to get a late night coffee and walk around the park.”
“Well, I'll leave you guys to talk now.” Lily laid her palm on Carmine’s arm. “I'm going to find Jane.”
“She's not here.” I muttered, blowing my smoke out slowly.
“Where is she?” She arced a brow.
“We broke up.”
“Whereis she?!” She crossed her arms, glaring at me angrily.
“Safe.”
“You need to stop drinking, bro.” Carmine tried to take the glass from my hand.
I pulled it away, chugging the rest.
“Where the hell is my best friend?!” Lily shouted.
