[

6/17,
5:44AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

Genr
es:
Act
ion,
Romance,
Erot
ica

Tags:Gangster
s,Crime,S£x,
CrazySuspense,
Bloodshed,
Bet
ray
al,
Secr
ets,
Jeal
ousy
,Ri
val
ry,
Revenge,Heart
break,Hatr
ed.

SYNOPSI
S&CHAPTER1

I
t'
smysweat
,Iwon'
ttakei
tany
mor
eifany
onet
oyswi
thi
t.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★
MASTERSONCRI MEFAMILY,
popul
arl
yknownasMCF,thelar
gestgangst
ergroupi
nSingapor
e.
Whenonthelookoutf
ort
hemostdanger
ousanddeadl
ypeoplei
nSingapore,
gofort
hem.
They
'r
etoxi
c.

Theyoccupyt
hebi
ggestbui
l
dingi
nMar
inaBay
..
.t
heynamedi
tMCFPALACE

Theganghasmor ethanhundredgangmembers.Notjustordi
narymember
s...
..Dangerous
smar tandst
rongones.Thegr
oupisthebi
ggestandthestrongest
,maki
ngthem athreatto
othergangs

Besi
dest
heact
ivesmar
tmember
s,t
hemaj
orst
rengt
hoft
hegangi
sthel
eader
.

Godmot
herZara,t
hat
'shername,
shet
ookov
ert
hepal
aceaf
terherhusband(
Far
ri
s)whowas
t
hegodf
athergotmurder
ed.

Don'
tpl
aysmar twi
thherel
seyou'
llbepay
ingwi
thy
ourl
i
fe,
she'
sfastandswi
ft
,di
ff
icul
tto
def
eat.
..She'
sgott
hreestr
ongpil
l
ars.

Landon.
..Herfi
rstchil
d,he'
s25.Ever
yoneinthepal
aceknowshe'
swicked.Hekil
l
swi t
hout
askingf
orexplanati
on,it
'sawasteofti
metohim.Hehateswhenanyoneisbet
terthanhi
m or
actsbet
terthanheis,he'saf*
cki
ngf*cker
,anygir
lhewantsonhi
sbedmustobey

Pri
nceton.
..Zar
a'ssecondchil
d.He's23,he'
ss* xy!,
Hotandhasgotf*cki
nggoodl ooksthat
dri
vegirl
scrazy.Vi
rtual
l
yeverygirl
inthepalacehasahugecr ushonhim.He'saf *
ckerjustl
i
ke
Landon,heneverf*cksagir
ltwice,onceandhe'sdonebutanygirlwhogetspickedinthe
pal
acet ospendthenightwi
thhi mfindsher
selflucky,
ali
fet
imeachievement
.

Pri
ncetoni
sZar
a'sbestandt
hat
'sjustbecauseofhi
sexcept
ional
smartness.
..He'
sext
remel
y
smart,
thesmar
testi
nthepal
ace.
..Zaratreasur
eshi
m alot
,he'
sthecl
osesttoher.
Lia..
..Theonlygir
lchi
ldandthelastchil
d,she's19,st
ubbornbutsmar
tthoughnotassmar
tas
Princetonbutshe'sgotherspeci
alabil
i
ties,hateswhatgoesagai
nstt
herulesoft
hepal
acejust
l
ikePr incet
on,she'
sbeauti
ful
.

Pri
ncetonhastwokidswhoaretwi
ns(Mi
naandSana)
..
..f
ivey
ear
sol
dador
abl
egi
rl
s,
abandonedforhi
m byAva.
..who'
sAva?,
FINDOUTINTHESTORY

Nowthegangget
sinvol
vedi
nal
otofi
l
legal
act
ivi
ti
esi
ncl
udi
ngdr
ugst
raf
fi
cki
ng,
ext
ort
ion,
ki
dnapandsl
avetr
ade.

MCFpal
acehasamaj
orenemy
,GunnerDr
agon.
..He'
spopul
arl
yknownasG-
Dragon.

He'
sthedevi
lhi
mself,
diabol
i
calandcr
uel,t
hegodf
atherofGOLDENBULLETS.
..
.thesecond
mostdanger
ousgangster
sgroupinSi
ngapore

Themai
nreasonf
ort
hehat
redbet
weent
het
wogangsi
s??
?

FI
NDOUTI
NTHESTORY

WhathappenswhenTani
shaLeBr
ongotdr
aggedi
ntot
hepal
aceasoneoft
hesl
aves?

I
nwhi
chdi
rect
ionwi
l
lthel
i
feoft
went
yyear
sol
dTani
shat
urn?
,Wor
seorbad?

Whydi
dshegetdr
aggedi
ntot
hepal
aceasasl
ave?

Whoexact
lyi
sshe?
Wi
l
lshesur
viv
einapal
acef
ull
ofwi
l
dhumans?

S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER1

★★★★★

MCFPALACE,
SINGAPORE*
*

4PM*
*

Si
tt
inginfrontoft
helapt
opinthepowerroom isSi
err
a,she'
srol
li
ngapieceofherhai
rinher
poi
nterf
ingerwhil
eshepressedthel
apt
opf astwit
hthesecondhand.

She'
schewi
nggum sl
owl
y,bl
owi
ngbubbl
esf
rom t
imet
oti
me.

Herey
esar
eont
hescr
een,
ful
l
yfocused.Shesmi
l
edwhenshesawwhatshe'
slooki
ngf
or.

"
Hel
andedal
ready
"shesai
dandt
heot
her
sshr
oudedar
oundher
.
Tal
ki
ngaboutt
heot
her
s..
.t
heyi
ncl
udeShay
,Br
ent
,Tr
acyandLi
a

Sier
raistheyoungesti
nthegang,
she'
ssev
ent
eenbutapr
ofessi
onal
hacker
,shecanhackt
he
unhackablewit
hinseconds.

ShayandBr
entar
etwooft
hebestguy
sint
hegangwhi
l
eTr
acyi
samol
l
,she'
sgotcr
azyski
l
ls
too

"
Justnow?
"Li
aasked.

"
No,
anhourago"Si
err
asmi
l
ed.

"
Andwhyar
eyouj
ustt
ell
i
ngusnow!
"Tr
acyy
ell
ed,
hit
ti
nghergl
ovedhandont
het
abl
e.

Si
err
ast
oodandgl
aredatTr
acy
.

"I
'
m notbr
ainl
ess,
IknowwhatI
'
m doi
ng"shesai
dandcl
i
ckedabut
tonont
hel
apt
op,
anhot
el
cametovi
ew.

"Sher
idanhot
el?
"Shaysai
d.

"Helodgedther
e,Ihadt
odoal otbef
oregett
inghisexactl
ocat
ion,
mini
sterSt
evei
scr
aft
yand
cunningyouknow,heent
eredunnoti
ced"Si
errasmil
ed.

"Anybonus?
"Br
entasked.
"Yeah,aver
ybigone.
..
.he'
saf
reaki
ngwomanizer,
helovess*xt
hanhi
sfut
ure"Si
err
asai
dand
cl
ickedanot
herbut
tononthel
aptop,
mini
sterSt
eve'
sroom cametovi
ew.

"
He'scur
rentl
yinthebat
hroom,
shoul
dIshowy ouguy s?
,Hisd*
cki
ssosmal
l
,iwonderhowhe
f
*ckswit
hit"Sier
rasmil
edandmadetocl
ickanotherbutt
on.

"
Stop!
,Noonei
sreadyt
oseehi
spr
ickany
way
s"Tr
acygl
aredandSi
err
agi
ggl
ed.

"
Youhackedhi
sroom t
oo"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"
TrustSi
err
a"Si
err
awi
nkedandShaygi
ggl
ed.

"Weshoul
dn'
tbeher
ebl
abbi
ng,
ther
e'snot
imel
eft
"Tr
acysai
dimpat
ient
ly.

"Cal
m downwi
l
lyou?
"Br
entsai
dandTr
acyr
oll
edey
esathi
m.

"He'
sexpect
ingasl
utanhourf
rom nowi
nhi
sroom,
Pri
ya"Si
err
asai
d,showi
ngt
hem Pr
iya'
s
pict
ure.

"I
'
llbet
hesl
ut,
wej
usthav
etomakePr
iyasl
eep"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"Youcan'
tgeti
ntot
hehot
elwi
thoutanent
rycar
d"Si
err
asai
d.

"I
sn'
tthatwhywehav
eyou?
,Youcanf
*cki
nghackt
hedoor
s"Li
asai
d.
"Sur
e"Si
err
asmi
l
ed,
car
ryi
ngt
hel
apt
op.

"
Cool
,thedr
ivet
othehot
eli
stwent
ymi
nut
es,
wehav
etogonow"Shaysai
d.

"Notwi
thoutPr
incet
on"Li
asai
d.

"Iknow"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

Theyl
eftt
her
oom andmetPr
incet
onj
usti
nfr
ontoft
hei
t,l
eani
ngont
hewal
lexpr
essi
onl
essl
y.

He'
sweari
ngjeantr
ousersonblackboot
sthenawhi
teshi
rtandal
eat
herj
acket
,cov
eri
nghi
s
t
att
oosbutnottheonesonhishand.

Abeaut
if
ulst
udsatonhi
sri
ghtearandhi
shai
rwasst
yledi
ntospl
i
tbangs.

Hi
shandsomef
aceaddedt
otheaur
aofper
fect
ionar
oundhi
m.

"
Icoul
djustf
eel
yourpr
esence"Li
asai
d.

"
Didgodmot
hergi
veappr
oval
fort
hemi
ssi
onal
ready
?"Heaskedf
lat
ly.

"Yesbi
gbr
o"Li
arepl
i
ed.

Wi
thoutsay
inganot
herwor
d,Pr
incet
onl
edt
hewayoutoft
hepal
ace.

*
***
**
Landon'
ssui
te*
*

Theear
-spl
i
tti
ngscr
eamsoft
heb*
tchget
ti
ngbangedbyLandonf
il
ledt
hewhol
epl
ace.

I
fonl
yscr
eamscoul
dbr
ingdownabui
l
ding,
thesui
tewi
l
lbei
nshr
edsbynow.

He'si
nbedwithVi
vi
,hol
dingherneckt
othebedashet
hrust
edi
nandoutofhermer
cil
essl
y,
choki
nghersl
i
ghtl
y.

"
Ohno.
..Lan.
..
Don.
..
"Shechokedbr
eat
hlessl
y.

"I
'
m gonnamakey
ouc*
m onmyd*
ckmassi
vel
y,scr
eam myname!
"Heor
der
ed.

"Landon.
..
f*ckmehar
der
!"Shescr
eamedwhenhef
inal
l
yrel
easedherneck.

Hewasaboutt
omakeherr
egr
etnotscr
eami
ngl
oudenoughwhenhi
sphonebuzzedont
he
bedst
and.

Hest
oppedt
otakei
t,i
t'
samessagef
rom Tr
acy
.

**
YOUKNOW NOTHI
NGTHANF*
CKRI
GHT?
,WE'
REONTHEMI
SSI
ONALREADY,
GODMOTHER
EXEMPTEDYOU*
*

Hi
sbl
oodboi
l
edi
mmedi
atel
yhef
ini
shedr
eadi
ngi
t.

Hepul
l
edoutofVi
vir
oughl
yandcl
i
mbeddownt
hebed,
hismuscl
esst
andi
ngoutpr
oudl
yonhi
s
body
.

"
Landonwhydi
dyousuddenl
yst
op?
"Vi
viasked,
comi
ngt
ohi
m.

Landonj
ustst
oodt
her
e,boi
l
ingandr
agi
ngwi
thanger
.

"
ShouldImakey
ouc*
m onmymout
h?,
Icanmakey
ouf
eel
mor
ebet
ter
"Vi
visai
dandbenti
n
f
rontofhi
m.

Shemadetograbhi
sd*ckbuthepushedherawayandgothi
spant
s,het
hrewi
tonand
st
ormedoutofther
oom shi
rt
lessl
y.

Hemadehi
swayt
oZar
a'ssui
teangr
il
y,heal
mostst
art
edshoot
ingev
ery
onehemetont
heway
.

Thepal
acei
sst
ackedwi
thot
hernumer
ousgangmember
s.

Somear
etr
aini
ng,
somear
ehav
ingf
un,
somear
esmoochi
ngandcar
essi
ngi
ntheopen

Somear
edanci
ngdi
sco.

MCFpal
acei
sal
way
sabeehi
veofsucht
hings.

Hegott
oZar
a'ssui
teandt
heguar
dsst
oppedhi
mfr
om ent
eri
ng.

"
Wantsomebul
l
etsi
nyourf
*cki
ngskul
l
s?,
Ineedt
oseegodmot
herr
ightnow!
"Hespat
"She'
scurr
entl
yhav
inghersiest
a,sheorderedusnottol
etany
onein"theguardrepl
i
edand
wit
houtt
hinki
ngtwi
ce,Landonbroughtouthisgunandpl
aceditonhi
sf or
ehead.

"I
'
m sor
rymast
erLandonbutIhav
etof
oll
owgodmot
her
'sr
ules"t
heguar
dsai
dandLandon
shot
.

Theguar
dwenddowndeadi
mmedi
atel
ythebul
l
edr
ammedI
ntohi
sskul
l
.

Landonf
acedt
heot
her
s."
Wannagetki
l
ledt
oo?
,Ineedt
oseegodmot
her
!"Hey
ell
ed.

Oneoft
heguar
dsr
ecei
vedacal
lbef
oref
aci
nghi
m.

"Shesay
syoucancomei
n"hesai
d,openi
ngt
hedoor
.

Landonwenti
nfur
iousl
yandmetZar
asi
tt
ingonherf
avor
it
ecouch,
sippi
ngf
rom agl
assof
wine.

"
Whyt
hehel
lwi
l
lIbeexempt
edf
rom t
hemi
ssi
on!
"Hey
ell
ed.

Zar
acont
inuedsi
ppi
ng.

"Pr
incet
onwentfort
hemi ssi
onbutnotme?,
Whyisheal
way
stheper
fectson!
,Ev
enLi
awent
butI'
m notal
l
owed?,Justwhythef
*cki
nghel
l!
"Heyel
l
ed.

Zar
adr
oppedhercupont
het
rayandf
acedhi
m.
Shest
oodupandbef
orehecoul
dwi
nk,
shesl
appedhi
m har
d,agaspescapedhi
sli
ps.

"Ir
emainthegodmot herofthi
spalace!
,MCFpal acebelongst
omesoIseenoreasonwhyy
ou
shoul
dcomeher etor anti
nfrontofmej ustbecauseIgaveanor
der
.Youmi
ghtbemyson,but
I'
m st
il
l.
..
yourboss"shesaidauthori
tat
ivel
y.

Landonl
ookedatherwi
thangr
yey
esbuthi
sey
essof
tenedwheni
tmether
s.

"
I'
m sor
rygodmot
her
"hesai
dsl
owl
y.

"Youhaveadi
ffer
entthingtodowi
thme,
we'
regoi
ngt
ogetsomeonesogetr
eady
"shesai
d
andenter
edherroom regal
l
y .

Landont
ookt
hegl
assofwi
neandhi
titf
uri
ousl
yont
hewal
l
..

"
Shi
t!
"Heseet
hed.

*
***
**

SHERI
DANHOTEL*
*

Thebl
ackBenzst
oppedi
nfr
ontofi
tandt
heyal
lwai
tedi
nthecar
,wai
ti
ngf
orwhenPr
iyawi
l
l
showup.

"
Who'
sent
eri
ngwi
thme?
"Li
aasked.

"
Noone,
it'
l
lonl
ycausemor
esuspi
cionsi
fthathappens,
thesecur
it
yist
ighther
e,appr
oxi
mat
ely
t
her
ear
emor
ethanhundr
edguar
dsi
nthi
shot
el"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed,
looki
ngati
t.

"Howdi
dyouknowt
hat
?"Shayasked.
.

"
Therearet
woguar
dsonever
yspot,
Imeanmaindoor
s,.
..
abi
ghotel
li
keSheri
danwi
l
lhav
e
morethanf
if
tymai
ndoor
sdon'
tyouthi
nk?
"Pr
incet
onsai
dwit
houtbl
inki
ng.

"Br
avo,
ionknowmat
h"Br
entchuckl
ed.

"
What
'ssogr
eataboutmat
hany
way
s"Tr
acyscowl
ed.

"Onemi
l
li
ondi
vi
dedby55?
"Si
err
aasked.

"F*
cky
ourass*Tr
acyscowl
edandSi
err
agi
ggl
ed.

"
She'
sher
e"Pr
incet
onsai
d,si
ght
ingPr
iya.

She'
salmostnaked, t
hegownshe'swear
ingisbarel
ycov
eringhert
highs,
it'
sarml
esstoo,a
l
argepartofherb**bsispoppi
ngoutandherfacewasdoll
edup,herheel
sstoodb*t
chil
yonher
l
egs,
..
.t
rueappearanceofaslut.

"
Whoa!
,She'
shot
"Shaysai
d.

"
Hotmyf
oot
"Li
asmi
rkedandcheckedherf
acei
nthemi
rr
oraf
teradj
ust
ingherear
bud.
Thankst
oTr
acywhodi
dhermakeupdur
ingt
hedr
iveher
e.

"Let
'sgof
orthi
s"Li
asai
dandgotoutoft
hecar
,shegotacamouf
lagecar
dandwal
kedt
othe
entr
ancewheret
woguardsar
estandi
nggal
l
ant
ly.

Si
err
afi
nishedt
hehacki
ngoft
hedoorandcl
i
ckedent
er.

I
mmedi
atel
yLi
agott
her
eandpl
acedherf
akecar
doni
t,i
topened.

Shetappedherbud."
IloveyouSier
ra"shesmi
l
edasshef
oll
owedPr
iyabehi
nd,
theyent
eredt
he
el
evatoratat
imeandLi atappedher.

Pr
iyal
ookedatLi
aandshet
hrust
edt
hei
nject
ionI
ntoherneck.

Pr
iyasl
eptof
fimmedi
atel
yandLi
achangedi
ntoPr
iya'
sgownwi
thi
nthr
eemi
nut
es.

Theelev
atorst
oppedatt
hesupposedf
loorandLi
apeepedoutofi
t,t
her
ear
etwoguar
dsi
n
fr
ontofit
.

Shest
yli
shl
ycameoutandsmi
l
edatt
hem.

"
Pri
ya"shesai
dandshowedherI
D.

"Thi
sisnott
hePri
yaIknow"oneoft
heguar
dssai
dbutwhent
heyl
ookedupagai
n,she'
s
alr
eadybehi
ndt
hem.
Shei
nject
edt
hem t
ooanddr
aggedt
hem i
ntot
henear
estr
est
room wi
thPr
iyaher
sel
f.

Shelockedther
est
room andadj
ust
edherdr
essbef
orewal
ki
ngt
her
emai
ningmet
ert
omi
nist
er
Stev
e'sroom.

Shemett
woguar dsbyt
hedoorbutt
heyl
etheri
naf
tersheshowedherI
D,seemst
heydon'
t
knowPr
iya'
sreal
face

Shegoti
nandmetSt
evei
nbedal
ready
.

"
You'
rel
ate"hesai
d.

"
Sorr
ybabe.
..
Itookt
imetodressup,
it'
sthefir
sttimeI'
llbehav
inganappoi
ntmentwi
thyousoI
t
ri
edmybesttolookgood.
..
.Tomakey ouregularyouknow"shesmil
ed,dr
oppi
ngherbagon
t
hefl
oorgi
ngerly
.

"Not
imet
owast
e,comeher
e"St
evesai
d.

Li
atookof
fhershoessl
owl
ywhi
l
ehewat
ched.

"
Howcany oubesos*
xy,
I'
m get
ti
ngt
urnedonwi
thy
ourmov
esal
ready
"St
evesai
d,st
andi
ng
f
rom t
hebed.

Li
ast
art
edt
wist
ingherbody
,whi
ningandmov
ingseduct
ivel
yti
l
lSt
evegott
oher
.

Hehel
dhert
ohi
msel
fandshehangedal
egonhi
swai
st,
pinni
nghi
m.
"
Ienj
oyf
*cki
ngsomuch,
fiv
ehour
sisj
ustast
art
"shewhi
sper
ed,
herr
edl
i
psgl
i
mmer
ing.

"OhIl
ovey
ou"St
evegi
ggl
edandmadet
oki
ssherbutshehel
dhi
schest
.

"
Easymi
nist
er.
.easy
"shewhi
sper
ed.

"
Makei
tfastLi
a,not
imet
owast
e"Pr
incet
on'
svoi
cesai
dfr
om t
heear
bud.

Shei
mmedi
atel
ydr
ewouthergunf
rom underherl
onghai
r.

"
Whatt
hehel
l
!"St
evesai
dfear
ful
l
y,f
all
i
ngdownwi
thoutget
ti
ngpushed.

Li
apoi
ntedt
hegundi
rect
lyathi
sfor
eheadandhest
art
edshi
ft
ingback,
shef
oll
owedashedi
d.

"Theorphanagefundy
out
ookf
rom t
hepooror
phans"shesai
d,pr
etendi
ngl
i
keshewant
sto
pull
thetri
gger.

"I
t'
sin.
..i
t'
sin.
.my
..
mysecr
etaccount
"hest
utt
ered.

Shegui
dedhim wi
thhergunashewal
kedt
othel
apt
opandsheor
der
edt
het
ransf
eri
ntoMCF
pal
aceaccount
.

Thet
ransf
erpr
ocessst
art
edandLi
asmi
l
ed.
Mi
nist
erSt
evei
ssweat
ingpr
ofusel
yal
ready
,shaki
ngt
oo.

"
Babyy
ouknowIl
ovey
our
ight
?,Don'
tbescar
edI
'
llpr
otecty
ou"Li
asai
dinmocker
y.

"Bef
astLi
a"Tr
acysai
dfr
om t
hebud.

"
Thet
ransf
eri
sin50al
ready
,themoneyi
smuchy
ouknow"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Shi
t!
,He'
sher
e"Shaysai
dfr
om t
hebud.

Li
atappedt
hebudt
wice.

"Whot
hehel
l
?"Sheasked.

"
G-Dr
agon"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

Ki
ndl
yHiwapl
oadedst
oryHomeonzer
oei
ghtoneei
ghtsev
enei
ghtsi
xsi
xtwosi
xsev
ent
ojoi
n
myst
orygr
oup.

"
Thef
*ck!
"Li
asai
d.

"Hi
sredcarst
oppedinfrontofour
sjustnow..
..
hisgi
rl
fr
iendisdressedli
keasl
ut,
shecameout
oft
hecarandi
salreadycomingin,
obviousl
yforsamemi ssi
on"Brentsai
d.

"Hi
sgi
rl
fr
iendSephor
a?,
Damn.
..
thet
ransf
eri
sjusti
n70%"Li
asai
d.

"
Makei
tfastandgetoutoft
her
e"Si
err
asai
d.
"Not
akey
ourt
ime,
itwon'
tbebadt
obr
eaksomebonesIt
rusty
ou"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

*
***
**

ASmal
lHouse*
*

Tani
sha'
seyeshasal
mostst
oppedpr
oduci
ngt
ear
scosshehasbeencr
yingsomuchsi
nceshe
l
ostherdad.

Hedi
edofcancerj
usty
est
erdayandhehasj
ustbeenbur
ied.

Besi
desNanawho'
shergr
andma,
he'
stheonl
yoneshehasandnowhehasl
efther
.

I
t'
sthemostpai
nful
thi
ngshehasev
erexper
ienced.

Shehel
dSweett
oher
sel
fandt
hepetkeptl
i
cki
nghert
ear
s.

Sweeti
shercat
,shel
ovesi
tsomuch.

"
Sweetwhatshoul
dIdo?
,Idon'
thav
eaf
atherany
mor
e"shecr
iedagai
n.

Nanat
ouchedherhai
randbentbesi
deher
.

"Gr
anny
"shecr
iedandhuggedher
.
Nanaj
usthuggedhert
ight
ly,
pat
ti
nghergent
ly.

Theent
ryoft
wopeopl
eint
othehousemadeherst
opcr
yingf
orawhi
l
e.

Shel
ookedatt
hedoorandsawadanger
ousl
ooki
ngwomanandaguy
.

I
mmedi
atel
yNanasawt
hem,
sheknewshewon'
tbeseei
ngTani
shaagai
n..
.May
bet
il
lfor
ever
.

Tear
sescapedherey
esasZar
aappear
edwi
thLandon.

"I
'
m alwaysf
airwithmyjudgements,si
ncetheonewhobor
rowedt
hemoneyi
sdead,
I'
ll
taket
he
onlyavai
l
abl
ething"Zar
asaid,l
ookingatTani
sha.

Tani
shahel
dNanawi
thanhand,
shehel
dSweetwi
tht
heot
her
.

"
Ipr
omi
set
opayy
ouback,
I'
ll
wor
khar
d"Nanasai
d

"
Eveni
fIi
nsi
stont
aki
ngi
tri
ghtnow?
"Zar
asai
d

"
Huh?
"Nanasni
ff
ed.

"You'
reawarethatoncet
het
imeel
apses,
Igi
venodamn,
Erosdi
edal
readysoI
'
mtaki
nghi
s
daughter
"Zarasaid.

"No.
..
.I
'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e"Tani
shasai
d,hi
dingbehi
ndNana.
"Godmot
her
..
.I'
l
lwor
khar
dtopaybackmyson'
sdebtso.
..
.

"Landont
akeher
"Zar
aor
der
edandLandonl
aidhi
shandsonTani
shabutshebi
thi
sar
m.

Hesl
appedherhar
dandshebl
edf
rom t
hel
i
p.

"
Tani
sha!
"Nanascr
eamed.

"
Nowi
t'
sov
er"Zar
asai
dandLandonf
orcef
ull
ydr
aggedTani
shaoutoft
hehouse.

Tani
shahel
dSweett
ight
lyt
hroughout
.

"
Nana!
!,
Nana!
!!
"Shekeptscr
eami
ng

"
Tani
shaI
'
m sor
ry"Nanacr
iedasshewasdr
aggedi
ntot
hecar
.

Tanisha'
sloudcr
iescanst
il
lbehear
dast
hecarr
evv
edi
t'
sengi
nest
oli
feanddr
oveaway
roughly.

"
Tani
sha"Nanal
ament
edsor
rowf
ull
y.

TBC

[
6/17,
5:45AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)
CHAPTER2&3

★★★★★

SHERI
DANHOTEL*
*

"Whyi
sG-
Dragonnotcomi
ngoutoft
hecar
?"Tr
acyaskednoonei
npar
ti
cul
ar,
looki
ngatt
her
ed
car
.

Sephor
awenti
nal
ready
,shegotanent
rycar
dfr
om "
Godknowswher
e"

"
Whyar
ewenotcomi
ngout
?"Pr
incet
onaskedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

"
Oh"Tr
acysai
d.

"
Liawhat
'sup?
"Shayasked.

"
90per
cent
"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"
Justal
i
ttl
ebi
t,It
hinkSephor
awi
l
lsoongett
her
e"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"It
rustLi
a,Sephor
aisadeadmeatal
ready
"Si
err
asmi
l
ed.
"
Sephor
aisnotaweakl
i
ngt
oo"Tr
acysai
d.

"
Noonei
ssay
ingshe'
saweakl
i
ng"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

*
***
*

BACKI
NTHEROOM*
*

"We'
real
mostdone,
95per
cent
"Li
asai
d,pr
epar
ingt
oleav
e.

St
evei
sst
il
lont
hebed,
shaki
ngasi
fat
tackedbyadanger
ousf
lu.

Li
alookedathi
m andsmiled."
Don'
tworr
y,we'
l
lspenditj
udi
ciously
"shesai
dandgav
ehi
ma
ki
ckont hef
acewhichsenthimfl
yi
ngdownwithableedi
ngmout h.

"Animal
,youshoul
dhav
est
olenf
rom anot
heruni
t,nott
heor
phanage"shesai
dandl
ookedback
atthescr
een.

Tr
ansact
ioncompl
eted.

Shewal
kedswi
ft
lyt
othedoorandi
mmedi
atel
ysheopenedi
t,Sephor
acamet
ovi
ew.

Shesmi
l
edv
ict
ori
ousl
y.

"
Youcamel
atebabe"Li
awi
nkedandst
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
.
Sephor
agotiti
mmediatel
y,sher
ushedaft
erLi
aandmadet
ogr
abherbutLi
asensedi
tanddi
d
twohandst
ands,l
andi
ngfarawayfr
om her.

"
Iknewy
ou'
dwantmet
owoundy
ou"shesai
dandst
art
edr
unni
ng.

Sephor
aranaf
terhert
il
lsheent
eredar
est
room,
sheent
eredwi
thherandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

"
Theonl
ywayt
ogetoutofher
eal
i
vei
stot
ransf
ert
hecashbackt
ous"Sephor
asai
d.

"Trytomakeme"Li
asmi
rkedandSephor
awentf
orher
,shesucceededi
nwoundi
ngherwi
than
hiddenkni
fe.

Liacheckedoutherwoundedarm andchargedtowardsherangri
ly,
theybumpedintoeach
otherandshegrabbedSephor
a'shead,hi
tt
ingithar
dont hezinc,
itbledandSephor
astil
lcame
forher.

Li
aduckedandremov
edoneofthezincbowl
s.Sephor
athr
ewapunchwhi
chwoundedherf
ace
andt
hebowl al
mostf
ell
butshehel
dt i
ght
.

ShekickedSephoraandmadeherstaggeronthewal
l,shethr
ewt
hezi
ncbowl
atherbut
Sephoraduckedthoughtnotcompl
etel
y,i
twoundedherarm.

Li
asmiledmocki
ngly
."Tel
lG-Dr
agonyouneedmor
etr
aini
ngs,
andt
ryt
oeatwel
ltoo.
..I
thel
ps"
shesai
dandwinkedbefor
eleavi
ngther
estr
oom.

Shewasaboutt
opr
esst
heel
evat
orbut
tonwheni
topened,
shequi
ckl
yhi
dandG-
Dragoncame
out
.

Thedev
ilhi
msel
fwal
kedt
owar
dsSt
eve'
sroom andLi
aqui
ckl
yent
eredt
heel
evat
or.
Shegotbackdownandcal
meddownbef
orewal
ki
ngout
.Sheent
eredt
hecarandSi
err
ainhal
ed.

"
Anygi
st?
"Shayasked.

"
Col
orbl
ueandbl
ack"Li
arepl
i
edandShaygi
ggl
ed.

"
Goodj
ob"Br
entsai
d.

"
Shej
ustdi
dwhatsheshoul
dhav
edone,
not
hingspeci
al"Tr
acybl
urt
ed.

"
Pret
endt
obeahumanf
oronce"Si
err
asai
d.

"Soy
oumeanI
'
m al
i
on?
"Tr
acygl
ared.

"
Whoknows"Si
err
agi
ggl
edandTr
acypunchedher
.

"
Tracy
!"Shaysai
d.

Sier
rapr
essedabut
tonandherchai
rtur
nedback,
sher
aisedhert
wol
egst
oTr
acy
'sf
aceand
gaveheradoubl
ehi
t.

"
Youguy
sshoul
dst
op!
"Li
ashout
ed.

"
Shest
art
edi
t"Si
err
asai
d.
"
Yout
oldmeI
'
m notahuman"Tr
acybr
eat
hed.

"
Ionl
ytol
dyout
obehav
eli
keahuman"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"
B*t
ch"Tr
acyscof
fed.

"
Lion"Si
err
achuckl
ed.

"
Pri
ncet
ony
ou'
remut
e"Br
entsai
d.

"Tr
acy
, Si
err
a,youbothhavet
orunroundt
hepal
acey
ardt
went
yti
mesoncewegetback"he
sai
dsternl
y,
notlooki
ngatany
one.

"Pr
incet
on.
..
"Tr
acycompl
ainedandhef
rownedather
.

"
Asy
oupl
ease"shesai
d.

"
It
'snotabi
gdeal
..
.I'
l
lobey
"Si
err
asai
dandShaymov
edt
hecar
,theydr
oveof
f.

*
***
**

MCFPALACE*
*

Tani
shahasn'
tst
oppedcr
yingast
hecarent
eredt
hepl
ace.
I
fther
e'sanywei
rdestpl
aceshehasev
erseen,
thenher
eiti
s.

I
t'
sahomeofweirdhumans,al
mostev
ery
onehast
att
oos,
mostoft
heguy
sar
eshi
rt
lessandal
l
t
hegi
rl
slookf
ier
ceandvici
ous.

Thesmel
lofci
gar
ett
esanddr
ugshangedi
ntheai
r,shecanev
eni
nhal
eiti
nthecar
.

Thepl
acei
srowdyandnoi
sy,
somear
ewr
est
li
ngi
nar
ingwhi
l
esomear
echeer
ingt
hem up.

Sur
ely
,shewon'
tl
ikei
ther
eandshe'
snev
ergoi
ngt
oli
kei
t,al
lshewant
sist
oli
vehappi
l
ywi
th
Nanaandnowthi
s.

Andnowsheregr
etsthedayherdadbor
rowedmoneyf
rom godmot
herj
ustt
omakesur
eshe
goest
ohi
ghschool.

Sweetli
ckedherf
aceagai
nandshel
ookedati
t."
You'
remyonl
ycompani
on"shewhi
sper
edand
thecarst
opped.

Shelookedupandthedoorbesi
deheropened,
shewaspul
l
edoutr
oughl
ybyLandonandshe
fel
l
,Sweetfel
lfr
om herbutshequi
ckl
ycarr
iedi
tagai
n.

Wr
it
tenbyNaomi
CindyB.

"
Pleasedon'
thur
tme,
Idon'
twantt
ogethur
t"shepl
eaded,
afr
aidt
olookup.

"Makeherchangeandt
akehert
othesl
avehouse"Zar
aor
der
edandTani
shaqui
ckl
ylookedup.
"
What
!,Sl
ave.
..sl
avewhat
?'shest
utt
eredunbel
i
evabl
y.

Zar
awal
kedawayi
nthecompanyofsomeguar
ds.

"Wai
t.
..
youthi
nkyou'
recomingher
etol
i
veasapr
incess?
,Howf
unny
..
.getup!
"Landony
ell
ed
andshescurr
iedupqui
ckl
y.

Hi
shar
shv
oicei
senought
oscar
eher
.

Shehel
dSweetmor
eti
ght
lyandhet
ookheraway
.Al
ley
eswer
eonherasshewal
kedbehi
nd
hi
m.

Newgangmember
?

Tal
kofonehel
lofahot
ti
e

No,
hear
dshe'
sasl
ave

Toobad,
she'
shot

If
eel
li
kef
*cki
ngher

LandonorPr
incet
onwi
l
lhav
eat
ast
eofherf
ir
st.
Tani
shaswal
l
owedhar
dasshel
i
stenedt
oal
lthecomment
s.

"
Nana.
..Nanapl
easebef
ine"shet
hought
.

Landongott
oanhouseandshewenti
nwi
thhi
m.

Theygoti
nandhef
acedher
.

"
Str
ip"hesai
dandherey
esal
mostpoppedout
.

"
Str
ip.
..what
?"Shesai
dshaki
l
y.

"
Getr
idofy
ourcl
othesr
ightnow!
"Hey
ell
edandshef
li
nchedf
ear
ful
l
y.

"
No.
..
Ican'
t
...
Idon'
twantt
o..
."Shest
art
edcr
yingagai
n.

"
Shoul
dIj
ustki
l
lyou?
"Landonsai
dhar
shl
y,br
ingi
ngouthi
sgun.

"Nopl
easedon'
t.
..I
'
ll
..
.I'
l
lst
ri
p..
..I
'
lldoi
t"shehi
ccupedanddr
oppedSweetgent
ly.

Shepul
l
eddownherski
rtsl
owl
y,l
eav
ingheri
nonl
yherpant
ies,
herbl
ousewentdownt
oo,
maki
ngherbr
acometov i
ew.

Shecov
eredher
sel
fwi
thherar
msasLandonst
aredl
ust
ful
l
y.

I
fther
e'sany
thi
nghot
tert
hanhel
l
,theni
t'
sher
"
Howcanshebesot
empt
ingands*
xy?
"Landont
hought
,hi
sey
esdar
keni
ngwi
thl
ust
.

Herski
nwasfl
awl
ess,
hert
inyhi
psst
oodel
egant
ly,
herb*
*bsar
en'
tbi
gint
hebr
abutst
il
l,
she'
s
i
rr
esist
ibl
e.

Hest
art
edmov
ingcl
oserandTani
shamov
edback.

Hekeptcomi
ngt
henheswi
ft
lypi
nnedhert
othewal
l
,tr
yingt
oki
ssherbutsher
esi
stedi
t.

"
No.
..
no.
.nopl
ease.
..
no!
!"Shescr
eamed,
str
uggl
i
ngwi
thhi
m

Landondr
ewherbr
ast
rap,
try
ingt
opul
li
tof
fherbodywhent
hedooropened.

Hel
etgoofherandl
ookedbackt
oseePr
incet
on.

"
Per
fectson,
you'
rebackf
rom t
hemi
ssi
on?
"Hesai
djeal
ousl
y.

Pr
incet
onwalkedi
nandgavehim abl
anklookbef
orel
ooki
ngatTani
shawhost
il
lhasherar
ms
wr
appedaroundheral
mostnakedbody.

"
Yout
ri
edt
odosomet
hingwi
thher
?"Hesai
dandLandont
ookt
hreest
epscl
osert
ohi
m.

"Youcant
akeoversi
nceyou'
rehere,
takehert
othesl
avehouse,
Mrper
fect
"hesmi
rkedon
Pri
ncet
on'
sfaceandst
art
edleav
ing.

"Rapei
sfor
biddeni
nthi
spal
ace,
you'
reawar
e"Pr
incet
onsai
d
Landonst
oppedf
orawhi
l
ebef
orewal
ki
ngoutcompl
etel
y.

Tani
shakeptherf
acedown,
afr
aidt
olookup.

Whati
fhe'
sanot
herbeastl
i
ket
heonewhoj
ustl
eft
?

Shej
ustst
ayedgl
uedt
othewal
l
,cov
eri
ngher
sel
f.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatherf
orawhi
l
eandsi
ghed.

"
I'
m notazombi
e,i
onsuckbl
ood"hesai
dbutt
hatdi
dn'
tmakeherl
ookup.

Het
ooksomecl
othesf
rom abagwhi
chhepoi
ntedather
.

"
Putt
heseon"hesai
dandshesl
owl
ytookt
hem f
rom hi
m.

Sher
emai
nedst
andi
ng,
notmaki
nganat
temptt
oputt
hem on.

"
Noonewast
esmyt
ime"hesai
dcol
dlyandshesl
owl
ycheckedt
hecl
othesout
.

I
t'
sashortskir
t,i
t'
l
lbar
elycov
erhert
highs.
..
.t
hebl
ousei
sli
keacr
opt
op,
it'
l
lsur
elynotcov
er
herbel
l
ybutton.

Shewassl
uggi
shassheputt
hem on,
Pri
ncet
onwat
chedev
ery
thi
ngt
il
lshewasdone.
Sheev
enl
ookshoti
nthat
,shecar
ri
edSweetandsni
ff
ed.

Pr
incet
ongav
eheral
ookt
hat
'sdi
ff
icul
ttodeci
pherbef
orel
eadi
ngt
hewayout
.

Thenosygangmember
sst
aredl
ust
ful
l
yasshewasl
edt
othesl
avehouse.

I
t'
sabighousei
nthemi
ddl
eoft
hepal
ace,
abi
gmet
aldoorst
oodi
nfr
ontofi
twhi
chhasabi
g
padl
ock.

Heopenedt
hepadl
ockandl
ookedather
.

Shesl
owl
ywal
kedi
nandhecl
osedt
hedoor
.

Therearesur
elyal
otofr
oomst
her
eandt
hepl
acei
snoi
syashel
l
,voi
cesar
ecomi
ngoutof
eachroom

Shedeci
dedt
oent
ert
hef
ir
str
oom shesaw.Shegoti
nandmett
wogi
rl
s,t
heyl
ookmeanand
unf
ri
endl
y.

Shest
ood,
star
ingatt
hem bef
oreoneoft
hem st
ood.

"
Newmember
?,You'
renotwel
come"shesai
d.

"Fi
rstt
imeI'
m seei
ngasl
avewi
thacat
,ar
eyout
hedaught
erofacatsel
l
er?
"Shef
urt
hersai
d,
gl
ari
ngdangerousl
y.

Thesecondgi
rlj
ustsatwi
thoutut
ter
ingawor
d.
Tani
shast
aredatt
heonei
nfr
ontofheranddeci
dedt
okeepqui
et.

*
What
'l
lshepr
obabl
ysayany
way
s*

Theroom isnotbi
g,i
thast
wobedsandal
ampbur
nedsl
owl
yont
hest
ool
thoughi
t'
snot
complet
elydarkyet
.

"
Whoar
eyou?
"Themeangi
rlasked.

"
Tan.
.Tani
..
.Tani
sha"shest
utt
ered.

"Tani
syoursur
name?,
Tani
isy
oursecondnameandTani
shai
syourl
ast
?,Whataf
unnywei
rd
name"Shemocked.

"Mynamei
sTani
sha"Tani
shasai
d,Tr
ytosoundmor
eok.

"
What
ever
,deci
dei
fyou'
l
lbeokher
eornot
"thegi
rlsai
dandf
ell
ononeoft
hebeds.

Tani
shasatont
hesecondbedandt
hesecondgi
rlst
ood.

Shewal
kedt
oherandTani
shaqui
ckl
yst
ood.

"
Sor
ry"shemut
ter
ed.

"I
t'
sok,
I'
ll
shar
emybedwi
thy
ou,
I'
m Vi
gnet
te"shesai
dandf
ell
ont
hebed,
leav
ingenough
spacef
orTani
sha.
"
I'
m Rei
nai
ncasey
ouneedt
oknow"t
hemeangi
rlsai
dfr
om herbed.

"Thanksf
oraccept
ingme"Tani
shasai
d.

"
Whoaccept
edwho?
,Thi
sisnoone'
shousesoj
ustshuti
tand.
..What
ever
"Rei
nasai
dhar
shl
y.

Tani
shadr
oppedSweetont
hest
ool
besi
det
hel
ampandsl
eptbesi
deVi
gnet
te.

"
Nana.
..
.I
'
m nowasl
ave"shet
houghtandbef
oresheknewi
t,t
ear
ssl
i
ppedoutofherey
es.

*
***
**

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Thecr
yingofMi
naandSanacanbehear
dandt
hewhol
esui
tei
ssol
oudasPr
incet
onent
ered.

Thei
rnanny(Tammy)l
ooksconf
usedasshest
aredatt
het
wof
ivey
ear
sol
dgi
rl
s.

They'
ref
*cki
ngident
ical
,nosi
ngl
edif
fer
encebesi
desMina'
sonesideddi
mpl
eandunl
essshe
smil
esandreveal
sthedimpl
e,noonewil
lknowherapar
tfr
om Sana.

"
What
'shappeni
ng?
,Whyar
etheyi
ntear
s?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Ifedoneoft
hem al
readybutthey'
rebothcl
aimi
ngt
heyhav
en'
teat
en,
ionev
enknowwhi
chone
Ifed"Tammyrepl
i
edandPr i
ncetonsighed.
Hesatont
hecouchandcar
ri
edbot
hoft
hem onhi
slaps.

"
Feedt
hem bot
hagai
n"hesai
d.

"
Butt
hat
'l
lbecheat
ing"Tammysai
dandPr
incet
ongav
eherawar
ningl
ook.

"
Yesboss"shesai
dandwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.

Pr
incet
onf
eltMi
na'
sst
omachmaki
ngf
unnynoi
ses.

"
Sanay
ou'
veeat
en"hesai
d.

"
Iwasj
ustsohungr
y,Iwantmor
e"Sanar
epl
i
ed.

"It
oldy
out
ost
opbei
ngacheat
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandSanapout
ed.

"I
'
m sor
ryMi
na,
nannywi
l
lfeedy
ouok?
"Hesai
dandMi
nanoddedhappi
l
y

Tammycamebackwi
tht
hei
rfoodandt
ookt
hem bot
h.

"
FeedMi
namor
e,Sanahaseat
en"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Yesboss"sher
epl
i
edandl
eftwi
tht
hem
Pri
ncet
onent
eredhi
sroom andpul
l
edoffhisshi
rt
,hi
sbeaut
if
ult
att
oosmadehi
mlookhot
ter
,
heli
ght
enedasmokeandsmokedr ebel
l
iousl
y.

Hewasont
het
hir
dst
ickwhensomeoneknocked.

"
Comei
n"hesai
dandagi
rlcamei
n,oneoft
hegangmember
,shehasapr
oudsmi
l
eonher
f
ace

Ofcour
sesheshoul
dfeel
big,
she'
saboutt
ospendani
ghtonPr
incet
on'
sbed.

"
Ionknowhowtogogent
le"hesai
daf
terdr
oppi
nghi
ssmoke,
unbol
ti
nghi
sbel
tbef
ore
r
emov i
ngi
tfr
om t
hel
oop.

"I
onwantgent
lef*
cktoo,it
'sbor
ing,
roughsoundsbett
er"sher
epl
iedandl
i
keaf
amishedshar
k,
hegr
abbedherandlockedthei
rli
pstoget
her,
trav
eli
ngtothebedwit
hheri
mmedi
atel
y.

Twomi
nut
esl
ater
,herscr
eamsr
ent
edt
heai
rassher
ecei
vedmer
cil
essbangf
rom hi
m.

*
***
**

Landon'
ssui
te*
*

Hejustf
inishedf*cki
ngab* t
ch,
he'
sbusypuf
fi
ngonhi
ssmokewhenTr
acycamei
n,shet
urned
hi
mt oherselfandslappedhi
m

"
Arey
ououtofy
ourmi
nd?
"Hedemanded.
"
Youweref*cki
ngby4pm t
ooandt hat'
swhyy ouwereexempt edfrom themissionandnow
y
ou'r
ebusyf*cki
ngtoo?
,Don'
tyouwantt obetreat
edli
kePrinceton?,Thatbastardmademerun
r
oundtheyardtwent
yti
mesallbecauseofthatb*t
chySier
ra"shesaid,breat
hingheavil
y.

"Andhowi smyf*
ckingl
if
eyourbusi
ness?
,It'
snoneofyourbusi
nesswhoev
erIdeci
det
of*
ck
soleav
e!,
Stopbut
tingi
nandstopmeddli
ng!"Heyel
led.

Tr
acylookedathi
m angr
il
yandmadetoslaphim agai
nbuthehel
dherhandandpushedher
vi
olent
lyt
othewall
.Asharppai
nful
gaspescapedhermouth.

"
Landonl
etmego!
"Shesai
d.

"Icankil
lyouri
ghtnowandnothingwil
lhappen,
noonewi l
laskfory
ourcorpsesobewat
chf
ul
ofhowy ouspeakt ome!,
I'
m st
il
lthesonofgodmother
,respectmejustt
hewayyoudoto
Princet
on!"Heyel
ledtoherf
aceandshelaughedloudl
y.

"Respect
?,I
'
dratherbowdownt
oLi
a,y
ou'
renot
hingbutawast
edsemen"shesai
dandpushed
him awayfr
om hersel
f.

Shel
aughedasshel
eftt
hesui
te.

Landonst
art
eddest
roy
ingt
hings,
breaki
ngev
ery
thi
nghel
ayshi
shandson.

Tr
acygotoutandexhal
edl
oudl
y,shel
ookedatt
hesui
teagai
nandt
ouchedherchest
.

"
Thatf
ool
"shemut
ter
edandwal
kedaway
.

*
***
***
Li
a'
ssui
te*
*

Shej
ustf
ini
shedt
aki
ngherni
ghtshowerwhenSi
err
acamei
n.

"
I'
m sohungr
y"shegr
oaned,
fal
l
ingononeoft
hecouches.

"
Hel
l
o..
.doest
hispl
acel
ookl
i
keaki
tchen?
"Li
asai
d.

"Pr
incet
onmademer
unt
went
ylapswi
thTr
acy
,gi
vemeami
crophone"Si
err
ast
ood.

Li
agaveheranemptybot
tl
eofwhiskeyi
npl
aceofami
crophoneandSi
err
atooki
t,pl
aci
ngi
tin
fr
ontofherl
i
psli
keareal
micr
ophone.

"
HiI'
m Si
err
a,Ij
usthadthewor
seexper
ienceofmylif
e,t
heoneIhopeI
'dneverhav
eagain,
r
unni
ngwithmymor tal
enemy.
..
.Tr
acyLion"shesai
dandfacedLi
awho'sal
readyl
aughi
ng.

"Ser
iousl
ydoesn'
ti
tsoundcr
azy
?"Shesai
d.

"
You'
recr
azi
er"Li
alaughed.

"Hear
dther
e'sanewsl
ave"Si
err
asat
,dr
oppi
ngt
hebot
tl
e.

"Yes,
theonl
ydaught
erofEr
osLeBronl
i
kegodmothersai
d,herdaddi
edwi
thoutpay
ingback
hi
sdebtsoshehastost
andinpl
aceofi
t"Li
asai
d.

"Pi
ti
ful
sadst
ory
"Si
err
apout
ed.
"We'
l
lbeonanot
hermi
ssi
ont
ommor
ow,
Kissi
sland,
Ican'
twai
t"Li
asai
d.

"Metoo,hear
dLandoni
sincl
udedt
hist
ime,
Ihopehedoesn'
trui
nthi
ngsasusual
"Si
err
a
si
ghed.

"Godmot
herwi
l
lki
l
lhi
mifhedoes"Li
asai
d

"ShayandBr
entwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngal
ready
,wepr
omi
sedt
oeatdi
nnerwi
tht
hem y
ouknow"Si
err
a
st
ood.

"Sur
e,l
et'
sgo"Li
arepl
i
ed,
wal
ki
ngoutwi
thher
.

*
***
*.

SLAVEHOUSE*
*

Dinnerwasbr
oughti
nbyt heki
tchenat
tendant
..
.LadyMacbeth,
theywer
eal
lser
vedand
Tanishaat
ehungr
il
y,shehasn'
tateany
thingsi
nceyest
erday
.

Shef
edSweett
ooassheat
e.

"
Gosh.
..
youeatl
i
keadog"Rei
nasai
dandTani
shast
oppedeat
ingt
olookather
.

"
Dog?
"

"
Dogscandobet
ter
"Rei
nar
epl
i
ed.
"Ar
eyouknowi
ngl
ypi
cki
ngonher
?"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"Sur
e"Rei
nar
epl
i
ed.

"I
gnor
eherTani
sha"Vi
gnet
tesai
dheTani
shar
esumedeat
ing,
try
ingt
obesl
ow.

Theyf
ini
shedeat
ingandl
adyMacbet
hcamebackf
ort
hepl
ates.

Shest
aredatTani
shaasshepackedt
hepl
atesandt
il
lshel
eft
,shekeptst
ari
ng.

Tani
shawonder
edwhyi
nwar
dly
.

"
I'
ll
bekindenoughtodoali
tt
lei
ntroduct
ionaboutt
hemai
nper
sonal
i
tiesher
e,I
'
mint
hemood
t
otalkt
hisni
ght"Rei
nasai
d,wal
kingaroundproudl
y.

I
fshewasn'
tasl
ave,
she'
dbeanar
rogantoppr
essor
.

"
Godmot
herZar
a..
.t
henumberone"shesai
d.

"
Iknowheral
ready
,andIknowLandon"Tani
shai
nter
rupt
ed.

"
YouknowLandon?
,How?
"Rei
naasked.

"Hecamewi
thgodmot
hert
ogetmet
henhe.
..
."Shest
opped.
"Hef
*ckedy
ou?
"Rei
nasai
d.

"No!
"Tani
shar
epl
i
edshar
plyandRei
nagi
ggl
ed.

"Aft
ergodmot
her,Pr
incetonisnexthere.
..
he'
shot!
,Ijustl
ovehi
m, any
timeIgett
ost
aybesi
de
him,I'
l
lmakesur
ehef *cksthehelloutofmyp*ssy"Reinabr
agged.

"You'
l
lpr
obabl
ygetsol
dbef
oret
hathappens"Vi
gnet
tesai
dfl
atl
y.

"
Ihat
eyou"Rei
nasai
d.

"Aft
erPri
ncetonit
'sLandonandafterLandoni
t'
sLia.
..
thosear
eherthreekids.
..
thenTracy
, Shay
,
Brentandbad-mouthedSierr
awho'sanhacker,
they'
rethemainshot
si nhere,
storycompleted,
canwesl eepnow?"Vignett
esai
d,cli
mbingthebed.

"Youl
ovespoi
l
ingt
hef
un,
andt
hat
'swhyIhat
eyou"Rei
nasai
d.

"
Ifeel
same"Vi
gnet
tesai
dasTani
shal
aybesi
deher
.

"Ihat
eyoubot
h..
.wi
tches"Rei
nasai
dandcl
i
mbedherbed.

Vi
gnet
tecov
eredTani
shawi
thapar
tofhercov
ercl
othe.

"
You'
l
lgety
our
stommor
ow,
I'
ll
shar
ewi
thy
out
oni
ght
"shesai
dandTani
shasmi
l
ed.

"You'
reki
nd"shesai
d.
"I
'
m not
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
ButIl
i
key
ou"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Li
key
our
sel
f"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
edandTani
shasmi
l
edasshet
urnedaway
.

Shesi
ghedandl
ookedatSweetont
hest
ool
.

"
Goodni
ghtSweet.
..NanaIl
ovey
ou"

TBC

[
6/17,
5:46AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER4&5

★★★★★

NEXTMORNI
NG,
PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Wakinguptoseethatt
hegir
lisst
il
ll
yi
ngbesi
dehim gothi
m annoy
ed,
hehat
eswaki
ngupt
o
seeanyonehes*xedbesi
dehimthemorni
ngaft
er.
She'
sst
il
lst
arknaked,
sleepi
ngbesi
dehi
m.

"
Getup!
"Hesai
dcol
dlyandsheopenedherey
esbef
orespr
angi
ngup.

"I
'
m sor
ryIoversl
ept
"shesaidandquickl
yscurr
iedoutofbed,sheknowshisrul
essowit
hout
wai
ti
ngforhi
mt otel
lher
,sherushedoutoftheroom af
terpi
ckinghert
hingsf
rom t
hefl
oor
wher
ehehadf l
ungthem l
astni
ght.

Pri
ncet
onl
ight
enedasmokeandpuf
fedoni
tforl
ong,
hest
ayedbyhi
swi
ndow,
star
ingout
qui
etl
yashesmoked.

"
Daddy
!!
"Mi
na'
svoi
cemadehi
mlookback.

"
Shi
t"hemut
ter
edanddr
oppedt
hesmokeont
heasht
raybef
orel
eav
ingt
her
oom.

Hegott
othel
i
vingr
oom andsawMi
naandSana,
dressedf
orschool
alr
eadywi
tht
hehel
pof
Tammy.

"
Ireal
l
ywantasweetdad,
asweetdadhugshi
sdaught
erear
lyev
erymor
ning,
hepeckst
hem
t
ooandtel
l
sthem hel
ovesthem"Sanasai
d

"That'
str
ue"Minaaddedinhert
inyvoiceandhesmil
edthinl
ybef
orewalki
ngt
othem,
his
tr
ouserskeptt
ryi
ngtogetdownfrom hiswai
stcoshi
sbeltwasn'
tbol
ted.

Hebenti
nfr
ontoft
hem andpeckedt
hebot
hoft
hem bef
orehuggi
ngt
hem.

"
Icher
ishy
oubot
hthanmy
sel
f"hesai
dandt
heysmi
l
ed,
pecki
nghi
mtoo.
"Wel
ovey
oudaddy
"

"
Ilov
eyoubot
h,dowel
li
nschool
asusual
ok?
"Hesai
d.

"Iwanti
cecr
eam whenIgetback"Sanasai
d.

"Met
oodad"Mi
naaddendum

"I
'
llgeti
tfory
oubot
honcey
ougetback"her
epl
i
ed.

"
Yay
!!
,Seey
ousoondad"t
heychor
usedandhesmi
l
edbef
orehandi
ngt
hem ov
ert
oTammy
.

"Shaywi
l
lbet
heonet
odr
ivet
hem t
oday
"hesai
dandshenoddedbef
orel
eadi
ngt
hem out
.

Pr
incet
onf
oll
owedt
hem behi
ndandShayi
sal
readywai
ti
ngwi
tht
hecari
nfr
ontoft
hesui
te.

Thr
eeot
hercar
scont
aini
ngf
ier
ceguar
dsar
ebehi
ndt
hecar
.

"
Okt
hebl
ueey
edcut
iesar
eher
e"Shaysai
d,get
ti
ngt
hem i
ntot
hecar
.

"Nomi
stakes,
I'
ll
kil
lyoui
faany
thi
nghappenst
othei
rsmal
l
estf
inger
s"Pr
incet
onsai
d

"HaveIev
ermademi st
akes?
, I
onli
keyourfranknessei
sh!
,I
t'
sscar
y..
.l
et'
stal
kli
kef
ri
ends
someti
mes"Shaysai
dandPrincet
onscoffed.

"Iknowi
twon'
twor
k,wi
l
dcat
"Shaysai
dandgoti
nthecar
,hedr
oveoutoft
hepal
aceandt
he
t
hreecar
sfol
l
owed.

Gir
lsstar
edatPrincet
oninbunchesashecont
inuedst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontoft
hesui
te,
he'
sst
il
l
shi
rtl
essso.
..
..
hiss*xi
nessisdri
ppi
ng.

Theywon'
tst
opst
ari
ngt
il
lhel
eftt
hesui
teandmadehi
swayt
oZar
a'ssui
te.

I
mmedi
atel
yhel
eft
,Landoncameandent
eredwi
thoutr
ingi
ngt
hedoor
bel
l
.

"
Mast
erLandon"Tammysai
d,l
ooki
ngupf
rom whatshewasdoi
ng.

Hecamecl
oserbutsher
aisedt
hekni
fewi
thhert
ohi
sface.

"I
'
vetoldyoucount
lesst
imest
onev
ercomeher
euni
nvi
tedany
mor
e"Tammysai
dandLandon
gri
nned.

"I
fonl
yyou'
dletmehav
eat
ast
eofy
ou,
I'
dhav
est
oppedcomi
ng,
you'
ret
oot
empt
ingt
oresi
st"
hesai
dseduct
ivel
y.

"Ionli
keyourf
ace,i
onlikey
ourper
sonal
i
ty,
ionl
ikeany
thi
ngabouty
ousot
ell
mewhyI
'
lll
eta
beastli
keyougetundermypant
s"Tammysaid.

"You'
l
lli
kemyd*
ck"Landonchuckl
ed.

"Getout
!"Tammysai
d.

"Thi
sisst
il
lmybabybr
other
'ssui
te,
youcan'
tor
derar
ound"hesai
d.
"Di
dy oujustsaybabybr
o?,Howfunny..
..
youhateadmi
tt
ingt
hathe'
syourbr
otherandnowhe'
s
suddenlyyourbabywhat
?..
..Cuti
toutandleav
e"TammysaidandLandonli
ckedhisl
ips.

"I'
l
lmakesureIf*
ckyourcl
i*li
kenoonehasev
erdone.
..j
ustwai
tti
l
lthet
imecomes"hesmi
l
ed
confi
dent
lyandst
art
edleav
ing.

Hegott
othedoorandl
ookedback,
sti
l
lli
cki
nghi
sli
ps.

"
I'
ll
f*cky
ou"hesai
dandl
eft
.

"
Mani
ac"Tammysai
dandent
eredt
heki
tchen.

*
***
*

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Theguar
dsbowedwhenPr
incet
ongott
her
e,hehasunr
est
ri
ctedaccessany
time.

Hewenti
nandZar
asmi
l
edshor
tl
ywhenshesetherey
esonhi
m.

"
Wasn'
tex
pect
ingy
ou"shesai
d,wal
ki
ngt
ohi
m.

"Theorphanagef
und,
I'
mret
urni
ngi
tbackt
otheor
phanaget
hismor
ning"hesai
dandZar
a
fr
owned.

"Whywoul
dyou?
"
"I
t'
sor
igi
nal
l
yfort
heor
phans"her
epl
i
ed.

"Butt
echni
cal
l
yit
'snowourmoney
"Zar
arepl
i
ed.

"I
oncaregodmot
her
,i
tbel
ongstothem andI
'm sendingitbackt
othei
raccountt
hismor
ning.
..
I
shoul
dn'
thavet
oldy
oubutIdeci
dedto"herepl
iedflatl
y.

"Doy
ouknowy
ou'
reget
ti
ngr
udet
heseday
s?"Zar
asai
d.

"
I'
veal
way
sbeenr
ude"her
epl
i
edcol
dly
.

Zar
awentcl
osert
ohi
m andhel
dhi
schi
n.

"BecauseIt
reasur
eyousomuch?
"Shesai
d,l
ooki
ngathi
mli
keal
i
onwi
l
llookati
t'
spr
ey.

"
Youcanst
opt
reasur
ingmei
fyou'
vest
art
edf
indi
ngi
tbot
her
some"hesai
dandst
eppedback.

Zar
asmi
l
edandwal
kedbackt
osi
tdown.

"
Youal
way
samazemePr
incet
on,
Iwon'
tst
opy
ouf
rom r
etur
ningt
hemoney
"shesi
ghed.

"Andaboutsl
avetr
ade,
IthinkIt
oldyouI
'
m noti
nsuppor
tofi
tfrom t
hestar
t,yety
oubroughti
n
anot
herone.
..
hear
dshelostherdadwhoownedyoumoney.
..
.You'
recol
derthanIam"hesaid
andZarasmil
ed.

"Webot
hknowwho'
scol
der
"shesai
d.
"Notl
i
key
ou'
l
lli
sten"shesai
dandst
art
edl
eav
ing.

"Ki
ssi
sland.
..
.samet
imeasy
est
erday
"shesai
d.

"
Iknow,
butwhycan'
tLandonl
eadt
hegangt
hist
ime"her
epl
i
ed,
stoppi
ngabr
upt
ly.

"Webot
hknowLandonwi
ll
rui
nthi
ngsandthat
'swhyyou'
l
lalwaysleadt
hegangev
ery
wher
e,
he'
l
lal
waysbebel
owyousi
ncehe'
snotreadyt
olear
n"sherepl
ied.

Wi
thoutsay
ingonemor
ewor
d,Pr
incet
onl
eftt
hesui
te.

*
***
**

TRAI
NINGGROUND*
*

Li
ahastwotyr
esti
edt
oar
ope,
shehangedt
hel
ongr
opeonherneckandr
an,
draggi
ngt
he
ty
resbehi
ndher
.

Si
err
adi
dthesame,
runni
ngbesi
deher
.

"
Oyv
ey.
..
I'
mti
red"Si
err
asai
d,st
oppi
ngf
orawhi
l
e.

"Cont
inuer
unni
ngy
ouweakl
i
ng"Li
arepl
i
edandSi
err
abr
eat
hedheav
il
y.

"I
'
mjustsev
ent
een,
ther
eshoul
dbel
i
mit
stomyt
rai
nings"shesai
d.
"Butt
her
e'snol
i
mit
stoy
ourhacki
ng"Li
asai
dandshel
aughed.

"Hacki
ngi
sdi
ff
erentf
rom t
rai
ning"

"What
ever
,let
'scont
inue"Li
arepl
i
ed.

Tracysuddenl
yappear
edandsatbesi
det
het
womet
all
i
cwei
ght
s,shest
art
edr
aisi
ngi
tupand
down.

Theybot
hst
oppedt
owat
chandSi
err
ascof
fed.

"
Shemustf
eel
li
ket
hehei
rtot
het
hroneofpar
adi
ser
ightnow"shesai
d.

"Let'
sswit
chtometall
i
cweight
s"Li
asai
dandSi
err
asmi
l
ed,
theywentf
ort
hewei
ghsand
star
tedr
aisi
nganddroppi
ng.

Tr
acywat
chedthem andr
oll
edey
esbef
orest
andi
ng,
shewentf
ort
hepunchi
ngbagandt
hey
wentf
ori
ttoo.

Shef
acedt
hem sweat
ingheav
il
y.

"
Cany
ouguy
sst
opbei
ngmydogs?
,Idon'
trememberor
der
ingf
ort
woi
nthedogf
arm"shesai
d.

"Wel
ovey
ou,
that
'swhywewannabel
i
key
ou.
..Tr
acy
"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"
Youcanl
oveheral
one,
Ican'
tl
oveal
i
on"Si
err
arepl
i
edandTr
acygl
aredhat
eful
l
y.
"I
'
llwoundy
ousomeday
"shesai
d.

"
TracyLi
on.
..
.r
oar
!!
!!
!"Si
err
aroar
edf
unni
l
yandgav
eTr
acyt
hemi
ddl
efi
ngerbef
orel
eav
ing.

Li
awi
nkedandl
eftaf
tert
hat
.

"
Thoset
wo"Tr
acyseet
hed.

"
Wai
tformeb*
tch"Li
asai
d,r
ushi
ngaf
terSi
err
a.

Si
err
asl
oweddownandLi
ametup,
thent
heysi
ght
edShayandBr
ent
,comi
ngt
hei
rway
.

"
HeyShayorBr
ent
?"Li
aasked.

"
They
'r
ebot
hugl
y"Si
err
arepl
i
edandLi
agi
ggl
ed.

"Tal
kofabadassbi
i
ch"shesai
d.

"
Arey
ouguy
sjustgoi
ngf
ort
hemor
ningt
rai
ning?
"Si
err
aasked.

"Yes,
Ihadt
owai
tforShayt
ocomebackf
rom t
het
winsschool
"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"Wef
ini
shedourmor
ningt
rai
ningal
ready
,goodl
uck"Li
asai
d.
"Pl
ease.
..
Iwon'
tdosuchagai
nIpr
omise!
,Iwon'
ttr
yitagai
npl
ease.
.don'
tsummonPr
incet
on.
..
pl
ease!
"Theyhear
dagangmemberbegging.

Theyf
acedt
hedi
rect
ionandsawt
heguy
,get
ti
ngdr
aggedt
othey
ardbyagi
rl
.

Hewaspushedandhef
ell
.

Li
arushedt
her
ewi
tht
heguy
s.

"Herapedagir
llastni
ght,
theonl
ychi
ldofherpar
ent
s,her
apedhert
il
ldeat
haf
terget
ti
ngdr
unk
atthebar"t
hegirlr
epor
tedandLi
aglar
edattheguy.

Herey
esexudesangerasshegav
ehi
m at
hunder
oussl
ap,
fol
l
owedbyaki
cki
nthef
ace.

"F*
cky ou!
,Youknowi
t'
sagai
nstt
her
ulesoft
hispal
acer
ight
?,Rapei
sfor
bidden"shebr
eat
hed
angri
l
y.

"Iwasdrunk.
.Iwoul
dn'
thavedonei
tifIwasn'
tdr
unkI
'
m sosor
ryLi
a..
.pl
easepar
donmet
his
once"hepl
eadeddesper
atel
y.

Li
asl
appedhi
m agai
nandhef
ell
,shepl
acedherbootbet
weenhi
slegs,
rightont
opofhi
sd*
ck.

Hescr
eamedouti
nagonyasshepr
essedherbootoni
t.

"
IfIbur
sty
ourbal
l
snow,
you'
l
ldi
e..
.You'
reawar
eri
ght
?"Shesai
dandhenoddedf
ear
ful
l
y.

"Yourpl
eadi
ngi
sannoy
ing,
Ishoul
dpar
dony
ou?
,Whataboutt
hegi
rly
our
apedt
il
ldeat
h?"She
sai
d.

"I
..
..
I.
..I
'
m..
.I
'
m sor
ry!
!"Hecr
ied.

"Sor
ry?
"Pr
incet
on'
svoi
cesai
dfr
om behi
ndandev
ery
onepar
tedwayf
orhi
mti
l
lhegott
othe
fr
ont
.

Hegr
abbedt
heguy
'sf
aceandpr
essedhi
sfacehar
dwi
thhi
sfi
nger
s.

"DoyouknowwhatIhatemost?,Cheat
ing!
,Youabusedhercosshe'sagir
l,y
oucheat
edhercos
shewasweak,y
ouki l
l
edherfornoreason!
"Heshouted,hi
sbeauti
fuley
esbeamingwith
i
mmenseanger,i
tlooksdanger
ous,col
dandmer ci
l
ess.

Wor
dsr
efusedt
ofor
mint
heguy
'smout
h,hej
ustst
aredf
ear
ful
l
y.

Pr
incet
onr
aisedhi
mfr
om t
hegr
oundandgav
ehi
m nai
l
spunch,
hebl
edf
rom t
hest
omach.

"
Aar
rgh!
"Hegr
oaned,
bleedi
ngf
rom t
hemout
htoo.

Hel
ethi
m goandgothi
sgun.

Henevergav
ehi
mthesl
i
ght
estchancet
otal
kbef
oreshoot
ingathi
m ont
hebal
l
sandt
wiceon
t
hechest.

Hewentdowndeadi
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Clearhi
m up"hesai
dandl
eft
.
*
***
**

SLAVEHOUSE*
*

"
Hav
eyouev
ert
ri
edescapi
ng?
"Tani
shasuddenl
yaskedandRei
naf
rowned.

Theyj
ustf
ini
shedeat
ingbr
eakf
ast
.

"
Arey
ououtofy
ourmi
nd?
,Howwi
l
lyouescapei
nthi
sty
peofcapt
ivi
ty?
"Rei
nasai
d.

"Iwasj
ustwonder
ing"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"It
'sbett
ertostayandgetsol
dwhent
hesl
avebuy
erscomet
hangetki
l
ledwhi
l
etr
yingt
o
escape"Vignet
tesai
d.

"Af
terget
ti
ngsol
d,wher
edowego?
"Tani
shaasked.

"Sel
lyourbodyt
omenandmakemoneyf
ory
ourmast
ers"Rei
nar
epl
i
ed.

"What
!"Tani
sha'
sey
eswi
dened.

"Whydoyousoundshocked?
,Ar
eyouav
irgi
n?"Rei
naaskedandTani
shabi
therl
i
psl
owl
y,
l
ooki
ngaway.

"
I'
venever
..
..I
'venev
erhad.
..
s*xbef
ore,
Idon'
twantt
olosemyv
irgi
nit
ytoast
rangeper
son"she
r
epli
edsadly.
"Whatt
he.
..
.hel
l
!,You'
reav
irgi
n?,
Howol
dar
eyou?
"Rei
naasked.

"Twent
y"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"I
'
m nineteenandIcanpr
oudl
ysayI
'
vef
*ckedmor
ethanf
iveguy
sbef
oreget
ti
ngcapt
ured"
Reinarepli
edproudl
y.

"I
'
m sameageasy
ouTani
sha,
butsor
ryI
'
m notav
irgi
nVi
gnet
tesai
dwi
than"
Idon'
tcar
e"l
ook.

"
You'
real
oneTani
sha"Rei
nal
aughed.

"
ButIdi
dn'
tgetf
*ckedbyf
iveguy
sli
kesomeone,
onl
yone"Vi
gnet
tesai
dandRei
nascowl
ed.

"Wi
tch"

*
Ihav
etogetoutofher
e,Ineedt
oescapebyal
lmeans*Tani
shat
houghtandTr
acycamei
n.

Vi
gnet
teandRei
nast
oodwhi
l
eTani
shakeptsi
tt
ing.

"
Stand"Vi
gnet
tewhi
sper
edandshel
ookedatTr
acy
.

Tr
acygav
eherawi
ckedl
ookandshesl
owl
yst
ood.

"
Out
"Tr
acyor
der
edandt
heyf
il
edoutoft
her
oom whi
l
eTr
acyf
oll
owedbehi
nd.
"
Thesl
avebuy
ersar
eher
e"Vi
gnet
tewhi
sper
edandTani
sha'
shear
tski
ppedbeat
s.

Ot
hersl
avesf
rom t
hev
ari
ousr
oomscameoutt
oo,
they
'r
eov
erf
if
ty.

Theygott
othey
ardwher
egodmot
heri
swai
ti
ngwi
tht
women,
seemst
hey
'r
ethebuy
ers.

"
Ony
ourknees"Tr
acyor
der
edandt
heyobey
ed.

Pr
incet
onappear
edt
oo,
looki
ngatev
ery
onebl
ankl
y.

"They'
ref
if
tysev
en, y
oucanmakey
ourmov
es,
choosey
ourchoi
ces"Zar
asai
dandt
het
women
star
tedwalki
ngaround.

Tanishabitherf
inger
sandst
art
edpi
cki
ngont
hem ner
vousl
y,pr
ayi
ngi
nwar
dlyt
hatshe
shouldn'
tgetchosen

Vignett
eisbesi
deherandRei
nai
sonhersecondsi
de,
theybot
hlookf
ear
lessandshewas
surpri
sed

May
bet
hey
'r
eusedt
oitandt
hey
'r
epr
epar
edf
orweat
hert
hey
'l
lgetsol
dornot
.

Shekeptpi
cki
ngonhernai
l
sti
l
loneoft
hemengott
oher
.

Hehel
dupherf
acer
oughl
yandshekeptshaki
ngt
il
lhel
etgoofherf
ace.

Shel
etoutanheav
ybr
eat
hofr
eli
efashel
eftt
hatl
ane.
ShelookedatZaraandwonderedi
fshe'
sahumanatal
l
,it
'shar
dtobel
i
evet
hatsuchabeast
gavebir
thtothr
eechil
drenal
ready
,shel
ooksl
i
keadevi
l.

Tani
shal
ookedawayf
rom herandl
ookedatPr
incet
on.

"
Isheki
ndorhar
sh?"Shewonder
edandcont
inuedst
ari
ngt
il
lhi
sey
esmetwi
thher
s.

Hereyesbecamebi
ggeri
mmedi
atel
y,hewon'
tst
opl
ooki
ngather
.Shequi
ckl
ylookedaway
ner
vously
.

Shesl
owl
ylookedathi
m agai
nbuthe'
sst
il
lst
ari
ng.

"
Onno"shet
houghtandl
ookeddowncompl
etel
y,deci
dingt
hatshe'
l
lnev
erl
ookupagai
n.

I
ntheend,
thebuy
erspi
ckedf
ivegi
rl
swhocr
iedast
heywer
eledt
othecar
.

Ther
estwer
eledbackt
othesl
avehouse.

"
Iwassoscar
ed"Tani
shasai
dimmedi
atel
ytheygotback.

"
Youshoul
dlear
ntobebol
d,y
ouwon'
tst
ayher
efor
ever
,you'
l
lgetsol
dsomeday
"Vi
gnet
te
r
epl
ied.

"St
il
l.
..
Iwasscar
ed"sher
epl
i
ed,
touchi
ngherhai
randl
ucki
l
y,t
her
e'sapi
nther
e.

"
Ineedt
ogetoutofher
e"shemut
ter
ed.
"
Whatar
eyousay
ing?
"Rei
nasmi
rked.

"
Not
hing"shesmi
l
edt
ocov
erup.

*
***
*

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

"
Missi
onpost
ponedt
il
ltommor
ow?
,Whogav
etheor
der
?"Zar
aaskedf
uri
ousl
y.

"I
t'
sPr
incet
ongodmot
her
"Tr
acybowed.

"
She'
snotsupposedt
ocompl
ain,
he'
stheper
fectsonany
way
s"Landonsai
d,comi
ngi
n.

"GetmePr
incet
on"Zar
aor
der
edandPr
incet
oncamei
nthati
nst
ant
.

Landongrabbedhim bythej
acketimmediatel
y.YoucanhiKwesi
on+233554737287tobe
addedtoStoryr
eadersroom formorest
ories."
Whodoy outhi
nkyouar
ey ouorderev
ery
one
around?
,Themi ssi
oniscancell
ed?
"Hesaid.

"Cany
ougety
ourf
*cki
nghandsof
fme?
"Pr
incet
onsai
dinacommandi
ngt
one.

"Makeme"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

Zar
asuddenl
ygrabbedLandonandbefor
eheknewit
,shet
urnedhisbacktohersel
f,bendi
ng
hi
m ov
erthecouch,hol
dinghi
stwohandsst
rongl
ybehi
ndhi
m, pi
nninghi
mt her
e.
Landont
ri
edt
obr
eakf
reebuti
twasi
mpossi
ble,
she'
stoost
rongsohecal
meddown.

"
Tracy
,numberoner
uleoft
hissui
te"shesai
d.

"Novi
olencebet
weengangmember
sher
e"Tr
acysai
dandZar
aletgoofLandonwhost
oodand
adj
ust
edhi sshi
rt
.

"
Nextt
imey
ou'
l
lgetwounded"shesai
dandf
acedPr
incet
on.

"Speak"sheor
der
ed.

"Si
err
a"Pri
ncet
onsai
dandSier
racamei
nwi
thherl
apt
op,
wear
ingherf
acecapbackwar
ds,
chewinggum l
i
keabadass.

"It
oldhertohackint
otheIsl
andandshedi
dthat,
shehasbeendoingt
hatsi
nceLoki
arr
ived
l
astnight
"hesaidandSier
rashowedt
hem Loki
'
ssuit
einthei
sland.

"
There'
snotev
enasingl
eguard,
thecashisnotwit
hhi
my et,
enteri
ngthei
slandwi
l
lbeusel
ess
r
ightnow,
theri
ghtt
imetogethi
misjustaroundt
hecor
ner"Sier
rasai
d.

"Ify
ou'
rest
il
li
nsi
sti
ngonor der
ingthemissi
ontoproceed,do.
..
.butdon'
tblameany
onei ft
hey
comebackemptyhanded"Pri
ncetonsai
dandleftt
hesuite,l
eavingever
yonedumbfounded.

*
***
*

NI
GHT9PM,
SLAVEHOUSE*
*
Sensi
ngt
hatev
ery
onei
sasl
eep,
Tani
shagotupcar
eful
l
yfr
om Vi
gnet
te'
ssi
deandst
ood.

Shehasbeenwai
ti
ngf
ort
hismomentsi
ncet
hesl
avebuy
ersl
eft
.

Shecar
ri
edSweetandt
ipt
oedoutoft
her
oom.

Rightnowshedoesn'
tcar
eaboutany
thi
ngt
hat
'l
lhappen,
all
shecar
esabouti
sleav
ingher
eas
soonaspossibl
e.

Shewal
kedt
hecor
ri
dorsi
l
ent
ly,
maki
ngsur
enosoundi
smadet
il
lshegott
othemet
aldoor
.

I
t'
slockedf
rom t
heout
side.

"
Geez.
..
ohno"shemut
ter
edandt
urnedback.

Shewalkedtot
heot
hersi
deoft
hecor
ri
dorandl
ucki
l
yther
e'sanot
herdoorwhi
chhasapadl
ock
i
nfrontofi
t.

Shesl
owl
ydr
oppedSweetandr
emov
edherhai
rpi
n.

Shecur
vedt
het
woedgesbef
orei
nser
ti
ngi
tint
othebi
gpadl
ock.

Shest
art
edmov
ingi
tassl
owl
yaspossi
ble,
try
ingt
oopeni
tbyal
lmeans.

"
Pleaseopen.
..pl
easeopen.
..pl
ease"shehopedi
nhermi
nd.
Herpr
ayer
sgotansweredwheni
tcamedown,
awi desmil
espr
eadonherl
ipsandshesl
owly
r
emovedthepadl
ock,i
t'
ssoheav
il
ycosoft
helar
genesssoshesl
owl
ydroppeditont
hefl
oor.

Sheopenedt
hel
argedoorbutnotwi
thoutmaki
ngcr
eaki
ngsounds.

Shesl
i
ppedi
naf
tercar
ryi
ngSweet
.

Shefoundher
sel
finanhal
lwayandstar
tedrunning,herhai
rfl
owingassher
anf
astdownt
he
neverendi
nghal
l
way,i
tseemsli
keitkeptgett
inglongerandlonger
.

Herhear
tst
art
edpoundi
ngwhenSweetst
art
edmeowi
ng.

"
No.
..pl
easedon'
ti
mpl
i
cat
emekeepqui
etSweet
"shemut
ter
edandkeptr
unni
ng.

I
tseemst
her
e'sr
eal
l
ynoendt
othehal
l
waycosi
tseemsst
il
ll
ong.

Herhear
tgotst
ucki
nhert
hroatasanhandsuddenl
ygr
abbedher
.

Shewaspi
nnedont
hewal
landSweetf
ell
from her
.

Thebodyscentsmel
tfami
l
iar.
..I
t'
sdef
ini
tel
y.
..
.

"
Hot
ti
e"hi
svoi
cesai
dandshef
roze.
..
.t
hebeast
!

Thehal
l
wayisdar
ksoshecouldn'
tseehi
sfacebuti
t'
sactual
lyt
hebeastwhocamewi t
h
godmot
hert
otakeher
,theonewhotri
edtodothi
ngstohertheothert
ime.
..Landon!
"
Seemsl
i
ket
oni
ghti
smyni
ght
"hi
sinhumanev
oicesai
dandcol
dsweatr
andownherspi
ne.

"
Let
'sgetthisdonefast
,noonewil
lhearyouscr
eam soscr
eam al
lyouwant
"hesai
dandshe
i
mmediatelyfel
thi
shandunderherski
rt.

"
No.
..
no.
..
nodon'
tdoi
t!
,.
..Don'
ttouchme!
"Shescr
eamed,
str
uggl
i
ngusel
essl
y.

Landonsl
appedherandgr
abbedherb*
*bs,
squeezi
ngi
troughl
y.

"
Someonehel
p!'
shescr
eamed.

TBC

[
6/17,
5:46AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER6&7

★★★★★

"
Someonehel
p!"Tani
shascr
eamedout
.
Hi
shandr
emai
nedunderherski
rtandhepul
l
edherpant
ies,
try
ingt
ogeti
tof
fher
.

"
Pleasedon'
t!
!"Shescr
eamedi
ntear
s.

Hecont
inuedt
ryi
ngt
ogetr
idofhercl
othes,
herski
rtandbl
ousear
eal
mosti
ntat
ter
sri
ghtnow.

Hi
shandsqueezedherb*
*bsagai
nandshescr
eamedagai
n.

"
I'
ll
f*cky
out
il
lyoul
oseconsci
ousnessIswear
"hesai
dhuski
l
y.

Al
oudt
hudf
oll
owedandhel
ethergo,
someoneact
ual
l
yhi
tsomet
hingonhi
shead.

Tani
shast
aredf
ear
ful
l
yint
hedar
k,unabl
etounder
standwhatj
usthappened.

Theli
ght
scameon,r
eveal
ingLi
abesi
detheswi
tchwi
thametalsti
ckinherri
ghthand,
theone
shehi
tonhi
shead,
herlef
thandisst
il
lont
heswit
chwhi
lehereyesradi
atedanger
.

She'
slookingatLandonasi
ftoki
l
lhi
m,Landoni
sst
il
lhol
dinghi
shead,
itgotwoundedsl
i
ght
ly
asaresultoft
hehit.

"
Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngher
e!"Hey
ell
ed,
final
l
ylooki
ngupatLi
a.

Liacamecloserandtr
iedpunchi
nghisf
acebuthegr
abbedherhandandpushedhert
othewal
l
roughl
y,makingsur
eshe'str
apped.

"
Don'
ttel
lmey
ouhi
tthatmet
alonmyhead"hesai
d,hi
swi
ckedey
esr
oll
i
ngmal
i
ciousl
y.
"
Bast
ard"Li
aspatandr
aisedherl
egt
othemi
ddl
eofhi
slegs,
hit
ti
nghi
m har
dri
ghtt
her
e.

Hel
etgoofhert
hati
nst
antandhel
dthatspott
ight
ly.

"
Lia.
..
"Hegr
oanedi
npai
ns.

"I
t'
sf*cki
ngbother
somethaty
oubearsamesurnameasme..
.LandonMaster
son,
youshoul
d
havebeenLandonMaster
fooli
nst
ead.
..
.p*
ssymonst
er!
"Shesai
dandsighed.

"Iwant
edt
ohav
eat
ast
eofher
,i
sthatat
aboo?
"Hesai
daf
terr
ecov
eri
ng.

Tani
shast
oodonherspot
,shi
ver
ingsl
i
ght
ly.

"You'
ref*
cki
nginsanesi
ncey
ourbr
aini
susi
ngt
hebl
oodf
rom y
ourd*
ck,
yougocr
azyatt
he
smellofl
ett
erP"shesai
d.

"Ofcour
seIl
ovep*
ssy
"Landonl
aughed.

"F*cky
ouandyourf
*ckingd*ckmonster
..
.y
oushouldhav
ebeencreat
edinhel
li
nst
ead"Liasai
d
andwalkedt
oTani
sha,shepull
edheroutofthehal
l
wayandtookherbackt
othemainhouse.

"
Howdi
dyougett
her
e?"Sheaskedst
ernl
y.

Tani
shaf
acedt
hegr
ound,
hol
dinghert
att
eredcl
othest
oher
sel
f.

"Heyyouaren'
tmuteareyou?
,Youf
*cki
ngscr
eamedbackt
her
e"Li
asai
dandTani
shasni
ff
ed
slowl
y.Shesti
ll
didn'
ttal
k.
Li
ahel
dherchi
nandr
aisedherf
ace.

"
Yout
ri
edt
oescape?
"Shesai
dandTani
shasni
ff
edagai
n.

"
Howf
ool
i
shofy
ou,
youact
ual
l
ythi
nky
oucandot
hat
?"Li
asmi
rkedandl
ookedatt
hedoor
.

"Damnit
!,Di
dn'
tnot
icet
hedoor
"shesai
dandwal
kedt
her
e,shesawt
hepadl
ockont
hedoor
andcamebacktoher

"
Youopenedt
hepadl
ock?
,Wi
thwhat
?'sheasked.

"My
..
.hai
r.
..
pin"Tani
shamut
ter
ed.

"
Youopenedthepadl
ockwit
hanhai
rpi
n?,
Shaysai
dthepadl
ocki
soneoft
hehar
destt
otoy
wi
th,
thenhowcome"Liasai
d.

"Ij
ust
..
..knowhowt
odoi
t"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

Li
asi
ghedandl
ookedathert
hor
oughl
y.

Withoutbei
ngnosy
,any
onewi
l
lknowshe'
sdi
ff
icul
ttor
esi
st,
she'
shotev
eni
nhersl
avedr
ess.
She'sbeaut
if
ul.

"Soi
fIwasn'tt
aki
ngawal
katt
hehal
l
way
,Landonwoul
dhav
erapedy
ou,
thatbast
ardi
sa
bast
ard"shesai
d.
"I
'
m sor
ry.
..
"Tani
shamut
ter
ed.

"Comewit
hme"Li asai
dandt
ookheroutoft
hehouset
hroughanot
hersmal
ldoorwhi
chshe
openedwi
thpasscode.

Shet
ookhert
othehousewher
eshewasgi
vencl
othest
heot
hert
ime.

Li
acheckedoutal
lthecl
othesmay
beshe'
l
lfi
ndal
ongeronebutno,
ever
ythi
ngi
ssamesi
ze

"
Toobad,
you'
l
lhav
etol
ooks*
xyagai
n"shesai
d,handi
nghernewcl
othes.

Tani
shaputt
hem onandonceagai
n,i
tlef
toutherbel
l
ybut
tonandmostofhert
highs.

"
Don'
tev
ert
ryt
oescapeany
mor
e,i
t'
saf
reeadv
ise"Li
asai
dandTani
shal
ookedupather
.

"Doy ouknowwhyI '

m sayi
ngthi
s?,
You'
lldefi
nit
elyalway sgetcaughti
fnotbyme, i
tmightbe
Tracyoranyoftheguys,i
fyougetr
eport
edtogodmot herIswearityou'
ll
regr
etevertr
yingto
escape,doyouknowwhatshe'll
dotoyou?,You'l
lgetlockedintheheati
ngroom forj
ustten
minutesandbytheti
mey oucomeout,yourskinwil
lnev erremainthesameagain"Li
asaid.

Bar
elyhear
ingt
hat
,Tani
shagott
hechi
l
ls,
itsoundsscar
y.

"
I'
m supposedt
otel
lgr
andmot
herbutIf
eel
li
kepar
doni
ngy
ou"shesai
d.

"Pl
easedon'
t"Tani
shabegged.

"What
'sy
ourname?
"
"Tani
sha"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Tani
sha.
..
.cool
,youguy
swi
l
lbef
reet
omov
ear
oundt
hepal
aceasf
rom t
omor
row"Li
asai
d.

"Huh?
"

"Yes,
youguyswil
lbegivenfr
eedom t
omov earoundthepalacest
art
ingfr
om t
ommor
ow,
to
cl
eanthough,
whenit
'sdark,
youguyswil
lret
urntotheslav
ehouse"Liasai
d.

"Oh.
..
I'
m gl
ad"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Ar
eyouper
hapspl
anni
ngt
orunawayagai
n?"

"NoIswear
,Idon'
twantt
obel
ockedi
ntheheat
ingr
oom"shequi
ckl
yrepl
i
edandLi
asmi
l
ed
shor
tl
y.

"Let
'sgoback"shesai
dandl
edt
hewaybackt
othesl
avehouse,
Sweeti
swai
ti
ngbyt
hedoor
.

Shecar
ri
edi
tandl
ookedatLi
abef
oreent
eri
ngt
her
oom.

Vi
gnett
eandRei
naar
est
il
lfastasl
eepsoshequi
etl
ypl
acedSweetont
hest
ool
bef
oreget
ti
ng
onthebedsl
owl
y.

Li
awal
kedoutoft
hehouseandsi
ghed.

"
Har
dfat
ehuh"shebr
eat
hedanddeci
dedt
ogobackt
ohersui
tewhenLandonappear
ed.
"
Youmi
ghtsav
ehernowbuty
ouwon'
tbet
her
etosav
eheranot
hert
ime"hesai
d.

"Getof
f"sher
epl
i
edandst
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
.

"
Icanjustr
epor
thert
ogr
andmot
hert
hatshet
ri
edt
oescape"hesai
dandLi
asmi
rkedbef
ore
l
ooki
ngback.

"ThenI
'
llr
epor
tyout
ohert
oo.
..
.forat
tempt
edr
ape"shesai
dandLandonwentmut
e.

"Yourpr
eci
ousd*
ckwi
l
lgetcutI
'
m sur
e..
.f
ool
"sher
oll
edey
esandwal
kedaway
.

"Shi
t!
,Shegotme"Landonsai
d.

"Wait
..
.I'
m si
xyearsol
dert
hant
hisb*
tchyetshe'
salwaysbehavi
ngol der
..
.andwhyisev
ery
one
alwaysl
ookingdownonmewhy!,Whythehel
lwil
lIalwaysbebel
itt
led!"Heraged.

Hegr
unt
edangr
il
yandwal
kedawayaf
ter
war
ds.

Li
ametPr
incet
onwai
ti
ngi
nfr
ontofhersui
tewhenshegott
her
e,he'
ssmoki
ngasusual
.

"HeyIknowyoul
ovesmoki
ngbutr
educet
her
atedude,
it'
sget
ti
ngmucht
heseday
s"shesai
d
andhefacedher
.

"
Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
,You'
renotpar
toft
heni
ghtshi
ft
"hesai
d.

"Ij
ustwentf
orawal
kandl
ucki
l
yIcaughtabast
ardwhot
ri
edt
orapeasl
ave"sher
epl
i
edand
Pr
incet
ont
hrewdownhi
sci
gar
.

"Whowasi
t?"Heaskedser
iousl
y.

"F*
cki
ngLandon,
hewast
ryi
ngt
orapet
henewsl
ave"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Inherr
oom?
"

"No.
..
ithappenedt
hatshet
ri
edt
oescapeandhecaughtupwi
thheratt
hehal
l
way
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Fool
i
shLandon.
..andwhywoul
dshet
ryescapi
ng,
it'
simpossi
ble"hesai
d,f
lexi
nghi
smuscl
es.

"Iknowr
ight
?,Butshe'
ssomet
hingel
se,
shebr
oket
hepadl
ockwi
thanhai
rpi
n"Li
asai
d.

"Whi
chpadl
ock?
"

"Theoneattheseconddoor
,Shaysai
dit'
sdif
fi
cul
ttotoywi
thandt
hat
'swhyi
twasused
but
..
.t
hatbadassbrokei
twit
hjustanhai
rpi
n"sher
epli
ed.

"Omegapadl
ock?
,Doy
ouknowhowmanyt
imesI
'
vet
ri
edopeni
ngi
twi
thl
ogi
c?,
Ithasnev
er
wor
ked"hesai
d.

"Sameher
ebro.
..She'
ssomet
hingel
sebutl
et'
skeepi
tfr
om godmot
her
,ser
iousl
yIt
hinkIl
i
ke
her
"Li
asai
d.

"I
slesbi
ani
sm poppi
ngup?
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandLi
agi
ggl
ed.
"
She'
shot
,s*
xy,
andabadass"sher
epl
i
ed.

"What
ever
,I'
m goi
ngt
osl
eep"her
epl
i
edandst
art
edl
eav
ing.

"Whyar
eyouher
eor
igi
nal
l
y?"Sheasked.

"
Tosayhi
"her
epl
i
edwi
thoutl
ooki
ngbackt
il
lhe'
soutofsi
ght
.

"He'
smyi
dol
"Li
asmi
l
edandwenti
n.

*
***
**

NEXTMORNI
NG,
POWERROOM*
*

"
Noguar dsi
nsi
ghtst
il
l"Si
err
asai
d,t
urni
ngherbackont
hel
apt
opaf
tert
aki
ngapeekatt
he
i
sland.

"
Nocashwi
thhi
myet
"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"
Ireal
l
ydon'
twantt
oaskt
hisbutwher
edi
dhegett
hecashhe'
sexpect
ingf
rom?
"Si
err
aasked.

"Nooneknowsbesi
des,
LiaPr
incet
onandgodmot
herbuti
t'
sdi
rt
ycashobv
iousl
y"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"SoevenLandondoesn'
tknow,
he'
sasgoodasusel
essi
nher
e"Tr
acysai
dwi
thamocki
ng
smil
e.
"Yety
ouhav
eahugecr
ushonhi
m"Si
err
asai
dandTr
acyl
ooksshocked.

Br
entmadet
otal
kbutShaybl
ockedhi
smout
h.

"
Shhh,
rev
elat
ionofsecr
ets,
keepqui
et"hewhi
sper
ed.

"
Whatdoy
oumean?"Tr
acysai
dawkwar
dly
.

Si
err
ast
oodandf
acedher
.

"Ar
ey oushockedthatIf
oundoutt
hetr
uth?,Wel
lyoushouldbe,y
oualwaystr
yhardtokeepit
bypret
endi
ngt ohatehi
m buty
ouknow.
..I'
m anhacker
,Ihackedyourt
hought
sbabe"Si
erra
smil
ed.

"Youknownot
hingaboutmey
ousi
ckb*
tch"Tr
acysai
d,f
oldi
ngherf
ist
s.

"IknowyoubestTr
acyLi
on"Si
err
awi
nkedandTr
acyat
tempt
edt
oki
ckherbutBr
entpul
l
edher
awayfrom t
hespot
.

"
Icanf
ightf
ormy
sel
ftoo,
stopmaki
ngmel
ookl
i
keaweakl
i
ng"shesai
d.

Tr
acygl
aredatev
ery
onebef
orel
eav
ingt
her
oom.

"
Thef
actt
hatTr
acyi
snotsay
ingany
thi
ngonl
ymeansy
ouj
ustsai
dthet
rut
h"Shaysai
d.

"HaveIeversai
dwhatI'
m notsur
eof
?"Si
err
arepl
i
edandr
emov
edhercap,
shewor
eit
backwar
dsthenlef
ttoo.
"
Tot
albadassr
ight
?"Shaysai
d,l
ooki
ngather
.

"
Mor
ningt
rai
ning"Br
entscof
fedandl
eft
,Shayf
oll
owed.

*
***
*

TRAI
NINGGROUND*
*

Pr
incet
onisbusyl
i
fti
ngt
heheav
iestwei
ghtwi
thoutmuchef
for
tswhi
l
eal
otofgi
rl
sgat
her
edt
o
watchhi
m.

Seei
nghi
m shi
rt
lessdur
ingwor
kouti
sanot
herpr
ivi
l
ege,
he'
sfoxy
!

S*
xysweet
hear
t

Hav
inghi
m al
lformy
sel
fismybestdr
eam

F*
ck,
IwantPr
incet
on

Hest
oppedf
orawhi
l
eandl
ookedatt
hem,
theyf
li
nchedandl
eftqui
ckl
y.

Landonj
oinedhi
m shor
tl
yandst
art
edl
i
fti
ngsamewei
ghthe'
sli
ft
ingbuthehast
oappl
yal
lhi
s
eff
ort
s.

"
Per
fectson"hesai
dandPr
incet
onpr
etendednott
ohear
.
"
Youknowf oraj
uni
orbrot
her
,you'
real
way
st oorudet
ome,adayi scomi
ngwhenI
'
llr
uiny
our
f
ace"Landonsai
dagai
nandheardamockerysoundfr
om Pr
incet
on.

Hest
oppedl
i
fti
ngandst
ood,
hecamet
oPr
incet
on.

"
DidIj
ustheart
hatsoundf
rom y
ou?
"Hesai
d.

Pr
incet
onkeptl
i
fti
ngwi
thoutspar
inghi
m agl
ancebutLandonhel
dhi
shands.

"
I'
mf*
cki
ngt
alki
ngt
oyou!
"Hesai
dloudl
y.

Pr
incet
ont
ookhi
shandf
rom hi
mfor
cef
ull
yandst
ood.

ShayandBr
entwer
ejustent
eri
ngt
hegr
oundwi
thLi
a.

"I
onhaveyourf
*ckingt
ime.
..
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandt
urnedt
oleav
ebutLandont
urnedhi
m backt
o
hi
mselfandpunchedhi
m.

Pr
incet
on'
sli
psgotbur
stedandhet
ouchedi
t,hesawt
hebl
oodandsmi
l
ed.

"I
'
lll
ett
hisgo"hesai
dandmadet
oleav
eagai
nbutLandonsuddenl
ythr
ust
edsomet
hingI
nto
hi
sback, i
t'
sakni
fe.

"
Landon!
"Li
ashout
ed.

"
Inst
eadofshout
ing,
whydon'
twegethi
sbur
ial
sit
eready
,Pr
incet
onwi
l
lal
mostki
l
lhi
m"Si
err
a
sai
d.

Pr
incet
onr
emov
edt
hesmal
lkni
fef
rom hi
sbackandhi
sbl
ooddr
ippeddown.

Hel
ookedatLandonandsmi
l
edconf
ident
ly.

"
Youj
ustt
ouchedt
hewhi
skerofasl
eepi
ngl
i
on"hesai
dandr
ushedt
owar
dshi
m.

Landontr
iedtoduckbutPrincet
ongothismov
eandat
tackedf
rom t
hebase,
rai
singhi
slegs
fr
om thegroundcomplet
elytohitonhi
m.

Landonf
ell
andhedr
aggedhi
m up,
hepunchedhi
m andmadehi
sli
psbur
stt
oo,
hismout
hbl
ed
alot.

"YouknowI'
vebeenwanti
ngtoteachyoual essonforwhatyout
ri
edwi
ththatsl
avel
astni
ght
butIdeci
dedtol
etitgot
hismorning.
..
.andnowy outri
gger
edmyanger
,Ihatedomest
ic
animal
sli
keyou"Pri
ncet
onsai
dandpunchedhi m agai
n.

Eacht
imeLandont
ri
estof i
ghtback,
Pri
ncet
oncount
erat
tackshi
spuncheswi
thanheav
ierone
sohe'
sbel
owhimthroughout.

Thr
eemi
nut
esl
ater
,Landoni
sbl
eedi
ngal
l
overt
hef
ace.

Thegi
rl
sst
art
edchant
ingl
oudl
y.

"
Pri
ncet
on!
"
"
Ilov
eyouPr
incet
on!
"

"
Real
babe!
"

"
Pri
ncet
oni
sther
eal
deal
!"

Li
arushedt
othesceneandhel
dPr
incet
on'
sfi
stwhenhewasaboutt
ogi
veLandonanot
her
punch.

"
Pleasegi
vehi
mjustt
enmor
epunchesandl
ethi
m go"shesai
dandl
etgoofhi
shand.

Pr
incet
oncont
inuedpunchi
nghi
mti
l
lhewassat
isf
ied.

Hest
oodandl
efti
mmedi
atel
y.

Li
abentbesi
deLandonandsmi
l
ed.

"
Howwasi
t?"Sheaskedi
nmocker
y.

"
Youdeser
vei
t.
..monst
er"shesai
dandpokedhi
scheekbef
orel
eav
ing.

SOMEMI
NUTESLATER*
*

Thedoort
othesl
avehouseopenedandt
heyal
lrushedout
,Tani
shasmi
l
ed,
happyt
hatshe'
s
saf
eandsoundwit
hhervir
gini
ty.
I
fLandonhadhi
swayl
astni
ght
,she'
dbecr
yingr
ightnow.

They
'r
egonnabefreeasf
rom t
oday
..
.f
reet
owal
kar
ound,
rat
hert
hanhav
ingt
ost
ayal
ldayand
ni
ghtint
hehouse.

"
WhydoIf
eel
li
key
ourski
rtl
ooksnewer
,ev
ent
hebl
ouse"Rei
nasai
d,l
ooki
ngatTani
sha.

"Me?
,Idunno"Tani
shar
epl
i
edsl
owl
y,Sweetl
i
ckedhert
oesandshecar
ri
edi
t.

"May
beI
'
m ov
ert
hinki
ng"Rei
nasai
d,st
il
ll
ooki
ngather
.

"Feel
sgoodt
obeout
"Vi
gnet
tei
nhal
edandTani
shasmi
l
ed,
looki
ngather
.

"
You'
repr
ett
y"shesai
dandVi
gnet
tegav
eaf
akesmi
l
e.

"
Ihat
ewhenpeopl
etel
lmet
hat
"shesai
d

LadyMacbet
happear
edandt
heyal
lkeptqui
et.

"Godmotherorder
edyourf
reeness.
..
.feel
freetowalkaroundt
hepal
acewithnoint
ent
ionof
escapi
ng,eyesareonyouguysandifanyoneiscaught,
itwon'
tbeni
ce"shesai
d.

"Heat
ingr
oom"Tani
shat
hought
.

"I
'
llgr
oupy
ouguy
sint
otwoeach,
eachgr
oupwi
l
lcl
eanaspeci
fi
csui
teev
ery
day
"shecont
inued.
"Yesl
adyMacbet
h"t
heyal
lchor
used.

Shest
art
edt
hegr
oupi
ngandVi
gnet
tegotgr
oupedt
oLandon'
ssui
tewi
thanot
hergi
rl
.

Rei
naandTani
shagotgr
oupedt
oPr
incet
on'
ssui
te.

LadyMacbethsi
ghedaf
tershewasdone,
herey
esf
ell
onTani
shaagai
nandshest
aredj
ustl
i
ke
sheusedto

"
She'
l
lbor
ehol
esonmybodywi
thherey
essomeday
"Tani
shat
hought
.

Theywer
eal
ltol
dthedi
rect
ionoft
hesui
tesandeachgr
oupl
eftf
ort
hei
rassi
gnedsui
te.

Reinascreamedandblabber
edthr
oughoutt
hewalkt
oPr
incet
on'
ssui
te,
shewoul
dn'
tst
op
tal
kingandTanishahadtomanagewatchi
ngherl
i
kemel
odrama.

Theygott
her
eandTammyopenedt
hedoor
.

"
Hiwe'
ret
henewassi
gnedcl
eaner
s"Rei
nawav
ed.

"Yougir
lscancomein"Tammysai
dandTanishadr
oppedSweetbef
oregoi
ngi
nwi
thRei
nabut
unknowi
nglyt
oher,
Sweetsli
ppedi
nunnot
iced.

"
Whoa!
,I
t'
sbeaut
if
ulanddi
ff
erenther
e"Rei
nagushedhappi
l
y.

Tammyl ookedatTani
shaandsmil
ed."Youguy
scanst
artcl
eani
ngaf
tershe'
sdonewi
th
fant
asi
zi
ng"t hesai
dandTani
shanodded.
Shegott
hemopandsoapywat
erf
ort
hebot
hoft
hem andt
heyst
art
edcl
eani
ng.

Thehousei
scl
ean,
justneedsl
i
ttl
etouches.

Theywentt
otheroomstooandhadtodoal
otbef
oret
heywer
eabl
etof
ini
shcl
eani
ngt
he
twi
nsroom,i
twassodisor
gani
zed.

Pri
ncet
on'
sroom wascleanexceptfort
heci
gar
ett
esl
i
tteront
heasht
ray
,ther
e'snot
hingt
obe
donebutTani
shacl
eanedanyway s.

Rei
naf
ell
ont
hebedheav
il
y.

"
Arey
oucr
azy
?,Getup!
"Tani
shasai
dur
gent
ly.

"
He'
snothereany
way s,
it'
smydr eam t
ogetf*ckedmerci
l
esslyonthi
sbed,I'
l
lbeli
keouch!
,
Har
derPr
incet
on.
..
.seri
ouslyIwanthi
sd*ck"Reinasai
ddreamil
yandTanishasi
ghed.

"
Thehel
l
"Pr
incet
on'
svoi
cesai
dfr
om t
hedoorandRei
naqui
ckl
yst
ood.

Pr
incet
oncamei
nlooki
ngsof
uri
ous.

"
Areyouder
anged?,Whosai
dyou'
ref
reet
obeonmybed?
,Howcomey
ourf
*cki
ngasswason
mybed"hequest
ioned.

Tani
shast
oodonherspotf
ear
ful
l
y.
"I
'
m..
.I
'
m sor
ryPr
incet
on"Rei
nasai
d.

"
Pri
ncet
on?
"

"Mast
erPr
incet
on.
..
I'
m sor
ry"Rei
nasai
dandPr
incet
onl
ookedar
ound.

"Gety
ourassoutt
hisi
nst
ant
"hesai
dandRei
nascur
ri
edout
.

Tani
shamadet
oleav
etoo.

"
Heygetr
idoft
heashont
het
ray
"hesai
dandshet
ookt
het
ray
.

Shedi
sposedof
ftheashandcamebackwi
tht
het
raywhi
chshepl
acedont
hest
and.

Princet
oni
sbusydi
sinf
ect
inghi
sbackwoundandheseemst
obehav
ingal
otoft
roubl
edoi
ng
that.

Shest
oppedsuddenl
y.

"
Ican.
..
hel
pwi
tht
hat
"shesai
dandhel
ookedup.

Hestar
edatherwi
thoutsay
ingawor
dandshewentt
ohi
m,shet
ookt
hecot
tonbudf
rom hi
m
andwentbehi
ndhi
m.

Shebl
ewai
ront
hewoundwhi
l
edi
sinf
ect
ing.
Pr
incet
onst
ayedst
il
l,
notmov
ingatal
lthr
oughout
.

Shef
ini
sheddi
sinfect
ingandtookt
hegauzeandpl
ast
er,
shecar
eful
l
yst
ickedi
tont
hewound,
maki
ngsurei
tstickedwell.

"
Donesi
r"shesai
dandst
oodst
rai
ght
.

Whenhegav
enor
esponse,
sheat
tempt
edt
oleav
ebuti
mmedi
atel
yherhandt
ouchedt
hedoor
..
.

"
Soy
ouopenedanomegapadl
ockwi
thanhai
rpi
n"hesai
dandshef
roze.

"I
..
.I.
..

"
You'
regoodatst
utt
eri
ng"hesai
dandshecl
osedherey
esmoment
ari
l
y.

"I
..
.I
'
m sor
ry"shesai
dfunni
l
yandcanhearhi
m gi
ggl
i
ng.

"
Sor
ry?
,Why
?"

"
I'
mjust
..
.sor
ry"sher
epl
i
edandsuddenl
yfel
tapr
esencebehi
ndher
.

Sheswi
ft
lyt
urnedbackandsawhi
mri
ghtbehi
ndher
.

"Huh?
,I'
mreal
lysor
ry.
..
.pl
easedon'
thur
tme,
Iwon'
ttr
ytoescapeany
mor
e..
..
IswearIwon'
t
evert
ryi
tanymorepl
easeI.
..
Hei
nter
rupt
edbyl
aughi
ngoutshor
tl
y.

May
bebecauseshel
ookedf
unnywhi
l
esay
ingt
hoset
hosepl
eadi
ngwor
dsi
nar
ush.

Shest
oppedt
alki
ngandl
ookedathi
m,t
hosewhosayhe'
ss*
xyar
en'
tl
yi
ng,
he'
sreal
l
yper
fect
.

Sheswal
l
owednot
hingandhesi
ghed.

"
Teachme"hesuddenl
ysai
d.

"
Huh?
"

"
Howt
oopent
hepadl
ockwi
thadar
nhai
rpi
n"hef
urt
hersai
d.

"
Teach.
..
.y
ou?
"Shesai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"Youwantmet
osayi
ttwi
ce?
"Hesai
d.

Shewentmut
eforami
nut
ebef
orepoi
nti
ngherpal
msf
orwar
d.

"What
?"Heasked.

"Money
..
.not
hingi
sfr
ee"shesai
dsl
owl
y,t
aki
ngi
nherl
owerl
i
pcut
ely
.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatherf
orawhi
l
eandbef
oreheknewi
t,he'
slaughi
ngagai
n.
TBC

[
6/17,
5:47AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER8&9

★★★★★

Pr
incet
on'
slaught
erwasl
ongert
hant
hef
ir
stone.Tani
shabl
i
nkedsev
eral
l
yashewat
chedhi
m
l
augh.

*
Hel
aughs?
*Shewonder
edi
nwar
dly
.

Pr
incet
onwant
edt
ost
opbutcoul
dn'
t,
hewal
kedbackt
ohi
sbed,
sti
l
llaughi
ngsohar
d.

Thefactt
hatshewasstut
ter
ingsomeminut
esagoandnowshe'saski
nghi
mformoneyi
s
funnyt
ohim..
.damnfunny
.Wheredidt
hebol
dnesssuddenl
ycomefrom?

Tani
shastoodsti
l
lbythedoor,l
ooki
ngathi
m shocki
ngl
y,sur
pri
sewi
l
lbeanunder
stat
ement
,
she'
sshockedtoseehimlaughi
ng.

Heev
ent
ual
l
yrecov
eredandf
acedheragai
n.
"
Thelastt
imeIchecked,
ther
e'snobout
iqueher
ewher
eyoucangof
orshoppi
ngwi
tht
he
money"hesai
d.

Tani
shabl
i
nkedagai
n.

"I
..
.justwantt
oappl
ythegi
veNt
akepol
i
cy"sher
epl
i
edandPr
incet
onsi
ghed.

"You'
rebr
ave"hesai
d.

"
Huh?
"

"Fi
rstsl
avetoaskformoneyf
rom hermast
er,
thatdeser
vest
ober
ecor
dedi
ntheGui
nness
bookofrecords"hesai
d,l
i
ght
eni
ngasmoke.

"I
'
m..
.Sor
ryi
fI.
..madey
ouangr
y..
"shest
utt
eredandhesmi
l
ed.

"
She'
sst
utt
eri
ngagai
n"hemut
ter
ed,
sit
ti
ngont
hebedwhi
l
esmoki
ngsl
owl
y.

"I
'
llt
akemyl
eav
enowsi
r"shesai
d.

"
Yout
hinkIwasj
oki
ngaboutwhatIasked?
,Okhowmuchdoy
ouwant
?"Heaskedser
iousl
y.

"Huh?
,Howmuch?
"Shesai
dandhenoddedonce.

"Enought
osendt
omygr
andma"sher
epl
i
edsl
owl
ywi
thoutl
ooki
ngup.
"Yourgr
andma?
"

"Yes.
..Nanai shername,Iwastakenawayfrom herontheseconddayaf
termydad'sdeat
h,I
'
m
theonlyoneshehas, ev
enwhendadwasst il
l al
i
ve,I'
mtheonewhocooksandtakecareofthe
twooft hem,andnowIwonderhowshe' sdoi
ng, i
t'
l
lbehardforhert
osurvi
veal
one,shehasno
cashand. .
..
.Idon'
twanthertodie!
!!
"Shecri
ed.

Princet
onl
ooksast
oni
shedbyhert
ear
sasi
ttr
ickl
eddownherf
ace,
they
'r
enotf
ake,
they
'r
ereal
tears.

"Ir
eall
yhatet
oseet
ear
s"hesai
dandshequi
ckl
ywi
pedhert
ear
sbutshekeptsni
ff
ing
every
time.

"I
'
m notki
ndbut..
..
IguessI
'l
lhav
etopayy
oubackf
ormaki
ngmel
aughaf
teral
ongt
ime"he
sai
danddroppedhissmoke.

"
Heraddr
ess?
"Heasked.

"
Thehousebesi
det
hepar
k"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Thi
ssameMar
inaBay
?"

"Yes"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Okcanwest
artt
het
utor
ial
now?
"Heaskedandshesmi
l
ed.

Hel
eftt
her
oom,
leav
inghert
her
e.
Shel
ookedar
oundmor
ethor
oughl
y,i
t'
scr
yst
alcl
ean.
..May
bet
hat
'shi
sst
yle,
ext
racl
eanl
i
fe.

Ther
oom smel
l
sofst
rongcol
ogneandev
ery
thi
ngi
swel
lar
ranged.

"
Nana"shesmi
l
edandPr
incet
oncamebackwi
thsamet
ypeofomegapadl
ock.

"
Her
e"hesai
d,handi
ngi
ttoher
.

"
Hai
rpi
n"shesai
d.

"
Oh.
..
"Hesai
dandwal
kedoutagai
n.

Hewentt
oLi
a'
ssui
teandcanheart
hesoundoft
heshower
,shemustbei
nthebat
hroom.

Heopenedtheboxonherdressi
ngtableandf
oundenoughhai
rpi
ns,
het
ookt
hreeofi
tand
madetoleavebutanhandsuddenl
yplacedakni
feonhi
sneck.

"
Whoar
eyou?
"Li
a'
svoi
ceasked.

"
Gett
hekni
feof
fmyneck"her
epl
i
edandLi
atooki
tof
fbef
oreappear
ing.

"Icoul
dhavemist
akenyouforaspy
,whydi
dyoucomewi
thoutr
ingi
ngt
hedoor
bel
l
"shesai
d,
droppi
ngthekni
feonthet
able.

She'
sonl
yinhert
owel
,wat
eri
sst
il
ldr
ippi
ngdownherbody
.
"
Tost
eal
these"her
epl
i
ed,
showi
nghert
hepi
ns,
herey
eswi
dened.

"
Myt
hreebestpi
ns?
,Forwhat
?"

"
Youdon'
thav
etoknow"her
epl
i
edsi
mpl
yandl
eft
.

"Pr
incet
oncomebackwi
tht
hem!
,Mypi
ns!
,Pr
incet
on!
!"Shescr
eamedaf
terhi
m.

Youcanreadmor
eofthesest
oryfr
om,unl
imitedst
orypl
atf
orm,freshst
orieski
ngdom,
house
ofst
oryr
oom,sweetandni
cestor
yroom t
hroughKwesion+233554737287.

Hegotbackt
ohi
ssui
teandmetTani
shast
il
lst
andi
ng.

Hegavehert
hepi
nsandshet
ookj
ustone,
hest
oodi
nfr
ontofherandshecur
vedt
heedgesof
t
hepin.

Notj
ustnor
mal
cur
ves,
itl
ookssomehowunusual
.

"
Seemshar
d"hesai
d.

"
Notr
eal
l
y"sher
epl
i
edandhet
ookt
hesecondpi
n,het
ri
edcur
vingi
tbuthedi
dn'
tgeti
tri
ght
.

"
That
'snott
heway
"shesai
dandhet
ookt
hel
astpi
n,hest
il
ldi
dn'
tgeti
t.

Tani
shanoddednegat
ivel
yandhel
eftt
her
oom onceagai
n.

HewentbackLi
a'
ssui
te,
she'
sbr
ushi
ngherhai
rwhenhegott
her
e.
"
Wher
ear
emypi
ns?
"Sheasked.

Hegr
abbedt
heboxandst
art
edl
eav
ing.

"Pr
incet
onno!!,
Bri
ngt
hat
!,Mypi
nbox!
,
,Gi
vei
tbackst
eal
er!
!!
!"Shescr
eamedaf
terhi
mti
l
lhe
gottohissui
te.

Hedr
oppedt
heboxi
nfr
ontofTani
shaandherey
eswi
dened.

"
Let
'sgetst
art
ed"hesai
dst
ernl
yandhest
art
edt
hecur
vingonceagai
n.

Tani
shaj
ustst
oodandwat
chi
namaz
ementashewast
edpi
ns.

Hecur
vedt
went
ywr
ongl
ybef
orehest
art
edget
ti
ngi
t.

"
Thatway
"shesmi
l
ed.

Hepi
ckedanot
herandgoti
tagai
n.

"Yes"shesai
dandhesi
ghed.

"
Final
l
y"hemut
ter
ed

Shetookthepi
nandinsert
editi
naspeci
fi
cwayint
othepadl
ockandstar
tedtur
ningi
t
ant
icl
ockwisef
orabouttwel
veti
mesthenshest
art
edgoi
ngclockwi
seaft
erthat
.
I
topenedupandPr
incet
onl
ockedi
tagai
n.

Hest
art
edt
ryi
ngandsur
pri
singl
y,hegoti
tfast
,hewasabl
etoopeni
tatonce.

"
Easy
"hesai
d,st
ari
ngatt
heopenpadl
ock.

"Yes,
it'
seasy
..
.Il
ear
ntitonmyown,
Iki
ndof
..
.li
ket
ryi
ngl
ogi
c"sher
epl
i
edandhel
ookedather
,
shebli
nkedandhelookedaway
.

"
Thanksf
orthehel
pinadv
ancesi
r,Ishoul
dgetgoi
ngmast
er"shesai
dandhedi
dn'
tbot
hert
o
l
ookupti
l
lshelef
tther
oom.

Hel
ockedt
hepadl
ockagai
nandopenedi
twi
tht
hepi
n.

"She'
ssomet
hing"hesmi
l
ed.

*
***
*

SLAVEHOUSE*
*

Tani
shaent
eredt
hei
rroom andRei
naat
tackedheri
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Heywhydi
dyout
akel
ong?
,Di
dhef
*vky
ou?
"Sheasked,
hol
dingherhands.

"Youshoul
dpr
ayt
oGodf
orabr
ainRei
na,
Ithi
nky
oul
osti
ttot
hef
iveguy
syouf
*cked"Vi
gnet
te
sai
d.
"Ionl
yaskedaquest
ion"Rei
nar
epl
i
edandf
acedTani
shaagai
n.

"We'
refr
iendsr
ight
?,Youcan'
tbet
raymeandal
l
owhi
mtof
*cky
ouwheny
ouknowhowIf
eel
abouthi
m"shesaid.

"I
t'
showy
ouf
eel
abouthi
sd*
ck,
nothi
m"Vi
gnet
tei
ntr
udedagai
n.

"Vi
gnet
te!
"Rei
nay
ell
ed

"What
!!
"Vi
gnet
tey
ell
edback.

"
Stopt
ryi
ngt
omesswi
thme"Rei
nasai
d.

"Who'
smessi
ngwi
thwho?
,Wi
dehol
e"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
edandRei
nasl
appedher
.

Vi
gnet
tenev
erbl
i
nkedbef
oresl
appi
ngherbackonbot
hcheeks.

"
Whore!,YouknowI
'v
eal
waysv
owedtokeepshutanyti
methi
scomesupbutIcoul
dn'
t,
you
t
hinkshe'
sascheapasy
ou?
,Ir
epeat
..
.wi
dehol
e"Vignett
esai
dtoherf
ace

Rei
namadet
oat
tackbutTani
shast
eppedbet
weent
hem.

"
Youguy
sshoul
dst
op!
"Shesai
d.

Vi
gnet
ter
etr
eat
edandsat
.
"
Ihat
eyoubot
h!"Rei
nasai
dandl
eftt
her
oom.

"
Vignet
te.
..
"Tani
shasai
d.

Vi
gnet
tesl
eptont
hebedandt
urnedherbackonher
.

*
***
*

LANDON'
SSUI
TE*
*..

Hi
sfacei
sal
lamess,
ful
lofbr
uisesf
rom Pr
incet
on.

He'
ssi
tt
ingi
nfr
ontofami
rr
or,
checki
ngi
tout
.

Hehi
thi
sfi
stonthet
abl
ewhenher
emember
edhowt
hegi
rl
swer
echant
inghi
snamewhenhe
wasdoi
ngt
hist
ohim.

Hel
ookedathi
sfacei
nthemi
rr
oragai
nandbr
oket
hemi
rr
orangr
il
y.

Theopeni
ngoft
hedoormadehi
m st
and.Tr
acycamei
n.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Hedemandedandshewal
kedst
rai
ghtt
ohi
m.

Shegr
abbedhi
sneckandpul
l
edhi
mtoher
sel
f,ki
ssi
nghi
m har
d.

Landonqui
ckl
ypushedherawaybutshehel
dhi
sfaceagai
n,l
ooki
ngdeepl
yint
ohi
sey
es.
"Canyougety
ourhandsof
fmyf
aceandj
ustbur
gerof
f?"Hesai
dcol
dlyandpushedheraway
agai
n.

Shecamebackt
ohughi
m.

"Ican'
twatchyouget
ti
ngbeli
tt
ledhereany
mor
e,I
'
llhel
pyougett
her
especty
ouneed,
Iwantt
o
hel
py ou"shesai
dandLandonsmirked.

Hepushedherawayonceagai
nandshest
ood,
wat
chi
nghi
m hur
tful
l
y.

"
Idon'
tneedy
ouandIdon'
tneedy
ourhel
psoi
t'
sbet
tery
oul
eav
eri
ghtnow"hesai
dser
iousl
y.

"Youneedmeandy
ouknowi
tLandon,
weneedeachot
her
"sher
epl
i
edandhesmi
rked.

"Il
ovep*ssyalot
,Igocrazyoveri
tandatt hesi
ghtofagir
l,myd* ckhar
densbuti
tdoesn'
t
happenanyt
imeI'
m withyou,
isn'
tthatenoughveri
fi
cati
onthatIhateyoutot
hecore?
,Ihat
eyou
somuchandIdon'tevenknowwhy "herepliedf
lat
ly.

"What
?"

"Yeah,
Iloat
hey
ouandmyd*
ckdoesn'
tev
enwantt
of*
cky
ou"hesai
dandshecamet
ohi
m.

Shest
uckakni
fer
ighti
ntohi
sshoul
derandhest
oodst
il
lasi
fnot
hinghappened.

"
I'
ll
hav
eyou.
..
Ipr
omi
se"shesai
dandki
ssedhi
mfor
cef
ull
ybef
orewal
tzi
ngoutoft
hesui
te.
Landonsmi
l
edandr
emov
edt
hekni
fef
rom hi
sshoul
der
.

"
Howdet
ermi
ned"hesai
d.

*
***
**

PAST2,
POWERROOM*
*

"Guardsappear
edami
nut
ejustnow"Si
err
asai
d,l
ooki
ngatt
hei
slandt
hat
'snowst
ackedwi
th
guards.

Si
err
aisi
nther
oom wi
thLi
aandShaypl
usBr
ent
.

"
Gat
herev
ery
one"Zar
asai
d,ent
eri
ngt
her
oom.

"
godmot
her
"theybowed.

"Missionon,themoneybelongstoJettGreene,Loki
andJettwor kedtogetheronacontractt
o
getthemoneywhenJet twassti
l
l al
ivebuti
mmedi atel
ythecashcamet hrough,
Lokigotri
dof
himt ohaveallthecashtohi
mself..
.y
ouguy scankil
lhimifyoufeelli
ke,justmakesurethecash
comest hrough"Zarasai
d.

"Yesgodmot
her
"theybowedagai
n.

"Mygl
oves"Si
err
asai
d

Bot
hShayandBr
entt
hrewhergl
ovesatat
ime.
Sher
oll
edey
esatt
het
wooft
hem bef
oret
hrowi
ngi
tbackatt
hem.

"
It
'sher
e"shesai
d,br
ingi
ngouthergl
ovesf
rom herj
acketpocket
.

Theyl
eftt
her
oom andmetPr
incet
onbyt
hecari
nthepar
k

Tr
acyandLandonj
oinedt
hem shor
tl
yandt
heyl
eftt
hepal
acei
ntwocar
s.

Zar
awalkedoutofthepowerr
oom wi
ththeusualemot
ionl
essl
ook,
shewal
keddownt
he
cor
ri
dorandever
yonebowedtoherasshewalkedpast
.

Shesuddenl
ycameacr
ossLadyMacbet
handshebowedt
oo.

Zar
ast
oppedf
orawhi
l
ebef
oret
ryi
ngt
oleav
e.

"Don'
tyouthi
nkit
'st
imetot
ell
Pri
ncet
onandLi
athet
rut
haboutt
hem?
"LadyMacbet
hsuddenl
y
saidandZarast
opped.

"Justabul
l
eti
swhati
ttakes.
..
toel
i
minat
eyoui
fyousayonemor
ewor
d"Zar
arepl
i
edcol
dly
.

"I
'
m sor
rygodmot
her
"ladyMacbet
hrepl
i
edandscur
ri
edaway
.

Zar
alookedbackatherandsi
ghed.

"
Ify
oubecomeabot
her
,I'
l
ljustgetr
idofy
ouBet
h"shemut
ter
edbef
orewal
ki
ngaway
.
*
***
**

KI
SSI
SLAND*
*

Sier
rasuccessf
ull
yhackedintoLoki
'
smainsuit
eintheisl
andandhewasseenwi
tht
wobl
ondes,
havi
ngfunbesideapool,sprayi
ngmoneyonthegir
ls.

"
Tal
kofad*
ck"Li
amut
ter
ed.

"
Ifweenterst
rai
ght,
it'
l
lcauseal
otofcommot
ion,
G-Dr
agonmi
ghtj
ustent
erwhi
l
ewe'
re
f
ight
ing"Br
entsai
d.

"We'l
lbedonewi
tht
hem wi
thi
nfi
vemi
nut
es,
let
'sat
tackst
rai
ght
"Landonsai
dandTr
acy
cl
apped.

"Ni
cespeechJohnCena"sher
oll
edey
es.

"Ther
e'sar
out
etohi
ssui
tei
nsi
det
hesui
tebesi
dei
t"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Howdi
dyouknowt
hat
?"Tr
acyasked

"
Icameher
ewi
thShayandBr
entl
astni
ght
"her
epl
i
edandLi
asmi
l
ed.

"I
'
mjeal
ous"shesai
d

Landonst
aredj
eal
ousy
.
Theygotdownf
rom t
hecarandwal
kedt
othesui
tebesi
deLoki
'
s.

Brentr
angthedoorbel
landamanopenedthedoor
,hewasn'
tabl
etosayawor
dbef
oreShay
punchedhi
sface,hefel
lunconsci
ousl
y.

Theyent
eredthesui
teandPri
ncet
onledt
hem toarest
room,
Liabr
oket
hecei
l
ingandt
hey
cl
imbedup,fi
ndi
ngthemsel
vesinathi
npassage.

Theysl
i
ppedi
nonebyoneandj
umpeddownt
ofi
ndt
hemsel
vesi
nanot
herr
est
room.

"
Sier
ray
ouhav
etost
ayher
eandupdat
eus"Pr
incet
onsai
d

"Sur
e,makesur
eyourearbudsar
eint
actev
ery
one"sher
epl
i
edandev
ery
oneadj
ust
edi
t.

Theycameoutoft
her
est
room andwal
kedoutt
oacor
ri
dor
,Pr
incet
onl
edt
heway
.

"
Walki
ngsl
uggi
shl
ywon'
thel
p,G-
DragonandSephor
ami
ghtappearany
time"Si
err
asai
dfr
om
t
hebud.

"Keepshut
"Tr
acyr
epl
i
ed.

Theykeptgoi
ngt
il
ltheygott
othet
hinpat
hwhi
chl
edt
oLoki
'
smai
nsui
te.

I
t'
spackedwi
thguar
ds.

"
Guesswecan'
tescapecausi
ngcommot
ionaf
teral
l
"Li
asai
d.
"Wecanj
ustat
tackt
hem al
lfr
om behi
ndwi
thoutcausi
ngr
uckus"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Iai
n'
tdoi
ngt
hatshi
t!
"Landonsai
dandj
umpedi
nbef
oreany
onecoul
dst
ophi
m.

Thatal
ert
edt
heguar
dsandt
heycamef
ort
hem.

"
Landonf
*ck"Pr
incet
onmut
ter
edashej
oinedt
heot
her
s.

Anhotcombatst
art
edbet
weent
heguar
dsandt
hegang.

Thewor
sei
sthatt
heguar
dskeptmul
ti
ply
ing,
theykeptpour
ingi
n.

"Ther
e'l
lbenoendtothem Iswear
,Lokiwi
l
lescapeatthi
srat
e,andnowIblamegodmotherf
or
breat
feedi
ngLandonasakid,heshoul
dhavediedofhunger
"Sier
rasai
dfr
om thebud.

Thef
ightkeptget
ti
nghot
terandguar
dskeptgoi
ngdownbutast
heygodown,
numer
ousot
her
s
comein.

"
Ijustsi
ghtedasuspi
ciousl
ooki
ngper
son,
comi
ngi
nasoneoft
heser
ver
s,he'
swear
inga
mask"Sier
rasai
d.

"G-
Dragon.
..
shi
t!
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandf
acedLi
a.

"
Ihav
etogetoutofher
e,t
hatbast
ardi
sher
e"hesai
dandLi
anodded.

Hepunchedt
hechi
noft
woguar
dst
ryi
ngt
obl
ockhi
m,t
hei
rteet
hfl
ewof
fthei
rmout
h.
Heranmadl
yfrom t
her
eti
llhegottotheswi
mmingpool butLoki
'
sdeadbodywaswhathe
f
ound,t
oget
herwit
hthedesdbodiesofthet
woblondeshewassi ght
edwi
ththeot
hert
ime.

Theywer
eki
l
ledi
nthepool
andt
hei
rbl
oodcol
our
edt
hewat
er.

Pri
ncet
onranawayfr
om ther
eandkeptmeet
ingguar
dsont
hewaybutj
ustapunchf
rom hi
m
sendst
hem fl
yi
ngaway.

Hegott
othef
rontoft
hesui
teandsawabl
ackcarl
eav
ing.

Hiseyesmeasuredt
hedist
ancebet
weenhimsel
fandthecar
..
..
her
anj
ustf
ivest
epsbef
ore
gett
ingtoi
tbuthewasn'
tablet
oholdi
tcosthecari
sspeedi
ng.

G-
Dragonpeepedoutandshotbutheducked.

Hecont
inuedshoot
ingandhecont
inuedducki
ngt
il
lhewasabl
etohol
dthecar
.

Hecl
i
mbedt
hespeedi
ngcarandSephor
ast
art
eddr
ivi
ngr
oughl
ysohe'
dfal
lbuthehel
dti
ght
.

Hesway
edsi
dewar
dsandgr
abbedt
heoppor
tuni
ty.

Hehithi
sheav
yboot
sont
hewi
ndowandi
tbr
oke,
hewenti
ntot
hecarandgr
abbedG-
Dragon'
s
neck

Sephor
ashotatPr
incet
onandi
thi
thi
sar
m buthenev
erl
etG-
Dragongo.
Hekeptchoki
nghi
mti
l
lhewasabl
etof
reehi
msel
f.

Sephor
aandG-
Dragonat
tackedhi
m andt
hecarst
art
edgoi
ngast
raysi
ncenoonei
sdr
ivi
ng
agai
n.

Theybot
hdealthi
m wit
hheavypunchesandhi
ts,
hegotwoundedi
nthef
aceandbl
edf
rom t
he
mouthti
l
lthecarcr
ashedI
ntoatreeinafor
est
.

Theyal
lhitt
heirheadsonthecarbody,
Princet
ont
ookadv
ant
ageoft
heunbal
ancedsi
tuat
ion
andpunchedthem bothonthethr
oatatonce.

Theybot
hpassedoutandhegr
abbedt
hesui
tcasecont
aini
ngt
hecash.

Hesl
appedt
hem bot
hbef
orel
eav
ingt
hecar
.

*
***
**

7PM,
MCFPALACE*
*

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Hejustf
ini
shedt
reat
inghi
swoundsbyhi
msel
fandapar
tofhi
m wi
shedt
hesl
avecoul
dhel
p
agai
n.

Hewal
kedt
otheki
dsr
oom andf
oundt
hem st
il
lpl
ayi
ngwi
tht
hecat
.

Hecamebackf
rom t
hemi
ssi
onear
li
ert
omeett
hem wi
thi
t,Tammysai
ditbel
ongst
othesl
ave,
may
beshef
orgoti
t.

Theybot
hgr
ewl
i
kenessf
ort
hepetv
eryf
astandwon'
tst
opar
gui
ngonwho'
l
lcar
ryi
tnext
.

"
Youki
dsar
est
il
lawakebyt
hishour
?"Hesai
d.

"I
t'
sjustsocut
e,Iwantt
opl
aywi
thi
tti
l
lthemor
ning"Sanasai
d.

"
Met
oo,
Iwantt
oseet
heownert
oo,
you'
l
lbuyi
tforusf
rom t
heownerr
ight
?"Mi
naadded.

Pr
incet
onsatbesi
det
hem ont
hebedandki
ssedt
hei
rcheeks.

Theycri
edalotwhenhecamebackwi
thwoundsandhehadt
obr
ibet
hem wi
thcandi
esbef
ore
theyst
opped.

"
Yourf
acei
snothur
ti
ngr
ight
?"Sanaasked.

"
Atal
l
,thi
sdudewi
l
lnev
erl
i
e"hesmi
l
edandst
yli
shl
ytookt
hecatf
rom t
hem.

"
Dad.
..
"Mi
nawhi
ned.

"I
fIpromi
set
obuti
tfory
ouf
rom t
heowner
,wi
l
lyoubot
hsl
eep?
"Hesai
dandt
heybot
hlooked
ateachot
her
.

"Wel
ovey
oudad,
goodni
ght
"theysmi
l
edandl
aydownt
osl
eep.
Theysl
eptoffi
nashor
twhi
l
eandPr
incet
onki
ssedt
hei
rfor
eheads,
cov
eredt
henwel
lbef
ore
l
eavi
ngtheroom.

Thedoor
bel
lsoundedi
mmedi
atel
yandhewonder
edwhocoul
dbei
ntr
udi
nghi
spr
ivacy
.

Si
ncehecamebackfrom t
heannoy
ingmission,hehasref
usedtoseeort
alkt
oany
one,
not
ev
engodmotherher
self
.Heal
sogaveordersthathedoesn'
tany
onetocomeseehi
m.

Wi
tht
hei
ntent
ionofbashi
ngany
onei
tis,
heopenedt
hedooronl
ytoseeher
.

Tani
shast
oodt
her
ewi
thaf
ear
ful
lookonherf
ace.

"I
'
m sorr
y..
.If
orgotSweetheresoIcameforit
..
.I
'
m sosor
ryf
ori
ntr
udi
ngy
ourpr
ivacyi
won'
tbe
ablet
osleepifit
'snotbesi
deme"sherushed.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatSweeti
nhi
sar
m andsi
ghed.

Seemsl
i
kei
t'
l
lrai
ntoni
ghtcoscool
chi
l
lybr
eezest
art
edbl
owi
ngi
mmedi
atel
y.

Tani
shagotscar
edandst
art
edpi
cki
ngonhernai
l
s.

Thunder
..
.shecan'
twi
thst
andi
tsoshe'
shopi
ngi
twon'
tst
ri
ke.

I
t'
sthescar
iestthi
ngtoherbutmaybefateisnotonhersi
decosPrincet
onkeptst
ari
ngather
,
hi
seyeshoveredaroundherexposi
ngs*xybel
lybut
tononherf
latt
ummy .

Thebr
eezebecamehar
derandcol
der
,thenal
ouder
upt
ivet
hunderf
oll
owed.
"
Aar
rgh!
!!
!!
!!
!!
"Shescr
eamedsol
oud,
blocki
ngherear
swi
thherpal
ms.

Thunderst
ri
kecameagai
n,accompani
edwi
thl
i
ght
ningt
hist
ime.

"
Aar
rgggh!
!!
!!
!"Shescr
eamedl
ouder
,bendi
ngdowni
nfr
ontofhi
m,st
il
lbl
ocki
ngherear
s.

Pr
incet
onswi
ft
lypul
l
edherupbyherr
ighthand.Het
ookheri
nandshutt
hedoor
.

Thet
hir
dst
rokesoundedandt
houghshe'
sinsi
deal
ready
,she'
sst
il
lsoscar
ed.

Shehuggedhi
m sot
ight
,herbodyshi
ver
ingagai
nsthi
sown.

TBC

[
6/17,
5:52AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER10&11

★★★★★

Theloudthundercont
inuedcomi
ngandeacht
imei
tdi
d,Tani
shacl
i
ngedmor
eti
ght
lyt
o
Pri
nceton.
Herbodycont
inuedshaki
ng,
onewi
l
lthi
nkshe'
sdr
enchedwi
thcol
dwat
er.

Pr
incet
onwasshockedbuthest
oodst
il
l.
..
aft
eral
lthesesubsi
des,
she'
l
lexpl
ainwhati
tmeans.

Thet
hundercont
inuedf
ort
hreemi
nut
esandwheni
tst
opped,
anheav
yrai
nst
art
ed.

Tani
shacamebackt
ohersensesandqui
ckl
yletgoofhi
m.

Herey
esmetwi
thhi
sownandshemetcol
dness.

Sheimmedi
atel
ywentonherknees."I
'm sorr
ysir,
Iwasj ustscar
ed,thunderhasalway
sbeen
myweaknessand.
..
.Ial
wayspanicandgetterri
fi
edany t
imeIhearthesoundofi t
,dadorgranny
wil
lal
waysgi
vemeat i
ghthuganyt
imeithappens,it
'l
lalwayscalm medownsoI ..
.imagi
ned
youasmydadand..huggedyouI'
m sorr
y,I'
m sosorry"sherushed.

Pr
incet
onst
oodspeechl
ess,
looki
ngatherbl
ankl
y.

Heslowl
yplaceddownthecatandi
twal
kedt
oTani
sha,
shecar
ri
edi
tandPr
incet
onwenti
n
wi
thoutsay
ingaword.

"Hemustbesoangr
yatme,
I'
m sost
upi
d,whatdoIdo"shesai
dtoher
sel
fandsatont
he
ground.

Sweetr
est
edonherchestandsl
eptof
f.

Shequi
ckl
yst
oodandmadet
oopent
hedoorbutshedoesn'
tev
enknowt
hepasscode.
"
WhatdoIdo"shet
hought
,herwhol
ebodyshaki
ngbadl
y.

She'
l
lsur
elygetsi
ck,
she'
ssosur
eofi
t.

Shekeptst
andi
ngbyt
hedoort
il
lTammysuddenl
yappear
ed.

"
Nanny
"shesai
d.

Tammypr
essedt
hecodeandt
hedooropened.

"
Youcango"shesai
d.

Withabow,
Tani
shal
eftt
hesui
teandr
anal
lthewaybackt
othesl
avehousebuti
t'
slocked
al
ready
.

"
Ohno"shesai
d,hi
tt
ingt
hedoorbutt
hesoundoft
heheav
yrai
nwi
l
lnev
erl
etany
oneheari
t.

Ther
aincont
inueddr
enchi
ngherandSweetmer
cil
essl
y,i
tkeptget
ti
ngheav
ier
.

Shecov
eredSweetwi
thher
sel
fandsati
nfr
ontoft
hehouse,
all
owi
ngt
her
aint
odr
enchonl
yher
.

Sheal
mostshi
ver
edherhear
toutandhert
eet
hhi
toneachot
her
.

"
Nana.
..
.dad"shemut
ter
edweakl
yandsl
owl
yst
art
edl
oosi
ngconsci
ousness.

Ami
nut
elat
er,
shef
ell
unconsci
ousl
yont
hegr
ound,
sti
l
lhol
dingSweetsot
ight
.
*
***
**

NEXTMORNI
NG*
*

Li
amadeherwayt
othesl
avehouse,
speci
fi
cal
l
ytocheckonTani
sha.

Si
err
aranupt
oherandhel
dher
.

"
Itol
dyouwai
tforme"shesai
d.

"
Ijustwant
edy
out
orunandy
oudi
d"Li
alaughed.

"
B*t
ch"Si
err
asmi
rkedpl
ayf
ull
y.

"
Your
eal
l
yneedt
omeether
,she'
shotands*
xyl
i
kePr
incet
on"Li
asai
d.

"
Ican'
twai
t"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"
Whatmadey
oust
opcr
ushi
ngonPr
incet
on?
"Li
asuddenl
yaski
ng.

"He'
sgott
oomanygi
rl
scr
ushi
ngonhi
m her
e,popul
arguy
sar
enotmyt
ype"Si
err
arepl
i
ed
simpl
y.

"
So.
..whoar
eyoucur
rent
lycr
ushi
ngon?
"Li
aasked.
"
Noonel
i
keser
iousl
y,whatabouty
ou?
"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"
Sameher
e"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"
Lies"Si
err
asai
d.

"
What
ever
"

Theycont
inuedthewalkt
othehouseandwhentheygott
here,Li
acouldn'
thi
dehershockwhen
shesawTanishainfr
ontofi
t,l
yi
ngunconsci
ousl
yontheground,
wrappingherar
msaroundher
cat
.

"
Tani
sha!
"Sheshout
ed,
rushi
ngt
oherwi
thSi
err
a.

"
Whoa!
,She'
spr
ett
y"Si
err
asai
d.

"
Ithi
nkshesl
epther
e,t
hedoori
slockedf
rom i
nsi
de"Li
asai
d,l
ooki
ngati
t.

"
Godmotheror
deredt
hatthedoorshoul
dbeopenedatal
lti
mes,
thef
actt
hati
twasl
ockedf
rom
i
nsi
deonlymeansaslav
edidit"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"
Let
'sat
tendt
oherf
ir
st"Li
asai
dandSi
err
aheapedTani
shaunt
oherback.

Li
aspr
int
edawaywhi
l
eSi
err
afol
l
owedwi
thSweeti
nherar
m.

Rei
naopenedt
hedoorandst
eppedout
,smi
l
ingsat
isf
act
ori
l
y.
Shel
ookedatt
hepadl
ocki
nherhandandsmi
rked.

"
Youdeser
vei
t,Ij
usthat
eher
"shemut
ter
edandVi
gnet
tecameout
.

Theyst
oodf
aci
ngeachot
herandVi
gnet
tecameev
encl
oser

"
You'
rewor
set
hanIt
hought
,wi
dehol
e"shewhi
sper
edbef
orewal
ki
ngaway
.

"
B*t
ch"Rei
nasai
d.

*
"**
*

Li
aandSi
err
arushedpastt
heki
tchenont
hei
rwayt
othepal
acei
nfi
rmar
y.

LadyMacbet
hst
eppedoutqui
ckl
yandwhenshesawTani
sha,
shebl
ockedt
hem.

"
Outoft
hewayl
adyMac,
she'
sdy
ing"Li
asai
dfast
.

"
Icant
reather
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Herl
i
fei
saj
oket
oyou?
"Si
err
agl
ared.

"
I'
m goodatt
reat
ingcol
dtr
ustme,
bri
ngheri
n"l
adyMacbet
hrepl
i
edconf
ident
ly.

"
IswearIwon'
ttakei
teasyi
fany
thi
nghappenst
oher
"Li
asai
dandt
ookheri
nqui
ckl
y.
Theyent
eredar
oom i
nthebui
l
dingandshewaspl
acedonabed.

"
Takeof
fherwetcl
othes"sheor
der
edandSi
err
adi
dthatwi
thLi
a.

"Howcanshebesofresh?
,Il
ovehert
inyhi
ps,
s*xybel
l
ybut
tonandf
latt
ummy
,butshehas
small
b**bs"Si
err
asai
d

"
B*t
ch,
ist
hati
mpor
tantr
ightnow?
"Li
agl
ared.

"
Sor
ryma'
am"Si
err
arepl
i
edf
unni
l
y.

Macbethgotaboxandopenedit
,shebr
oughtoutabal
m cont
ainerandwasaboutt
ost
art
r
ubbingitonherbodywhenLi
aheldher
.

"
What
'st
hat
?"Sheasked.

"
It
'sef
fect
ivei
nfi
ght
ingcol
d,af
terr
ubbi
ngt
his,
she'
l
lwakeupwi
thi
nanhourIpr
omi
se"
Macbet
hrepli
ed.

Li
aletgoofherhandandshest
art
edr
ubbi
ngt
hebal
m onTani
sha'
sbodygent
ly,
taki
ngnot
eof
herf
eatur
es.

Shef
ini
shedupandr
ubbedadi
ff
erentoneonherf
acebef
orecov
eri
ngherwi
thacov
ercl
othe.

"
Done"shesai
d.
"
Thanks"Li
asai
d,l
ooki
ngatTani
shadeepl
y.

"
Ijustl
i
kehert
hemomentImether
"shesai
d.

Macbet
hlookedatLi
athenatTani
sha,
shesi
ghedaf
tert
hat
.

"But
..
.wher
edi
dshegol
astni
ght
?,Whywasn'
tshei
n?,
Whywasshel
ockedouti
nther
ain"
Sier
rasai
d.

"
She'
l
ltel
lmewhenshewakesup"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"
Weshouldgoseegodmot
her
,sheor
deredevery
onetocomeseehert
hismorni
ng,
youdon't
wannabescol
dedf
orcomi
nglat
e"Si
err
asaid,dr
oppi
ngSweetbesi
deTani
shaandLi
astood.

"LadyMacbet
hplease.
..
.wat
choverhert
il
lshewakesandi
fshewakes,
don'
tl
ethergot
il
lI
come"shesaidandMacbethbowed.

"
Yesmi
ss"shesai
d.

Li
alookedatTani
shaonemor
eti
mebef
orel
eav
ingwi
thSi
err
a.

LadyMacbet
hcont
inuedst
ari
ngatTani
shaandsmi
l
ed.

"
Isi
twhatI
'
mthi
nki
ng?
,Oram Ij
ustov
ert
hinki
ng?
"Shet
hought
,hol
dingTani
sha'
shandf
ondl
y.

*
***
*
PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Mi
naandSanaref
usedt
ogotoschool
,theywantt
obadl
yseeSweetandt
heyi
nsi
stedt
hati
f
Pr
incet
onwon'
tpr
ovi
dei
t,t
hennoschooltoday
.

Tammyhasbeggedandbeggedbutt
heyi
nsi
stedonseei
ngt
hecut
ecatandt
heowner
.

"
It
'ssocut
eandi
lov
eitsomuch,
Ijustwantt
oseei
tbadl
y"Sanacr
ied.

"
Met
oo,
Iwantt
ocar
ryi
tandhugi
t"Mi
nacr
iedt
oo.

Theybot
hst
art
edcr
yingsol
oudandPr
incet
onhadt
orushoutofhi
sroom.

They
'r
einsi
sti
ngonseei
ngt
hecat,
theyr
efusedt
oletmebat
hfort
hem anddr
esst
hem up"
TammysaidandPri
ncet
onsi
ghed.

Hecameoutlastni
ghtsomeminut
esaf
terhewenti
nbutcoul
dn'
tfi
ndTani
shaany
mor
esohe
concl
udedt
hatshelef
talr
eady
.

"Gi
rl
s,Ipr
omi
set
oful
fi
lmypr
omi
sebuty
oubot
hneedt
ogot
oschool
"hesai
d,t
ouchi
ngt
hei
r
hai
rs

"
No"t
heybot
hchor
used.

"
Mina,
Sana.
.y
oubot
hdon'
ttr
ustme?
"Hesai
d.

"
Bri
ngt
hecatr
ightnow,
nannysai
dtheowneri
sli
vi
ngi
nthi
spal
ace*Sanasai
dandTammy
qui
ckl
ysl
i
ppedi
ntot
heki
tchen.

"Whati
fIpr
omisetogeti
tbefor
eyouguy
scomebackf
rom school
..
.pl
ease.
.y
ouguy
scan'
tski
p
school
"hepr
acti
cal
lypl
eaded.

Sanal
ookedatMi
naandt
heybot
hnodded.

Pr
incet
onsmi
l
edandki
ssedt
hem bot
h.

"
Tammyt
hey
'r
eready
"hesai
d.

"
Wenev
ersai
dwe'
regoi
ngt
oschool
"Sanasai
d.

"
What
!"

"
Yousai
dyou'
regonnagetitfori
sbefor
ewecomebackf
rom school
,i
fwegotoschool
now,
we'
l
lbebackaf
tersi
xhours,soinsi
xhourst
ime,
wewannaseethecat"Mi
nasai
d.

"
Yougi
rl
sar
e..
.

"
We'
l
lbei
nourr
oom"Sanasai
dandwenti
nwi
thMi
na.

Pr
incet
onsi
ghedandbi
thi
sli
pinf
rust
rat
ion.

"
Theyshoul
djustst
rangl
eme"hemut
ter
edandst
ood,
faci
ngTammy
.
"
Andwhywi
l
lyout
ell
them shel
i
vesi
nthi
spal
ace"hesai
d.

"
I'
m sosor
ryboss"

shebowed.

Hei
gnor
edherandwentbacki
n.

Hesi
ght
edt
heankl
etonhi
sbedst
andandt
ooki
t.

Tani
sha'sgrandmagav
eittohi
m.Heact
uall
ywenttovi
sitherbef
oregoi
ngf
ort
hemi
ssi
on
yest
erdayandhecansti
ll
remembert
hei
rconver
sat
ionvi
v i
dly
.

FLASHBACK.
..
.YESTERDAY,
TWOHOURSBEFORETHEMI
SSI
ON*
*

Pri
ncet
onbr
oughthiscart
oanhal
tinf
rontoft
hehousebesi
det
hepar
kandcameout
,looki
ng
att
hesmall
oldhouse.

Hest
eppedi
nsl
owl
yandal
mostconcl
udedt
hatnoone'
sincosoft
hesi
l
ence.

Thenhesi
ght
edt
heol
dgr
anny
,si
tt
ingonachai
rint
hesmal
lroom.

Shel
ooksal
mostl
i
fel
essandhast
ear
sonherf
ace.

Shet
il
tedupwhenshehear
dmov
ement
s.

"
Who'
sit
?"Sheaskedweakl
y.
Hercheekbonesandcol
l
arbonesar
erev
eal
i
ngsomuch.

Pr
incet
onkeptl
ooki
ngatherwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ngt
il
lshesuccessf
ull
yst
ood.

Shewal
kedsl
owl
ytohi
m andal
mostf
ell
butshehel
dher
sel
fti
l
lshegott
ohi
m.

"
Whoar
eyou?
"Sheasked.

"
Pri
ncet
on"her
epl
i
ed.

"
Pri
ncet
on?
"

"
Yes,
from MCFpal
ace"her
epl
i
edandshegr
abbedhi
m.

"
Mygranddaught
er!
!,Whatdi
dy ouguysdotoher!
!,
Whathashappenedt
omyTanisha!
!,She'
s
t
heonlyoneIhave,
pleasebr
ingherbackorbet
tersti
l
l,t
akemetoherpl
ease.
.Imi
ssherso
much.
..
"Shecri
edloudly.

Pr
incet
onsl
owl
yremov
edherski
nnyhandsf
rom hi
scl
othesandmadehersi
tthoughshe'
sst
il
l
cr
ying.

"
Ifyoucont
inuecr
ying,
thenIwon'
ttel
lyouwhatshet
oldmet
osay
"hesai
dandNanaqui
ckl
y
wipedt
hetears

"
Shesentyout
ome? ,
MyTanishasaidwhat
?,I
sshef
ine?
,Issheok?
,Issheget
ti
ngaf
air
t
reat
ment?
"Sheaskedimpat
ient
ly.
Pr
incet
onbr
oughtoutanenv
elopeandpl
acedi
tonherhand.

"
What
'st
his?
"

"
Themoneyshewor
kedf
or,
shet
oldmet
ogi
vey
ou"her
epl
i
ed.

"
She'
swor
kingf
ormoney
?,Meani
ngshe'
sdoi
ngwel
lri
ght
?"Sher
epl
i
ed.

Pr
incet
onst
ood.

"
Takecar
eofy
our
sel
f.
..
shewant
syout
odot
hat
"hesai
dandst
art
edl
eav
ing.

"
Wai
t"shesai
d,hol
dinghi
shand.

Hewai
tedandsheopenedaboxont
het
abl
e,shebr
oughtoutanankl
et.

"I
tfel
lfr
om herankl
ewhenshewasget
ti
ngdr
aggedaway
,cany
oupl
easegi
vei
ttoher
?"She
sai
dandhesl owlyt
ooki
t.

ENDOFFLASHBACK*
*

Pr
incet
onkeptl
ooki
ngatt
heankl
ett
il
lTammyknocked.

"
What
'sup?
"Heasked.
"
Godmot
hersentf
ory
ou,
it'
sti
met
omeetwi
thher
"sher
epl
i
ed.

Hedr
oppedt
heankl
etandt
hrewonhi
scl
othe.

Hest
eppedoutoft
her
oom t
omeetRei
nai
nthel
i
vingr
oom.

"Goodmor
ningmast
er"shesmi
l
ed,
sty
li
shl
ypul
l
ingdownherbl
ousei
nthef
ront
,rev
eal
i
ngher
b**bs.

"
Cov
ert
hatwel
l
,anydogwi
l
lmi
stakei
tforabone"hesai
dandshequi
ckl
ycov
eredup.

Hebadl
ywant
stoaskofTani
shabuthekepti
tinandst
art
edl
eav
ing.

"
WhatofTani
sha?
"Tammyasked.

"
Shedeci
dednott
ocome,
shecl
aimedshe'
stoot
ir
edt
ocl
ean"Rei
nar
epl
i
ed.

"
Real
l
y?"Tammysai
dandPr
incet
onl
eft
.

Hewal
kedt
oZar
a'ssui
tewher
eev
ery
onei
swai
ti
ngal
ready
.Landoni
sonhi
sknees.

Zar
aissi
tt
ingwi
thherbackonev
ery
one.

"
Makei
tfast
,ionhav
eal
lthet
imei
nthewor
ld"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Hear
dyougotwoundedsev
erel
yyest
erdaycosofLandon'
smi
stake"shesai
d,st
andi
ng
ev
ent
ual
l
y.

Shef
acedt
hem al
landLandonsqui
nted.

"
It
'snott
hef
ir
stt
imeI
'
llbeget
ti
ngwoundedbecauseofhi
m,i
t'
snot
hing"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

Zar
awal
kedt
oLandonandr
aisedhi
schi
nwi
thaf
inger
.

"
You'
rel
i
keawast
ecani
nher
e,andt
hat
'swhyi
t'
shar
dformet
olety
oul
eadt
hegang"shesai
d.

"
Wast
e..
.can?
"Landongl
ared.

"
Yes.
..
.incompet
enti
diot
!"Zar
ashout
ed.

"
Itr
iedmybest
!"Hey
ell
edback.

"
Youshoul
dhav
eli
stenedt
oPr
incet
on!
"Zar
ayel
l
edback.

"
Idi
dn'
twantt
o!,
Andi
cannev
erdot
hatcosI
'
mtwoy
ear
sol
der
!,I
'
m hi
sseni
or!
"Hey
ell
ed.

ZarasnatchedShay'
sgunandpul
ledt
hetri
gger,sheplacedi
tonLandon'sheadandLandon
fr
ozeinfearbutshetooki
tawayandrai
seditup,shooti
ngonthechandeli
eri
nstead.

I
tfel
landl
andedi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
her
oom,
ever
yonewentsi
l
ent
.

"
IfIki
l
lyou,
Iwon'
tl
osecosIhav
ePr
incet
onandLi
awhoar
emor
epr
ofi
tabl
e"shesai
dfl
atl
y.
Landonl
ookedatherey
est
hathasnev
erhel
danywar
mthf
orhi
m,hesi
ghedsl
owl
y.

"
I'
m sor
ry"hesai
dandZar
athr
ewt
hegunbackt
oShaywhocaughti
t.

"
You'
reexempt
edf
rom t
henextmi
ssi
on"shesai
d

"
Mot
her
!"Landonsai
dandshegl
aredathi
m.

"
godmot
her
..
.par
donmepl
ease,
Ireal
l
ywantt
ogot
othenextmi
ssi
on"hesai
dgent
ly

"Notall
owed,Bor
ispor
tSatur
day.
..Nextbat
chofdrugsi
scomi
ngPr
incet
on,
itmustgether
e
safel
y,wast
eanyhij
ackerwhopopsup"shesaid.

Pr
incet
onnev
ert
alkedbef
orewal
ki
ngout

Ther
estf
oll
owedt
henLandonst
ormedoutl
ast
.

Hesi
ght
edagi
rlmemberandgr
abbedheronhi
swayt
ohi
ssui
te.

Thegi
rlf
oll
owedherexci
tedl
yti
l
ltheygott
ohi
ssui
te.

Het
ookheri
nandt
oreawayhert
hincl
othes,
hewi
denedherl
egsbef
orezi
ppi
ngdown

Thr
owi
ngawayhi
str
ouser
s,her
oughl
ydi
vedi
ntoherandt
hegi
rlpul
l
edhi
m cl
oser
.
Hest
art
edhi
shar
df*
ck,
let
ti
nghi
sd*
ckmov
ewi
thoutst
opi
nsi
deher
.

Hepour
edal
lhi
sangeri
ntoherandshekeptscr
eami
ngt
hroughout
,ev
enwant
ingmor
e.

Hi
sbal
l
ssl
ammedr
ebel
l
iousl
yonherashemadehi
shar
shmov
es,

Henev
erbot
her
edt
osuckher
,it
'snotev
enonhi
smi
nd,
all
hewant
sisf
*ckwhi
l
eragi
ng.

Hepul
l
edoutsuddenl
yandpul
l
edherdownf
rom t
hebed.

Hebentherov
ert
hebedandr
ammedi
ntoherp*
ssy
thr
ought
heback.

"
Landonf
*ck!
,You'
ret
ool
argeIswear
..
.gosh.
..f
eel
sli
keheav
en!
"Shescr
eamedsol
oud.

Hespankedherassandshescr
eamedl
ouder
,hecont
inuedspanki
ngandf
*cki
ngt
il
lherass
cheekst
urnedbr
ightr
ed.

Herl
egsshi
ver
edandheri
nsi
dest
urnedupsi
dedown.

Hef
elthi
msel
fcomi
ngundoneandpul
l
edoutofher
.

Bef
orehecoul
dfi
nishc*
mmi
ng,
hebecamehar
dagai
n.

Shehasn'ttakenuptothreebreathswhenhepushedhert
othebedandpushedhi
msel
fint
oher
p*sayagain,makingherscream out.
"
OhLandon.
..
.j
eez!
!!
"

"
F*cky
ouPRI
NCETON!
"Heshout
edbef
oret
aki
ngherer
ectn*
ppl
esi
ntohi
smout
h.

*
***
***

KI
TCHEN,
ANHOURLATER*
*

Tanishawokeupf
eel
i
ngst
rong.Sheopenedherey
esandwhenshesawherl
ocat
ion,
she
sprangedup.

Herf
ear
sescal
atedwhenshesawshe'
snaked,
theonl
ythi
ngcov
eri
ngheri
sat
hickcov
ercl
oth

"
Wher
eam I
?,Justwher
e?"Shewonder
ed.

"
Kit
chenbui
l
ding"Macbet
hsai
d,comi
ngi
nwi
that
rayoff
oodandj
uicewhi
chshedr
oppedon
t
hestool
.

LadyMacbet
h"shesai
dsur
pri
singl
y.

"
LiaandSi
err
abr
oughty
ouher
e"Macsmi
l
ed.

"
Huh?
"

"
Eat
,youmustbehungr
y"Macbet
hsai
d,poi
nti
ngatt
hef
ood
Sweetmov
edbesi
deherandshecar
ri
edi
t,huggi
ngi
tti
ght
.

"
I'
m glady
ou'r
efi
ne,sor
ryf
orl
ett
ingy
ousl
eepi
nther
ain"shesai
dandMacbet
hsmi
l
ed,
watchi
nghercut
eness.

Shel
ookedatt
hef
oodagai
n,st
ackedwi
thmeat
.

Shequi
ckl
ypi
ckedt
hef
orkandst
art
edeat
ingt
hemeat
,feedi
ngSweett
oo.

I
fther
e'sany
thi
ngshel
ovesmostaf
terherNanaandl
atedad,
it'
smeat
..
shel
ovesi
tmadl
y.

Shef
ini
shedt
hemeatwi
thi
nseconds.

"
Wantmor
e?"Macbet
haskedandshenoddedsl
owl
y.

Macbet
hgav
eheranot
herpl
ateofmeatandshedr
ankt
hej
uiceaf
terf
ini
shi
ngt
hatt
oo.

Shewasgi
venhercl
othes,
it'
sal
ldr
iednow

Sheputi
tonandcar
ri
edsweet
.

"
Byel
adyMac"shewav
edandbef
oreshecoul
dst
opher
,Tani
shal
eft
.

"
Oh.
..Li
atol
dmet
ost
opher
"shesai
d,si
ghi
ngaf
ter
war
ds.

Tani
shawal
kedener
get
ical
l
ybackt
othesl
avehousebutst
oppedwhenLandonappear
edi
n
f
rontofher
.

Hecamecl
oserandsmi
l
ednaught
il
y.

"
I'
ll
f*cky
ou"hewhi
sper
edandherhear
tski
ppedbeat
s.

Hemadet
ogr
abherboobsbutsomeonehel
dhi
shand.

"
Bast
ard!
"Tr
acysai
dspi
tef
ull
yandhet
ookhi
shandf
rom her
.

"
B*t
ch!
"Her
epl
i
edandl
efti
mmedi
atel
y.

Tr
acyl
ookedatTani
shaangr
il
y.

Thef
actt
hathi
shandal
mostt
ouchedherb*
*bsi
sinf
uri
ati
ng.

Tani
shabowedandmadet
otakeherl
eav
ebutTr
acypul
l
edherr
oughl
y.

"
Ouch!
"Shewi
nced,
ithur
tsal
otasshedr
aggedhert
oacor
ner
.

"Ar
eyouab*tchl
i
ketheother
s?,
Youwanthi
mtof
*cky
out
oo?
,Youwant
?"Sheaskedhar
shl
y,
herey
esshi
mmer i
ngwit
hanger.

"
What
..
..whatar
eyou.
..t
alki
ngabout
"Tani
shast
utt
ered.

Thenextt
hingwasasl
apf
rom Tr
acy
.
Tani
shaf
ell
andhur
therwr
ist
,hercheeksbecamer
edasar
esul
toft
hesl
apt
oo.

"
Ouch!
"Shewi
ncedagai
n.

Tr
acypul
l
edherupandsl
appedheragai
nonsamecheek,
shef
ell
agai
nandherwr
isthur
tmor
e.

Herl
i
pbl
edl
i
ght
lyandherl
eggotscr
atched,
hercheekbecamer
edder

"
Don'
thur
tmeagai
n..
.Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngaboutpl
ease"Tani
shacr
ied.

"
D*ckl
over
!,St
ayawayf
rom Landon!
"Shey
ell
edandpul
l
edherupagai
n.

Shemadet
osl
aphert
het
hir
dti
mebutsomeonehel
dher
.

Shel
ookedbackt
oseePr
incet
on,
looki
ngatherwi
thuncont
rol
l
abl
eragei
nhi
sbr
ightey
es.

I
nthenextmi
nut
e,hesl
appedherhar
dont
her
ightcheekandTr
acygaspedunbel
i
evabl
y.

"
Howdar
eyousl
apmePr
incet
on!
"Shegl
aredshocki
ngl
y.

Pr
incet
ongr
ewcr
azyatt
hatst
atementi
nst
ant
ly.

"
Howdar
eme?
*Hesai
dthatbef
oreshecoul
dbl
i
nk,
hesl
appedheragai
nont
hesamecheek.
TBC

[
6/17,
5:53AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER12&13

★★★★★

"
Ahh!
"Tr
acygasped,
fal
l
ingbl
i
ndl
y.

Forasecond,
herey
eswer
ebl
urr
y.

"
Getup"Pr
incet
onor
der
edandshel
ookedupathi
m.

"
Iwon'
trepeatwhatIj
ustsai
d"Pr
incet
onsai
dandshest
oodsl
owl
y.

"Any
onet
her
e?"Pr
incet
onbeckonedandt
woguy
sappear
ed.

"
Takehert
othey
ard"heor
der
edandTr
acywast
akenaway
.

Pr
incet
onf
acedTani
shawhost
oodgummedonherspot
.

Shel
ookspi
ti
ful
andshehasl
i
ttl
etearonherf
ace.
Hi
sey
esdartedt
oherl
egsandhesawt
hescr
atch,
hel
ookedatherbl
eedi
ngl
i
pagai
nandt
ook
t
wostepscl
oser
.

"
Ial
readyt
oldy
ouIhat
etear
s"hesai
dandshequi
ckl
ywi
pedhert
ear
s.

Shel
ookedatSweetwhofel
ldur
ingt
het
ort
ure,
it'
ssi
tt
ingbesi
deher
,shecar
ri
edi
tandi
t
st
art
edlooki
ngi
ntoherey
es.

"
I'
mfi
ne"shesai
dandhuggedi
t.

"
Fol
l
owme"Pr
incet
onsai
dandl
edt
hewayoutoft
hecor
ner
.

Hest
art
edt
hewal
ktohi
ssui
tewhi
l
eshef
oll
owedsl
owl
ybehi
ndt
il
ltheygott
her
e.

Heopenedt
hedoorandf
acedher
.

"
Goi
n"hesai
dandsheobey
ed,
wal
ki
ngi
nsl
owl
y.

"Heywhatar
eyoudoi
nghere?
,Youwer
en'ther
ewit
hReinaint
hemor
ningt
ocl
ean.
..
and.
..
what'
supwit
hyourf
ace?"Tammyaskedimmedi
atel
y.

Pr
incet
oncamei
nandshekeptshut
.

"
Treatherwounds,
I'
ll
ber
ightback"hesai
d.

"
Yesboss"sher
epl
i
edandPr
incet
onl
eft
.
Hewal
kedbackt
othey
ardwher
eTr
acywasmadet
okneel
at.

Al
otoft
hegangmember
sar
eal
readyt
her
e,wai
ti
ngf
orwhathe'
l
ldot
oher
.

Hegott
her
eandsati
nfr
ontofher
.

"
Smoke"hesai
dandoneoft
heguy
shandedonet
ohi
m,i
twasl
i
ght
enedandhepuf
fedoni
tfor
l
ong.

"
Whatdi
dshedot
oyou?
"HeaskedandTr
acyr
emai
nedsi
l
ent
.

"
Not
hing?
"Hesai
d,st
andi
ngup.

Tr
acyshi
ft
edbackonherknees,
hercheeki
sreddi
sh.

"Youmeanshedi dnothi
ngandy oudi
dthatt
oher?,Taki
ngadvantageofaweakper
son'
s
weaknessandcheati
ngthehel
plessarewhatIhat
emost "hesai
d.

"
Dude,
what
'shappeni
ngher
e?"Li
aasked,
comi
ngi
ntot
hepl
ace.

"Shewoundedt
henewsl
ave"oneoft
heguy
srepl
i
ed.

Li
asmi
l
edl
i
keshej
ustl
i
stenedt
oaj
oke.

"
Newwhat
?,Li
keTani
sha?
"Shesai
d.
"
Youshoul
dseewhatt
hisb*
tchdi
dtoherf
ace"Pr
incet
onsai
dandLi
a'
sey
eswi
dened.

"Your
eal
l
ymeani
t?"

Pr
incet
ondi
dn'
trepl
y,av
eri
fi
cat
iont
hati
t'
str
ue.

"
Wher
e'sshe?
"Li
aasked

*
Mypl
ace"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
edandLi
arushedoutoft
hey
ard.

Youcanreadmor
eofthesest
oryfr
om,unl
imitedst
orypl
atf
orm,freshst
orieski
ngdom,
house
ofst
oryr
oom,sweetandni
cestor
yroom t
hroughKwesion+233554737287.

"
Shi
ftal
lthoseheav
ymet
alsdownt
hey
ard"hesai
d,poi
nti
ngatast
ackofmet
alsnotf
arf
rom
t
hem.

Tr
acymadet
otal
kbutsheknewi
t'
sgonnaspel
ldoom soshekeptqui
et.

Themet
alsareusual
l
ytooheav
yforguy
s,she'
dpr
obabl
ynotbeabl
etomov
eaf
ingeraf
ter
movi
ngever
ythi
ng.

Ther
ear
eov
erf
if
tyoft
hem.

"
Yes.
..mast
er"sher
epl
i
edsl
owl
yandPr
incet
ont
hrewdownt
heci
garbef
orel
eav
ing.

Tr
acyst
oodandgl
aredatev
ery
onewhoar
est
ari
ng,
wishi
ngshecoul
djustdest
royt
hewor
ld.

Shewal
kedf
uri
ousl
ytot
hemet
alsandt
ri
edmov
ingonebuti
t'
sImpossi
ble,
it'
sf*
cki
ngheav
y.
Sheappli
edal
lherst
rengt
handcar
ri
edi
tbutshehadbar
elyr
eachedhal
foft
hewaywhenshe
droppedi
t.

She'
sal
readyswear
ingal
otandherbackachesal
ready
.

Shehi
therl
egont
hemet
alr
epeat
edl
y,pour
ingherangeroni
t.

"
Ihat
eev
ery
one!
,Ihat
eev
ery
one!
..
.Landon!
!!
!!
"Shescr
eamed.

*
***
*

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

"Rei
nasai
dyoucl
aimedyouweret
oot
ir
edt
ocl
ean"Tammysai
dasshewi
pedt
hebl
oodon
Tani
sha'
sli
pswit
hcott
onbuds

"Ineversai
dthat
,I'
venotseenhernorVi
gnet
tet
oday
,Iwasl
ockedoutl
astni
ghtandIpassed
outintherai
n"sherepl
iedandTammygasped.

"Youwhat
?,Ar
eyouok?
"Sheasked,
touchi
ngherf
oreheadt
ofeel
hert
emper
atur
e.

"I
'mfine,
LiaandSi
err
atookmet
oladyMacbet
handIgott
reat
ed"sher
epl
i
edandTammy
smil
ed.

Shef
ocusedbackonherl
i
psandgent
lyappl
i
edanoi
nti
mentoni
t.
Tani
shahadt
ofol
dherf
istt
ight
ly,
itst
ings.

"
Endur
e,i
twon'
tmakei
tscar
"Tammysai
d.

Shet
reat
edherscr
atchedl
egt
oobef
oremov
ingt
ohercheek.

Shegoti
cepackf
rom t
hef
reezerandst
art
edpr
essi
ngi
tgent
lyonherr
edcheek.

"
Isbosski
ndt
oyou?
"Tammysuddenl
yasked.

"Huh?
,Idunno"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"He'
shardt
ounderst
andyunno,
you'
llgocrazyify
outr
ytounderstandhi
m..
..I
'
vebeenwor
king
asanannyf
orhist
winssi
nceAvalef
tbutisn'ti
tamusi
ngthatIknownothi
ngabouthi
m?"
Tammysmiled.

"Av
a?"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"For
getaboutt
hatnamebut.
..she'
ssomeonewhowasi mpor
tanttohi
m somey
ear
sback,
ion
knowifshest
il
lmeansany
thi
ngt ohim nowt
hough"Tammyrepli
ed.

"oh.
."Tani
shar
epl
i
edsl
owl
y.

"OMGt
hecat
!"Sana'
svoi
cei
nter
rupt
ed.

Sher
usheddownst
air
swi
thMi
nai
mmedi
atel
y.
"
Hicut
ie!
"Mi
nawav
edatSweet
.

"
Yougi
rl
sar
esoper
sist
entImustsay
"Tammysmi
l
ed.

"Hi
Miss,
arey
out
heownerofi
t?"Sanawav
ed.

"
Sweet
?,Yes,
it'
smi
ne"Tani
shar
epl
i
edsi
mpl
y,st
ari
ngatt
hem nonst
op.

*
Howcanki
dsbesoador
abl
e?,
Thei
rbl
ueey
es,
thei
rcur
lyhai
randpr
ett
yper
fectf
aces,
wow!
*

"I
t'
snameisSweet
?,I
t'
sreal
l
yreal
l
ysweet
,Il
ovey
ourcatsomuch"Mi
nasmi
l
ed,
str
oki
ng
Sweet'
shead.

Sweetr
aisedi
t'
spawandSanaqui
ckl
yhel
dit
.

"
Howcut
e!"Shesmi
l
ed.

"
You'
resopr
ett
y"Mi
nasai
d,l
ooki
ngatTani
sha.

"Huh?
,Me?
"Shesai
d.

ChatFI
RSTLADYonpl
ust
wot
woei
ghtni
net
yonef
if
tyf
ourt
hreet
housandt
obeaddedonher
st
orygroup

"
Yes"Sanasai
d,l
ooki
ngup

"What
'sy
ourname?
"Mi
naasked.
"Tani
sha"shesmi
l
ed.

"Whoa,
arey
ouagangmember
?"Sanaasked.

"No"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Anhel
pint
heki
tchen?
"Mi
naasked.

"No"

"A.
.fr
iendt
oagangmember
?"Sanaasked.

"Areweinanint
erv
iewnow?
"Tammycaut
ionedbutt
hegi
rl
scont
inuedl
ooki
ngatTani
sha
quest
ioni
ngl
y.

"
I'
m..
.asl
ave"shef
inal
l
ysai
dandt
hei
rey
eswi
dened

"
That
'snotni
ce"Mi
nasai
d.

"Il
i
key ouandIli
keyourdogtoo,Idon'
tcarei
fyou'
reasl
ave,
sof
ary
ouhav
eapr
ett
yfaceanda
cutedog,youseem war
mt oo"Sanasaid.

"Sameher
e,Il
ovey
oual
ready
,canwepl
aywi
thSweet
?"Mi
naasked.

"Sur
e"Tani
shar
epl
i
edandr
eleasedi
tfort
hem.
Theycar
ri
edi
ttothecent
eroftheli
vi
ngroom andt
hepetst
art
edpl
ayi
ngwi
tht
hem,
they
cackl
edandl
aughedl
oudlyt
hroughout
.

"
Thoset
wo"Tammysmi
l
ed.

"
Theyl
ovemycat
,I'
m happy
"Tani
shasai
dhappi
l
y.

"Theylov
eyout
oo,t
hoset
woar
ejustl
i
ket
hei
rdad,
theynev
ersaywhatt
heydon'
tmean,
young
adult
s"Tammysai
d.

"I
'
m gl
ad"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Theyr
efusedt
ogot
oschool
cosoft
hecat
"Tammysai
d.

"Huh?
"

"Bel
i
eveme"Tammyr
epl
i
edandTani
shasmi
l
ed.

"
They
'r
e..
.somet
hingel
se"shesai
d.

"
Iknowright
?,Byt
hewayy
oushoul
dbecar
eful
ofRei
na,
she'
ssl
i
myandsl
y.
..
myt
hought
s
t
hough"Tammysaid.

Tani
shawasaboutt
orepl
ywhenLi
acamei
n.

"
Tani
shaar
eyouok?
"Sheaskedbyt
hedoorbef
orecomi
ngi
nful
l
y.
"I
'
mfi
ne"Tani
shast
oodwhenshegott
oher
.

Li
ast
art
edchecki
ngherout
,maki
ngsur
eshe'
sreal
l
yok.

"
Thatl
i
on"shesai
d,r
efer
ri
ngt
oTr
acy
.

"
I'
mreal
l
yfi
ne"Tani
shasmi
l
edandLi
ahuggedhert
ight
ly,
shocki
ngTani
sha.

"
Iwassoscar
ed,
Ithoughty
ouwer
ebadl
yhur
t"shesai
d.

Tammyst
ared,
wonder
ingwhyt
heyseem socl
ose.

"I
'
m okbel
i
eveme"Tani
shasai
dandLi
abr
oket
hehug.

Shet
ookt
hei
cepackf
rom Tammy
."I
'
lldot
her
emai
ningj
ob"shesai
dandTammysi
ghed.

Li
asatherdownandconti
nuedpressingthepackgent
lyonherf
ace,
leav
ingTani
shat
owonder
whatcoul
dbethereasonf
orherkindness.

"
Mina,
Sana"Li
asuddenl
ysai
d,f
inal
l
ynot
ici
ngt
hem.

Theybot
hlookedupf
rom Sweetandsmi
l
edatherbef
orer
esumi
ngpl
ayi
ngwi
thSweet
.

"
Aret
heyki
ddi
ngmenow?
,Whatar
etheydoi
ngathome?
",Todayi
sst
il
lFr
iday
"Li
asai
d.

"
Theyr
efusedt
ogobecauseofSweet
,youknowhowst
ubbor
ntheycanbe"Tammyr
epl
i
ed.
"Handf
uls"Li
asai
dandTani
shasmi
l
ed.

Pr
incet
oncamei
nandut
ter
ednosi
ngl
ewor
d,hest
art
edheadi
ngi
ntohi
sroom.

"
Youbr
oughtherher
e,notev
enasi
ngl
esor
ry?
'Li
asai
dandhest
opped.

"She'
sok,sheshoul
dleav
eaf
tert
het
reat
ment
"hesai
dcol
dlyandTani
shast
art
edpi
cki
ngon
hernail
s.

"
Dad!
!"Thet
winsv
oicecal
l
edoutandhef
acedt
hem.

"
Sweeti
sfi
nal
l
yher
e"Sanasai
d.

"
Oh.
.Isee"her
epl
i
eddr
ylywi
thoutsmi
l
ing.

"Yourfr
ownyf
acewon'
twor
kdad,
wewantSweett
ost
ayt
heni
ght
"Mi
nasai
dandTani
sha
gasped.

"
No,
Ican'
tsl
eepwi
thoutsweetbesi
deme,
Ican'
tl
eav
either
e"Tani
shasai
d.

"Hear
dthat
?"Pr
incet
onsai
dtot
het
winsandt
heyi
mmedi
atel
yst
art
edcr
yingsol
oud.

"
Wewanti
t!
!"Sanacr
ied.

"
Sobadl
y"Mi
naadded,
wipi
nghert
ear
sasnewr
oundf
ell
downhercheeks.
Pr
incet
oncl
osedhi
sey
esf
rust
rat
edl
yandTammysmi
l
ed.

"
Your eal
l
ycan'tleav
eit?
,Whent
heywantsomet
hing,
theywon'
tgi
vePr
incet
onpeaceofmi
nd
t
il
ltheygeti
t"Liasaid

"I
'
vereall
ygott
enusedtosl
eepi
ngbesi
deSweetsi
ncedadboughti
tforme,
Ican'
tdowi
thouti
t
anymore"Tani
sharepl
i
edfl
atl
y.

Thegi
rl
skeptcr
ying.

"Don'
tgoy
et"Pr
incet
onsai
d,f
aci
ngTani
sha.

"
Huh?
"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Don'
tgoy
et,
stayt
il
lni
ghtbef
orey
oul
eav
e,l
ett
hem hav
eitt
othemsel
vest
il
ltoni
ght
"hesai
d

"But
..
..

"
Hemi
ghtgetangr
yify
ouar
gue"Tammywhi
sper
edandTani
shast
opped.

"
Yessi
r"shesai
dandPr
incet
onf
acedt
het
wins

"
Wel
ovey
oudaddy
!"Theyshout
edandheent
eredhi
sroom.

"He'
sdiff
icul
ttounder
standr
ight
?,Thi
smi
nut
ehe'
swar
m,t
heot
hermi
nut
ehe'
scol
dandhar
sh"
Liasai
d.
"Yes.
..t
hat
'st
rue"Tani
shar
epl
i
edawkwar
dly
.

"
I'
ll
hav
etol
eav
eyouher
e,Ineedt
ogoeatbr
eakf
ast
"Li
asai
d.

"Sur
e,by
e"Tani
shawav
edandLi
alef
t.

"
Ineedt
otakecar
eofsomet
hingsi
ntheki
tchen"Tammysai
dandl
eftf
ort
heki
tchent
oo.

Tani
shast
ood,
wat
chi
ngt
het
wins.

Theyl
ooksohappywi
tht
hepetandbef
oresheknewi
t,shest
art
edsmi
l
ingt
oo.

"
Tani
sha,
let
'spl
ay"Sanasai
dandshequi
ckl
yjoi
nedt
hem.

Sweetbecamehappi
ert
oseeherandshej
oinedt
hel
aught
err
athert
hanwat
chi
ng.

Thei
rlaught
erf
il
ledthewholeli
vi
ngr oom andPr
incet
onhadt
ocomeoutofhi
sroom.Hest
ood
ataspotandwatchedthem f
rom there.

MinaandSanahasal
waysbeenqui
et,
evenwhent
heycomebackfrom school
,theyst
ayinthei
r
r
oom bythemsel
vest
il
ldi
nnerwhent
hey'
ll
comedownstai
rst
oeatandthengobackt othei
r
r
ooms.

Butseei
ngthem happyl
i
ket
his,
seei
ngt
hem smi
l
ingandev
enl
aughi
ngbecauseofTani
shaand
hercat
,itf
eel
ssogood.
Hewasunawar
eofwhenhest
art
edsmi
l
ingashewat
ched.

Tammycameoutoft
heki
tchenunnot
icedandwhenshesawhi
m smi
l
ing,
shesmi
l
edt
oo.

"
It
'st
hef
ir
stt
imeI
'
llbeseei
nghi
m smi
l
esi
nceIcameher
e"shet
hought
.

*
***
***

"Icanhel
pwit
hthat"Rei
nasai
dbehi
ndl
adyMacbet
hasshet
ookt
hel
astt
rayoff
oodt
othe
gener
aldi
nni
nghall
.

Al
otofmember
sdeci
dedt
oeatt
her
etoday
.

"
Noneed"Macbet
hrepl
i
ed.

"
Letmehel
pyou"Vi
gnet
tesai
d,appear
ingt
oo.

"Icandoi
t"LadyMacbet
hrepl
i
edsi
mpl
ybutt
heybot
hwentt
oheratat
ime.

Vi
gnet
tewasabl
etot
aket
hemeal
whi
l
eRei
nat
ookt
het
ray
.

"
Leadus"Vi
gnet
tesai
dandMacbet
hsi
ghedbef
orel
eadi
ngt
heway
.

Theygott
othebi
ghal
landt
heybot
hdr
oppedt
hem ont
hemi
ddl
etabl
e.

"
Newki
tchenmai
ds?
"Br
entsai
dandVi
gnet
tel
ookedathi
m,shesmi
l
ed.
"
No,
theyj
usthel
ped"l
adyMacbet
hrepl
i
ed.

"
Theyshoul
dn'
tdoonl
ythecl
eani
ng,
I'
ll
t al
ktogodmother,t
heyshoul
dhel
pyouintheki
tchen
t
oo,i
t'
snoteasyf
oronl
yyoutobemakingmealsforoverhundr
edpeopl
e"Li
asaid.

"That
'l
lbeni
ce"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"CanIeatwi
thy
ouguy
s?"Rei
naaskedandev
ery
onewentsi
l
ent
.

"Eatwi
thus?
,Isy
ourbr
ainonat
ri
patt
hemoment
?"Si
err
arepl
i
edandRei
nagul
ped.

"Taket
hem awayl
adyMac"Br
entsai
dandMacbet
hledt
hem out
.

"
Who'
swi
l
li
ngt
opourt
hedr
inks?
"Li
aasked.

"Me"Si
err
arepl
i
ed,
standi
ngt
opouri
tforev
ery
onebutShayandBr
enthel
dherhandatat
ime.

Li
aswal
l
owednot
hing,
star
ingatt
hehands.

"
I'
ll
doi
t"t
heybot
hchor
used.

"
Letgoofmyhand,
youbot
h"Si
err
agl
aredandt
heybot
hlethergo.

"Ev
ery
oneshoul
dpourt
hei
rdr
inks"Si
err
asai
dandsat
.
"Shoul
dIpoury
oual
lsomedr
inks?
"Landonsai
dcheer
ful
l
y,comi
ngi
ntot
hehal
l
.

Hesatbesi
deLi
aandLi
arol
l
edey
esathi
m.

"
Don'
tbesohar
sh,
I'
m ser
ious"hesai
d,t
aki
ngt
hebot
tl
eofBudwei
ser

Heopenedi
tandst
art
edpour
ingi
tinev
erycup.

"
Someonef
*ckedagoodp*
ssyt
hismor
ning"Shaysai
d.

"Thi
sisact
ual
l
ymor
ethanagoodp*
ssy
"Landonsmi
l
edasev
ery
onet
ookt
hei
rcups.

"So.
..
what
'
sit
?"Li
aasked.

"Seei
ngTr acyshi
fti
ngt
hoseheav ymet
als,
it'
sgivi
ngmyhear
timmeasur
abl
ejoy
,I'
min
euphor
ia"herepli
edandlaughed,
dri
nki
ngafterwar
ds.

Br
entandSi
err
ast
art
edeat
ing.

"
Shedeser
vesi
t"Li
asai
d.

"
Ofcour
se,
hear
dshehur
tmysweet
p*ssy
,that
'swhyshegotpuni
shed"Landonsmi
l
ed.

"Whodi
dyouj
ustr
efert
oassweet
p*ssy
?"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"Hernamest
art
swi
thT"Landonwi
nkedandLi
api
ckedaf
orkt
oshov
eInt
ohi
sthr
oatbuthe
r
anoutoft
hehal
lImmedi
atel
y

"
Jer
k"shespatandst
art
edeat
ingt
oobutshenot
icednoonei
stal
ki
ngagai
n

Shel
ookedatt
her
estandsawShayandBr
ent
,st
ari
ngatSi
err
awho'
sbusyeat
ing.

Li
asmi
l
edshor
tl
y,wr
appi
ngherpal
m mor
eti
ght
lyar
oundherf
ork.

*
***
***

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE,
9PM*
*

Tani
shast
aredt
ir
edl
yatt
heki
ds,
they
'r
efastasl
eepi
nthel
i
vingr
oom.

Theypl
ayedal
otwi
thSweet
,theymustbesot
ir
ed.

Sheatedi
nnerwi
ththem si
nceTammyi
nsi
stedt
houghsheat
eal
mostal
lthemeat
,thet
wins
al
lowedhert
hough.

Sweethadal
argemeal
tooandshecan'
tbemor
ehappy
.

Shelookedatt
het
winsagai
nandt
ouchedt
hei
rhai
rs."
Thanksf
ormaki
ngmyday
,youbot
h"she
smil
ed.

Shecar
eful
l
ytookSweetf
rom Mi
naandTammycameout
,shet
ookMi
nai
nsi
def
ir
stt
henshe
camebackforSana.
"
Youshoul
dtel
lbosst
haty
ou'
rel
eav
ingal
ready
,youknowhi
sroom r
ight
?"Shesai
d.

"Oh.
..
yeah"Tani
shar
epl
i
edawkwar
dlyandTammyl
eft
.

Tani
shamadeherwayt
ohi
sroom andknocked.

"
I'
mtaki
ngmyl
eav
e"shesai
dsl
owl
ybutnoanswercame.

Sheknockedagai
nbef
oreent
eri
ngt
her
oom.

Shemethi
mtr
eat
inghi
swounds,
henev
erev
enl
ookedupather
.

"
I.
..
.I
'
mleav
ing,
thegi
rl
sfel
lasl
eepal
ready
"shesai
dandr
ecei
vedzer
oanswer
.

Shet
urnedt
oleav
ebutst
oppedandt
urnedt
ohi
m agai
n.

Shebol
dlywal
kedt
ohi
m andt
ookt
hel
i
qui
dcont
ainerf
rom hi
m.

"
I'
ll
hel
p"shesai
dandwentbehi
ndhi
m.

Shestar
tedappl
yi
ngt
hel
i
qui
donhi
swoundst
houghshehasnoi
deaofwhati
tis,
may
be
di
sinf
ectant
.

Shesawt
hemuscl
esi
nhi
sbackr
isi
ngi
mmedi
atel
ysheappl
i
edi
t,i
tmustst
ingsomuch.

Shehal
tedf
orawhi
l
ebef
oreappl
yi
ngi
tagai
nandher
eact
edsameway
.
Nowshehast
hechancet
olookcar
eful
l
yathi
sback

I
t'
sful
lofscar
s,ev
enhi
sar
m,hehasmanyscar
s.Ther
e'saf
reshgunshotwoundr
ightt
her
e.

*
Howdoeshemanaget
olookf
inewi
thal
lthese?
*Shewonder
ed.

Shechangedt
hepat
chesont
hewoundsandst
ood.

"
Done,
I'
ll
takemyl
eav
e"shesai
d.

"
Didy
oueat
?"Hef
inal
l
yasked.

"
Yes,
Iat
esomemeat
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Youagumi
ho?
"Hesai
d

"Ij
ustl
ovemeat
"sher
epl
i
edandhesi
ghed.

Shekeptst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofhi
m andhi
sey
esf
ell
onherbel
l
ybut
ton.

Forami
nut
e,hewasn'
tabl
etol
ookaway
,it
'st
oos*
xyt
olookawayf
rom.

Hel
ookedatherf
aceandnev
eral
l
owedhi
sgazet
oleav
eit
,she'
sbeaut
if
ul.
Tani
shal
ookedupandsawhi
m st
ari
ng,
shest
art
edpi
cki
ngonhernai
l
s.

Pr
incet
onsuddenl
ypul
l
edherhandandshef
ell
onhi
m.

Heswi
ft
lychangedposi
ti
on,
comi
ngont
opofher
.

Shebli
nkedl
i
kehundr
edt
imesami
nut
eimmedi
atel
yandherey
eswon'
tret
urnt
othei
rnor
mal
posi
ti
ons.

Hest
ayedonher
,st
ari
ngi
ntoherey
esl
i
kehi
smuse.

Herey
escaughthi
stat
tooedbi
cepsandt
ri
ceps,
hisabswhi
chst
oodel
egant
lyonhi
m.

Shebl
i
nkedagai
nandknot
tedherhands.

Hest
art
edsmi
l
ing.

*
Isheder
anged?
*Sheaskedher
sel
f,l
ooki
ngathi
m sur
pri
singl
y.

He'
sont
opofher
,smi
l
ingdement
edl
ytoo.

*
Howcanhesmi
l
ehandsomel
yint
hist
ypeofsi
tuat
ion?
*

Hest
art
edmov
ingcl
oserqui
ckl
y,hi
sey
eschangi
ngt
owhatshecoul
dn'
texpl
ain.

Shequi
ckl
ybl
ockedhi
schestwi
thherpal
ms.
"
I.
..
..
I.
..I
'
venev
erdonei
t"shest
utt
ered.

"What
?"Heaskedi
nacal
mvoi
ce.

*
Isher
eal
l
ytheowneroft
hatv
oice?
,Thi
scan'
tbe*

"I
'
veneverr
eal
l
ydonei
t,pl
easedon'
tdoi
ttome.
..
.Idon'
tknowhowt
odoi
t"shepr
act
ical
l
y
begged.

Hest
oppedmov
ingcl
oserandgav
ehera"
what
?"Look.

"Imean..
.whatyou'r
eaboutt
odo..
..
Swor
d,somet
imesF"sher
epl
i
edandPr
incet
onl
ookedat
herforawhilebeforel
aughi
ngout
.

Hel
aughedal
otbef
orest
andi
ngupf
rom her
.

Shequi
ckl
yst
oodandr
ushedoutoft
her
oom,
shecar
ri
edSweetandr
ushedoutoft
hesui
te.

Pr
incet
oncont
inuedl
aughi
ngatherexpr
essi
onwhenshewassay
ingi
t.

"
Idon'
tknowhowt
odoi
t"hesai
d,mi
micki
ngherv
oice

Hel
aughedagai
nashel
i
ght
enedasmoke.

Hest
oodbyhi
swi
ndowandst
art
edsmoki
ng.
"
TheSwor
d,somet
imesF"hesai
dandt
hesmokef
ell
from hi
m whenhest
art
edl
aughi
ngagai
n

"S*
x,somet
imesF*
ck"hesai
dami
dstt
hel
aught
er.

"
Damn"hel
aughed.

TBC

[
6/17,
5:54AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER14&15

★★★★★

Tanisharanallt
hewaytot
heslavehouseandwhenshegotin,shest
ayedbehi
ndt
hemai
ndoor
foralmostthr
eeminut
es,t
hinki
ngaboutwhatal
mosthappened.

Howhesuddenl
ypul
l
edhert
ojoi
nhi
m onbed.

*
Soi
fIhadn'
tst
oppedhi
m..
.*Shet
houghtandgaspedwi
thbi
gey
es.

"I
'
dprobabl
ybeunderhi
m andhe'
l
lbedoi
ngt
hingst
omer
ightnow"shewhi
sper
edandcov
ered
hermouthwit
hherpal
m.
"No"shet
houghtandsomeonecoughed,
maki
ngherj
ump.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngst
andi
ngt
her
eandwher
ehav
eyoubeen?
"Vi
gnet
teasked.

She'
sst
andi
ngbyt
hedooroft
hei
rroom.

Tani
shasmi
l
edandt
ouchedherhai
rawkwar
dly
.

"IwasatmasterPrincet
on'
ssui
te,
heor
der
edmet
ost
aycoshi
stwi
nsl
oveSweet
"sher
epl
i
ed
andVignet
tesighed.

"
You'
reper
fect
lyf
iner
ight
?"Vi
gnet
teasked.

"
Yes"

"
Ok"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
edandt
heybot
hwenti
n.

Rei
nai
ssi
tt
ingonherbed,
glar
inghat
eful
l
yather
.

"
HeyRei
na"shesmi
l
ed

"
Don'
tcal
lmynameb*
tch"Rei
nar
epl
i
edmal
i
ciousl
y.

"
Huh?
,Why
?"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Don'
tj
ustt
alkt
ome!
"Rei
nasnapped.
"
Sleepi
fyou'
dlov
eto,
lear
nhowt
ost
ayawayf
rom her
,she'
sab*
tch"Vi
gnet
tesai
d,l
ayi
ngon
t
hebed

Tani
shagav
eRei
naonel
astgl
ancebef
oredr
oppi
ngSweetoni
tsspot
.

Shecl
i
mbedt
hebedandsl
eptbesi
deVi
gnet
tebutsher
eal
l
ycoul
dn'
tsl
eep.

Thescenesheact
edwi
thPr
incet
onsomemi
nut
esagokeptr
epl
ayi
ngi
nherhead.

Shehi
therheadr
epeat
edl
y,t
ryi
ngt
ost
opher
sel
fbuti
tdi
dn'
twor
k.

Shesi
ghedandwhensher
emember
edt
het
wins,
shesmi
l
edwi
del
y.

"
Mina,
Sana"shewhi
sper
edandt
urnedt
urnedt
otheot
hersi
deoft
hebed.

ThesceneofherandPr
incet
oncr
eptIntoherheadagai
nandshesqui
ntedbef
oref
aci
ng
anot
hersi
deofthebed,
onlytomeetVignet
testar
ingather
.

"
Youscar
edme!
"Shesai
d,hol
dingherchest
.

"
Whatwer
eyouwhi
sper
ing?
"Vi
gnet
teasked.

"
Oh.
..not
hing"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Justsl
eep,
Iwannasl
eept
oo"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.
"Sur
e"Tani
shasmi
l
edandVi
gnet
tet
urnedawayf
rom her
.

Tani
shacl
osedherey
esandmagi
cal
l
y,shesl
eptof
f.

*
***
***

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Wal
ki
ngt hr
oughthethincor
ri
dori
nfr
ontoft
hedoor
s,Zar
ahel
dhergunt
ight
ly,
hav
ingno
emot
ionsinhereyes.

Shel
ooksl
i
keawar
ri
orgoi
ngt
owar
,fer
oci
ousanddet
ermi
ned.

Shekeptwal
ki
ngt
il
lshegott
oaf
ramedpi
ctur
eont
hewal
l
,it
'sapi
ctur
eofFar
ri
s,herl
ate
husband.

Shet
ouchedi
tandr
ubbedhi
sfacei
nthepi
ctur
e,smi
l
ingsl
owl
y.

"
I'
ll
kil
lhi
m,Ipr
omi
se"shesai
dandl
aughedsol
oud.

"I
'
llki
l
lhim Far
ri
s!,
I'
ll
kil
lhi
m Isweari
t!
"Sheyell
edandshott
hegunwhi
l
etur
ningi
nev
ery
di
recti
on,t
hebull
etshitt
hewall
sandlefthol
es.

Shest
oppedaf
tert
womi
nut
esandr
eleasedheav
ybr
eat
hs.

Shet
urnedt
othef
rameagai
nandbr
oughtoutchi
l
dhoodpi
ctur
esofhert
hreechi
l
dren.
"Ourkids,
they'
vegrownsostr
ongandvi
ciousj
ustl
ikeyou'v
ealwayswanted,
Igroomedthem t
o
becomef i
erceFarr
is,
Ipromi
setoki
ll
whodi dt
hist
oy ou.
..j
ustali
tt
lebi
tmore..
.Alit
tl
ebi
tmore
Farr
is"shesaidandpull
edof
fthebr
acel
etonherwrist
,asmallti
nykeywasattachedtoi
t.

Shei
nser
tedt
hekeyi
ntoanunnot
iceabl
ehol
eint
hef
rameandadooropened.

Shewenti
n,herr
edshoesmaki
ngsl
owst
eadysoundsatev
eryst
epshet
akes.

Shegottoagl assdoorandpr
essedabut
ton,
asensorappear
edandshepl
acedherpoi
nter
fi
ngeronit
,itopenedandshewentin.

Shesmi
l
edwhenshesawhi
m.Shecont
inuedhersl
owst
eadyst
epst
il
lshegott
ohi
m.

"
I'
vecomeagai
n,howar
eyout
oday
?"shesmi
l
ed,
hol
dingt
hebedr
ail
s.

*
***
**

NEXTDAY,
PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Thegir
lhesl
eptwit
hlastni
ghtqui
ckl
ygotupfrom t
hebed,
shegat
her
edhert
hingsandr
ushed
outoft
heroom bef
orehecoul
dopenhiseyes.

Heact
uallyi
nvi
tedheroverlastni
ghtaft
erTanishalef
t,hewasfeel
i
ngsohor
nyandnoot
her
meansthantof*ck.
..
.hef
*ckedherti
llmidni
ghtbeforelet
ti
nghersl
eep.

Pri
ncet
onopenedhi
seyesandgotdownfr
om t
hebed, heent
eredthebat
hroom t
otakehi
sbat
h
andwhenhecameback,hewentwit
hcomfycl
othes,
blackpantsandasweatshi
rt
.
Hepickedasmokef
rom t
hepackandl
i
ght
enedi
t,hewasaboutt
ost
artsmoki
ngwhen
someonesnat
chedi
tfr
om hi
m.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Heasked,
faci
ngher
..
.It
'sLi
a.

Li
asmi
l
edandpuf
fedt
hesmoke.

Shebl
ewt
hesmokesonhi
sfaceandsmi
l
ed.

"
Myhai
rpi
ns"shesai
d.

Hewentt
othedr
esserandgotabox,
hecamebackandpoi
ntedi
tather
.

"
Her
e"hesai
d.

Shetookitandopenedi
t.
..
mor
eexpensi
veandpr
ett
ypi
ns.
.muchmor
ethant
heoneshe
dest
royed.

"Whoa,y
ousurehaveeyesf
orgoodt
hings,
soy
ou'veboughti
t,i
fIhadn'
tasked,
youwoul
dn'
t
havegaveme"shesai
dandhetookt
hesmokefrom her
.

"Mymemor
yisnott
hatgr
eat
"hesai
dandshesmi
l
ed.

"
Ilov
eyoubi
gbr
other
"shesai
d.

Hekeptqui
etandj
ustsmoked.
"You'
ret
hebestbr
otheri
nthewor
ld,
Ilov
eyoual
ot"shet
easedandhel
ookedather
.

"St
opment
ioni
ngl
ove"hesai
dser
iousl
y.

"
Ist
hisst
il
laboutAv
a?"Sher
epl
i
edandhemadet
oleav
ebutshehel
dhi
m.

"
I'
m sor
ryf
ort
alki
ngabouther
..
..f
orgi
veme"shesai
dandhet
ookhi
shandf
rom her
.

Hest
art
edwalkingoutoft
her
oom andshewal
kedbehi
ndhi
m butshesuddenl
ysawanankl
et
ont
hedresser
.

"
Whoa!
,I
t'
sgor
geous"shesai
d,t
aki
ngi
timmedi
atel
y.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedbackt
oseei
twi
thher
,shecamebackandsnat
chedi
tfr
om her
.

"
It
'snoty
our
s"hesai
dfl
atl
y.

"
It
'sf
orgi
rl
s,I
'
mtheonl
ygi
rly
ou'
reusedt
o,i
fit
'snotf
ormet
heni
t'
sforwho"shesai
dcur
iousl
y.

"I
t'
snoty
our
s,t
hat
'sal
lIf
*cki
nghav
etosay
"her
epl
i
edandl
eftt
her
oom.

"Jeez!
,Ihat
eyou!
!!
!"Shescr
eamedaf
terhi
m.

Theygott
othel
i
vingr
oom andmetMi
naandSana,
all
dressedup.
"
Arey
ougi
rl
sgoi
ngout
?"Li
aasked.

"
Theyt
oldmet
odr
esst
hem up,
theycl
aimedt
hei
rdadi
staki
ngt
hem out
"Tammyr
epl
i
ed.

"Whendi
dIpr
omi
set
hat
?"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Wewantt
ogohav
efunwi
thy
oudad"Sanasai
d

"Yougir
lscan'tgot
oanywher
etool
oudandy
ouknowi
t,i
t'
senought
haty
ougot
oschool
al
ready
"Princetonr
epl
i
ed.

"It
'sunf
air
,ourcl
assmatesdon'
ttal
ktousinschoolbecausewe'r
ethedaughter
sofagangster
,
guardsandbouncer
sarealwaysatourbeckandcal
l,ourmatesalway
stel
lstori
esofhowthey
gooutandhav ef
unwiththei
rpar
entstothemsel
ves.
..wewanttogooutwithyoutoo"Mi
nasaid.

"AndIsai
dno!
"Pr
incet
ony
ell
ed.

Li
ahel
dhi
m."Pl
ease,
they
'l
lst
artcr
ying"shesai
d.

"Ial
readytoldyouguy sthatIcan'
tall
owgoi ngoutduri
ngweekends,doy ouknowi t'
sevenri
sky
thatyouguy saregoingtoschool?,Thefactthatyoubotharemydaught erswill
al ways
endangeryourlives,
G-Dragonisoutt her
e,CruelMonsterisoutt
her
et ooandsev eral
other
gangster
swhowantmedeadandsad, tomakemesady ouguyswi
llbet hei
rtargetsdon'
tyou
getit!
"Hey el
ledangril
yagain.

"Enough!
,Don'
tshoutatt
hem any
mor
e!"Li
ayel
l
edbackathi
m.

"Dadhat
esus"Sanacr
ied.
"I
t'
sunf
air
"Mi
nacr
iedt
ooandt
heybot
hwentbacki
n.

"Andnowt
hey
'l
ll
ockt
hemsel
vesupi
nthei
rroom t
il
lGodknowswhen"Tammysai
d.

Pr
incet
onl
eftt
hesui
teandLi
afol
l
owedhi
m.

Shepul
l
edhi
sar
m andhef
acedher
.

"
Whyar
eyoubei
ngl
i
ket
his?
,You'
rebei
nghar
sht
othem"shesai
d.

"Ihavetobe.
..
ifIwantt
omaket
hem under
stand,
youknowwhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
"hesai
d
sternl
y.

"But
..
..

"
Nomor
etal
ks"hei
nter
rupt
edandst
art
edwal
ki
ngaway

Li
athr
ewdownt
hepi
nboxandpunchedt
heai
r,i
magi
ninghi
m ast
heoneshe'
spunchi
ng.

"Ihat
eyou!
!"Shescr
eamedandt ooksomeoft
hepi
ns,
shest
art
edt
hrowi
ngt
hem athi
m buthe
kepmovingti
llhewentoutofsi
ght.

"
Thatwi
l
dcat
"shebr
eat
hed.

*
***
***
LANDON'
SSUI
TE*
*

"
Comebackher
etoni
ghtby9"Landonsai
dtoVi
vi
.

Shejustgotdownfrom t
hebed,
wal
ki
ngr
oundt
her
oom nakedl
y,herb*
*bsbouncedonher
chestasshewalked.

"
Ican'
twai
t"shesmi
l
edandcont
inuedpaci
ngbef
oref
aci
nghi
m.

"Ar
eyoutr
yingt
ogetdownwiththatsl
ave?,
IheardTracywentcrazybecausey
out
ri
edt
otouch
her
"shesai
dandhegiggl
ed,
standinguptoo,he'
ssti
l
l st
arknaked.

"
So.
..
whati
fIwannagetdownwi
thher
?"Hesai
d,wal
ki
ngt
oher
.

"Notl
ikeIownyou,sofary
ousat i
sfymewit
hgoodf*
ckever
ynight
,Iwon'
tst
opyouf
rom
f*
cki
nganothergi
rl
"shesmiledandhefondl
edwi
thherb*
*bswhenhegottoher
.

"
Ili
key
ouy
unno.
..
you'
reunder
standi
ngand.
..mat
ure"hesai
d.

"Don'tt
ell
mey ouli
keme,
Imi
ghtbecomepossessi
ve"shesmi
l
edandheshov
edhi
sfi
nger
s
i
nsidehersuddenl
y.

"F*
vk,
trygi
vi
ngmeheadsupbef
orey
ourmov
es"shesai
dandhei
gnor
edher
.

Hecarri
edherandbal
ancedherb*
ttont
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
ethenher
esumedf
*cki
ngwi
thhi
s
f
inger
s.
"Everypartofy
ouamazesme,evenyourfi
nger
sf eel
goodi
nsideme"shemoaned, bendi
ngher
headbackwhi l
ehecapt
uredherri
ghtn*
pplebetweenhi
steet
h,hesl
ight
lybi
titandherbody
shi
v ered.

Shepul
l
edhim cl
oserandhegr
abbedt
hesecondonei
nhi
sthi
ckpal
m,pr
essi
ngi
tasi
ftoget
mil
koutofi
t.

Atthesameti
me,
hisf
inger
smov
edf
ast
erandshecl
osedherey
est
ight
ly,
hol
dinghi
s
shoul
ders.

"
Dony
es!
,Yesy
es!
,Ther
eDon!
"

"Harder
!,Har
derDon.
..
.addonemor
efi
nger
,onemor
eDon.
..
.onemor
e..
..f
ast
er!
"Shemoaned
soloud.

Heror
gasm st
art
edbui
l
dingandherwal
l
sst
art
edt
ight
eni
ngonhi
sfi
nger
s.

"
Jeez!
,Feel
sgoodmast
er.
..f
eel
sgood"shemoaned,
openi
nghermout
hsowi
det
orev
eal
her
f
rontt
eeth.

"I'
m aboutt
oc*
m master
..
.I
'
m c*mmi
ng"shebr
eat
hedandLandonki
ssedherl
i
ght
lyasshe
cameundoneri
ghti
nfr
ontofhim.

Hebenti
nfr
ontofherandl
i
ckedherof
f,maki
ngsur
etot
akecar
eofev
erydr
opofherj
uice.

Hi
stongueswi
pedherc*
ntandt
ouchedev
erypar
tofherp*
ssy
.
Shepulledhi
sheadmor
ecl
oset
oher
sel
fandhecont
inuedl
i
cki
ng,
maki
nghi
msel
fhar
dint
he
process.

"
Iwanty
ourd*
ckr
ightnowDon,
rightnow.
..
f*ckmap*
ssy
"shesai
dimpat
ient
ly.

Landonf
ini
shedupandst
ood.

Hepull
edhertotheedgeoft
het
abl
eagai
nandsher
aisedherl
egs,
hert
oescur
li
ngupi
n
anxi
ousnessal
ready
.

Hewasaboutt
omakehi
srodpenet
rat
ewhent
hedoor
bel
lsounded.

"
Whot
hehel
l
!"Vi
vicur
sed.

"
Notnow"Landonsai
dashet
hrewonhi
spant
s.

Hewentoutandopenedt
hedoor
,Vi
gnet
tei
sri
ghtt
her
e.

"
Soi
t'
syou"hesmi
l
ed.

Si
nceshest
art
edcomi
ngt
ocl
eanwi
thherpar
tner
,hehast
hisbur
ningdesi
ret
obei
nsi
deher
oneday
.

"
Youcameal
one?
"Hesai
d.

"
Mypar
tneri
sil
l
"sher
epl
i
edsi
mpl
yandcamei
n.
Vi
vicameoutoft
her
oom,
dressedal
ready
.

"
You'
rel
eav
ing?
"Heasked.

"
Shoul
dIhav
est
ayed?
,Sher
uinedev
ery
thi
ng"sher
epl
i
ed,
rol
l
ingey
esatVi
gnet
teasshel
eft
.

ChatFI
RSTLADYonpl
ust
wot
woei
ghtni
net
yonef
if
tyf
ourt
hreet
housandt
obeaddedonher
st
orygroup

Withoutanotherword,
Vignet
test
art
edwor
k,Landon'
ssui
tei
sal
way
smessysi
ncehel
oves
destr
oyingthings.

Thef
lowerv
asehasbeenbr
okenbyhi
m agai
n.

Shestar
tedbycl
eani
ngupthebr
okenfl
owervaseandthr
oughout
,Landonst
aredl
ust
ful
l
y..
.he'
s
st
il
lsohardsohi
sheadisf
ill
edwi
thimagi
nat
ionofhi
m andherinbed.

Shebentdowntocar
ryt
hecont
aineri
nwhi
chshepackedt
hebr
okenv
aseandhegr
abbedher
assf
rom behi
nd.

Het
ri
edcar
essi
ngherandshest
oodst
il
l.

"
Shoul
dwehav
eagoodf
*ck?
"Hesai
dseduct
ivel
y.

"Youshoul
dgetagoodbr
aini
nsteadoflooki
ngforagoodf*ck,
dog!"Shesai
dandt
urnedt
o
hi
m,shestuckapi
eceoft
hebrokenvaseintohi
sarm andhescreamedinpai
ns.

"
Arey
oui
nsane!
"Hey
ell
ed,
hol
dinghi
sbl
oodyar
m.
"Ohyouexpectmetost
il
lbesanewhenIhav
etocomeher
etocl
eant
hesui
teofanui
sance
l
ikey
ou?"Sherepl
i
edsassi
ly
.

"Nui
sance?
"Hesai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"Comecloserandy ou'l
lhav
etosayby
etot
hatweenyl
i
ttl
ethi
ngundery
ourt
rouser
s"shesai
d
andcont
inuedcleaning.

"Doy
ouknowt
hedensi
tyofwhaty
ouj
ustdi
d?"hesai
d.

"Doyouknowthedensi
tyofr
apeorat
tempt
edr
apeher
e?"Sher
epl
i
edandhegav
ehert
he
middl
efi
ngerbef
oregoi
ngin.

"
Empt
yhead,
Iguesshi
sbr
ainwasf
il
ledwi
thsemen,
notneur
ons"shemut
ter
ed.

*
***
*

LI
A'SSUI
TE*
*

"St
opcomi
ngher
etoaddt
omyf
rust
rat
ion"Li
asai
dwhenSi
err
acamei
n.

"Todayi
ssomehowbor
ingswear
s,Iwannadi
e..
.not
hingt
ohack"sher
epl
i
ed,
crashi
ngbesi
de
Li
a.

"Toni
ghtisthemi
ssi
onatBor
ispor
t,IhopeG-
Dragoni
nter
fer
es,
Iwantt
ofl
exmymuscl
esabi
t"
Li
asmiled.
"Whenar
ewegoi
ngf
ort
hegol
dbar
s?"Si
err
asuddenl
yasked.

"Thatshoul
dbenextweek,
Iser
iousl
ycan'
twai
t"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"Udef
ini
tel
ycan'
t,i
t'
l
lbesomuchfun,
I'
ll
havesomuchtohacksi
ncewe'
reent
eri
ngan
under
groundsaf
einaskyscr
aper
,whoownsthegol
d?"Si
err
aasked.

"I
tbel
ongedtodadbefor
ehisdeat
hbutitwasconf
iscat
edandkeptt
her
ebysomebast
ards,
wehavetot
akeitbackbyal
lmeans"Li
arepl
ied.

"Real
ly?
,Thenwereall
yhavetot
akei
tback.
..
.l
ookenoughofchat
s,l
et'
sgof
ort
rai
ning"Si
err
a
sai
d,pul
li
ngLiai
ntotheroom

Theybot
hgotchangedi
ntoshor
tthi
ghsandf
it
ti
ngsi
ngl
etsbef
orel
eav
ingt
hesui
te.

Theyl
eftf
ort
het
rai
ninggr
oundandst
art
edexer
cisi
ng.

They
'r
eper
fectal
readysot
heyneednot
rai
ner
s,onl
ythenewbi
esget
str
ained.

Theywer efi
ghti
ngeachother
,tr
yingt
oav
oideachot
her
'spunchesandki
ckswhenShayand
Brentappearedfort
hei
rtr
aini
ngtoo.

I
t'
sthef
ir
stt
imet
hey
'l
lbecomi
ngoutshi
rt
lessandf
*ck!
,They
'r
ehot
.

Li
atookof
fhergl
ovesandt
heyf
ell
from herasshest
aredendl
essl
y.

Ot
hergi
rl
swhoar
eal
soi
nthegr
oundst
aredwi
thwi
demout
hs,
they
'r
ehandsome.
Si
err
alookedatLi
aandsmi
l
edwhenshesawhowhar
dshe'
sst
ari
ng.

Shet
urnedherf
acet
oher
sel
fandsmi
l
edsheepi
shl
yforasec.

"Breat
hinandbr
eat
houtsev
ent
imes,
you'
l
lregai
nyoursani
ty.
..
.seemsy
oul
osti
t"shesai
d
andlef
ther
.

Li
alookedathergl
ovesont
hef
loor
.

"
WhatwasIt
hinki
ng"shewhi
sper
edandqui
ckl
ypi
ckedt
hem bef
orer
ushi
ngoutoft
hepl
ace.

"
Liacomeback!
"Si
err
ashout
edaf
terher
.

*
***
***

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Tani
shadi
dal
mostal
lthecl
eani
ngwhi
l
eRei
naj
ustwal
kedar
ound.

Tammyi
sn'
tar
ound,
shewentt
oseel
adyMacbet
hint
hegener
alki
tchen.

"Youshoul
dstopcomi
ngwi
thmei
fyou'
regonnacont
inuewal
ki
ngar
ound"Tani
shasai
dand
Reinaf
acedher.

"I
sthi
spl
acey
ourhouse?
,St
opor
der
ingar
ound.
..i
diot
"shesai
dhat
eful
l
yandTani
shasi
ghed.
Shecont
inuedcl
eani
ngandwhensher
emember
edt
odayi
sSat
urday
,shet
houghtt
het
wins
shoul
dbeathome.

"
Whyar
en'
ttheyher
e?,
Didt
heygoout
?"Shewonder
ed.

Shef
ini
shedwi
tht
hel
i
vingr
oom anddeci
dedt
ogocl
eant
hei
rroom next
.

Shewenti
nbutRei
nar
emai
nedi
nthel
i
vingr
oom.

Whenshesawnoonei sar
ound,sheent
eredPr
incet
on'
sroom andwal
kedar
ound,
smi
l
ing
dr
eamil
yasshecheckedever
ythi
ngout

"
Cleansweet
hear
t"shesai
d.

Sheopenedhi
scl
osetandi
nhal
edt
hescentofhi
scl
othes.

"
Ilov
eyousomuchPr
incet
on"shesmi
l
ed.

Shef
ell
ont
hebedaf
ter
war
ds,
imagi
ningPr
incet
onont
opofher
sel
f.

"
F*ckmehar
dersweet
hear
t.
..
.ohPr
incet
on.
..
.Iwanty
ourd*
ck"shemoanedandsmi
l
ed.

"I
'
llgetf
*ckedbyhi
m someday
,Ipr
omi
se"shesai
dandst
ood.

Somethi
ngcameint
ohermi
ndsoshet
oreapagef
rom t
henot
eshef
oundont
het
abl
e,l
ucki
l
y
shef
oundapentoo.
Shewr
oteashor
tnot
eanddr
oppedi
tont
hebedbef
orel
eav
ingt
hesui
te.

Tani
shagott
otheki
d'
sroom andf
oundouti
twasl
ockedf
rom i
nsi
de.

"
Aret
heyasl
eep?
,Theydon'
twantdi
stur
bance?
"Shet
houghtandwentbackt
othel
i
vingr
oom.

Pr
incet
oncamei
nimmedi
atel
y."
Good.
.mor
ningsi
r"shesai
dandhei
gnor
edher

Hewenti
ntohi
sroom andTani
shast
oodonherspot
,notknowi
ngwhatt
odo.

Sheneedst
ocl
eanhi
sroom buti
t'
l
lbei
mpossi
blenowt
hathe'
sin

"
I'
ll
wai
tti
l
lhel
eav
es"shet
hought
.

Merel
yseei
nghi
scl
oset
,Pr
incet
onknewsomeonemessedwi
thhi
sthi
ngs,
thi
sisn'
thowhel
eft
i
t.

Hewasaboutt
ogomeetTani
shawhenhenot
icedsomet
hingont
hebed,
hewal
kedt
her
eand
sawanot
e.

*
ILOVEYOUPRI
NCETON*waswr
it
teni
nit
.

Themer
esi
ghtofl
ovedr
ovehi
m cr
azyi
mmedi
atel
y.

Av
a'sf
aceappear
edi
nthenot
eandhet
hrewi
tdownbef
orest
ormi
ngoutoft
her
oom.
Tani
shaf
acedhi
m,gl
adt
hathe'
saboutt
oleav
ebuthecamet
oheri
nst
ead.

Hegr
abbedherneckbef
oreshecoul
dspeak,
imagi
ningherasAv
a.

"
Howdar
eyoudr
opt
hatonmybed!
"Hedemandedwi
thangr
yemot
ionl
esscol
dey
es.

"My..
.my
..
.neck"shecoughed,
bloodcameoutofhernosei
mmedi
atel
ybuthedoesn'
tseem t
o
car
e.

"Ihat
elove!
,Ihat
eyoumor
e!,
Iwanty
out
odi
e!"Her
oar
edandt
ight
enedhi
shandmor
ear
ound
herneck.

Shest
ruggl
edsl
owl
y,t
ear
scomi
ngoutofherey
es.

"
Please.
..
.don'
t.
..
kil
l.
..Me"shemanagedt
osayandherey
esst
art
edcl
osi
ng.

TBC

[
6/17,
5:54AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER16&17

.
 ★★★★★

Tani
sha'
sey
esst
art
edcl
osi
ngandshest
art
edgaspi
ngf
orbr
eat
h.

Ai
rranoutofherl
ungswi
thi
nthatshor
tper
iodandmor
ebl
oodgushedoutofhernose.

"
Please.
..
."Shegaspedagai
n,al
mostunconsci
ousl
ybutPr
incet
onseemscr
azy
.

Allhe'
sseei
ngisAva,aladyheneedst
oel
i
minat
e,adev
ilheneedst
odest
royandademonwho
needstobesentbacktohell
.

"Youdon'tdeser
vetol
i
ve!
,I
'v
epr
omi
sedt
oki
l
lyouwi
thmybar
ehandsandI
'
lldot
hatr
ightnow"
heseethedinrage.

"Daddy
!!
!!
"Sana'
svoi
cebr
okei
n,maki
nghi
mlookback.

Sanai
sst
andi
ngont
hest
air
swi
tht
ear
sonherf
ace.

"
Don'
tki
l
lhershehasdonenot
hingwr
ong!
!!
"Shescr
eamed.

Mi
nacamet
othest
air
stooandf
ell
onherbut
twhenshesawt
hescene.

"
No.
..
.nodad.
..
.don'
tdoi
t!
!"Shescr
eamed.

"
Don'
tki
l
lTani
sha!
!"Sanascr
eamedagai
n.
Pr
incet
onsl
owl
ylookedbackatTani
sha'
sfaceandhi
sey
eswi
denedwhenhesawi
t'
sreal
l
yher
.

ThedooropenedandTammycamei
n.

"
Boss!
"Sheshout
edwi
thwi
deey
es.

Hequi
ckl
yletgoofTani
shawhosl
umpedont
hef
loorunconsci
ousl
y.

Tammyr
ushedt
othesceneandhel
dherup.

"
Tani
sha!
,Tani
sha!
!"Sheshout
ed.

Shewon'
tbudge,
hernecki
ssor
edandhast
hinbr
uisesasar
esul
toft
hechoki
ng.

Hernosei
sst
il
lbl
eedi
ngev
eni
nherunconsci
ousst
ate.

Thet
winskeptcr
yingont
hest
air
swhi
l
ePr
incet
onkeptst
andi
ng,
comi
ngbackt
ohi
ssenses
sl
owl
y.

Hi
shandsar
eshaki
ngsohef
oldedt
hem ashest
aredatTani
sha'
sunconsci
ousbody
.

"
Pri
ncet
ont
akei
torl
eav
eit
..
.I
'
m her
etodi
stur
b..
.r
eal
dist
urbance"Li
asai
d,ent
eri
ngt
hesui
te
t
oo.

Shest
oodbyt
hedoorf
orawhi
l
eandwat
chedev
ery
thi
ngspeechl
essl
y.
Shesawunconsci
ousTani
shawi
thTammyandherhear
tski
ppedbeat
s.

"
Tani
sha"shemut
ter
edandr
ushedt
oTammy
.

"
Whathappenedt
oher
?"SheaskedTammy
.

Tammykeptl
ooki
ngatLi
a'
sangr
yface.

"Whatt
heheckhappenedt
oher
!"Li
ayel
l
ed.

Tammyl
ookedatPr
incet
onandLi
atr
acedherey
es.

Shest
oodwhenherey
esmetwi
thPr
incet
on'
s.

Shepushedhi
schestandPr
incet
onst
oodst
il
l.

Tammyqui
ckl
ytookTani
shaoutoft
hesui
te.

"
Why
?"Li
aaskedgent
ly.

Pr
incet
onkeptl
ooki
ngatherbl
ankl
y.

"
Why
!!
'shey
ell
ed.

"Iwas.
..
outofi
tforawhi
l
e"her
epl
i
ed.
"
Youl
osty
oursensesanddi
dthatt
oher
?,I
sthatr
eal
l
ymaki
ngsenset
oyou?
'shegl
ared.

"
Shet
ri
gger
edme.
..
shewr
oteanot
einmyr
oom and.
..

Li
ast
ormedi
ntohi
sroom andf
oundt
henot
eont
hegr
ound

Shest
aredati
tforawhi
l
ebef
orecomi
ngback.

"
Your
eal
l
ythi
nkshewr
otet
his?
"Shesai
dst
ernl
y,r
aisi
ngupt
henot
e.

"
Imetonl
yheri
nthi
spl
acewhenIcameand.
..
.

"She'
snottheonlyonewhocl eansthi
ssuit
eandev enifshe'
stheonl
yone,I
'mful
lysur
ethat
shedidn'
twri
tethis,she'
sthemostchastegir
lI'
veeverseeninher
e,she'
snotl
ooseandshe'
s
notaslut
"Liai
nterruptedandPri
ncetonsi
ghed.

Hel
ookedatt
hecr
yingt
winsagai
nandl
ookedbackathi
m.

"
Ity
oucont
inuet
hisway
,they
'l
lhat
eyou"shesai
dandl
eftangr
il
y.

Pri
ncet
onlookedatthet
winsandst
art
edmov
ingcl
oserbuti
mmedi
atel
yhet
ookast
ep,
they
bot
hstoodandrushedbackin.

Pr
incet
onst
oodonhi
sspotf
orawhi
l
ebef
orer
ushi
ngi
ntohi
sroom.

Hehi
thi
sfi
stont
hemi
rr
orandi
tbr
oke,
hur
ti
nghi
shand.
Hi
sbl
oodst
reameddownt
hebr
okenmi
rr
orandhesl
owl
yremov
edhi
shand.

Thebl
oodkeptdr
ippi
ngont
hegr
oundashewal
kedt
ohi
sbed.

Hesatanddi
ppedhi
slef
thandi
ntohi
spocket
,br
ingi
ngoutt
heankl
et.

Hel
ethi
sey
eshav
eaf
eastofi
tbef
oref
oldi
nghi
spal
msoni
t.

AVA,
thatnamei
sthemostbi
tt
ernamehehasev
erknown,
thenameofaser
pentwhobel
ongs
i
nhel
l.

*
***
*

KI
TCHEN*
*

Li
agott
her
eandmetTani
shaont
hebedagai
n,shesatbesi
deherandt
ookherhand.

"
Ihopei
twon'
tbesev
ere"shesai
dsadl
y.

"
Itwon'
t,
she'
l
lwakeupaf
terget
ti
ngenoughai
r,t
hat
'swhyIopenedal
lthewi
ndows"l
adyMac
r
epli
ed.

"Herneck.
..
ther
ednesswon'
tper
sistr
ight
?"Tammyasked

"Shehasadel
i
cat
eski
n,l
et'
sjusthopei
twon'
t"l
adyMacbet
hrepl
i
edwor
ri
edl
y.
"Thatwi
l
dcat
"Li
asni
ff
ed.

"
Whywoul
dhedot
hist
oher
?,I
'
venev
erseenhi
m getv
iol
entwi
thoutagoodr
eason"LadyMac
r
epl
i
ed.

"
Hecl
aimedshewr
oteanot
einhi
sroom,
I'
m sur
eshedi
dn'
twr
it
ethat
"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"
What
'si
nthenot
e?"Tammyasked.

"ILOVEYOUPRI
NCETON"Li
arepl
i
edandTammyst
ood.

"Ohno"shesai
d.

"What
?,Don'
ttel
lmey
oubel
i
eveshewr
otei
t"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"Nooneknowsany
thi
ngabouthi
m,he'
swei
rd"Tammysai
d.

"
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"Li
aasked.

"I'
vebeenwor ki
ngf orhi
m sincefi
veyear
sagosincethet
winswer
ebor
nbutIbarel
yevenknow
hi
m. .
..butIsawsomet hingabouthi
m onedaywhichmademeknowhowdangeroushecan
becomeatt hesightofthewor dLOVE"Tammysaid..

"
Whatdi
dyousee?
"Li
aasked.

"Iwast
ext
ingmysi
ckmum onphone,
thatwast
woy
ear
sago.
..
bosspeekedatmecosback
then,hedidn'ttr
ustme...
.Ihappenedtoendthetextwi
thIlov
ey oumum...
.immedi
atelyhesaw
thewor dl
ov e,hegrabbedmef r
om behi
ndandwhenIf acedhim,hi
shandswenttomyneck, he
chokedmeandIal mostdi ed.Hewasl i
ke.
.."
Die!
,Ihat
eloveasmuchasIhat ey
ouAv a!,
I'
ll
kil
l
you!!
!"Tammyexpl ained

"Huh?
"Li
asai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"Beli
evemehescreamedt
hatway,
Ithi
nkhewasimagi
ningmeasAv
a,heonl
yst
oppedwhenI
screamedoutl
oudlyt
hatI
'
m notAv
a"Tammysaid.

"I
'm hear
ingthisforthefi
rstt
ime,
theonlythingIknowist
hati
fyoument
ionl
ovebesi
dehi
m,
hegetsangry
, Ineverknewit'
sworsel
ikethis"Li
asaid.

"Iguesshemusthavelov
edAvasomuch,
andshedi
dsomet
hingt
err
ibl
etohi
mthoughInev
er
knewwhatshedid"Tammysai
d.

Li
arushedoutoft
hepl
aceandl
adyMacbet
hsi
ghed.

"
Ther
e'sal
otofsecr
etsi
nher
e,i
nthi
spal
ace"shesai
d.

"
Whatdoy
oumean?
"Tammyasked.

"Secret
sthat'
l
ldet
erminewho'l
ll
iv
eatt
heendofev
ery
thi
ng,
deat
hswi
l
lbemuch,
ver
ymuch"
sherepl
iedandlef
ttheroom t
oo.

Tammyl
ookedatTani
shaandsi
ghedconf
usedl
y.

"
What
'sLadyMact
alki
ngabout
?"Shewonder
ed.
Li
agotbackt
oPr
incet
on'
ssui
teandwentst
rai
ghtt
ohi
sroom buthel
ockedhi
msel
final
ready
.

"
Pri
ncet
on!
"Sheshout
ed.

"
Pri
ncet
on!
!"Shey
ell
ed,
hit
ti
ngt
hedoorbuti
twasf
uti
l
e,hewon'
tanswer
.

"Pr
incet
oncomeout
!"Shescr
eamed,
hit
ti
ngherl
egont
hedoor
.

"
Pri
ncet
onI
'
llbr
eakt
hisdoori
fyour
efuset
ocomeout
!,Opent
hedoor
!"Shescr
eamed.

Whenshesawhewon'topen,
sher
anoutoft
hesui
teagai
nandwentt
othet
rai
ninggr
oundt
o
getmet
all
i
cweight
s.

Shecamebackandst
art
edhi
tt
ingi
tont
hedoor
,det
ermi
nedt
obr
eaki
t.

Shewasst
il
ldoi
ngt
hatwhent
hedoorsuddenl
yopened,
rev
eal
i
ngPr
incet
on.

Bl
oodi
sst
il
ldr
ippi
ngdownf
rom hi
swoundedhandandhi
sey
esar
ered,
seemsl
i
kehecr
ied.

"
Pri
ncet
on"Li
awhi
sper
edandt
ookt
hreest
ri
dest
ohi
m af
terdr
oppi
ngt
hemet
al.

Shehuggedhi
mti
ght
ly.

"
"Your
eal
l
ywannabr
eakmydoor
?,Doy
ouknowhowexpensi
vei
tis?
"Hesai
dcal
mly
.
"St
oppr
etendi
ngt
obef
ineandj
ustcr
y!!
!,
Wil
dcatcr
y!!
"Sheshout
ed.

"Ihav
enot
ear
stowast
e"her
epl
i
edwi
thabr
okenv
oice.

"
Liar
"sher
epl
i
ed,
pat
ti
nghi
sback.

"
If*
cki
nghat
eev
ery
thi
ng"hecr
ied,
hist
ear
swet
ti
nghershoul
der
s.

"Goodboy
"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"Iwanttofor
getwhatshedi
dtomebutIj
ustcoul
dn'
t,
Iwantt
oki
l
lherwi
thmyhands"he
cont
inuedcry
ing.

"Cr
y..
..
crymor
e"Li
acaj
oledandhewentl
ouder
.

Heconti
nuedcr
yingl
i
kethatf
orl
ongbefor
eshebroket
hehug,
shewi
pedhi
stear
s,wr
appeda
bandageonhi
shandandtookhi
mtotheli
vingr
oom.

"
Whatever
yoneknewisthatAval
eftimmediat
elyshegav
ebi
rt
htoMi
naandSana,
ist
hatt
he
r
easonwhyyouhatel
ovethismuch?"Sheasked.

"Youknownot
hing"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"
Thent
ell
me"Li
asai
d.

"
Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
edandwal
kedi
n,goi
ngst
rai
ghtt
otheki
d'
sroom
Hest
oodbyt
hei
rdoorandknocked.

"
Mina"hecal
l
ed.

"
Sana"hecal
l
edagai
n.

Theywon'
trepl
y,i
nst
ead.
..
shehear
donl
ythei
rloudsobsf
rom i
nsi
de.

"
I'
m sor
ry"hesai
dsl
owl
y.

"
I'
m sor
ryfordoi
ngthattoher
,Iwasinsanebackthen..
.sor
ryf
ory
ell
i
ngaty ouguysi
nthe
morni
ngtoo,Ij
ustwantedtopr
otectyouguys.
..
Inevermeantt
obeharsh"hesai
d.

Hewai
tedf
oral
mostt
hir
tymi
nut
esbyt
hei
rdoorbutt
heyr
efusedt
ocomeoutt
ohi
m.

Hewentbackdownst
air
sandmetLi
ast
il
lwai
ti
ng.

"Youdon'texpectthem t
orepl
yy outhatquickwhentheysawyouchokingthegir
ltheylovea
l
ot...
andtotopit,youshout
edatt hem ear
li
er.
..
.giv
ethem t
ime,wai
tforTanishatowakeup, I
'
m
surethey
'll
li
stenifshetal
kstothem sincethey'
velov
edhersomuchwi thi
nashor tper
iod"Li
a
said.

"I
ssheok?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Tanisha?,
Yeah,l
adyMacsay
sshe'
sfi
ne,
she'
l
lwakeoncesheget
senoughai
r"sher
epl
i
edand
hebreathedinr
eli
ef.
"But
..
.t
hel
ett
er,
I'
mtel
l
ingy
oushedi
dn'
twr
it
eit
"shesai
d.

Princet
onlookedathi
sroom door
,ther
e'sani
nbui
l
tcamer
aini
t,capt
uri
ngt
hef
aceofev
ery
one
that'
sgoingin.

"
Ihopet
hememor
ydi
dn'
tgetdest
roy
edbyy
ourmet
al"hesai
dandshescof
fedashewentt
o
t
hedoor
.

Hegotaremot
efr
om hi
sroom andusedi
tont
hedoor
,ascr
eencameont
hedoorandLi
a
smi
led.

"
Brav
o,nev
erknewt
hedoori
spower
ful
"shesai
d.

I
tst
art
eddi
spl
ayi
ngev
ery
onewhowenti
ntot
her
oom si
nce7am t
hatday
.

Theywat
chedwi
thf
ull
att
ent
iont
il
lRei
nacamet
ovi
ew.

"
Thi
ssamegi
rlsl
eptonmybedt
heot
hert
ime"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"See?,It
oldy
oui
t'
snotmygi
rl
,Tani
shadi
dn'
tev
enent
ery
ourr
oom t
oday
"Li
asai
d,f
oldi
ngher
fi
sts.

"Iwanttoki
l
lthatRei
nagi
rlandi
nci
ner
ateherbody
"shesai
dangr
il
yandmadet
oleav
ebut
Pri
ncet
onheldher.

"
No"hesai
d.
"
What
?"

"
Ihav
epl
ans"her
epl
i
edandLi
asmi
l
ed.

*
***
*

NI
GHT,
8PM*
*

Thegangi
sal
lsetf
ort
heexchanget
hey
'r
esev
ent
hist
imear
oundi
ncl
udi
ngVi
vi
.

They
'r
est
andi
ngatt
hepar
k,wai
ti
ngf
orPr
incet
on.

Heshowedupshor
tl
yandt
hegi
rl
sst
aredl
ust
ful
l
yasusual
.

"
Theyr
eal
l
ydon'
tgett
ir
edofhi
sface"Si
err
asai
d.

"Whywi
l
lthey
?,He'
sdanger
ousl
yhandsome"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"
What
ever
"Si
err
asai
dandl
ookedar
oundonl
ytof
indBr
entandShayst
ari
ngather
.

Shegl
aredatt
hem andt
heybot
hlookedawayqui
ckl
y.

"
Theybot
h..
..seem t
oli
key
ou"Li
asai
dawkwar
dly
.

"
And.
..
youseem t
oli
keoneoft
hem"Si
err
arepl
i
ed,
pret
endi
ngt
omakei
tsoundawkwar
d.
"Wewer
esupposedt
obesev
en"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Tracy
'smi
ssi
ng"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"Shewon'
tpossi
blyt
rycomi
ng,herl
i
mbswi
l
lbei
nshr
eds"Vi
vil
aughed,
smoki
ngasshel
eaned
onthecar
.

"
Say
swho?
"Tr
acyr
epl
i
edandt
heyal
ltur
nedt
oseeher,
dressedf
ort
hemi
ssi
on.

"
Lion!
"Si
err
awav
ed.

Shei
gnor
edherandwal
kedt
othem.

"
It
'sami
racl
ethaty
ou'
rest
il
lal
i
ve,
you'
rest
rong"Vi
visai
dandshegl
aredather
.

"Let
'sgo"Pr
incet
onsai
dandt
heyal
lgoti
ntot
hecar
s.

I
ttookjustt
wentyminutestodr
ivet
oBorisportandt
hroughoutt
hedr
ive,
Pri
ncet
oncoul
dn'
t
t
hinkaboutany
thingbuthistwi
nsandTanisha.

Theygott
othepor
tandPr
incet
onl
ookedoutf
rom t
hewi
ndow.

"
Nocari
nsi
ght
"hesai
d.

Vi
vimi
stakenl
yhi
therar
m onSi
err
a.
"
Heyar
eyoubl
i
nd?
"Si
err
agl
ared

"LookIknowyou'
rerude,
butal
lowi
ngasevent
eeny
ear
sol
dgi
rlt
otal
krudel
ytomei
swhatI
won'tt
ake*Vi
vigl
aredandSi
err
agiggl
ed.

"
Whatdoy
ouwantmet
odowheny
ou'
ret
went
ybutsensel
ess"sher
epl
i
ed.

Vi
vimadet
opunchherbutShayhel
dherf
ist
.

"
Don'
ttouchher
"hesai
dandt
hrewi
tof
f.

"
AndItol
dyouguy
stost
opmaki
ngmel
ookl
i
keaweakl
i
ng!
,Icant
akecar
eofmy
sel
f!
"Si
err
a
y
ell
ed.

"
They
'r
eher
e"Pr
incet
onsai
dwhenabl
ackG-
wagondr
ovei
ntot
hepor
t.

Twomencameoutoft
hecarwi
thabag,
absol
utel
ycont
aini
ngmoney
.

Pr
incet
onmadef
aci
alsi
gnal
stoBr
entandBr
entl
eftt
hecarwi
tht
hebagofdr
ugs.

Heexchangedt
hebagofdr
ugswi
tht
hemen,
taki
ngt
hebagofmoney
.

Heopenediti
nfr
ontoft
hem t
over
if
yandwhenhesawi
treal
l
ycont
ainsmoney
,hecameback
t
othecar.

TheG-
wagondr
oveof
ffi
rstbef
oret
hegi
rldr
ivi
ngt
hei
rcarmov
edt
hecart
other
oad.
"It
hinki
t'
sgonnabeapeacef
ul ni
ght
,G-
Dragonwon'tshowupwi t
hhi
sdarnedSephor
a,Cruel
Monsterwon'
tshowuptoo.
.Flakesi
sn'
tcomingbutwhy?,Iwannabr
eaksomebones"Lia
complai
ned.

"If
eel samebutwhatcanwedo?
,Let
'sj
ustwai
tpat
ient
lyt
il
lnextweek,
missi
ongol
d"Si
err
a
smiled.

"Ican'
tf*
cki
ngwai
t"Li
asmi
l
edandt
heyst
uckhands.

*
***
**

MCFPALACE,
KITCHEN*
*

"
Youshoul
dpasst
heni
ghther
eify
ouwant
"ladyMacbet
hsai
daf
terTani
shaf
ini
shedeat
ing.

Shewokeupnotl
ongago,
shewasunconsci
ousf
orl
ongert
hanexpect
ed.

"No,
Iwantt
ogobacktot hesl
avehousetomeetmyfri
ends..
.butbef
orethat
,Ineedt
ogoget
Sweet,
Imusthav
elef
titatmasterPr
incet
on'
ssui
teear
li
er"sherepli
ed.

"You'
renotscar
edt
ogot
her
e?"Macasked.

"I'
m scar
edbut
...
.Ir
eall
yneedtogetSweet
,I'
l
lgeti
tandgot
othesl
avehouse,
thanksl
adyMac"
shesaidqui
ckl
yandr ushedout
.

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*
Af
terst
ayi
ngbyt
het
winsdoorf
orsol
ongagai
n,t
heyr
efusedt
oopenup.

Pr
incet
onwentbackt
othel
i
vingr
oom andmetTammy
.

"It
ri
edl
uri
ngt
hem outt
oeatbuty
ouknowhowstubborntheycanbe,Ithi
nky
oushoul
d
summonTani
shatommorow,t
hey'
ll
comeouti
fit
'sher
,I'
m sure"shesai
d.

"Yout
hinkshe'
l
lcomeaf
terwhatIdi
d?"Her
epl
i
edandTammysi
ghed.

"I
'
m notsur
e"

"Youcangosl
eep"Pr
incet
onsai
dandTammywenti
n.

Hemadehi
swayt
ohi
sroom butsur
pri
singl
y,hesawSweetbyhi
sdoor
.

"
Itwasher
e?"Hesai
dandwentcl
osert
oit
.

Hecar
ri
edi
tandwenti
ntohi
sroom.

I
tst
art
edmeowi
ng.

"
Isi
thungr
y?"Hewonder
edandpl
acedi
tonhi
sbedst
and.

Hewenttot
hedi
nningroom andgott
heki
dsmi
l
kfr
om t
hef
reezer
,hemadesomewi
thwar
m
wat
erandcameback.
Hedr
oppedi
tinf
rontofSweetandt
hepetst
art
edl
i
cki
ngi
thungr
il
y.

Hesmi
l
edshor
tl
y."
Soi
t'
shunger
"het
hought
..

Thei
ntr
uderbeepsoundedont
hemoni
tor
,itcameonandTani
shacamet
ovi
ewont
hescr
een.

Lucki
l
yforTani
sha,shepeekedont
hepasscodewhenTammypr
essedi
ttheot
hert
imesoshe
wasablet
oopent hedoor
.

Shewenti
nandst
art
edl
ooki
ngev
ery
wher
efort
hecat
,cal
l
ingi
t'
snamesl
owl
y.

"
Sweet
"shewhi
sper
ed.

Shethoughti
tmightbewit
htheki
dssoshewentt
othei
rroom buti
twasl
ockedandnopl
ayi
ng
soundsiscomingoutoft
heroom.

"
Didi
tsl
eepwi
tht
hem al
ready
?"Shet
houghtandcamebackt
othel
i
vingr
oom.

Thenshest
art
edhear
ingsof
tmeowi
ngsoundsf
rom Pr
incet
on'
sroom.

Shest
oodst
il
latf
ir
stbutl
atermust
eredcour
aget
ogoi
n.

Shet
ookl
azyst
epst
ohi
sroom andmett
hedooropened.

Shest
eppedi
nandf
oundSweetont
hebedst
and,
li
cki
ngmi
l
k.
Herey
eswi
denedandsher
ushedt
oit

"Ar
eyoucrazy?,Howdareyoucomeinhereandevent
akemil
k,wast
hathowItr
ainedyou?
,
Unbel
iev
able!
..
.I'
minanothert
roubl
e"shesai
dandtur
nedt
ogobutthesi
ghtofPri
ncet
on
behi
ndhermadeherfli
nch.

"
I'
m sor
ryIdidn'
tmeantocomein.
..
.Iwashear
ingi
t'
smeowmeowsoundsf
rom t
hisr
oom and
I
..
..
Icame"shesaid,
sti
l
lshi
ft
ingbackinf
ear

Thesceneofhowhechokedheri
nthemor
ningwasst
il
ll
uci
dinherhead.

"
Meowmeow?
"Pr
incet
onsai
dcal
mly
.

"
Huh?
"Shesai
dandl
ookedathi
m sl
owl
y,shocki
ngl
y.
..he'
ssmi
l
ing.

*Hesurel
yhasdissociat
ivei
denti
tydi
sorder
,yeshe'
sder
anged*shet
houghtashest
art
ed
comingcl
oser
,lookingatherredneck.

Sheshi
ft
edbackqui
ckl
y.

"
No.
..
.no"shesai
dfear
ful
l
y.

Hewon'tst
opadv
anci
ngt
il
lhegott
oherandgr
abbedherar
m,t
ouchi
ngherneckwi
tht
heot
her
hand.

Shehel
dherbr
eat
hashecont
inuedt
ouchi
ngherneckgent
ly,
traci
nghi
sfi
nger
sont
her
edl
i
nes.
"
I'
m notamonst
er"hesai
d.

"
Huh?
"Shesoundedandmadet
ost
epawaybuthehuggedhersuddenl
y.

Sweetf
ell
from hert
othebedandst
aredatt
hem.

"
I'
m sor
ry"hewhi
sper
ed.

TBC

[
6/17,
5:56AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER18&19

★★★★★

Tani
sha'
sear
sbehav
edl
i
ket
hey
'r
enother
simmedi
atel
yshehear
dthosewor
ds.

"
DidIj
usthearwr
ong?
*Shewonder
ed.

Feel
i
nghi
sar
msar
oundheri
sjustnew,
shewasn'
tex
pect
ingi
t.

"
I'
m sor
ry"hesai
dagai
n.
"
Myear
scan'
tmal
funct
iont
wicei
nar
ow,
Ihear
dri
ght
"shet
houghtandhebr
oket
hehug.

"Saysomet
hing"hesai
d,l
ooki
ngather
.

"
Huh?
,Me?
"Shesai
d.

"
Ist
her
eany
oneel
sei
nher
e?"Her
epl
i
ed.

"
Oh.
..
.I.
..
.I.
.I'
m happy
,yeahI
'
m happy
"shesai
d,smi
l
ingdumbl
y.

Hesmi
l
edandl
eanedi
n,sheshi
ft
edback.

"
Whensomeonesay
ssor
ry,
youei
thersayi
t'
sfi
neor
..
.Idon'
ttakey
ourapol
ogy
"hesai
d.

"Sor
ry?
,..y
eah.I
..
.I.
..

Hesuddenl
ygr
abbedhershoul
der
s,hol
dingheri
npl
ace.

"It
oldyouI
'
m notamonst
er,
don'
tbescar
edandsaywhat
ever
"hesai
d,l
ooki
ngi
ntoherf
ear
ful
eyes.

I
tst
art
edcal
mingbutbybi
tti
l
lshet
alked.

"
It
'sf
ine"shesai
dandhesmi
l
ed.
*
Hissmi
l
eisbeaut
if
ul*shet
houghtandst
art
edsmi
l
ingbef
oresher
eal
i
zed.

"
Thanks"hesai
dandherey
eswi
dened.

"
Thanks?
,Tome?
,You'
ret
hanki
ngme?
"Shesai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"
What?
,I'
m ahumanl i
key
ou,I
'
m sur
ey oudosaythankswhensomeonedoessomet
hingy
ou
f
eel
li
keappreci
ati
ng"her
epl
i
ed,wal
kingtohi
sdressingt
able.

Het
ookt
heki
tandcameback.

"
Sit
"hesai
dandshemadet
osi
tont
hegr
oundbuthehel
dherandmadehersi
tont
hebed.

Heopenedt
heki
tandshest
art
edpi
cki
ngonhernai
l
s.

"
Youpi
ckony
ournai
l
swheny
ou'
rescar
edoranxi
ous"hesai
dandshest
oppedi
mmedi
atel
y.

Hebr
oughtoutabal
mfr
om t
heki
tandopenedi
t.

"
LadyMacbet
hrubbedsomebal
m oni
tear
li
er"shequi
ckl
ysai
d.

"Thisismor
eef
fect
ivebut
..
."Hest
oppedandshel
ookedathi
m wi
thaquest
ionmar
konher
face.

"
Buti
t'
l
lst
ingsomuch"hesai
d.
"
Real
l
y?,
Idon'
twant
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Itwon'
tst
ingt
hatmuchandwi
thi
nanhour
,ther
ednesswi
l
ldi
sappear
"hesai
d.

"I
twon'
tst
ingt
hatmuch?
"Sheaskedandhenodded.

Shestayedst
ill
ashest
art
edappl
yi
ngt
hebal
m buti
fther
e'sany
thi
ngmor
ethanbeest
ing,
then
thi
sisit
..
.i
tst
ings!

"Ohno..
.i
tsti
ngs!
,Itsti
ngs!
,Myneck!
"Shegaspedandmadet
ost
andbuthehel
dherdownand
star
tedblowi
ngairfrom hi
smouthtoherneck.

Shest
art
edcal
mingdownashedi
d.

Shef
oldedherf
istt
oget
hert
osuppr
esshershock.

*
Whyi
shebei
ngki
nd?
*

"
Arey
ouoknow?
"Heasked.

"Yes.
..I
'
mfi
nenow"sher
epl
i
edandher
etur
nedt
hebal
m bef
orecl
osi
ngt
heki
t,t
henhet
ooki
t
back.

"
It
'ssmar
t"hesai
d,l
ooki
ngatSweet
.

I
t'
sbackont
hebedst
and,
li
cki
ngmi
l
kagai
n.
Shemadet
ogocar
ryi
tbuthebl
ockedher
.

"
Beki
ndandl
eav
eit
,itmustbesohungr
y"hesai
d.

"
Ijustt
hought
..
.it
'snotr
ightand.
..

"
Shhh,
let
'sgo.
..
.y
ouneedt
ohel
pmel
ureoutmygi
rl
s"hesai
d.

"
Lur
ethem out
?"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"Sincetheycaughtmedoi
ngt
hatt
oyou,
theyhat
eme,
Iev
eny
ell
edatt
hem t
hismor
ning"he
repl
ied.

"I
t'
snot
..
..
goodt
otel
latki
ds"shesl
owl
ysai
d.

"Ir
egr
ett
edi
ttr
ustme"her
epl
i
edandshel
edt
hewayt
othei
rroom.

Sheknockedbef
oret
alki
ng.

"Mi
na!
,Sana!
,It
'sTani
sha"shecal
l
edoutandal
mosti
mmedi
atel
y,t
hedooropenedandt
hey
bot
hrushedout.

Youcanreadmor
eofthesest
oryfr
om,unl
imitedst
orypl
atf
orm,freshst
orieski
ngdom,
house
ofst
oryr
oom,sweetandni
cestor
yroom t
hroughKwesion+233554737287.

"
Tani
sha"Mi
nasai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"
Isi
treal
l
yyou?
"Sanaasked.
Thei
rfacesar
epuf
fy.

Shebenti
nfr
ontoft
hem andst
rokedt
hei
rcur
lyhai
rsgent
ly.

"
Youguy
scr
ied"shesai
d.

"
Dadwasbei
nghar
shi
nthemor
ningandheal
sochokedy
ou"Mi
nasai
d.

"Wet
houghty
oudi
ed"SanaaddedandTani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Ican'tdi
enow,andaboutdaddy,he'
ssorryf
ory
ell
i
ngaty
ouguy
sok?
,Hechokedmecoshe
wasn'tinhi
sri
ghtsenses"Tani
shaexplai
ned.

"Ourt
eachersai
donl
ypeopl
eli
vi
ngwi
thpsy
chov
irusar
enoti
nthei
rri
ghtsenses"Sanasai
d.

"Daddyhaspsy
chov
irus?
"Mi
naasked.

"Hmmm, y
esbuthehasbeencur
edi
ntheaf
ter
noon,
hewentf
ort
estandhewast
reat
edso
he'
sbackt
onormal
"Tani
sharepl
i
ed.

"Sor
ryf
orwhathedi
d"Sanasai
d,l
ooki
ngatherneck.

"I
t'
sfi
ne,herubbedbalm onmyneckandapol
ogi
zedal
ready
,heev
enf
edourSweetsomemi
l
k
soIwantyouguystotal
kt ohi
m"Tani
shasai
d.

"Wewil
l
"theychor
usedandTani
shasmi
l
edbef
orehuggi
ngt
hem bot
h,t
hei
rst
omachsmade
l
oudnoi
ses.
"
Wai
t.
..
youdi
dn'
teat
?"Shesai
d.

"
Wewer
etooscar
edt
oeat
"Mi
nasai
dandSananodded.

"
That
'sbad,
let
'sgogety
oubot
hsomet
hingt
oeat
"shesai
dandt
ookt
hem out
.

Pr
incet
onst
ayedi
nthewayandt
heyst
oppedwhent
heygott
ohi
m.

"
Wil
lthepsy
chov
irusst
il
lcomeback?
"SanaaskedandPr
incet
onl
ooksconf
used.

"Tani
shasaidyouhavepsychov
irusandt
hat
'swhyy
oubehav
edt
hatwayt
oher
"Mi
nasai
dand
Pri
ncet
onlookedatTani
sha.

Tani
shal
ookedaway
.

"
Ibel
i
eveIcanf
ly.
..
."Shesangsl
owl
y.

"Shesai
dyou'v
ebeencuredbutteachersai
dther
ear
evi
rusest
hatper
sist
sev
enaf
ter
tr
eat
ment,t
hiswon'
tper
sistr
ight
? "Sanasai
d.

Pr
incet
onsmi
l
edandcar
ri
edt
hem bot
hatat
ime.

"
I'
ll
makesur eitdoesn'
tcomebackandi
fitdoes,
I'
ll
cont
rol
itwi
thmyl
i
fe"hesai
dandki
ssed
t
heircheeks.

"Wel
ovey
oudaddy
"theychor
used.
"
I'
m sor
ryf
ory
ell
i
ngi
nthemor
ning"hesai
d.

Theyr
epl
i
edwi
thpecksonhi
scheeks.

"Okyouguy
sneedt
oeat
"hesai
dandt
ookt
hem t
othedi
nni
ngr
oom,
set
tl
ingt
hem ont
he
chai
rs.

Thei
rchai
rsar
etal
l
er,
speci
all
ymadef
ort
hem sot
hei
rhandscoul
dreacht
het
abl
e.

Hewentt
otheki
tchenandgott
hei
rmeal
s.

"
Chi
ckenr
ice!
"Sanasmi
l
ed.

"
Cur
ryl
aska,
I'
m sal
i
vat
ing"Mi
nasai
dasheset
tl
edi
tinf
rontoft
hem.

Theyst
art
edeat
ingsof
ast
.

"
Easygi
rl
s,easy
"hesai
d,wat
chi
ngt
hem eathappi
l
yandt
hatmoment
,hewi
shedshewasher
e.

Tani
shawat
chedf
rom t
hel
i
vingr
oom.

Hemustlovehi
sgi
rl
ssomuch,
seei
nghowhappyhebecamef
ort
hef
actt
hathe'
swat
chi
ng
t
hem eat
ing.

Hesuddenl
ylookedherwayandmot
ionedhert
ocome.
Shewal
kedt
othedi
nni
ngandhet
oldhert
osi
t,shesatsl
owl
y.

"
Sincey
oul
ovemeatal
ot,
whydon'
tyoueat
"hesai
d,poi
nti
ngatadi
shi
nfr
ontofher
.

Sheopenedi
tandhermout
hwat
eredwhenshesawmeat
.

Thebi
gpl
atewasst
ackedwi
thmeat

Shel
ostcont
rol
immedi
atel
yandpi
ckedherf
ork,
shest
art
edeat
ingf
ast
.

SanaandMi
nast
aredatherandsmi
l
edathergr
eatappet
it
e.

Shecont
inuedeat
ing,
dri
nki
ngwat
eri
nbet
ween.

Shef
ini
shedev
ery
thi
ngwi
thi
ntenmi
nut
esanddr
ankwat
eragai
n.

"
I'
mful
l
"shesai
dandt
hensher
emember
edshe'
sinPr
incet
on'
ssui
te,
inhi
sdi
nni
ngr
oom!

Shesl
owl
ylookedupandmethi
sey
esandhi
stwi
nsey
esonher
.

Shebur
iedherf
acei
nthepl
ateandMi
naandSanast
art
edl
aughi
ng.

"
Youl
ovemeatal
ot"Mi
nasai
d.
"
Yes"sher
epl
i
edsl
owl
y.

"
Sosomuch"Sanaadded

"
Yes"sher
epl
i
edagai
n.

"
Youguy
swantt
ogot
obed?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

"
Nowewannapl
aywi
thy
ou"t
heybot
hrepl
i
ed.

Pri
ncetonledt
hewaybackt
othel
i
vingr
oom andt
heyst
art
edj
umpi
ngonhi
mimmedi
atel
ythey
gotthere.

"
Youj
ustf
ini
shedeat
ing,
nor
oughpl
aysok?
"Hesai
dandt
heysl
oweddown.

"Sweet!
"Sana'
seyesbr
ight
enedwhenshesawt
hepetwho'
sjustcomi
ngoutoft
her
oom wi
th
mil
kstai
nsonit'
smouth.

Shecarri
edi
tandMinafol
l
owed,
theyst
art
edpl
ayi
ngar
oundt
hel
i
vingr
oom,
Sweetchased
them ar
oundpl
ayf
ull
y.

"Soyousuccessf
ull
ymademeapsy
chopat
ient
"Pr
incet
onsuddenl
ysai
dandTani
shast
art
ed
picki
ngonhernail
s.

"
I'
m sor
ryi
fitmadey
ouangr
y,Ij
ustneededt
omaket
hem f
orgi
vey
ou"sher
epl
i
edsl
owl
y.

"Whyar
eyouscar
ed?
"Heasked,
looki
ngatherf
inger
s.
Shequi
ckl
yst
oppedpi
cki
ng.

"WhywillIgetangrywheny ouhel
ped?
,Thanksformaki
ngthem f
orgi
v eme,honest
lyIwon'
tbe
ablet
osleepiftheyhadn'
t,t
hey'
rethemai
nreasonwhyIli
ve,andthat
'swhyIhavetoprot
ect
them wi
theveryt
hingIhave"hesai
d.

"Iunder
stand"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Iwishthey'
dliv
enormallivesli
keot
herkidstoo..
.y
ouknow,gooutf orshoppi
ngonweekends,
dowhatot herki
dsdo,mingleandhavefri
ends..
.butit
'sI
mpossi
ble,
noonewant st
obefr
iend
thedaughtersofagangst
er, howwil
lIal
l
owt hem togooutwhenal otofgangster
sar
eaf t
er
them?,Ican'
t"hesai
dseriously.

"Theny
oucanst
opbei
ngagangst
er"sher
epl
i
edandhesmi
l
eddr
yly

"I
t'
snotthateasy.
..onceagangst
er,
alwaysagangst
er.AndIai
n'
tqui
tt
ingi
fIdon'
tachi
evemy
ai
m...
.ki
l
lingthebastar
dwhokill
eddad"hesai
d.

Shedeci
dednott
otal
ksoshewon'
tsl
i
p.

"Yourgr
andmawant
edmet
ogi
vey
out
his"hesai
d,br
ingi
ngoutt
heankl
et.

Herey
esgotbi
gger
.

"MG!
,Il
ostt
his!
"Shesai
d,t
aki
ngi
tfr
om hi
m.

"Fr
om y
ourl
atedad?
"Heasked.
"
No,
from mymum"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Youhav
eamum?
"

"Yes,butIdon'
tknowher,I
'v
eneverseenher
,Idunnowhatshel
ookslike,
beforemydad'
s
death.
..any
timeIaskaboutherf
rom hi
m,he'
l
lalwaysav
oidthequest
ion"sherepl
i
ed.

"May
beshe'
ssomeoney
oudon'
tneedt
oknow"her
epl
i
ed.

"Iwant
..
.t
oseeher
"sher
epl
i
ed.

Hel
ookedather
.

"
Ireal
l
ywi
shIcoul
dseeher
"shesmi
l
eddr
owsi
l
y.

Bynow,
theki
dsar
easl
eepwi
thSweetbet
weent
hem i
nthel
i
vingr
oom.

Princet
onstoodandwentt
othem,
hecar
ri
edt
hem bot
hinandset
tl
edt
hem onbed,
cov
eri
ng
them well
befor
ecomingout.

HemetTani
shaasl
eepal
readywhenhecameout.

She'
srest
ingbackont
hecouch.

Hewant
edt
oignor
eatf
ir
stbuthecamet
oherandmadeherl
aycompl
etel
yont
hecouch.
Seei
nghers*
xybel
l
ybut
tonagai
ntur
nedhi
m on.

Hequi
ckl
ylookedawayandwenti
ntohi
sroom.

Hegotacov
ercl
otheandcl
osedhi
sey
es,
cov
eri
ngherwi
thi
tbef
orel
eav
ingt
hesui
te.

Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngar
oundt
hepal
ace,
thi
nki
ngaboutt
hepuni
shmentt
hatsui
tsRei
namost
.

Thegangmember
sar
est
il
lout
,par
tyi
ngal
lni
ght
.

Moansar
ecomi
ngoutf
rom di
ff
erentangl
es,
manyar
ef*
cki
ngi
ntheopen.

Hest
oppedwhenhest
art
edf
eel
i
nguneasy
.

Hel
ookedbacki
nthedar
kbutf
oundnot
hing.

Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngagai
nbutsamef
eel
i
ngcame.

Hedoesn'
tfeel
uneasywi
thoutar
eason.

Hel
ookedbackagai
nandf
eltt
heneedt
ogoback.

Hestart
edgoingbackslowl
yandatt
het
hir
dst
ep,
agunshotsoundedandhequi
ckl
yducked,
somersaul
ti
ngtoanotherl
ane.
Someoner
anoutofacor
nerandhef
oll
owedswi
ft
ly.

Thef
igur
econt
inuedj
umpi
ngbl
ocksbutateachbl
ock,
Pri
ncet
onj
umpedwi
thhi
m.

Eacht
urnhemakes,
Pri
ncet
onmakest
oo.

Heent
eredoneoft
heempt
ybui
l
dingsandPr
incet
onent
eredt
oo.

Hest
oppedwhenhecoul
dn'
tfi
ndhi
m butheknewhe'
sher
e.

Hest
oodst
il
l,
bal
anci
nghi
sbr
eat
h,t
henhehear
dthel
i
ghtscr
appi
ngsound.

Hequi
ckybentdownandt
hekni
femi
ssedhi
m.

Theguywasact
ual
l
ytr
yingt
ost
abhi
m wi
thakni
fe.

Asar
esul
toft
hemov
e,hel
ostbal
anceandPr
incet
ont
ookhi
slegsof
fthegr
ound.

Hef
ell
andPr
incet
onmat
chedhi
sface,
aloudy
elpescapedhi
smout
h.

"
Youent
eredthel
i
on'sden,
getr
eadyt
obedev
our
edhungr
il
y.
..bast
ard!
"Pr
incet
onsai
dand
mar
chedhisf
aceagain.

*
***
***

NEXTMORNI
NG*
*
I
t'
sSunday
,Tani
shawokeupt
oseeSweetbesi
deheront
hecouch.

"
Isl
epther
egosh"shesai
dandnot
icedshewascov
ered.

"Whodi
dthi
s?,
Mast
er?
"Shesmi
l
ed,
standi
ngup.

Shedeci
dedt
ost
artcl
eani
ngatonce.

Shest
art
edwi
tht
heki
dsr
oom buti
t'
ssur
pri
singl
ycl
eanandst
il
lwel
lar
ranged.

May
bebecauset
heydi
dn'
tpl
ayar
oundy
est
erday
.

They
'r
est
il
lfastasl
eepcost
heysl
eptl
atel
astni
ght
.

Shedi
dli
tt
let
ouchesandwentbackt
othedi
nni
ng,
shewascl
eani
ngt
hedi
nni
ngwhenTammy
cameout
.

"
Youcameear
ly"shesai
d.

"
Yeah,
howwasy
ourni
ght
?"Tani
shaasked.

"
Fine,
yournecki
sbackt
onor
mal
"Tammyr
epl
i
ed.

"Yes.
..mast
err
ubbedsomebal
m on.
..
.
Shest
oppedandbi
therr
unni
ngt
ongue

"
Imean.
..
yesi
theal
edf
ast
"shesai
dandTammysmi
l
ed.

Thesoundi
ngdoor
bel
lmadehergot
othedoor
.

Sheopenedi
tandRei
nashowedup.

"
Soy
ousl
epther
e?"Shesai
dImmedi
atel
y,f
aci
ngTani
sha.

Tani
shar
emai
nedmut
e,l
ooki
ngather
.

"
I'
veal
waysknowny
ou'
reawench!
"Rei
nabar
kedandwal
kedt
oher
,shegr
abbedherhai
r
r
oughl
y.

"Whatr
ightdoy
ouhav
etosl
eepher
eb*
tch!
"Shey
ell
ed.

"Andwhatr
ightdoy
ouhav
etowr
it
emeashi
tt
ynot
e"Pr
incet
onsai
d,ent
eri
ngt
hesui
te.

Rei
nasl
owl
yletgoofTani
sha'
shai
r.

"
Mast
erPr
incet
on.
..
Iwasj
ust
..
.

"Gether
"Pr
incet
onor
der
edandt
wogi
rl
scamei
n.

Rei
nawasdr
aggedoutoft
hesui
te.
Tammysmi
l
ed.

"
Wher
ear
etheyt
aki
nghert
o?"Tani
shaasked.

"
Somewher
eshe'
l
llear
nherl
essonf
rom"Tammyr
epl
i
ed.

Tani
shaf
ini
shedcl
eani
ngwi
thi
nanhourt
henshel
eftt
hesui
te.

Shegott
othesl
avehousewhenVi
gnet
tei
sjustcomi
ngbackf
rom Landon'
ssui
te.

"
Youf
orgott
hispl
aceal
ready
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
It
'snotl
i
ket
hat
,Iwasj
ust
..
.I'
m sor
ry"sher
epl
i
edandVi
gnet
tesmi
l
ed.

"You'
resohar
dtogetangr
yat
"shesai
dandhuggedher

"
Idi
dn'
tseey
out
hroughouty
est
erdaysoImi
ssedy
ou"shesai
dandTani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Imissedy
out
oo.
..ButRei
nawast
akenawayear
li
erIdunnowher
ethey
'r
etaki
nghert
o"she
sai
d.

"Real
l
y?,
Let
'sseei
fwe'
l
lgetany
thi
ng"Vi
gnet
tebr
oket
hehugandpul
l
edheral
ong.

*
***
**
TORTUREGROUD*
*

Thespycaptur
edbyPr
incet
onl
astni
ghti
skneel
ingi
nthemiddle,
hiswhol
efacei
sbl
oody
,
cover
edwithmuchbl
oodasaresul
toft
hebeati
ngsherecei
ved.

Rei
nai
skneel
i
ngbesi
dehi
mthoughherpuni
shmenthasn'
tst
art
edy
et.

Pr
incet
onsmokedhot
ly,
wal
ki
ngbackandf
ort
h.

"
Kil
lthatbast
ardal
ready
!"Landonshout
ed.

"He'
syournamesake,
youshoul
dbeki
ndabi
t"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Namesake?
"

"He'
sabast
ardl
i
key
ou"Tr
acyr
epl
i
ed.

godmot
herappear
edandev
ery
onebowedexceptPr
incet
on.

She'
shol
dingagunt
hatl
ooksmer
cil
essj
ustl
i
keher
.

"
Whatcl
ani
shef
rom?
"Sheasked.

"
GOLDENBULLETS"Si
err
arepl
i
edandZar
asmi
l
edshor
tl
ybutdanger
ousl
y.

"G-
Dragon'
sgang.
..
hemadeabi
gmi
stake,
soy
ouwer
esenther
etoel
i
minat
emyal
pha"Zar
a
sai
dandLandonf
rowned.

"Al
pha?
,Shej
ustr
efer
redt
oPr
incet
onasheral
pha?
"Het
houghtangr
il
y.

Zar
arai
sedhi
sbl
oodychi
nwi
thhergunandsmi
l
edwi
ckedl
yathi
m.

"
Cosofmi
ssi
ongol
d?"Shesai
d,r
eleasi
nghi
schi
naf
ter
war
ds.

"G-Dragonandhi sf*cki
ngSephor
aaresodaftt
othi
nkyou'
l
lent
ert
hispal
aceandgoscotfr
ee,
andnowy ouneedtogost ayi
nheaven,
G-Dr
agonwil
lcomemeetyousoon"shesai
dandshot
athisforeheadthri
ce..

Hef
ell
downdeadandZar
afacedRei
na.

"
She'
sforme"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

Shel
ookedathi
m andl
eftwi
thherguar
ds.

Landonwat
chedherhat
eful
l
yasshel
eftbutt
hesuspi
cioust
hingi
sthatsheent
eredt
heki
tchen
bui
ldi
ng.

Landonf
oll
owed.

Thespy
'sbodywast
akenawayt
henPr
incet
onor
der
edf
ort
hewhi
pst
obebr
ought
.

Sev
eral
whi
pswer
ebr
oughti
nandRei
naf
idget
ed.
"
Thecol
dwat
er"Pr
incet
onsai
dandLi
ahandedi
ttohi
m.

Pr
incet
onpour
edt
hecol
dwat
eronRei
naandshegasped.

Hebentov
erherandbr
oughthi
sli
pst
oherear
s.

"
Iknowyouwantmetof*ckyou,butIonlyf*ckthegi
rl
sIsummon, nottheoneswhoforce
t
hemsel
vesonme,I'
drat
herm* st
urbatethanf*ckyou,andfort
ri
ggeri
ngmyt raumawit
hy our
f
*cki
ngnot
e,maki
ngmehur ttheinnocentbecauseofthat
,you'
resodead"hesaidandrose.

"Ti
eher
"heor
der
edandherhandswer
eti
edupt
oapol
e.

Hecal
l
edt
wooft
hehef
tyguy
sjustwhenVi
gnet
teappear
edwi
thTani
sha.

Hel
ookedatTani
shabef
orel
ooki
ngbackatt
het
woguy
s.

"
Star
t"hesai
dandt
heyst
art
edwhi
ppi
ngRei
nawhoscr
eamedoutpai
nful
l
y.

"
Aaar
rrr
gg!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
"

"
Shemustpassoutbef
orey
oust
op"hesai
dandTani
shagasped.

"Don'
tpi
tyher
,theysaymast
erPr
incet
ondoesn'
tdoany
thi
ngwi
thoutar
eason"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

Theycont
inuedl
ashi
ngRei
naandherscr
eamsofagonyf
il
ledt
hewhol
epal
ace.
Li
asmi
l
edsat
isf
act
ori
l
y.

"
Youdeser
vei
tformaki
ngt
hathappent
omygi
rl
"shet
hought
.

Si
err
atappedher
.

"Shoul
dIst
artcr
ushi
ngonPr
incet
onagai
n?,
He'
ssos*
xyandcool
andhandsomeandhotand.
..

Li
ashov
edherpunchi
ntohermout
h.

"
Stopt
hemor
ningnews"shesai
dandSi
err
alaughed.

KI
TCHEN*
*

Zar
aenteredsteal
thi
l
y,t
aki
ngherusual
slowst
epsbutt
hatdi
dn'
tst
opherr
edheel
sfr
om
makingsounds.

Shegott
otheki
tchenandf
oundl
adyMacbet
h,sl
i
cingcar
rot
s.

"
godmot
her
"shebowedandZar
akeptmov
ingcl
oser
.

Shegott
oherandsmi
l
eddanger
ousl
y.

"
Thekni
fe"shesai
dandMacbet
hgav
ehert
hel
ongkni
fe.

"
Doy
ouknowwhyIt
ookt
his?
"Sheasked,
herr
edl
i
pssmi
l
ingknowi
ngl
y.
Macbet
hshi
ft
edbackf
ear
ful
l
y.

"Cosit
'l
lbeawastetokil
lyouwi
thmybullet
,youknowt
oomanysecr
etsaboutthi
spal
aceand
keepi
ngy oual
i
v e,
wil
lbedanger
ous"Zar
asaidandmadetoshov
ethekni
feint
oherchestbut
Landonappearedandbl
ockedwithhi
shand.

Thekni
feent
eredhi
spal
m andcameoutont
hebackofhi
shand.

"
Landon!
"Macbet
hshout
ed

"
Whatdi
dyouj
ustdo!
"Zar
ayel
l
ed.

Hi
sbl
oodst
art
eddr
ippi
ng.

"She'
stheonl
yonewhocar
esaboutmei
nher
e,Iwon'
tl
ety
ouhur
ther
"hebr
eat
hedl
oudl
y.

TBC.

[
6/17,
5:57AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER20&21
 ★★★★★

"
Landon"l
adyMacqui
ver
edf
ear
ful
l
y.

Seei
nghowt
hekni
fepenet
rat
edi
ntohi
shandsodeepi
sf*
cki
ngscar
y!

"
Arey
ouf
*cki
ngcr
azy
!"Zar
asai
d.

"
Idunno,
buty
oucan'
thur
ther
"her
epl
i
ed.

Zar
alookedatMacbet
handsmi
rked.

"Youmighthaveescapedthekni
fe,
butmybul
l
etnev
ermi
ssesi
t'
sway
"shesai
dandl
ookedat
Landonagainbef
oreleavi
ng.

"Whywoul
dyoudot
hatDon?
"Macbet
hsai
d,l
ooki
ngathi
shandi
npani
c.

"
Whatar
eyousay
ing?
,IfIhadn'
tdonet
haty
ou'
dbedeadbynow"her
epl
i
ed.

"St
il
l.
..
.

Landonpul
l
edoutt
hekni
feandmor
ebl
oodgushedoutoft
hehand.

"
Ohno"Macbet
hsai
dtear
ful
l
y.

"
Ineedbandage"Landonsai
dbutMacbet
hkeptcr
ying.
Hegott
heki
thi
msel
fandwr
appedt
hehandwi
thbandage.

"
I'
m of
f"hesai
dandmadet
oleav
ebutMacbet
hhel
dhi
m.

"I
'
m sor
ryy
ougothur
tbecauseofme"shesni
ff
ed.

"
Idon'
tcareaboutany
oneinthi
splace,event
hegodmotherher
self
,ioncarei
fanyonedi
esand
t
hat'
swhytheycallmewickedbut
...
.you'
vebeenki
ndt
omeal otoftimessotaki
ngthi
sfory
ou
i
snothi
ng"herepl
iedfl
atl
yandlef
t.

Macbet
hsatsadl
y.

"
Hemustbei
nsomuchpai
ns"shecr
ied.

*
***
***

Rei
na'st
ortur
eissti
l
lgoingon,
she'
satt
hev
ergeofl
osi
ngconsci
ousnessandherscr
eamsar
e
comingfai
ntl
yalr
eady.

Pri
nceton'
sey
esmetwi
thTani
sha'
sandev
enwi
thoutspeaki
ng,
heknowsshe'
spl
eadi
ngf
orher
rel
ease.

Herey
essai
dital
l
.

She'
spi
cki
ngonhernai
l
sast
heyst
aredateachot
her
.
Pr
incet
onst
oodandr
aisedanhand,
thet
ort
urer
sst
oppedi
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Rel
easeher
,andev
eryoneshoul
dsearcht
hewhol
epal
ace,
thespywi
l
lsur
elypl
antsomebugs
I
'
m sur
e"hesai
dandlefti
mmediatel
y.

Tani
shar
eleasedabr
eat
hshewasn'
tawar
eshewashol
ding.

Rei
nawasr
eleasedandherbodysl
umpedont
hegr
ound.

Thewhi
psdr
ewdi
ff
erentpat
ter
nsonherbodyandi
tlookspi
ti
ful
.

Shewascar
ri
edbackt
othesl
avehousebyt
wogi
rl
s.

Vi
gnet
teandTani
shaf
oll
owed.

Shewaspl
acedonherbedandshekeptwr
iggl
i
ngi
npai
ns.

"
Whatdowedo?
"Tani
shaasked,
ful
lofpi
tyf
orher
.

"
Areyouser
iousl
yaski
ngwhatweshoul
ddo?
,Youknowwe'
renev
erongoodt
erms"Vi
gnet
te
r
epl
iedandl
eftther
oom I
mmediat
ely
.

Youcanreadmor
eofthesest
oryfr
om,unl
imitedst
orypl
atf
orm,freshst
orieski
ngdom,
house
ofst
oryr
oom,sweetandni
cestor
yroom t
hroughKwesion+233554737287.

Tani
shasatbesi
deRei
naandt
ouchedhersl
i
ght
ly,
sheshr
iekedouti
npai
nsandTani
sha
fl
i
nched.

Sher
ushedoutoft
hehouseandwentt
otheki
tchent
omeetMacbet
h.
"
Tani
sha"l
adyMacbet
hsmi
l
ed.

Shej
ustf
ini
shedcl
eani
ngupLandon'
sbl
ood.

"LadyMacI
'm sor
ryi
fI'
m di
stur
bingbutmyf
ri
endisi
npains,
shewaswhippedandshe'
sreal
l
y
cryi
ng,
cany
ougi v
emesomet hi
ngtorubonher
?,Tosuppr
essherpai
nsatl
east
"shesai
dina
rush.

"Yourf
ri
end?
"Macbet
hasked.

"
Rei
na,
oneofmyr
oommat
es"sher
epl
i
edqui
ckl
y.

LadyMacbet
htookherki
tandTani
shawat
chedanxi
ousl
yasshebr
oughtoutasmal
lcont
ainer
.

"
Thi
swi
l
lhel
pabi
t"shesai
d.

"
Thanksl
adyMac"Tani
shasmi
l
ed,
taki
ngi
tfr
om her
.

"Noonei
smal
tr
eat
ingy
ouher
eri
ght
?"LadyMacaskedwhenshemadet
oleav
e

"No,
ever
yonei
ski
ndt
ome"sher
epl
i
edqui
ckl
y.

"Comebyl
ater
,I'
l
lmakesomemeatf
ory
ou"Macsai
d.

"Real
l
y?,
ThenI
'
llcome"shesmi
l
edandl
efthur
ri
edl
y.
"
Meatl
over
"Macbet
hsmi
l
ed.

Tani
shagott
othesl
avehouseandmetRei
nast
il
li
npai
ns.

Shemadeherlayonherbackandpul
l
edoffhercl
othest
henshestart
edrubbi
ngthebal
m on
herbodyt
houghit
'spai
nful
asherpal
m madecontactwi
thherswol
lenski
nbutshekeptsay
ing
sorr
yever
yti
me.

Shekeptt
hatupt
il
lshewasdoneandsheopenedt
hewi
ndowf
orai
r.

"LadyMacbet
hsai
dit
'l
lhel
pabi
t,cal
m downy
ou'
l
lgetbet
ter
"shesai
d,f
anni
ngherwi
thher
hands.

*
***
*

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Zar
asuddenl
yst
oodf
rom t
hecouchandcal
l
edoneoft
heguar
ds.

"
Acupofchampagne"shesai
dandt
heguar
dbowedbef
orel
eav
ingt
ogeti
t.

Hecamebackwi
thi
taf
tert
womi
nut
esandZar
atooki
tfr
om t
het
ray
.

Shesi
ppedf
rom t
hecupandsi
ghed,
thi
nki
ngaboutwhatLandondi
dear
li
er.

"
Shel
ovesMacbet
hmor
ethanme.
..Hi
smot
her
?,I
'
m sur
eifIwast
heonewhowasaboutt
o
getst
abbed,
he'l
lhel
pthestabbertomakesur
eIreal
lygetst
abbed,
buthedest
roy
edhi
spal
m
cosofMacbeth?"Shesni
ckeredloudl
yandsi
ppedagai
n

"Youj
ustgavemeonemor
ereasont
oel
i
minat
eher
,I'
l
lmadesur
eshedi
esbymybul
l
et"she
sai
dandwalkedi
n.

Shewentt
hrought
hesecr
etdoorandf
ivemi
nut
esl
ater
,she'
sint
hesecr
etr
oom.

Shel
etherr
edl
i
pscur
ve,
for
mingasmugsmi
l
e.

"
Cri
meLord,
I'
m hereagai
n"shesai
d,tr
aci
ngherf
inger
sont
hebedr
ail
s,herper
fect
ly
mani
cur
ednail
shit
ti
nggentl
ybuteeri
l
yonit.

"
Ibr
oughtchampagnesowecoul
ddr
inkt
oget
her
,cheer
s"shesai
dandsi
ppedf
rom hercup.

*
***
**

DI
NNERTI
ME,
GENERALDI
NNI
NGHALL*
*.

"DoyouknowwhyIloveeati
nginthi
sgener
alhal
l
?'Si
err
aasked,
wal
ki
ngi
nwi
thLi
awhohasher
gazefi
xedonShayandBrent'
stabl
e.

"
Why
?"Sheaskedabsent
mindedl
y.

"
CosIgett
owat
chaspect
acul
arev
ery
day
"Si
err
agi
ggl
ed.

Li
akeptqui
etandt
hatpr
ompt
edSi
err
atol
ookather
.
"
ShayorBr
ent
?,Whodoy
oul
i
ke?
,St
opconf
usi
ngmysoul
it'
ssohar
dtof
igur
eout
"Si
err
asai
d.

"Ar
eyout
alki
ngt
ome?
"Li
awoke.

"NoI'
mt al
kingtoyourshadow,
you'
resohar
dtof
igur
eoutt
heseday
s,I
'
m aski
ngi
fyoul
ove
ShayorBrent"Si
err
arepl
ied.

"ShayorBr
ent
?,Whosai
dIl
oveoneoft
hem"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"DoIlookl
ikeadoubl
edigi
tIQdummyt oy
ou?
,Ihav
ethebr
ainofahuman,
notanor
angut
an'
s"
Sier
rarepl
i
edandwalkedfast
ertosi
t.

Li
asatwi
thherandi
tonl
ytookonemi
nut
ebef
oreBr
entandShayj
oinedt
hem.

"
Her
et heyar
eagai
n,can'
tyouguy
sletuseatpeacef
ull
y?"Si
err
asai
dasl
adyTani
shaser
ved
t
hei
rfood.

"
Heyy
ouwor
katt
heki
tchennow?
"Shayasked.

"
Yes,besi
descl
eani
ngev
erymor
ning,
wehav
etohel
patt
heki
tchent
opr
epar
emeal
s"Tani
sha
r
epl
ied.

"Iact
uall
ytal
kedgodmot
heri
ntoi
tandsheagr
eed,
theywon'
thav
etobebor
edi
ntheki
tchen"
Li
asmi l
ed.

"YesIl
ovet
hei
dea,
Ilov
est
ayi
ngi
ntheki
tchencosIl
ovecooki
ng"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.
Vi
gnet
teappear
ed,
droppi
ngonel
astf
orkont
het
abl
e.

"
Shedoesn'
tsmi
l
e?"Shayasked,
thr
il
ledbyherf
rankness.

"
Shedoes,
butnotev
ery
time'
Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"You'
redoneser
vingr
ight
?,Let
'sgo"Vi
gnet
tesai
dtoTani
sha

"HeyIl
i
key
ou,
I'
m Si
err
a"Si
err
asmi
l
edatVi
gnet
te.

"
Me?
"Vi
gnet
tesai
dsur
pri
singl
y.

"
Ofcour
se,
Ili
kesassybadasses"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"Vi
gnet
te"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
edandSi
err
asmi
l
edasshel
eftwi
thTani
sha.

"
Lial
i
kesTani
sha,
andnowSi
err
ali
kesVi
gnet
te,
soundscr
eepy
"Br
entsai
d.

"Don'
tgetwei
rdi
deas,
haven'
tyouheardofthi
sli
kenessyousuddenl
ygr
owf orsomeoneyou
bar
elyknow?
,Imeansamegender.
..
.whenyoufeelat
tract
edt
osomeonelikeasist
er"Li
asai
d

"Exact
ly"Si
err
aadded.

"Oh..
.suchr
elat
ionshi
pbetweenguy
siscal
l
edbr
omance,
may
bebet
weengi
rl
sit
'l
lbesi
smance"
Shaysaidandtheyall
laughed.
"Cr
azyy
ou"Si
err
agi
ggl
ed.

"AndwhydoesPr
incet
onhateeati
ngher
e?,
Hedoesn'
teatf
rom t
hegener
alki
tchent
oo,
heonl
y
eatswhatTammycooks"Br
entsai
d.

"
Hedoesn'
ttr
ustl
adyMac"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"
Ihear
dladyMachasspentupt
otwent
yyear
sher
e"Si
err
asai
d.

"Moret
hanthat,
..
.rumourssay
sshehasbeenamai
dforourf
ami
l
yev
enbef
oret
hispal
ace
wasest
abl
ished"Li
arepli
ed.

"ThenwhydoeshetrustTammywhogother
esomey
ear
sagot
hanLadyMacbet
hwhohas
beenher
eforyear
s"Brentsai
d.

"Cosl
adyMacbet
hiscl
osert
ogodmot
her
"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"
So.
..
.Pr
incet
ondoesn'
ttr
ustgodmot
her
?"Br
entasked.

"
Brentenoughoft
hei
nter
viewpl
ease"Li
asai
d.

"Mi
ssi
ongol
dtommor
ow,
Ican'
twai
t"Si
err
asai
d,st
abbi
ngt
hepeasi
nherf
oodwi
tht
hef
ork.

"
Hopeev
ery
onest
udi
edt
hemapt
hor
oughl
y"Shaysai
d.

"I
thasbeendi
str
ibut
edsi
nceamont
hagosoev
ery
oneshoul
dhav
edonet
hat
"Li
arepl
i
ed.
"Buthowdi
dG-
Dragongetawhi
ffofi
t?"Br
entasked.

"Hehasknownabouti
tforl
ongevenbefor
ewest art
edpl
anningongof
orit
,he'
sjustwai
ti
ngf
or
ustomovesohe'l
lfol
l
ow,Icansmell
blood,butnotMCFblood"Li
asmi
led.

"GOLDENBULLETSbl
ood.
..st
aini
ngt
hegr
ound"Shaysai
d.

"Bangbang"Si
err
alaughedandTr
acycamei
n

"
Lion!
"Si
err
awav
ed.

Tracyhar
denedherexpr
essi
onandst
art
edcomi
ngt
othei
rtabl
ewhenVi
visuddenl
ythr
ewaf
oil
cupather.

I
thi
tTr
acy
'sheadandshest
opped.

"
Oh.
..sor
ry,
yousomehowl
ookedl
i
keat
rashcan"Vi
vimockedandTr
acygl
aredangr
il
y.

Vi
vismi
l
edandmov
edcl
oser
.

"Landoni
sagoodf*ckerbutt
oobadyouwon'
tgett
ohav eatasteofmybaby
'sd*
ckt
il
lyoudi
e"
shewhisper
edi
ntoTracy'
searandTr
acygr
abbedherneckfuri
ousl
y.

"Inev
erwantedtoki
l
lyoubutsi
nceyouaskedf
ordeat
hyour
sel
f,I
'
llgi
vey
ou"shesai
dand
conti
nuedpushi
ngherback,
choki
ngher
.
"
Youwon'
tgetf
*ckedbyhi
mloser
!,Nev
er!
"Vi
vij
eer
ed,
laughi
ngl
oudl
ydespi
teherhookedneck

Tr
acyl
ethergoandr
aisedherboott
oherf
ace.

Vi
viwasf
ast
er,
shedi
danhandst
andandcr
ossedat
abl
e.

Tr
acyj
umpeddownwi
thherandVi
vicl
i
mbedt
henextt
abl
e,Tr
acycl
i
mbedt
oo.

Theystart
edcombati
ng,r
uini
ngeachother
'sf
acewi
thki
cksandpuncheswhi
l
ejumpi
ngf
rom
onetabletoanot
her
,pour
ingawayfoods.

"Thi
sisanexampleofthespectacul
arIwast
alki
ngabout
,ionev
enknowwhi
chonet
ocheer
cosIhatet
hem both"Si
err
asaid.

"Butisn'ti
tfunnyt
oseetwogi r
lsfi
ght
ingbecauseofLandon'
sd*
ck?
,Ihav
ead*
ckt
ooandno
oneisfighti
ngcosofi
t"Brentsaid.

"
May
bebecausei
t'
sthesi
zeofapencov
er,
sizemat
ter
syouknow"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"
Sor
rybr
o"Shayl
aughed.

Landoncamei
nandwhenhesawt
het
wogi
rl
sfi
ght
ing,
hest
art
edl
aughi
ng.

"
Landon'
sd*
cki
spopul
ar"hesai
dami
dstt
hel
aught
er.

"He'
scr
azy
"Li
asmi
l
ed,
looki
ngathi
sbandagedhandandwonder
ingwhathappenedt
oit
.
"He'
sal
way snotconcer
nedaboutt
heb*
tchest
hatar
eal
way
sfi
ght
ingandsuf
fer
ingcosofhi
m"
Sier
ral
aughed.

"Whywi
l
lhebeconcer
ned?
,Notl
i
kehet
oldt
hem t
ofi
ght
"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

Thef
ightcont
inuedt
il
lTr
acyandVi
vigav
eupatat
ime,
seemst
heycan'
tdef
eateachot
her
.

Wi
thwoundsont
hei
rfaces,
theybot
hlef
tthehal
l
.

*
***
**

NI
GHT,
PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Tani
shawasl
eti
nbyTammyandshemett
het
winsasl
eepal
ready
.

I
t'
salr
eadypast9,
shecamel
atecosshehadal
otofdi
shest
owashwi
thVi
gnet
teaf
terdi
nner
i
nthekit
chen.

Tammycamef
orSweeti
ntheaf
ter
noonsot
hepethasbeenwi
tht
het
winssi
ncet
hem.

I
t'
ssl
eepi
ngbesi
det
hem.

"
Iwasj
ustaboutt
ocar
ryt
hem t
othei
rroom"Tammysai
dandTani
shasmi
l
ed.

Shet
ouchedt
hei
rfacesf
ondl
ybef
oreTammycar
ri
edt
hem i
n.
Shecar
ri
edSweetandhuggedi
t.

"
Imi
ssedy
ou"shesai
d.

I
trest
edonherchestandshest
rokedi
t'
shead.

Shewonder
edi
fPr
incet
oni
sar
oundsoshet
ri
edchecki
nghi
sroom.

Shegott
ohi
sdoor
stepbutt
hesoundscomi
ngoutofhi
sroom madeherst
epback.
..

"
Mast
erhar
derpl
ease.
..
.

"F*
ckmahol
ehar
d!

"Yeahmast
er.
..

"Youownmemast
er.
..
.ohf
*ck!

Sher
ushedbackt
othel
i
vingr
oom andmetTammyj
ustcomi
ngbackf
rom t
heki
dsr
oom.

"
Goodni
ght
"shesai
dbef
oreTammycoul
dspeak.

Suer
ushedoutandr
anal
lthewayt
othesl
avehouse.

Rei
nai
sfastasl
eep,
herbodybecamesl
i
ght
lybet
ter
.
Vi
gnet
tei
sfastasl
eept
oo,
shemustbesot
ir
edf
rom al
lthedi
shwashi
ng.

Tani
shasatont
hebedaf
terpl
aci
ngSweetoni
t'
sspot
.

"
Hewasf
*cki
ngagi
rl
,shewasscr
eami
ngsol
oud.
..
..
"Shemut
ter
edandl
ayont
hebed.

"Herscr
eamswon'
tl
eav
emyear
s"shesai
dandcov
eredher
sel
fcompl
etel
y.

*
***
***

NEXTDAY,
2PM

"
Missi
ongol
disset
"Pr
incet
onsai
dtoZar
afr
om t
hebud.

They
'r
eal
lst
andi
ngbyt
het
wocar
sthey
'r
etaki
ng,
readyt
omov
e

Landon,
TracyandVi
vii
ncl
usi
ve.

"
Ihav
enot
hingt
osayany
mor
ebut
..
..
thegol
dmustgether
ebef
ore7"Zar
arepl
i
ed.

"AndLandon,
you'
rewoundedbuthel
lbentongoi
ng,
ify
our
uint
hingsagai
n,I
'
llki
l
lyou"she
sai
d.

Landonkeptqui
etast
heyal
lgoti
nthecar
swhi
chmov
edi
mmedi
atel
y.
Si
err
achewedgum sl
owl
y,wor
kingont
hel
apt
op.

"
Onehourt
hir
tymi
nut
esj
our
neyt
ogett
othesky
scr
aper
"shesai
d.

"Yousai
dthatcount
lesst
imesal
ready
"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"
I'
mjustsay
ingi
tagai
nfort
hesakeofsomedeafpeopl
einher
e"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Howmuchwi
l
lIhav
eifIwannabuyt
hissky
scr
aper
?"Shayasked.

"Aboutf
ivehundr
edbi
l
li
ondol
l
ars"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"Ok"Shayr
epl
i
edandLi
asmi
l
ed.

"I
fLexi
wasawaret
hatsuchf
ort
unewaskepti
nherbui
l
ding,
he'
dhav
epr
otect
edi
twi
thhi
sli
fe"
Si
err
agiggl
ed.

Vi
viandTr
acykeptexchangi
nghat
eful
glar
eswhi
l
eLandongl
aredsecr
etl
yatPr
incet
on.

Theygott
othesky
scr
aperandPr
incet
oncamedownwi
tht
heguy
s.

They'
realldr
essedi
nsuit
,Li
acameoutwi
tht
hem,
she'
swear
ingal
ongwi
necol
our
edgownon
heel
s,thenasmallhat
.

"
We'vebeenexpecti
ngy
ouMrKay
den,
bossi
swai
ti
ngi
nal
ready
"amansai
d,meet
ingt
hem i
n
f
rontoft
hebuil
ding.
"
Icamewi
thmyassoci
ates"Pr
incet
onsmi
l
ed,
gest
uri
ngatt
her
est
.

"Ev
enbet
tersi
r"t
hemanr
epl
i
edandl
edt
hem i
n.

Tenminut
esaftert
heylef
t,Si
err
acamedownf r
om thesecondcarwi
thTr
acyandVi
vi
,her
l
aptopwaspackedint
oabag, st
rappedt
oherback.

They
'r
edr
essedl
i
keagent
s.

"
From t
her
epai
rst
ati
on,
wegotr
epor
tst
haty
ourCCTVcamer
asar
emal
funct
ioni
ng"Vi
visai
d.

"Fol
l
owme"t
heguar
drepl
i
edandl
edt
hem i
n.

"We'dcheckthepowerroom fi
rst
"Si
errasai
dandt
heyent
eredt
heel
evat
orwhi
cht
ookt
hem t
o
thesi
xteent
hfloor
,samefloorasPri
nceton.

Theywer
etakent
othepowerr
oom,
theguar
dwenti
nfi
rstandt
heyf
oll
owed.

Si
err
amadesignal
stoTr
acyandTr
acyshov
edt
hei
nject
iondi
rect
lyi
ntohi
sneck,
hesl
eptof
f
I
mmediat
ely
.

Si
err
ashutdownal
ltheCCTVcov
eragesandconnect
edherl
apt
op.

"
They
'r
eint
henextr
oom Iguess,
Viv
iyoushoul
dsedat
ether
oom r
ightnow"Si
err
asai
d.

Tr
acyt
ookt
hebot
tl
efr
om t
hebagandcl
i
mbedt
hecei
l
ing.
Shecr
awl
edont
het
hinspacet
il
lshegott
othenextr
oom wher
etheconf
erencei
sgoi
ngon.

"We'
vebeenwai
ti
ngforthi
ssi
nceages,can'
tbel
i
evewe'r
efi
nal
l
ypar
tner
ing,
youwon'
tregr
et
par
tner
ingwi
thLexi
holdi
ngsMrKayden"MrsLexismi
l
ed.

She'
swi
thf
iveofhermanagementt
eams.

"IknewIwouldn'
tregr
eti
t,t
hat'
swhyIcame"Pr
incet
onsmi
l
edandhi
sey
est
wit
chedwhenhe
sawflamescomingint
otheroom.

Hel
ookedatLi
aandLandonr
oll
edey
es.

"Weshoul
dproceedt
osi
gni
ngt
hecont
ractnowMrKay
den"Mr
sLexi
sai
d,gest
uri
ngatt
he
paper
sonthetabl
e.

"Iunder
stand"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
edandt
hef
lamespuf
fedi
nlar
gequant
it
ies.

Theyal
lqui
ckl
yusedmasksandMr
sLexi
sleptof
fwi
tht
heot
herf
ive.

Si
err
a,Tr
acyandVi
vij
umpedi
ntot
her
oom andt
heyal
lshi
ft
edt
hegi
antt
abl
efr
om i
tsspot
.

Theyr
aisedt
her
uggedmatandanent
ranceappear
edbuti
twasl
ockedwi
thapadl
ock.

"
godmot
hersai
dit
'sakey
hol
e"Li
asai
d.

"
HowcomeI
'
mlooki
ngatapadl
ock"Shayr
epl
i
ed.
"Ij
usthopei
t'
snotwhatI
'
mthi
nki
ng"Br
entsai
d.

"
Yourhai
rpi
n"Pr
incet
onsai
dandLi
agav
ehi
m.

Hecur
vedt
heedgesandi
nser
tedi
t.
..
inl
esst
hant
womi
nut
es,
heopenedi
t.

"
Bri
l
li
ant
,Ishoul
dlear
nthi
s"Si
err
asai
d.

Theyopenedi
tandj
umpedi
nonebyone.

"Whati
fther
eal
Kay
dencomes"Tr
acyasked.

"
He'
llbehel
ddownbyt
heot
hergangmember
s,hi
scarwi
l
lbemessedwi
thont
her
oad"Landon
r
epl
i
ed.

Fol
lowi
ngthemap,theyst
art
eddescendingst
air
sintheunder
ground,
almostt
went
ysect
ions,
whentheyf
ini
shdescendi
ngone,
anotheroneappear
s.

"
Godmot
hersai
dit
'st
went
yone"Vi
visai
dast
heydescendedt
hel
astone.

Theycamef
acet
ofacewi
tht
hemet
alsaf
e,nodoort
oit
.

"
Atl
ast
"Landonsai
d.

Si
err
abr
oughtoutherl
apt
op,
wat
chi
ngev
erycor
neri
nthesaf
ewi
thi
t.
Pr
incet
onsuddenl
ysawaf
igur
eint
hedar
kendoft
hel
ane.

Hi
sey
esdi
l
atedandhewentf
ori
t.

"
Whyi
sthi
sangl
edar
k?"Si
err
asai
d,poi
nti
ngati
tont
hel
apt
op.

"Ev
ery
wher
eiscl
earexceptt
hatangl
e,i
tfeel
ssomehow"shesai
d.

"It
'snoti
mpor
tant
,what
'smor
eimpor
tanti
sget
ti
ngt
hegol
d,Shaygi
vemet
hecut
ter
"Landon
sai
danditwashandedt
ohim.

Heputi
tonandi
tmadel
oudnoi
sesashest
art
edcut
ti
ngt
hemet
alsaf
ewi
thi
t.

"
Wher
e'sPr
incet
on?
"Li
asuddenl
ysai
d.

Pr
incet
onkeptmov
ingt
owar
dst
hedar
kendandt
hef
igur
ebecamecl
ear
erandf
ami
l
iaratev
ery
st
ep.

"
Thi
sfi
gur
e"het
hought
,st
il
lmov
ingcl
oser
.

Suddenl
yadi
mli
ghtcameont
hef
aceoft
hef
igur
eandi
t'
sindeedwhohesuspect
edi
ttobe.

Av
a!

Thel
i
ghtwentof
fandhest
art
edr
unni
ngi
ntot
hedar
kness.
"
Ava!
!!
"Heshout
ed.

Hewasst
oppedbygunshot
sfr
om t
heendoft
hedar
klane.

Mor
ethansi
xbul
l
etshi
thi
m al
l
-ov
ert
hechestatonce.

Bl
ooder
upt
edf
rom hi
smout
hashewentonhi
sknees.

TBC.

[
6/17,
6:00AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER22&23

★★★★★

Pr
incet
on'
sbl
oodst
ainedt
hegr
oundashespi
titouti
nlar
gequant
it
y.

"
Pri
ncet
on!
!"Li
ascr
eamed,
comi
ngwi
thShayandVi
vi
,ther
estar
est
il
lhandl
i
ngt
hesaf
e.
Pr
incet
onr
aisedhi
shand,
tel
l
ingt
hem t
ost
opandt
heydi
d.

Hesmi
l
edandhi
sbl
oodyl
i
psshone.

Hestoodsurpr
isi
ngl
yandanot
hergunshotmadehi
m duck,
her
oll
eddownt
hedar
klaneand
di
ssappear
ed.

"
Wher
edi
dhego?
"Li
asai
d,t
ryi
ngt
ogoi
ntot
hedar
kbutShayhel
dher
.

Het
oldusnott
ocome,
youknowhemeansev
ery
thi
nghesay
s"hesai
dandLi
asi
ghed
i
mpati
ent
ly.

Theyst
oodt
her
eandsoont
heyst
art
edhear
ingbat
tl
ingsoundsf
rom t
hedar
k.

"Ican'tjustst
ayhere"Li
asai
dhemadet
ost
epi
nbutl
i
ght
scameoni
nthedar
k,r
eveal
i
ng
Princetonandt hr
eedeadguys.

Heki
l
ledt
heguy
swi
thakni
fecost
hekni
fewi
thhi
misbl
oody
.

"
Pri
ncet
on"Li
asai
d,r
ushi
ngt
ohi
m.

"How?,Wehear
dsomanygunshot
sandi
tlookedl
i
key
ougotshot
"shesai
d,l
ooki
ngatt
he
holesonhi
schest
.

"Ican'
tbekil
ledthateasi
ly
,l
ear
ntotrustme"her
epl
i
edandt
ookof
fhi
ssui
t,heunbut
tonedt
he
whit
einnershir
t,r
eveali
ngabull
etpr
oofvest
.
"
F*ck"Li
asmi
l
edandhuggedhi
m

"
You'
ret
her
eal
deal
"shesai
d.

"Howdi
dtheygether
e?,
Whoar
ethey
?"Vi
viasked,
poi
nti
ngatt
hedeadguy
sont
hef
loor
.

"
Lookatt
hei
rtat
toos"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"
BLACKMAMBA?
"Li
asai
d.

"Yes,
Cruel
Monst
er'
sgang"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"So..
.t
hefactt
hatwemetapadl
ockatt
heent
rancei
nst
eadofakey
hol
ewasn'
tacoi
nci
dence"
Viv
isaid.

"Obv
iousl
y,butIsawsomeoneher
eawhil
eago,
howshedi
sappear
edIdunno,
butIhopei
t'
s
j
ustmyimaginati
on,i
tcan'
tber
eal
"hesai
d.

"Who?
"Li
aasked.

"Av
a"her
epl
i
edandLi
asmi
l
ed.

"Av
a?,
Int
hisunder
ground?
,Comeonbr
oit
'sy
ourwi
l
dimagi
nat
ion"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"Ihopeso..
..andIthinkwe'l
lhav
emoreenemiestof
acethanwe'v
ecalcul
ated,
theBLACK
MAMBASar eher e,
I'm sur
etheGOLDENBULLETSarelur
kingar
ound,
weneedt owrapthi
ngsup
fast
"herepl
iedandl edthewayoutoft
helanebackt
othesafe.
"
You'
renotdead?
"Landonsai
dwhenhesawhi
m.

"
I'
ll
alway
sli
ve,
eveni
nyourdr
eams"Pr
incet
onsmi
l
ed

"BLACKMAMBASar
eher
e"Shaysai
d

"
Iknewi
t,t
heent
rance"Tr
acysai
dandLandonr
etur
nedt
ocut
ti
ngt
hemet
al.

Hebr
oughtdownt
hel
astpi
eceandt
heheav
ymet
alf
ell
,rev
eal
i
ngt
hesaf
eit
sel
f.

"
Sowehav
eanot
hersaf
etoopen"Tr
acysai
d.

Si
err
a'sey
eswi
denedatwhatshe'
sseei
ngi
nthel
apt
op.

"
Sephor
a,G-
Dragon.
..
"Shesai
d.

"
GOLDENBULLETS?
"Vi
visai
d.

"Yes,t
hey'
recl
imbingt
hest
air
sdownhereal
ready,and.
..Cr
uel
Monst
eri
sjustent
eri
ngt
he
skyscr
aper,di
sgui
sedasadel
iver
yguy
"sher
eplied.

"ShayandBr
enty
ouguy
sneedt
oopent
heescapedoor
,let
'scr
ackt
hissaf
eopen"Pr
incet
on
said.

"Sur
e"Shaysai
dandl
eftwi
thBr
ent
.
Pri
ncet
onwal
kedt
othesaf
ewi
thLandon,
hepr
essedt
heonl
ybut
tonav
ail
abl
eandascanner
appear
ed.

"
Eyescanner
"Si
err
asai
d.

"
Whoseey
esi
sgonnadoi
t?"Tr
acysai
d.

"Gof
ir
st"Pr
incet
onsai
dtoLandon.

"Why
?,Ar
eyouscar
edy
oumi
ghtgobl
i
ndi
fyougof
ir
st?
"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"Goal
readywe'
rel
osi
ngt
ime!
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Yougof
ir
st"Landonr
epl
i
edi
nsi
stent
ly.

Pr
incet
ongl
aredathi
m bef
orescanni
nghi
sey
es,
itbeepedr
edandcoul
dn'
topen.

"
Cany
ougonow?
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandLandonscannedhi
sey
esr
eluct
ant
ly.

I
tbeepedgr
eenandt
hesaf
eopened,
Landoncoul
dn'
tbel
i
evehi
sey
es.

Thesaf
eisst
ackedwi
thpur
egol
d,gol
d!

"
Hol
yf*
ck!
"Si
err
asai
d.
"
Shi
tt
ydamn!
"Tr
acysai
d.

"
Whatt
hehel
l
!"Vi
vigasped.

"
Jeez!
"Li
aexcl
aimed.

"
Dooropened"Shaysai
d,appear
ingwi
thBr
ent
.

"Fourgangmember
sar
ewai
ti
ngwi
tht
hecar
stoconv
eyal
ready
"Br
entsai
d

"
Let
'sst
artmov
ingt
hegol
d"Pr
incet
onsai
dandev
ery
onegott
hei
rbags.

"
They
'r
eont
het
ent
hst
airsect
ion"Si
err
asai
d

"Theyhav
eel
evensect
ionst
ogo,
wehav
etomov
eital
lbef
oret
hey
'l
ldescendf
inal
l
y"Pr
incet
on
said.

Theystar
tedmovi
ngthegol
danditwasfast
ert
hanexpect
ed,
event
hegi
rl
sli
ft
edheav
ybags,
pour
ingiti
ntot
hecar
sattheescapedoor
.

"
They
'r
eint
heni
net
eenst
air
ssect
ion"Si
err
asai
d.

"
Fast
er,
car
rymor
ethany
ou'
vebeencar
ryi
ng"Pr
incet
onsai
d,l
i
fti
ngt
hreebagsatonce.

Theycont
inuedt
ranspor
ti
ngt
il
lthey
'r
elef
twi
thonegol
dbari
nthesaf
e
"
Weshoul
dgo,
thatonei
sn'
ti
mpor
tant
"Li
asai
dandLandonchuckl
ed.

"godmotherknowshowmanygoldbar
sshe'sexpect
ing,whatdoy out
hinkwi
l
lhappeni
fit
's
shortbyone?,She'
l
lwast
eyoual
landyouknowshenev erjokes,
I'
m goi
ngtogett
heone"
Landonsaid.

Bef
oreany
onecoul
dst
ophi
m,hewenti
ntot
hepl
aceagai
n.

"Iguesswecan'
tescapecombat
ti
ngt
oday
,it
'st
hefi
rstti
mewe'l
lbefaci
ngt
heGOLDEN
BULLETSandtheBLACKMAMBASatonce"Liasai
d,str
etchi
ngher
sel
f.

"Mov
ethecar"Pr
incet
onsai
dandt
hedr
iver
sdr
oveof
fthecar
scont
aini
ngt
hegol
ds.

Thel
oudcr
ashi
ngsoundsi
nsi
det
hesaf
emadet
henknowi
t'
sal
readydown.

Pr
incet
onl
edt
hem i
nandt
heywer
eat
tackedbyt
hedoor
.

"
Gooni
n!"Pr
incet
onor
der
edandt
heot
her
swenti
n.

G-Dr
agonappear
edandr
aisedhi
slegt
oPr
incet
on'
schest
,hehi
thi
mri
ghtt
her
eandPr
incet
on
fl
ewdownthesafe.

Hest
ood,
smi
l
ingatt
hedev
ilhi
msel
f.

"
Wemetagai
n"hesai
d.

"
It
'snotni
cet
omeety
ouany
way
s"G-
Dragonr
epl
i
ed.
"Sameher
e,anddon'
tyouf
eel
pai
ned?
,Imean.
..
wegott
hegol
dal
ready
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Isentmyguy
saf
tert
hef
*cki
ngcar
sal
ready
,thegol
dismi
ne"G-
Dragonr
epl
i
edandPr
incet
on
gri
nned.

"Let'
sseeift
hey'
l
llosei
nonepi
ece,
bast
ard!
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandchar
gedf
orwar
d,t
hrowi
nga
punchwhichG-Dr
agonavoi
ded.

Het
hrewPr
incet
onapuncht
oobutPr
incet
ondi
dsame.

Theykeptav
oidi
ngeachot
her
'spunchest
il
lPr
incet
onwasabl
etogi
vehi
m oneont
het
hef
ace.

G-
Dragonwi
thdr
ewhi
skni
feandwoundedPr
incet
onwi
thi
taf
tersev
eral
tri
als.

Heshov
edi
tint
ohi
sar
m andPr
incet
onpushedhi
m awaywi
thapunch.

Hewentf
orhi
mImmedi
atel
yandbumpedi
ntohi
m.

Theybot
hfel
l
,rol
l
ingdownt
hesl
ope.

I
NTHESAFE*
*

"Howcanyoul
ovemesomuch?,Youcamebackf
orme"Li
asai
d,smi
l
ingatSephor
awho'
s
swingi
ngasmal
lswor
dinf
rontofher
.

"
You'
resodead,
today
"Sephor
asmi
l
ed
"Ok,y
oucannowcometomummy "Li
awinkedandSephor
acameather
,theysl
ammedeach
other
'sbacksont
hewal
lrepeat
edl
ybefor
elet
ti
nggo.

Sephor
athr
ewt
heswor
dandLi
aducked,
theswor
dhi
tthewal
li
nst
ead.

Li
aremov
edt
heswor
dandr
ant
oSephor
a,t
ryi
ngt
ojustsl
i
thert
hroat
.

Sephor
agotheri
nst
ead,
taki
ngherl
egsof
fthegr
ound.

Li
afel
landt
heswor
dfel
lfr
om her

Sephor
atooki
tandt
ri
eddi
vi
ngi
tint
oheragai
n.

Li
arol
l
edawayf
rom herandshekeptr
unni
ngaf
terherassher
oll
edar
oundt
hepl
ace.

Li
agott
othewal
landqui
ckl
yst
ood,
shel
eftt
hepl
ace.

Sephorai
salr
eadyonmotionsoshecouldn'
tstop,
shecrashedonthewal
landLi
api
nnedher
ther
e,shebr
oughtoutasmallkni
feandshovediti
ntoSephora'
ssi
de.

Shebl
edbl
oodandf
ell
,passi
ngouti
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Youwon'
tdi
eyet
,Ist
il
lwantust
omeetagai
n"Li
asmi
l
ed.

Cr
uelMonst
er(
CM)i
scombat
ti
ngwi
thLandonanddespi
tehi
swoundedpal
m,he'
shandl
i
ng
hi
m wel
l
.
Vi
viandTr
acyar
efi
ght
ingoneopponentt
oo,
amemberofBLACKMAMBA.

Sier
rai
sfi
ght
ingamemberofGOLDENBULLETS,
she'
slaughi
ngandf
ight
ing,
obv
iousl
ymaki
ng
funoft
heguy.

ShayandBr
entar
etackl
i
ngsameopponentt
oo,
taki
ngt
urnst
opunchhi
m.

Ev
ery
onei
sdoi
ngwel
l
,ofcour
set
heyshoul
d,t
hey
'r
emember
sofMCFany
way
s,t
hegr
eat
est
.

CM suddenl
yst
art
edr
unni
ngoutoft
hepl
acewhi
chseemssoconf
usi
ng.

Landonmadet
orunaf
terhi
m butTr
acyhel
dhi
m.

"
Ithi
nkhepl
ant
edabomb"shesai
d.

"
MCFr
un!
"Li
ascr
eamed,
rushi
ngoutwi
tht
heot
her
s.

Theycont
inuedr
unni
ng,
leav
ingt
hei
ropponent
sbehi
nd.

Theyj
umpedoutoft
hesaf
eandal
mosti
mmedi
atel
y,i
tbl
ewup,
thr
owi
ngt
hem al
li
nvar
ious
di
rect
ions.

Thesaf
est
art
edbur
ningv
ici
ousl
y.

"
Gosh!
,Thatwashect
ic"Si
err
abr
eat
hed,
standi
ngup.
Herkneesgotwounded.

"
Whydi
dCr
uel
Monst
erdot
his?
"Vi
viasked.

"Obvi
ousl
ytoescapewhenhehasnohopeanymor
e"Landonr
epl
i
edandLi
asmi
l
edbuti
t
clear
edoffwhenshecoul
dn'
tfi
ndPr
incet
on.

"
Wher
e'sPr
incet
on"shesai
d,l
ooki
ngar
ound.

"
F*cki
ngt
rue,
wher
e'she?
"Si
err
arepl
i
ed,
looki
ngar
oundt
oo.

"Hepr
obabl
ylef
t"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"
Hewon'
tl
eav
eusher
eIt
rusthi
m!"Li
arepl
i
edt
ohi
sface.

"Tr
yconnect
ingt
hebudsSi
err
a"Shaysai
dandSi
err
adi
d.

"
Pri
ncet
oncany
ouhearme?
,Pr
incet
on!
"Shaysai
d,t
appi
nghi
sbudbutnoanswercame.

"
Igotnoanswer
"hesai
d.

"AndI'
m say
inghewenthomeal
readyI
'
m sosur
e,hemi
ghtchangest
ylewhoknows"Landon
said

Li
agl
aredathi
m andl
edt
hewayoutoft
hepl
ace.
Twocar
scamef
ort
hem af
terf
ivemi
nut
es,
theygoti
nandi
tspedbackt
othepal
ace.

Thedri
vebackwasl
ongert
hanwhent
heywer
ecomi
ng,
tookbl
oodyt
wohour
sandnoone
tal
ked,
ever
yonei
sti
red.

Theygothomeandmett
hecar
swi
tht
hegol
dbar
sinf
rontoft
hepal
acebank.

"
Wher
e'sPr
incet
on?
"Li
aaskedt
hef
ir
stmember.

"He'
snotback"her
epl
i
ed.

"
Shi
t!
,Isai
dit
!"Shesai
d,f
aci
ngLandon.

"
Yout
rusthi
mri
ght
?,He'
sok,
hesai
dhe'
snotdy
ingany
timesoon"Landonsmi
l
ed.

"I
fhedoesn'
tcomebackwi
thi
ntenmi
nut
esI
'
llki
l
lyou!
"Li
ayel
l
ed.

"Fi
ne"Landonsmi
l
ed.

"I
'
m sur
ethebar
sar
ecompl
ete"Zar
asai
d,comi
ngoutt
othem.

"
Yesgodmot
her
"Br
entr
epl
i
edandor
der
edt
heopeni
ngoft
heboot
hs.

Zar
asmi
l
edwhenshesawt
hegol
d.
"
Far
ri
sIaccompl
i
shedoneofy
ourmi
ssi
ons,
I'
ll
usei
twel
l
"shesai
dandf
acedt
hem.

"Goodjobev
eryone,
thi
smont
hpar
tywi
l
lbemadespeci
al,
wheni
sthel
astFr
idayoft
his
month?
"Sheasked.

"Thi
scomi
ngFr
iday
"Vi
vir
epl
i
edhappi
l
y.

"Youmeanfourdaystocome?,Howti
mef l
ies,.
..Well
I'
ll
makei tgr
andcost
hatsameday
,thi
s
palacewi
l
lbecelebr
ati
ngit
'sf
ortyy
earsanniversar
y"Zarasai
d.

"F*
cki
ngexci
ti
ng"Tr
acysmi
l
ed.

"
I'
ll
invit
emygangst
erfr
iendsfrom I
tal
y,t
hepal
acewi
l
lst
artchangi
ngasf
rom t
ommor
ow"she
f
urthersai
dandsmi
ledagain.

"Cal
ltheguys,
theyshoul
dmov
ethegol
dInt
othebank,
I'
ll
findbuy
erspr
ett
ysoon"shesai
dand
st
art
edleavi
ng.

"You'
renotconcer
nedaboutPr
incet
on?
,He'
smi
ssi
ng!
"Li
ayel
l
edaf
terher
.

Zar
ast
oppedandl
ookedback.

"
WhenIcal
l
edhi
m myal
pha,
Iwasn'
tj
oki
ng"shesai
dandl
eft
.

"What
'sshespewi
ng!
,Mybr
otheri
smi
ssi
ngandshe'
stal
ki
ngaboutaf
*cki
ngal
pha!
"Li
asai
d.

Si
err
apl
acedanhandonhershoul
der
.
"Cal
m down,
he'
snotachi
cken"shesai
d.

"
Thanksf
ort
hatst
atement
"Pr
incet
onsai
d,showi
ngup.

Li
alookedatt
hatdi
rect
ionst
rai
ghtandsmi
l
edwi
del
ywhenshesawhi
m.

He'
swoundedont
hear
m andt
hef
orehead.

"
You'
rer
eal
l
yback"shesai
dandhesmi
l
ed.

"
Thegol
disher
e,howdi
dyouguy
stakecar
eofG-
Dragon'
sguy
s?"Heaskedt
hedr
iver
s.

"Theyt
ri
edt
ohi
j
ackt
hecar
sbutweout
smar
tedt
hem"oneoft
hem r
epl
i
ed.

"Mov
ethem i
ntot
hebank"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
edandLi
awentt
ohi
m,l
ooki
ngathi
sbl
oodyar
m

"
Thewoundmustbev
erydeep"shesai
d.

Landonl
ookedatt
hem andst
art
edl
eav
ing.

Li
alookedbackandsawhi
shand,
it'
sbl
eedi
ngal
otandt
hebandagei
sful
lofbl
ood.

"
He'
sst
il
lababysowor
ryabouthi
m,don'
twor
ryaboutmeI
'
mfi
ne"Pr
incet
onsai
dandl
eft
.
Li
afol
l
owedLandon.

"
What
?"Heaskedwhent
heygott
ohi
ssui
te.

"Heyst
opt
hecr
anki
ness"Li
arepl
i
edj
ocosel
y.

"Gomeettheper
fectson,
theal
pha"hesai
dandpressedhispasscode,
hemadet
ogoi
nbutLi
a
pul
ledhi
shandandquickl
yunwrappedt
hebandagefrom hi
shand.

Shecoul
dn'
tbel
i
eveherey
eswhenshesawt
hebi
gwoundonhi
spal
m.

"
Whendi
dthi
shappen?
,Whowoundedy
oul
i
ket
his!
"Shedemanded.

Hesmi
l
edshor
tl
yandt
ookhi
shandawayf
rom her
.

"Don'
tpr
etendli
key oucar
e,l
eavemealone!
,I
'v
eal
waysbear
edmypai
nsal
onedoitwon'
t
changeanyt
hingifIal
sobearthi
sal
one"hesai
dandmadetogoi
nagai
nbutshehel
dhim agai
n.

Hef
orcef
ull
ybr
okef
reeandshest
agger
edandal
mostf
ell
.

"
Go"hesai
dandshutt
hedoor
.

"
Whyi
shebei
ngaj
erkwhenI
'
mtr
yingt
obeni
ce,
f*ckhi
m!"Shesai
dandwal
kedawayangr
il
y.

*
***
*
KI
TCHEN*
*

"Pal
acepar
ty?
,Sot
hisscar
ypal
acehol
dsapar
tyt
oo?
"Tani
shasai
daf
terLadyMacbr
oket
he
news.

Macbet
hsmi
l
edandst
oodf
rom herst
ool

"
Yes,everylastFr
idayoft
hemont h,
Zar
ahostsapart
yfort
hegangmembersandit'
sal
ways
f
un,butthismonthisspecialcosthi
sFri
daycol
l
idedwit
htheanni
ver
sar
y,t
hispal
acewi
llcl
ock
f
ort
ythatsameday "Macbethsaid.

"Whoa!
,Meani
ngi
t'
l
lbegr
and"Tani
shasai
d.

"Exact
ly,
she'si
nvi
ti
nghergangsterf
ri
endsf
rom I
tal
y,shedoest
hatever
yyeardur
ingt
hepart
y,
soasf r
om tommorow,ourchoresar
egonnabedoubled,l
et'
sgoser
ve"l
adyMacbethsai
d.

"Ihopenoonet
ri
esshi
t"Vi
gnet
tef
inal
l
yspoke.

"Youshoul
dbecal
l
edi
ce,
you'
resocol
d"l
adyMacbet
hsai
d.

"Butshe'
sni
ceandki
nd"Tani
shar
epl
i
edandVi
gnet
tegl
aredather
.

"Iknow"Macbet
hrepl
i
ed.

"
I'
m notki
nd*Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

Macbet
hsmi
l
edast
heyst
art
edt
aki
ngt
hemeal
stot
hegener
aldi
nni
nghal
l
.
*
***
***

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE,
TWOHOURSLATER*
*

"
Tani
sha!
"Thet
winsexcl
aimedwhensheshowedup

"
Mybl
ueey
edcut
ies!
'shesmi
l
ed,
huggi
ngt
hem bot
h.

Sweethasbeenwi
tht
hem si
ncet
heycamef
rom school
,Tammycamef
ori
tasusual
.

"
Hopei
twasn'
tst
ressf
ulatt
heki
tchent
oday
?"Mi
naasked.

"
Atal
l
,school
wasgr
eatasusual
right
?"Sheasked.

"Ofcour
se,
wewer
eaboutt
oeatwheny
oucame,
let
'seatt
oget
her
"Sanasai
d.

"Youshoul
ddot
hat
,thenaf
tereat
ing,
youcangoseebossi
nhi
sroom"Tammysai
d.

"I
shear ound?"Sheaskedqui
ckl
yandnev
err
eal
i
zedt
heanxi
ousnessi
nherownv
oicet
il
lshe
fi
nishedspeaki
ng.

"
Imean.
..
is.
..
he.
.ar
ound?
"Shesai
dsl
owl
yandTammysmi
l
ed.

"Yes,het
oldmet
otel
lyout
ocomeseehi
minhi
sroom af
tery
oumi
ghthav
eeat
en"Tammy
repl
i
ed.
"Hesai
dIshoul
deat
?"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"
Yes,
soeatandgoseehi
m"Tammyr
epl
i
edandt
heyal
lmov
edt
othedi
nni
ngr
oom.

Theyset
tl
eddownandat
e,t
het
winskeptf
eedi
ngSweetandheat
ehappi
l
y.

Tani
sha'
sri
cewasf
il
ledwi
thmeatsosheat
ewi
thgr
eatappet
it
e.

Thoughsheat
eint
heki
tchenal
readybutt
hef
actt
hathermast
erwant
shert
oeat
.

I
t'
sexci
ti
ngassheat
e.

She'
sthef
ir
stt
ofi
nisheat
ing.

"
I'
ll
gor
ightnow"shesai
dandTammynodded.

Shewentt
ohi
sroom andknocked.

"Ni
sha?
"Hesai
d.

"
Yesmast
er"sher
epl
i
edandwenti
n.

He'
sshi
rt
less,
sit
ti
ngont
heedgeofhi
sbedwi
thwoundsonhi
sfor
eheadandar
m.
*
Howcanhest
il
ll
ooks*
xyev
enwi
tht
hesounds?
*

"
Wounds.
..agai
n"shesai
d,mov
ingcl
oser
.

"Hel
pmetreati
t,y
oucanaskmet
opayy
ouf
ort
hatt
oo"her
epl
i
edandshesmi
l
edasshesat
besi
dehi
m.

"Wi
l
lyoupayt
hemoneyt
omygr
andmaagai
n?"Sheasked.

"
Doy
ouwantt
hat
?"Heasked.

"Yes"sher
epl
i
ed.

Hewentsi
l
entaf
tert
hat
.

Shedi
sinf
ect
edt
hewoundonhi
sar
m bef
orewr
appi
ngbandagear
oundi
t.

Thenshecamet
ohi
sfaceandst
art
eddi
sinf
ect
inghi
swoundedf
orehead.

Hekepthi
sey
esl
owt
hroughoutbuthesuddenl
ylookedup.

Hi
sey
esmetwi
thherl
i
ps,
hel
ookeddownandi
tcaughtherbel
l
ybut
ton.

"
It
'sok,
stop"hesai
d,sl
i
ght
lypushi
ngherawayf
rom hi
msel
f.

"
ButIhav
en'
t.
..
.pat
chedi
t"shesai
d.
"
It
'sf
inel
i
ket
his"hesai
d,t
ryi
ngnott
olookather
.

I
fhedoest
hatonemor
eti
me,
he'
l
lsur
elymakeherscr
eam hi
sname.

Heent
eredt
hebat
hroom wi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng,
leav
ingheri
nconf
usi
on.

"
DidIdoany
thi
ngwr
ong?
,Shoul
dIl
eav
e?"Shet
hought
,st
andi
ngonherspot
.

Hi
sphonesuddenl
yst
art
edr
ingi
ng.

Shewal
kedsl
owl
ytoi
tandsawgodmot
heront
hescr
een

"
Isi
timpor
tant
?"Sheaskedher
sel
f,t
aki
ngt
hephone

"
Mast
ery
ouhav
eacal
lfr
om godmot
her
!"Shesai
dloudl
y.

"Br
ingmet
hephone"her
epl
i
edf
rom t
hebat
hroom.

Sheswal
l
owedhar
dandst
art
edwal
ki
ngt
othebat
hroom.

Shegott
othedoorandf
idget
edabi
tbef
oreopeni
ngt
hedoorsl
i
ght
ly.

Shecl
osedherey
esandpoi
ntedt
hephonei
nthr
ought
hesmal
lopenspace.
"
Her
e"shesai
d.

Ther
ewast
otal
sil
encef
orawhi
l
e,onl
ythesoundoft
her
ingi
ngphone.

Thedoorsuddenl
yopenedmor
ewi
del
yandi
nst
eadoft
aki
ngt
hephone,
hegr
abbedherhand
andthephonefel
l
.

Hepul
l
edheri
ntot
hebat
hroom t
heshutt
hedoor
.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:00AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER24&25

★★★★★

Pr
incet
onpul
l
edheri
ntot
hebat
hroom andshutt
hedoor
.

Tani
sha'
shear
tal
mostj
umpedoutofhermout
hwhenshef
oundher
sel
fbacki
ngt
hewal
l
.
Pr
incet
onpi
nnedhert
othewal
l
,cagi
nghert
her
e.

Herwhol
ebei
ngst
art
edshaki
ngasshel
ookedupathi
m.

He'
ssti
ll
shirt
lessandhel
l,he'
sbeaut
if
ul,
hisabsst
aredatherandshegul
peddownempt
iness
asshestar
edathistat
toos.

He'
smucht
all
ersoherf
acei
sjustonhi
schestl
evel
.

Shesl
owl
yst
art
edl
ooki
ngup.

Herey
esmethi
sownandgotst
uckoneachot
her
.

Shef
oldedherf
istf
ear
ful
l
y,hopi
nghewon'
thur
ther
.

*
Ishegonnagr
abmyneckl
i
ket
heot
hert
ime?
,Am Igonnadi
eforr
eal
thi
sti
me?
*Shet
hought
.

Pr
incet
onkeptt
hei
rey
esl
ocked,
notl
ooki
ngawayf
rom eachot
her
.

Hetri
edhispossi
blebestt
oresi
stherbutshe'
sdamnhar
dtor
esi
st,
notwhenhers*
xy
bel
l
ybutt
onisalwaysexposi
ng.

Thewor
sei
sthat
,itseemshel
osescont
rol
att
hesi
ghtofi
t.

Heslowlybr
oughthi
shandtoi
tandi
mmedi
atel
yTani
shaf
elthi
sfi
ngeronherbel
l
ybut
ton,
she
f
roze,t
hatwasunexpect
ed.
Hest
art
edcar
essi
ngherbel
l
ybut
tonwhi
l
est
il
ll
ooki
ngdeepi
ntoherbeaut
if
uley
es.

Tani
shahel
dherbr
eat
hashecont
inued,
noonehasev
ert
ouchedhert
hatway
,noone.

He'
l
lbet
hef
ir
stguyt
odot
hatanddamn,
it'
smaki
ngherl
oseherbr
eat
h,andmay
behermi
nd
t
oo

Shef
oldedherf
istmor
eti
ght
lyandhehar
denedhi
sst
areonher
.

Car
essi
ngherbel
l
ybut
tonf
eel
sli
ket
hebestt
hingPr
incet
onhasev
erdone,
it'
scr
azy
!

Herbr
eat
hingbecameheav
yandf
ast,
hecanheari
tcl
ear
ly.

Herl
i
pspr
esent
edi
tsel
fappeal
i
ngsohewant
edt
ocapt
urei
tatoncebuthest
opped.

*
Whati
fsher
unsawayaf
tert
hat
?,NoIcan'
t*

Hi
sli
psst
oppedr
ighti
nfr
ontofher
sandherbr
eat
hingbecameev
enmor
eheav
y.

Shest
aredathi
scur
vyl
i
psandl
ookedbacki
ntohi
sey
es.

Somet
hingshedoesn'
tunder
standi
sint
her
e,he'
slooki
ngatherdi
ff
erent
ly.

Her
aisedhi
sheadandhi
sfi
nger
ssl
owl
ylef
therbel
l
ybut
ton.

Hesi
ghedandst
eppedawayf
rom her
.
Hegav
eheronel
astgl
anceandwal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom af
tert
aki
ngt
hef
all
enphone.

Tani
shar
eleasedt
hebr
eat
hshehasbeenhol
dingandsi
ghed.

Shest
oodonherspotf
orawhi
l
e,t
hinki
ngaboutwhatj
usthappened.

*
Het ouchedmybel
l
ybut
ton*shet
houghtandbef
oresheknewi
t,shesmi
l
ed,
remember
inghow
i
tfel
t.

Thel
ooki
nhi
sey
eswhenhewasdoi
ngt
hatandhi
sli
pswhenheal
mostki
ssedher
.

"
Shoul
dIbehappy
?"Shemut
ter
ed.

"
Shoul
dIl
eav
e?,
Shoul
dIgo?
*Sheaskedher
sel
f.

Shel
ookedar
oundt
hebat
hroom andsi
ghed.

Thewhol
ebat
hroom canbet
hesi
zeofherwhol
ehouse,
it'
sbi
g!

Thej
acuzz
itub,
theshowergl
ass,
showerhead,
toi
l
et.
..ev
ery
thi
ngl
ooksexpensi
vet
oo.

Shewal
kedsl
owl
ytot
hedoorandopenedi
tsl
owl
y.

Shepeepedoutandsawhi
m byt
hewi
ndow,
he'
sleani
ngoni
t,hi
sbackonherandt
hewhol
e
room smel
l
sli
kesmoke.
He'
sdef
ini
tel
ysmoki
ng.

Shesnuckbacki
nandhel
dherchest
,shei
nhal
edandexhal
edt
hreet
imes.

"
OkTani
shay
oucandot
his"shet
houghtandopenedt
hedooragai
n.

Shesl
owl
yst
eppedoutoft
hebat
hroom andst
art
edwal
ki
ngf
astoutoft
her
oom.

"
Wil
lyoust
il
lst
ay?
"Hi
svoi
cesuddenl
yaskedandshest
opped,
closi
ngherey
es.

"
Arey
oul
eav
ingal
ready
?,I
t'
sjust8"hesai
dandsheopenedherey
es.

"I
'
llst
il
lpl
aywi
thMi
naandSanabef
oreIl
eav
e"sher
epl
i
edf
astandr
ushedoutoft
her
oom.

Pri
ncetonsmi
ledandcheckedhi
msel
fout
,hest
art
edwhathecoul
dn'
tfi
nishandnowhe'
s
suf
feri
ngtheconsequences.

He'
ssohor
nyandf
*cki
nghar
d.

Het
ookhi
sphoneandZar
a'scal
lcamei
nagai
n.

"
What
'sup?
"Hesai
daf
terpi
cki
ng.

"
Wher
ethehel
ldi
dyouputy
ourphonewhenIcal
l
edsomef
*cki
ngmi
nut
esago!
"Shey
ell
ed.
"Whatdoy
ouhav
etosay
?"Heaskedcal
mly
.

"
Comet
omysui
te,
now!
"Sheor
der
ed.

"
Ain'
tdoi
ngt
hatr
ightnow"her
epl
i
ed.

"
It
'sanor
der
"shesai
d.

"
ThenI
'
m di
sobey
ing"her
epl
i
edandhungup.

Hedi
all
edShay
'sl
i
ne,
hepi
ckedwheni
thadbar
elyst
art
edr
ingi
ng.

"
Heywi
l
dcat
"Shaysai
d.

"
Sendagi
rlt
omysui
ter
ightnow"hesai
d.

"Whoa!,
Someoneisget
ti
ngagoodf
*ckt
oni
ght
,don'
twor
ryI
'
llsendagoodb*
tch"Shayr
epl
i
ed
andPri
ncet
onhungup.

FI
VEMI
NUTESLATER,
LIVI
NGROOM*
*

Tani
shai
ssi
tt
ingont
hecouch,
wat
chi
ngast
het
winspl
ayedwi
thSweet
.

She'
swai
ti
ngf
ort
het
imet
ocl
ock9bef
oreshe'
l
lleav
ebut
..
.

I
t'
shar
dtot
akewhathappenedsomemi
nut
esagoi
nthebat
hroom of
fherhead.
I
t'
sroami
ngar
oundandwon'
tst
op.

SheI
magi
nedhi
sfi
nger
sonherbel
l
ybut
tonagai
nandi
tfeel
ssor
eal
.

"
StopTani
sha"shewhi
sper
edt
oher
sel
fandi
nhal
ed.

Thedoor
bel
lrangandTammywentt
ocheck.

Aminut
elat
er,
sheescor
tedagi
rli
n,she'
swear
ingasee-
thr
oughshor
tgown,
obv
iousl
ynobr
a,
andmaybenopant
iest
oo.

"
Hisr
oom i
sthatway
"Tammypoi
ntedatPr
incet
on'
sroom.

"Nannywho'
sshe?
"Sanaasked.

"
Yourdad'
svi
sit
or"Tammyr
epl
i
ed.

"Vi
sit
or?
"Mi
nasai
d,l
ooki
ngatt
hegi
rlwhokeptr
oll
i
ngey
es.

"
Yes,
she'
sher
etoseeboss"Tammyr
epl
i
ed

"
She'
snotwel
ldr
essed"Sanasai
d,l
ooki
ngatt
hegownshe'
swear
ing.

"WhatdoyoumeanI '
m notwell
dressed?
,I'
m her
etof
*ck,
youdon'
texpectmet
ocomeher
e
dr
essedexcessi
vel
y"t
hegirlr
epli
edrudel
y.
Tanishahel
dthehem ofherski
rtt
ight
ly,
thi
nki
ngaboutt
hesoundsshehear
dfr
om hi
sroom t
he
otherti
me.

Thi
sgi
rli
ssur
elygonnasoundl
i
ket
hatagai
nwhi
l
eget
ti
ngf
*ckedbyhi
m.

Shef
eltsomehow.

"
Nannywhat
'sf
*ck?
"SanaaskedandTammywentt
othegi
rl
.

"
Whywi
l
lyouusesuchwor
dwheny
ou'
reseei
ngki
dsher
e"shewhi
sper
ed.

"I
onknowhowt
otel
ll
ies,
I'
m her
etohav
es*
xwi
thy
ourdadok?
"Thegi
rlsai
d.

"What
!,S*
x?"Thet
winschor
used,
standi
ngup.

Tammy
'sey
eswi
dened.

"Youguy
sknowwhats*
xmeans?
"Sheasked.

"
Int
ercour
se!
,Mi
nar
eadi
tinabookf
oundi
ndaddy
'sr
oom,
rightMi
na?
"Sanasai
d.

"Ofcour
se,
int
ercour
set
hatl
eadst
obabi
es,
youwantt
ocar
ryourdaddy
'sbaby
?,No"Mi
na
repl
i
ed.

"Ohno"Tammysai
d.
"Getoutofher
e!"Sanashout
ed.

"
Wel
lI'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e,i
t'
sagoldenopport
unit
yever
ygirl
int
hispal
acewants,
Igoti
tand
y
ou'
ret
rynamakemeblowi
toff?
,No"thegi
rlr
epli
edandstar
tedwal
kingt
ohisroom.

"No!
!!
!!
!"Thet
winsscr
eamedandPr
incet
onr
ushedout
.

"
Tammywhat
'swr
ongwi
tht
hem?
"Heaskedqui
ckl
y.

"They
..
..t
hey
'r
e..
..
Idunno"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Don'
tmakebabi
eswi
thher
,wedon'
twantherasanewmot
her
'Sanasai
d.

"
Yes,
youcan'
tdoi
nter
cour
sewi
thher
"Mi
nasai
d.

Pr
incet
onr
anhi
shandt
hroughhi
shai
rfr
ust
rat
edl
ybef
oref
aci
ngt
hegi
rl
.

"
Leav
e"hesai
d.

"
Butmast
er.
..
I.
..

"Getout
"hei
nter
rupt
edandshel
eftr
eluct
ant
ly.

"
Happynow?
"Hesai
d.
"
Yesdad!
!"Theychor
usedandPr
incet
onl
ookedatTani
shashor
tl
ybef
orel
eav
ingf
orhi
sroom.

Tammysmi
l
ed,
looki
ngatt
heki
dswhohasr
esumedpl
ayi
ngwi
tht
hecat
.

"
Theyhav
ethei
rdadwr
appedar
oundt
hei
rfi
nger
s"shesai
d.

"
Iknowr
ight
?"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Whi
l
eI'
m gone,
doagoodj
obok?
"Tammysai
dandTani
shaqui
ckl
yfacedher
.

"You'
rel
eav
ing?
,Why
?,When?
"

"I'
mi nlov
ewi t
hMi naandSana, Il
ovet hem l
ikeIownthem but
..
..i
t'
shi
ghti
meIleav e,
mum i
s
suff
eringfr
om gli
oblastomaandmyj uniorsi
shasbeentheonlyonether
eforhersinceit
star
ted,Iwanttoseet hem agai
n,bossgr ant
edmyf r
eedom whenhecamebackf rom the
missionyester
day"Tammyr epl
i
ed

"Fr
eedom?
,Ar
eyouasl
ave?
"Tani
shaasked.

"No, buty
ouknow. .
.onceyou'r
ehereasaworker
,itmeansyou'
repartofthegangandyou'
l
l
havet ost
ayhereforev
er,butbossmadeanexcepti
onformecoshet rustsme,Icanbetmyli
fe
thatIwon'tdoany
thingtoimpli
catethi
spal
acewhileI
'
m gone"sherepli
ed.

"I
'
m gonnami
ssy
ou"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Met
oo,
I'
ll
missy
oual
otbutpl
easet
akegoodcar
eoft
het
wins,
andt
hei
rdad"Tammyr
epl
i
ed.
"Wi
l
lIbei
nyourposi
ti
onbyt
hen?
"Tani
shaasked.

"
It
'sobv
ious,
you'r
etheclosestt
ohi
m af
terme"Tammyr
epl
i
edandTani
shasi
ghed,
dif
fer
ent
t
hought
srunningthr
oughhermind.

TENMI
NUTESLATER*
*

Tani
shawal
kedi
ntot
hesl
avehousewi
thSweet,
thi
nki
ngaboutwhat
'l
lreal
l
yhappeni
fTammy
l
eaves.

"
I'
ll
li
vewi
thhi
m asanannyt
otheki
ds?
,Wi
l
lthatbet
hecase?
"Shet
houghtassheent
eredt
he
r
oom

"Anyonewi
l
lthi
nky
ou'
regoi
ngt
omast
erPr
incet
on'
ssui
tet
ogetf
*ckedt
heseday
s"Vi
gnet
te
j
oked.

"You'
rest
il
lawake?
"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"
Thi
sb*
tchher
ewokemeup"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed,
poi
nti
ngatRei
na'
sbed.

She'
sgone.

"
Wher
e'sshe?
"Tani
shaaskedqui
ckl
y.

"
Youwantmedeadr
ight
?"Rei
nasai
d,comi
ngi
n.

Tani
shaf
acedherandsmi
l
ed.
"
You'
reawake,
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
,Ist
hepai
nsst
il
lmuch?
,Huh?
"Shequi
ckl
yasked.

Rei
nast
aredatherf
orami
nut
ebef
oresmi
l
ing.

"
I'
mfi
nenowt
hankst
oyou"shesai
d.

"
I'
m gl
ad"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"
Lemmegi
vey
ouahug"Rei
nasai
dandwal
kedt
oher
.

Shehuggedhert
ight
lyandTani
shasmi
l
edwi
der
.

"
Yourski
nwi
l
lcomebackt
onor
mal
ifIkeepr
ubbi
ngt
hebal
mfory
ouev
ery
day
"shesai
d.

"Thanksf
orst
ayi
ngbyme"Rei
nasai
dwi
thagl
areonhershoul
der
.

"
Trustnoone"Vi
gnet
tesai
d,f
all
i
ngont
hebed.

*
***
**.

NEXTDAY,
GOLDENBULLETSCLAN*
*

G-Dr
agonwalkedi
ntoSephora'
sroom andmethert
reat
inghersi
dewound,
theoneshe
sust
ainedi
ntheunder
groundyester
day.
Het
ri
edt
ouchi
ngherbutshesl
appedawayhi
shand.

"
Gett
hef
*vkoutoft
hisr
oom!
"Shey
ell
edathi
m.

"
What?,Coswecoul
dn'
tgett
hegol
d?,
Itwasn'tmyfault
!,Ever
yonef
rom MCFpalaceiscr
azy
whenitcomest
ocombat!
,We'r
enomatchforthem andthat'
swhytheykeepwi
nning"he
r
epli
ed.

"Youcouldn'
tevent
akecar
eofPrincet
on,t
hatf*cki
ngbast
ardwoundedy
ouagai
n!,
Youhav
e
greatbodybui
ldmoret
hanhim"Sephoracl
aimed.

"I
t'
snotaboutbodybui
l
db*
tch!
,I
t'
saboutpot
ent
ial
sandpower
!"G-
Dragonsnapped.

"Soyoulackpotent
ial
sandt
hepowert
ofi
ghtPr
incet
on?
,You'
readmi
tt
ingt
haty
ou'
reweak?
"
Sephor
agrinned.

"Andyouneedtoadmitt
hatyou'
reweaktoo,
Liaist
hey
oungestofZar
a'schi
l
drenbutshe
managestodef
eatyouever
yti
me"G-Dragonr
epli
ed.

"Outofmyr
oom"Sephor
asai
d.

"Weneedst
rat
egi
es,
plant
ingaspyi
nthei
rmi
dstmi
ghthel
pthi
sti
me,
anunsuspect
edone"G-
Dr
agonsai
d.

"Hav
eyoufor
gottenwhathappenedtotheonewepl
ant
edt
heot
hert
ime?
,Hef
*cki
ngdi
edand
hi
sbodywassentback!
"Sephorashout
ed.

"Thi
swi
ll
bediff
erent
,we'
l
lhavet
olayl
owforawhil
eandt heymightjustletthei
rguar
dsdown,
wenowhaveanaceonourfi
nger
s,wecanj
ustuseheragain"G-
Dragonr epli
ed.
"I
ont
rusty
ou"Sephor
abr
eat
hed.

"I
'
m notsayi
ngy
oushoul
d,j
ustwat
chme"G-
Dragonr
epl
i
edandSephor
amadet
osi
tbuthe
grabbedher
.

"
Idi
dn'
thav
eat
ast
eofy
oul
astni
ght
"hesai
d.

"I
'
m woundedcan'
tyousee?
"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"I
'
mf*
cki
ngy
ourp*
ssy
,noty
oursi
de"her
epl
i
edandy
ankedof
fhert
opi
mmedi
atel
y.

*
***
**

MCFPALACE,
LANDON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Af
terf
*cki
ngwi
thVi
vit
hroughoutl
astni
ght
,Landonbecamev
eryt
ir
ed.

Hegotupf
rom bedandhadhi
sbat
hbef
oreget
ti
nganewbandagef
orhi
shand.

Hesatont
hecouchandchangedthebandage,t
hepai
nsdoubl
edasar esul
tofhowhef
ought
wi
thity
est
erdaybuthe'
snotpl
anni
ngtotakeitt
othepal
acehospi
tal
.

Vi
vicameoutnakedaf
terhef
ini
sheddr
essi
ngt
hewound.

"
Heybaby
"shesai
d,si
tt
ingonhi
slaps.
"
Youshoul
dleav
enow"her
epl
i
edwi
thoutl
ooki
ngather
.

"What
'swr
ong?
,Youwon'
tsuckme?
"Sher
epl
i
ed,
scoot
ingcl
oser
,hern*
ppl
esdangl
i
ngi
nfr
ont
ofhi
m.

"Youneedt
oleav
enow.
..
.I
'
mti
red"her
epl
i
edandshest
ood.

"
You'
rebor
ing!
,F*
ckkkkk!
!"Sheshout
ed,
goi
ngi
ntodr
essup.

Shecameoutanddi
dn'
tsayawor
dtohi
m bef
orel
eav
ing,
Vignet
tecamei
nimmedi
atel
y.

"
Cleani
ngon"shesai
dandnev
erwast
edt
ime.

Landonst
oodandt
ookt
hef
lowerv
ase,
hedr
oppedi
tint
ent
ional
l
yandi
tbr
okeont
hegr
ound.

Hewenti
naf
tert
hat
.

"
Ial
wayscomeher
etocl
eanbr
okenpi
ecesoft
hef
lowerv
ase,
howannoy
ing"Vi
gnet
te
mut
ter
ed.

*
***
*

EVENI
NG,
PALACEPARK*
*

"
Kaf
fy"Zar
asmi
l
edwi
del
ywhent
hef
ir
stv
isi
torcamedownf
rom hercar
.
She'
soneofherf
ri
endswhocamef
ort
heanni
ver
sar
yfr
om Fr
ance.

"
Zar
aIf
*cki
ngmi
ssedy
ou"sher
epl
i
ed,
huggi
ngherl
i
ght
ly.

"Youdidn'
ttel
lmey
ou'
l
lbecomi
ngt
oday
,Imean.
..
theanni
ver
sar
yisst
il
lthr
eeday
stocome"
Zarasaid.

"Ther
e'snot
hingmucht
odoi
nFr
ancesoIf
*cki
ngcameear
ly"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Youdi
dn'
tcomewi
thy
ourgi
rl
"Zar
asai
d.

"No,
Igott
ir
edofher
,may
beI
'
llf
indanot
heronei
nher
e"kaf
fyr
epl
i
ed,
looki
ngar
ound.

Tani
shaandRei
naappear
ed.

"
They
'l
lbot
hser
vey
oui
nyourr
oom f
rom nowt
il
lyoul
eav
e"Zar
asai
dandt
heybot
hbowed.

Kaf
fysmi
l
ed,
li
cki
ngherl
owerl
i
passhest
aredatbot
hoft
hem

Shewal
kedar
oundt
hem,
checki
ngt
hem out
.

"
Ithi
nk.
..j
ustonei
senough"shef
inal
l
ysai
d.

"
Any
oney
ouchoose,
nopr
obs"Zar
asmi
l
ed.
"Her
"kaf
fypoi
ntedatTani
sha.

"Bi
gcat
ch,
she'
stempt
ingr
ight
?"Zar
asai
dandkaf
fyhel
dTani
sha'
schi
nup.

Shel
ookedatherey
esandsmi
l
e.

"Justmyt
ype"shesai
d.

"I
'
llt
reaty
ouspeci
all
yandl
eady
out
oyoursui
temy
sel
f"Zar
asai
dandl
edt
hewayf
orkaf
fy.

"You'
reser
vingheral
one,
goodl
uck"Rei
nasai
dandl
eftTani
sha.

Zar
asuddenl
ylookedback.

"Gowai
tinmysui
te"sheor
der
edandTani
shal
eftqui
ckl
y.

Shewai
tedf
oral
mostt
hir
tymi
nut
esbef
oreZar
aappear
ed.

Shewal
kedi
ntot
hesui
teandTani
shaf
oll
owed.

Shesatandoneofherguar
dshandedheracupofchampagne.

"Myfr
iendtookagreati
nterestinyousoserveherwell
,shelov
eschampagnejustl
i
keme
so.
..
.y
ou'r
egonnabeser vi
nghert hatev
eryday,y
ou'
ll
bei nchar
geoftaki
nghermealst
oher
sui
teever
yday,she'
sinsui
tef i
ft
een"Zarasaid.
"Yesgodmot
her
"shebowed.

"Good,
youcango"Zar
arepl
i
edandshest
art
edl
eav
ing.

"Andi
fsheasksf
oranyot
hert
hing,
don'
thesi
tat
etogi
vei
t"Zar
asai
d.

"Yesgodmot
her
"Tani
shar
epl
i
edandr
ushedt
otheki
tchen.

"
Youwer
ereal
l
yassi
gnedt
okaf
fy?
"Macbet
haskedwor
ri
edl
y.

"
Yes,
Ineedt
oser
veherchampagne"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed,
wal
ki
ngt
othecel
l
ar.

Shepi
ckedabot
tl
eandat
rayt
henacup.

Sher
ushedoutoft
heki
tchen.

"
Whydoy
oul
ookwor
ri
ed?
"Vi
gnet
teasked.

"
It
'snot
hing,
I'
ll
ber
ightback"l
adyMacbet
hrepl
i
edandl
eftt
heki
tchen.

Shewentt
oLi
a'
ssui
tebutcoul
dn'
tfi
ndher
,she'
snoti
nthet
rai
ninggr
oundei
ther
.

Si
err
aisnowher
etobef
oundt
oo,
li
kewi
seShayandBr
ent
.

"Wher
edi
dtheyal
lgo?
"Shewonder
edandasherl
asthope,
shemadeherwayt
oPr
incet
on'
s
sui
te.
Pr
incet
onopenedt
hedoorhi
msel
fwhensher
angt
hedoor
bel
l
.

"
LadyMac?
,Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Heasked.

"Tani
shai
s..
.

*
***
***

KAFFY'
SSUI
TE*
*

Tani
shat
ooki
nthet
raycont
aini
ngabot
tl
eofchampagneandt
hecup.

Shemetnoonei
nthel
i
vingr
oom soshepl
acedi
tont
het
abl
e.

*
Issher
est
ing?
"Shewonder
edandt
urnedt
oleav
e.

"Tani
shai
sthaty
ou?
"Kaf
fyaskedf
rom i
nsi
de.

"
Yesma'
am,
Icamewi
thy
ourchampagne"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Br
ingi
tin"sher
epl
i
edandTani
shacar
ri
edt
het
ray
.

Shewal
kedi
ntot
her
oom andt
het
rayf
ell
from herwhenshesawKaf
fy.
She'
sf*
cki
ngnaked,
wear
ingnot
hingatal
l
.

Thechampagnebot
tl
ebr
okeonTani
sha'
sfootandwoundedher
.

"
Ma'
am"shequi
ver
ed.

"
Youdi
dn'
tgetawhi
ffofmyi
ntent
ions?
,Toobad"kaf
fysmi
l
ed,
wal
ki
ngt
oher
.

Tani
shashi
ft
edbackf
ear
ful
l
y,t
hebl
oodf
rom herl
egwet
ti
ngt
hegr
ound.

Kaf
fy'
sbi
gb*
*bsbouncedonherchestasshet
ookf
ewl
astst
ri
dest
oher
.

Shehel
dhershoul
der
sandTani
shagaspedatt
het
ight
ness.

"
You'
respotl
essevenasasl
ave,you'
rebeaut
if
ulands*
xy,
you'
rehott
oo.
..
Iwanty
ou"she
whi
sper
ed,givi
ngherl
ust
ful
looks.

"Huh?
"Tani
shashi
ver
ed.

"
It
'sexact
lywhaty
ou'
ret
hinki
ng,
I'
m al
e*bi
an"Kaf
fysai
d.

"Huh.
..
les*
bian?
,NoIdon'
twantt
o"Tani
shasai
d,cl
oset
otear
s.

"Wedon'
thav
emuchti
me,Iwantt
ol*ckands*ckyou,
makey
ourcl
*tc*
minmymout
h"kaf
fy
sai
dandj
ustwit
hat
ry,
shetor
eoffTani
sha'
stop.
"
Idon'
twantt
o!!
"Shef
inal
l
ycr
ied,
cov
eri
ngherbr
*ast
swi
thherar
ms.

"
ButIwantt
o..
.andi
nher
e,Imaket
her
ules"Kaf
fyr
epl
i
edandpul
l
edherski
rtdownt
oo.

Kaf
fyl
i
ckedherl
i
pswhenshesawheri
rr
esi
sti
blep*
ssy
.

"Pl
ease.
..pl
ease!
!!
"Tani
shapl
eadedt
ear
ful
l
y.

Kaf
fyi
gnor
edandt
ookhersmal
lpi
nkn*
ppl
eint
hemi
ddl
eofherf
inger
s.

Shepr
essedi
tsohar
dandTani
shascr
eamedoutl
oud.

"
Mast
er!
!!
"

TBC

[
6/17,
6:00AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER26&27

★★★★★
"
Mast
er!
!!
'Tani
shascr
eamedout
.

"Nooneiscomi
ngher
etosav
eyou,
Zar
af*
cki
nggav
eyout
ome!
"Kaf
fyy
ell
ed,
pressi
ngher
evenhar
der
.

"I
thur
tspl
easest
op!
!"Shecr
iedagai
n.

Wi
thoutmi
ndi
ngherbl
eedi
ngl
egort
ear
yface,
Kaf
fyf
orcef
ull
ypushedhert
othebed.

Shemadetolockt
hedoorbuti
mmedi
atel
yherhandt
ouchedi
t,akni
feent
eredherhand,
maki
ngherhandgetst
uck.

"
Thehel
l
!"Sheshout
edexasper
atedl
y.

Thedooropenedandt
hehadt
ohol
ditsoshewon'
tfal
l
.

Pr
incet
oncamei
n,l
ooki
ngatherangr
il
y.

Si
xteenf
eetbel
owt
hegr
oundi
swher
eshe'
dber
ightnowi
fonl
ylookscoul
dki
l
l.

"
Pri
ncet
on?
,Howdar
eyoubar
gei
nandi
nter
ruptmyf
un!
"Shebar
kedl
oudl
y.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatherhandt
hat
'sst
il
lst
uckt
othedoorbyt
hekni
feandt
ookast
epcl
oser
.

Hepr
essedt
hekni
femor
edeepl
yandmor
ebl
oodgushedoutofherhand,
itst
ainedt
hegr
ound.
"
Pri
ncet
onareyououtofy
ourf
*cki
ngmi
nd!
,Zar
asenthert
omeandnowI
'
mint
roubl
ecosof
t
hat
?"Shesai
d.

Pr
incet
ont
urnedhi
sfur
iousey
est
oher
.

"Tohel
lwi
thy
ouandZar
a"Hespat
,shi
ft
inghi
sgazef
rom her
.

Hel
ookedatTani
shawho'
snakedont
hebed,
cov
eri
ngherbodywi
thherar
ms,
cry
ingsl
owl
y.

Hewal
kedt
oherandgott
het
hickbedcov
er,
hecov
eredherwi
thi
tandt
hat
'swhenshel
ooked
up.

Herredtear
yeyesismaki
nghi
m wannaki
llkaf
fyr
ightnow,
herswol
l
enf
acei
smaki
nghi
mfeel
l
ikesendi
nghertohel
lwher
eshebel
ongs.

Thenhenot
icedbl
oodont
hebed,
het
racedi
ttoherl
egandsawt
hebi
gcutoni
t.

Hisangerr
eleasedi
tsel
fint
ohisbl
oodst
ream agai
nandhemadet
ogobackt
okaf
fyandend
herl
if
ebutTanishaheldhim.

Thoughshesai
dnot
hingbutt
hel
ooki
nherey
esonl
ymeansshewant
stogetoutofher
e.

Howithappened,hedoesn'
tknowbuthej
ustdet
ect
edt
hatbyl
ooki
ngatherey
es,
he
under
standswhatshewants.

Hecar
riedheri
nhisar
msandshel
etherar
msgost
rai
ghtr
oundhi
m,sher
est
edherheadon
hi
schestandcl
osedherey
es.
Hewalkedoutoft
heroom,deci
dingtol
eav
ekaff
yforanot
herday
,shemi
ghtj
ustmakeanot
her
mist
akebefor
esheleav
esandthat'
swhenhe'
l
lki
llher
.

Het
ookheroutofthesui
teandt
hegangmembershepassedbyl
ookedonsurpri
singl
y,t
hisi
s
t
hefi
rstt
imehe'
ll
bemakingthemist
akeofcar
ryi
ngagi
rli
nhisar
ms,ithasnev
erhappened.

Thosef
rom af
arst
oodandgazedathi
m butnoonesawt
hef
aceoft
hegi
rlhecar
ri
ed.

Li
asuddenl
ycaughtupwi
thhi
m andbl
ockedhi
m.

"
Didyouchangesty
le?
,Areyounowcarr
yingagi
rli
nyourar
mstogof
*ck?
,howcl
assy
"she
l
aughedbutherl
aught
erendedwhenshesawtheankl
eofthegi
rl
.

Theankl
ett
hat
'sal
way
sonTani
sha'
sankl
eisr
ightt
her
e.

Shequi
ckl
yrai
sedt
hecl
othef
rom herf
aceandherey
eswi
dened.

"
Tani
sha!
"Shesai
dshocki
ngl
y.

Herf
acesay
sital
lthatshe'
snotok,
thet
ear
sisst
il
lonherf
aceandherl
egi
sbl
eedi
ng

"
Whathappened.
..
toher
?"Sheaskedcal
mly
.

"Askl
adyMac,andy ouneedt
obringhersomet
hingt
owear
,nott
hesl
avedr
ess,
Imean.
..
.br
ing
heroneofy
ourtrousersandt
op"hesaidandl
eft
.

Li
arushedal
lthewayt
otheki
tchenandmetl
adyMac,
prepar
ingdi
nnerwi
thVi
gnet
teandRei
na.
"
I'
vel
ookedev
ery
wher
efory
ou,
wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
"Macasked

"
Iwasatt
hepal
acepool
wit
htheot
her
s,t
ell
meev
ery
thi
ng"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"Wel
l
...
..godmot
herassi
gnedTani
shat
okaf
fy'
ssui
teand.
..

"
Kaf
fy?
,Herl
esbi
anf
ri
endf
rom Fr
ance?
"Li
aint
err
upt
ed.

"Cor
rect
'l
adyMacr
epl
i
ed.

"Hol
yf*
ck"Vi
gnet
temut
ter
edwhi
l
eRei
nasmi
l
ed.

"
SoIcont
act
edPr
incet
onand.
..

Li
ast
ormedoutoft
hepl
acebef
orel
adyMaccoul
dfi
nish.

"
Buty
ousai
dnot
hingear
li
er"Vi
gnet
te.

"
Youwoul
dn'
thav
ebeenabl
etodoany
thi
ngev
eni
fIt
oldy
ou"l
adyMacr
epl
i
ed.

*
*"*
**

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*
Thankful
l
y,theki
dsarei
ntheirr
oom whenPr
incet
oncamei
nwi
thTani
sha,
they
'l
lpr
obabl
ybe
pl
ayingwithSweeti
ntheroom.

Tammycameoutoft
heki
tchenandl
ooksshockedt
oseeTani
shai
nthatst
ate.

"
Tani
shawhat
..
..

"Goconti
nuethemealprepar
ati
on,
she'
l
lbef
ine"Pr
incet
oni
nter
rupt
edandTammybowed
bef
oreenter
ingt
heki
tchen.

Het
ookheri
ntohi
sroom andpl
acedheront
hebed,
she'
sst
il
lshaki
ngsl
i
ght
ly.

"
You'
rewi
thmenow,
arey
oust
il
lscar
ed?
"Heasked.

"No"sher
epl
i
edandhesi
ghedbef
oreget
ti
ngt
heki
t.

Hegotastool
andsati
nfr
ontofher
,het
ookherwoundedl
egof
fthegr
oundandpl
acedi
ton
hi
slaps.

Hest
art
edwi
pingt
hebl
oodwi
thapi
eceofbandage.

"
Kaf
fy,
shoul
dIj
ustki
l
lhert
oni
ght
?,Thatdog"hemut
ter
edashewi
ped.

Tani
shast
art
edcal
mingdownbi
tbybi
t.

Hef
ini
shedwi
pingandbr
oughtoutsamebot
tl
eofdi
sinf
ect
ant
.
"I
t'
sver
yef
fect
ive,
andt
hat
'swhyI
'
m al
way
swi
thf
ull
suppl
yofi
t,y
ouhav
etoendur
eok?
"He
sai
d.

Shekeptst
ari
ngathi
m wi
thoutsay
ingat
hing.

"
It
'l
lst
ingalot,Imean.
..
ver
ymuchsi
nceit
'sanopenwoundbuti
t'
l
lonl
ymakei
theal
ver
yfast
,
Don'
tbescared"hesai
dandshenoddedsl
ight
ly.

Heopenedi
tandbr
oughti
tcl
osert
othewound,
bendi
ngi
ttowar
dsi
t.

Tani
shacl
osedherey
est
ight
lybutt
hemomentt
hel
i
qui
dtouchedt
hewound,
shescr
eamedout
l
oudl
y.

"
Arr
gg!
!!
!!
"

Pr
incet
onqui
ckl
ydr
oppedt
hebot
tl
eandhuggedherheadt
ohi
msel
f.

"Sor
ry"hesai
dgent
lyandherf
idgetdecr
eased,
shehel
dhi
mti
ght
lyandnev
erl
etgot
il
lthe
sti
ngi
ngended.

Pr
incet
onsmi
l
edatherandshesmi
l
edbackshor
tl
y.

"
Arey
ouoknow?
"Heasked.

"
Yes"sher
epl
i
edandhedr
essedi
twi
thbandagebef
orel
ett
inggoofherl
eg.

Thecov
ercl
othesuddenl
yfel
lof
fherupperbodyandPr
incet
oncaughtagl
i
mpseofherb*
*bs
bef
oreshequi
ckl
ycov
eredi
t.

Hern*
ppl
esar
ef*
cki
ngr
ed,
meani
ngKaf
fyt
oyedwi
tht
hem bef
orehear
ri
ved.

"
IswearI
'
llki
l
lher
"hesai
d.

"
Huh?
"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Nev
ermi
nd"her
epl
i
edandLi
acamei
nwi
thj
eant
rouser
sandat
op.

"
Arey
oubet
ternow?
"Sheaskedwi
thconcer
n,t
ouchi
ngTani
sha'
shai
rfondl
y.

"Yes,
mast
ert
reat
edt
hewoundal
ready
"sher
epl
i
edandLi
asmi
l
ed.

"Changei
ntot
hose"Pr
incet
onsai
d,poi
nti
ngatt
hecl
othesLi
abr
ought
.

"Huh?
,Notsl
avecl
othesany
mor
e?"Sheasked.

"
Notany
mor
e"her
epl
i
edandTani
shasmi
l
edbef
orest
andi
ng.

"Let'
sgo,
youcan'
tst
ayher
ewhi
l
eshe'
sdr
essi
ngup"Li
asai
dandpul
l
edPr
incet
onoutoft
he
room.

"So,
Kaf
fyt
ri
edt
omesswi
thher
,howf
unnybutatt
hesamet
imenotf
unny
"Li
asmi
rked.

"Di
dyougot
oheral
ready
?,Imeangodmot
her
"Pr
incet
onasked.
"
No,
waswai
ti
ngsowecoul
dgot
oget
her
"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"I
'
m done"Tani
shasai
d,wal
ki
ngoutoft
her
oom.

"
Whoa!,Jeanwasmadeforyou,
youlookt
otal
lydi
ff
erentwithyourhai
rdowntoo,
she'
scut
e..
.
r
ightbr
o?'shesai
d,l
ooki
ngatPr
incet
onbutseemshe'slostst
ari
ngatTanisha

"
Heybr
o"shesai
dandhel
ookedather
.

"
Yeah"her
epl
i
edsi
mpl
y.

"Cany
ouwal
kwi
tht
hel
egy
et?
"Li
aasked.

"
Yes,
ver
ywel
l
,Ishoul
dgoj
oint
heot
her
sint
heki
tchen"sher
epl
i
ed.

"No!
"Li
aandPr
incet
onsai
datat
ime.

"
You'r
enotall
owedtost
epi
ntotheki
tchenf
ort
her
estoft
oday
,justst
ayher
eti
l
ltommor
ow
morni
ng"Pr
incet
onsai
dandLi
asmi l
ed.

"Isuppor
tthat
"shesai
d.

"Tani
sha!
"Thet
winschor
used,
comi
ngoutwi
thSweet
.

"Cut
ies"shesmi
l
edwal
ki
ngt
othem.
"
Whathappenedt
oyourl
eg?
"Mi
naasked,
not
ici
ngf
ir
st.

"
Not
hingmuch,
i
tdoesn'
thur
tabi
t"sher
epl
i
edsi
mpl
y.

"Ar
eyousur
e?"Sanaasked.

"Comeon,
I'
mfi
ne"sher
epl
i
edandPr
incet
onl
eftt
hesui
tewi
thLi
aimmedi
atel
y.

TheyheadforZar
a'ssui
teandf
oundhersi
tt
ingr
egal
l
yinherl
i
vingr
oom wi
thKaf
fywhohasa
bandagedhand.

"
Whatt
hehel
ldoy
out
hinky
oudi
d!'
Zar
ayel
l
ed,
standi
ngup.

"
Ishouldbet
hef
irstonetoaskthatquest
ion,
whatthehel
ldi
dyoudo!
,Thoughtwemadet
he
r
ulethatr
api
ngi
sf or
biddenher
e!"Pr
incet
onyell
edback.

"Andhowcany
oucal
lthatr
ape?
,She'
smysl
aveandIdeci
dewhat
everIwantwi
thher
!"Zar
a
yel
l
ed.

"Sosendi
nghert
oal
esbi
anwast
henextt
hingony
ourmi
ndy
ouwi
tch!
"Li
ashout
ed.

"You'
vegr
ownsomenerves,
guessmyalphapouredsomei
ntoy
ourempt
yskul
landt
hat
'swhy
youhavet
hebal
l
stoshoutatmeLia!
"Zaraspat
.

"I
'
lldoitagai
nandagai
nmot her
!,Ohi
tev
ensoundsbi
tt
ert
ocallyoumot
hercosyou'
reso
cr
uel!
,Thatgi
rli
stooi
nnocentandpur
etobedef
il
edbyapiggywoman!
"Liashout
ed.
"Di
dyouj
ustaddr
essmeaspi
ggy
?"Kaf
fyst
ood.

"Ofcour
sepi
g!"Li
ayel
l
ed.

"Andwhyar
eyoubot
hdoi
ngt
his?
,I'
venev
erseenmyt
wobestst
andi
ngupf
orasl
ave"Zar
a
smil
ed.

"Cosshe'
sdi
ff
erent
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Andthat'
swhyy oucarr
iedheroutofthatsui
teinyourar
ms?
,Tel
lmear
eyoui
nlov
eagai
n?,
Did
y
ouforgetwhathappenedaboutAva?"Zarasaid.

"Don'
ttal
kabouther
!!
'Pr
incet
onshout
ed.

"
Ofcour
seIshould,
Ishoul
ddot hattobri
ngyoubackt
oyoursensesandst
opy
ouf
rom f
all
i
ng
f
urt
heri
nlov
ewi t
hawor t
hlessslav
e!"Zar
ayell
ed.

"She'
snotwor
thl
essZar
a!"Pr
incet
onshout
ed.

"Youj
ustcal
l
edmebymyname?
"Zar
asai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"What?,Wer en'
tyounamedZaraonyourdedi
cati
on?
,She'
syoursl
avewhichmakeshery
our
proper
ty,butIoncetol
dyouthatwhat
everIwantamongyourpr
opert
yshall
bemineri
ght
?,I
'
ll
takeher"hesaid.
.

"Impossibl
e!,
Iain'
tgi
vi
nghert
oyou!
,Youcan'
tfal
li
nlov
eandal
l
owhi
stor
yyor
epeati
tsel
f
agai
n!"Zarayell
ed.
"Andwhot
hehel
lsai
dI'
minl
ove!
"Heshout
ed.

"Yourey esjustnow,isat y
picalexampl eofwhati
tlookedli
ketwoy earsagowheny ouwere
defendingAv a,I'
m notdaftIknowy oumor et
hananyoneinhere!
,Iknowy ouinandout
Princet
onsopl ease!
,Scratchthatfourlet
terwor
dsoutofy ourmind!,Getitst
rai
ghtandfocus
ont hi
spal ace!
,Focusonget ti
ngr evengeonthebastardwhokill
edFar r
is!
"Zarayel
led.

Pr
incet
onwentsi
l
entandwal
kedt
oKaf
fy.

Hel
ookedatherwi
thwar
ningey
es.

"
Becar
eful
,Imi
ghtj
ustki
l
lyoubef
orey
ouhav
ethechancet
oleav
e"hesai
dtoherf
aceandl
eft
t
hesui
te.

"
Stophi
m atal
lcost
s,hemustnotkeepf
all
i
ngf
ort
hatsl
ave"Zar
asai
dtoLi
a.

Li
asmi
l
edandwal
kedcl
osert
oher
.

"I'
l
lmakesurehecont
inuesf
all
i
ngandf
all
i
ngandf
all
i
ngf
orher
..
..
deal
"shesai
dandsmi
l
ed
danger
ousl
yatKaff
ybeforel
eavi
ngt
hesui
te.

Zar
apushedt
het
rayofchampagneof
fthet
abl
eangr
il
yandi
tshat
ter
edont
hegr
ound.

"
No,Pr
incet
oncan'
tdothi
sagai
n,i
t'
sadi
str
act
ion!
,Ineedhi
minmi
ssi
ons,
noti
nlov
e!"She
r
ant
edangri
lyandl
ight
enedasmoke.

Shest
art
edsmoki
ng,
pour
ingherangeri
nthesmokes.
"
Whydon'
twemaket
hiseasy
"Kaf
fysai
d.

Zar
afacedher

"How?
"

"WhenI'
m goi
ngbackt
oFr
ance,
gif
thert
ome,
I'
ll
justt
akeherdi
scr
eet
ly"Kaf
fysai
dandZar
a
si
ghed.

*
***
***

LANDON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Thepai
nsemanat
ingf
rom hi
shandi
ssecondt
ononebuthe'
sendur
ingper
fect
ly.

He'
spr
epar
ingt
ogot
othegener
aldi
nni
ngf
ordi
nnerwhenVi
vicamei
nsuddenl
y.

Sher
ushedt
ohi
m andcapt
uredhi
sli
ps,
kissi
nghi
mroughl
ywhi
l
eunbol
ti
nghi
sbel
t.

Hest
oppedherandpushi
ngheraway
,shest
agger
ed,
looki
ngathi
m shocki
ngl
y.

"
I'
mf*
cki
ngh*
rny
,let
'sf
*ckr
ightnowpl
ease,
li
kenow"shesai
dandcamef
orhi
m agai
n.

Hepushedherchestandshest
agger
edaway
.
"
Donwhyar
eyou.
..
.

"Leav
e,f
*vki
ngi
snotpar
tofmyschedul
etoday
"hesai
dser
iousl
yandVi
vigi
ggl
ed.

"Landon?
,Youj
ustsaidf*ckingisnotpartofyourschedul
estoday
?,Youf*v
kmorethanfour
gir
lsadaysowhatareyout alki
ngabout?
, Al
lyourschedul
esareal
waystakenbyf
*ck!
,Iwant
younow..
..
nowDon'shereplied.

"
AndIt
oldy
out
oleav
e!"Hey
ell
edandVi
vif
li
nched.

"
Real
l
y?,
Youmustbef
*cki
ngt
hatsl
aveal
ready
,yourcl
eaner
.

Youmustbeget
ti
ngint
oherp*ssyal
readyandthat
'swhyIdi
sgusty
ounowr
ight
?,Don'
tcome
beggi
ng,
Iwon'
tl
etyou"shesai
dandleftangr
il
y.

Landonf
ell
backont
hecouchandunwr
appedt
hebandagef
rom hi
shand.

"
Thi
sf*
cki
nghur
ts"hesai
d,st
ari
ngatt
hewound.

*
***
**

GENERALDI
NNI
NG*
*

"
Alesbi
anal
mostf
*ckedTani
shat
oday
"Li
aannouncedandSi
err
achokedonherwat
er.

"The.
..
f*v
k!'
shesai
d.

"Lesbi
an?
,Int
hispal
ace?
"Shaysai
d.
"
Madam Kaf
fyf
rom Fr
ance,
she'
sthedaught
erofagangst
er,
godmot
her
'sf
ri
end"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"So.
..Howdi
ditgo?
"Br
entasked.

"
Mybr
osav
edher
,isn'
thesweet
?"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"Youcan'
tbet
alki
ngaboutLandonso.
..Pr
incet
on?
"Si
err
aasked.

"Sur
e,hesav
edherandt
ookhert
ohi
ssui
te,
isn'
tthatacut
esi
ghtt
owat
ch?
"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"
Wil
dcatr
eal
l
ysav
edagi
rl
?,That
'snew"Shaysai
d.

"Iknowr
ight
?,Thei
rchemi
str
ywi
l
lbecut
edon'
tyout
hink?
"Li
asai
d.

"I
ont
hinkso"Br
entsai
d.

"Why
?"Li
aasked.

"Br
entwasr i
ght,youthinkthegreatgodmotherwi
llsi
tlei
surel
yandwatchheral
phafall
ingi
n
l
oveagainafterthefi
rstone?,She'l
ldoevery
thi
ngpossibl
etomakei ti
mpossibl
e,andwhenI'
m
tal
kingabouteveryt
hing..
..
youknowwhati tmeans"Si
errasaidandusedherf
orktocrossher
neck.

"
Pri
ncet
onandIwi
l
lpr
otecther
,not
hingwi
l
lhappent
oher
"Li
arepl
i
ed

"Ihopeso"Shaysai
dandchokedonhi
sfood.
Li
aqui
ckl
yof
fer
edwat
erandhet
ooki
t.

"
Thanks"hesai
dandSi
err
asmi
l
ed.

Vi
gnet
tecamewi
thRei
naandt
heyst
art
edser
vingdesser
ts

Vi
gnet
tegott
othei
rtabl
eanddr
oppedt
hei
rs.

"
How'
sthepr
epar
ati
onsf
ort
heanni
ver
sar
ygoi
ngi
ntheki
tchen?"Si
err
aasked.

"Busybutf
ine"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed.

Br
entl
ookedatherandshesmi
l
edshor
tl
ybef
orel
eav
ing.

"
Shesmi
l
edaty
ou"Si
err
asai
d.

"
May
beagi
ft
"Br
entsmi
l
ed.

Tr
acyandVi
vij
oinedt
het
abl
eatt
hesamet
imeandSi
err
aexchangedgl
anceswi
thLi
a.

"
Twogi
rl
smi
ssedt
hei
rway
s"Li
asai
d.

"I
'
m nothappyt
ositheretoobutseemsev
ery
onei
seat
ingi
nthi
spl
acet
oday
,it
'sf
ull
soIhav
e
nochoi
cebutsi
there"Tracysai
d.
"Samer
eason"Vi
visai
d.

"Funni
estscenet
oday
"Shayl
aughed.

"Ofcour
se,
cheer
stot
hat
"Br
entgi
ggl
ed.

"
Anni
ver
sar
y..
.what
'sgonnahappen"Si
err
asi
ghed.

*
***
**

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Tani
shai
sst
il
lther
e,notal
l
owedt
ogobackt
othesl
avehousey
et.

Theki
dssl
eptof
fonherl
aps,
bot
hoft
hem hav
ethei
rheadsonherl
apsast
heysl
epti
nthe
l
ivi
ngr
oom.

Sweeti
sbesi
deherl
egs,
sleepi
ngpeacef
ull
yther
etoo.

Shest
rokedt
hehai
rsoft
het
wocut
iesandsmi
l
edasshedi
d.

"
Whatcr
uel
mot
herwi
l
lleav
etwocut
iesl
i
ket
hisal
one,
howt
hought
lessofAv
a"shet
hought
.

Shet
houghtofhowPr
incet
oncamef
orherear
li
erandawi
desmi
l
espr
eadonherf
ace.

"
Hewascool
"shesmi
l
edandl
ookedatt
hecut
iesagai
n.
"
Ilov
eyoubot
hver
ymuch"shesai
dandki
ssedt
hei
rhai
r.

Sher
est
edbackont
hecouchandsl
eptof
ftoo.

Tammycameoutsamet
imewi
thPr
incet
onandcar
ri
edt
het
wins.

"
I'
ll
takecar
eofNi
sha,
youcant
aket
hem t
obed"hesai
dandTammywenti
nwi
tht
hem.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatTani
shaagai
nandi
nthenextmi
nut
e,she'
sal
readyi
nhi
sar
ms.

Hecar
ri
edheri
ntohi
sroom andl
ayheront
hebed.

Hesatbesi
deherandst
rokedherhai
rgent
ly,
remember
ingZar
a'swor
ds.

"
Am Ir
eal
l
yfal
l
ingf
ory
ou?
"Heaskedhi
msel
f,st
ari
ngather
.

Hi
shandl
eftherhai
randwentt
oherf
ace,
het
ouchedi
tgent
lyl
i
keaf
ragi
l
eeggandsmi
l
ed.

"Ihat
eseei
ngyoui
ndangerand.
..
Ihateseei
ngy
ourt
ear
s,Ihat
ewheny
ougethur
ttooandI
alwayswanty
ouar
ound"hewhisper
ed.

Het
ouchedherl
i
pswi
thhi
sthumbandt
hesof
tnesst
empt
edhi
m.

Hef
eltt
heneedt
otast
eitsohest
art
edl
eani
ngt
owar
dshersl
owl
y.
Hecl
osedhisey
eswhenhi
sli
pswasaboutt
otouchher
sbutsomeonesuddenl
yjumpedonhi
m
f
rom behi
nd.

Hedr
ewhi
sgunwi
thi
nasecondandst
oodswi
ft
ly,
poi
nti
ngi
ttowhoev
eri
tis.

Hi
sar
m dr
oppedwhenhesawSweetont
hebedbesi
deTani
sha.

"
You?
,Whendi
dyougether
e"hesai
dsur
pri
singl
y.

Sweetmeowedcut
elybef
orel
ayi
ngbesi
deher
,spr
eadi
ngi
t'
slegswi
del
y.

"
Ser
iousl
y?,
Thi
sisst
il
lmybednosycat
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandSweetscoot
edev
encl
osert
oher
.

"Youst
il
lwon'
tl
eav
e?"Hesai
dandSweetcl
osedi
t'
sey
es.

Pr
incet
oncar
ri
editandpl
acedi
tont
hebedst
andbutal
mosti
mmedi
atel
y,Sweetcamebackt
o
sl
eepbesi
deTani
shaagai
n.

Pr
incet
ondr
ewhi
sgunagai
nandpl
acedi
tonSweet
'sskul
l

"
GetuporI
'
m gonnar
eal
l
yki
l
lyou"het
hreat
ened.

Sweetwentcl
osert
oTani
shaandpl
acedi
t'
sheadonTani
sha'
sbr
e*st
s,sl
eepi
ngof
f
i
mmediatel
y.

Pr
incet
onst
aredunbel
i
evabl
y.
"
Arey
ouf
*cki
ngki
ddi
ngme"

TBC

[
6/17,
6:00AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER28&29

★★★★★

NEXTMORNI
NG*
*

Tani
shawokeuptothesmellofcol
ogneandsmil
ed,
inhali
ngmuchoft
hel
ovel
yscentbef
ore
remember
ingt
hatonlyoner
oom smellst
hisway
.Pri
nceton'
s!

Sheopenedherey
esandspr
angedup,
sit
ti
ngont
hebed.

"
I'
m onmast
er'
sbed?
"Shesai
dandSweetj
umpedonher
.

Shecar
ri
edi
tandst
rokedi
t'
sheadf
ondl
y.

"
Didmast
ertakemehere?
"Shewonder
edl
oudl
yanddet
ect
edt
hatast
rongsmel
lofsmokei
s
l
i
nger
ingundert
hecol
ogne.
Shet
urnedherf
acet
otheot
hersi
deoft
her
oom andsawhi
m.

He'
ssi
tt
ingonachai
r,l
ooki
ngst
rai
ghtatherwhi
l
esmoki
ngsl
owl
y.

Shequi
ckl
ygotdownf
rom t
hebed.

"
Mast
er"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Wher
edi
dyougett
hatcatf
rom?
"Heasked,
hal
ti
nghi
ssmoki
ng.

"Sweet
?,Dadgoti
tformeIdon'
tknowwher
e"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Mustbef
rom I
ndi
aandt
hat
'swhyi
t'
str
espassi
ngandbei
ngt
err
it
ori
al"hesai
d.

"Huh?
"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"Not
hing,
didy
ousl
eepwel
l
?"Heaskedandshesmi
l
edagai
n.

"
YesIdi
d,t
hanksf
orl
ett
ingmespendt
heni
ghtony
ourbed"sher
epl
i
ed.

Hewal
kedt
oherandshecont
inuedsni
ff
ingt
hesmoke.

"
You'
renott
oler
antt
othesmokes?
"Heasked.
"
NoI
'
m ok"sher
epl
i
ed.

Hegott
oherandmadehersi
tont
heedgeoft
hebed.

Het
ookherl
egandSweetcamecl
oser
.

"
What?,
Areyougonnast
opmef
rom checki
ngoutherwoundagai
n?"Hegl
aredati
tandSweet
l
eftt
heroom.

"
Brav
ado"hesai
d.

"
Yes,
he'
sbr
ave"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Iknow,
other
wisewhywoul
dhest
opmef
rom sl
eepi
ngonmybedl
astni
ght
"her
epl
i
ed.

"Huh?
,Hedi
d?"

"
He'
smi
schi
evoust
hany
out
hink"hesai
d.

"Whatdi
dhedo?
"Sheaskedcar
eful
l
y

Pri
ncet
onr
emember
edhowSweetpl
acedi
t'
sheadonherb*
*bsl
astni
ghtanddeci
dednott
o
tal
k

"
Don'
twor
ry"hesai
d,unwr
appi
ngt
hebandagef
rom t
hewound.
Thewoundi
sal
mostheal
ed.

"
Whoa!
,Thedi
sinf
ect
anti
sreal
l
ypot
ent
"shesai
dandhest
ood

"I
t'
sinmysui
tesoi
tmustbe"hesai
dandshesmi
l
ed,
standi
ngt
oo.

"Youshoul
deather
ebef
orel
eav
ingf
ort
heki
tchen"hesai
d.

"Yesmast
er"shesmi
l
edandhebr
oughthi
shandt
oherhai
r.

Hest
rokedi
tandshesmi
l
edwi
der
.

"
Yourhai
r"shesai
dandhest
oppedst
roki
ng.

"
Whatabouti
t?"Heasked.

"
It
'sl
ongal
ready
,ar
en'
tyougonnagetanhai
rcut
?"Sheasked.

"Noty
et,
Ilov
erocki
ngwi
thmyl
onghai
rbef
orecut
ti
ngi
tof
f"her
epl
i
edandshest
eppedcl
oser

"Then.
..Icanst
rokey
ourhai
rtoo.
..
.ri
ght
?"Sheasked.

Hel
eanedi
nandcl
osedhi
sey
esi
nfr
ontofher
,bendi
ngt
oherl
evel
.

Shet
ouchedhi
shai
randst
art
edst
roki
ngi
tjustl
i
kehedi
dtoher
.
Ev
enaf
tershef
ini
shed,
heopenedhi
sey
esandst
art
edst
ari
ngwi
thoutbot
her
ingt
omov
eback.

"
Mast
er"shecal
l
ed.

"
What
?"Heasked.

"
Thanky
ou"shesai
d.

"
Why
?"

"
Forev
ery
thi
ng,
justev
ery
thi
ng"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Ever
ythi
ngIdi
d,i
t'
sfr
eesoi
onneedy
out
othankme,
youcango"hesai
dandshesmi
l
ed
bef
oreleavi
ngt
heroom.

Pr
incet
oncont
inuedsmoki
ng,
,t
hinki
ngaboutZar
aandherpi
ggyf
ri
end.

"
They
'l
lsur
elyt
rysomet
hingdi
rt
y,butI
'
m her
e,t
hey
'l
lregr
ett
ryi
ngt
omesswi
thher
"het
hought
.

Get
ti
ngt
othel
i
vingr
oom ,
Tani
shamett
het
wins,
dressedandr
eadyf
orschool
.

Shehuggedt
hem oneaf
tert
heot
her
.

"
Dowel
li
nschool
asusual
,acey
ourt
est
s"shest
rokedt
hei
rhai
r
"YesTani
sha,
wher
e'sdaddy
?"Mi
naasked.

"
Her
e'sdaddy
"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed,
comi
ngoutoft
her
oom

"Goodmor
ningDad"t
heybot
hchor
usedashehuggedt
hem t
ight
ly.

"Youbot
hsl
eptwel
lri
ght
?"Heaskedandt
heynodded.

"
Goandber
ightback,
I'
ll
bewai
ti
ngher
e"hesai
d.

"Yesdad"t
heyr
epl
i
edandhepeckedt
hei
rcheeks.

Tammyl
edt
hem outoft
hehouseandTani
shaf
oll
owed.

Theywer
ehel
pedI
ntot
hecarandt
akent
oschool
int
hecompanyofguar
ds.

Tani
shawentbacki
ntot
hesui
teandmetPr
incet
onsi
tt
ingatt
hedi
nni
ngal
ready
.

Shesatbesi
dehi
m andTammyser
vedt
hem.

Wi
thoutwai
ti
ng,
shest
art
edeat
ing,
thankst
oTammywhoal
way
smakeshermeal
sful
lofmeat
.

Pr
incet
onhadt
ost
opandst
are,
shehasanheal
thyappet
it
eandhe'
sgl
adaboutt
hat
.

He'ssurethati
fhestart
seati
ng,
he'
dhav
ebar
elyeat
ent
enspoonswhenhe'
l
lbecomef
ull
,hi
s
appeti
teisnotthatst
rong.
Tani
shacont
inuedeat
ingandhepour
edwat
erf
rom t
hej
ugi
ntot
hecupf
orher
.

"
Thanks"shesai
d,t
aki
ngt
hecup.

Shedr
ankt
hewat
ersl
owl
yandexhal
ed.

"
I'
mful
l
"shesai
d.

"
I'
mjeal
ous"her
epl
i
edandst
art
edeat
ingsl
owl
y.

"
Why
?"

"
Don'
tmi
nd,
youcanl
eav
e"hesai
dwi
thoutl
ooki
ngather

Shest
oodandwav
edatTammywho'
sjustcomi
ngoutoft
heki
tchen.

"
Noneedt
ocl
eant
oday
,thesui
tei
sst
il
lspar
kli
ng"Tammysai
d.

Shel
eftt
hesui
teandwentst
rai
ghtt
otheki
tchenwher
eshemetRei
naandVi
gnet
te.

Immedi
atel
yRei
nasawherinthej
eanandtop,
angerconsumedherbutshet
ri
edherbestt
o
keepi
tlow,
shemustcont
inuepl
ayi
ngthi
sgameifshewantsthedesi
redout
come.

"
Howdi
dyouescapef
rom t
hel
esbi
an?
,Ar
eyouf
ine?
"Vi
gnet
teaskedcur
iousl
y.
"Yeah,
mast
ersav
edme"Tani
shar
epl
i
edandVi
gnet
tei
nhal
ed.

Rei
naf
oldedherf
istmor
eti
ght
lyont
hekni
feshe'
shol
ding.

"
I'
m gl
ad,
so.
..
yougotf
reedom?
"Vi
gnet
teasked.

"
No,
justnewcl
othes,
mast
ersai
dIcankeepwear
ingt
hem"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Yousl
epti
nhi
ssui
te?
"Vi
gnet
teasked

"Yeah.Hei
nsi
stedsoIhadnochoi
ce"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"
Luckyy
ou"Rei
nasai
ddr
yly
.

"He'
sactual
l
ykindbutnotwhenhe'
sangr
y,doy
ouunder
standhi
m?'
LadyMacbet
hasked,
comi
ngintotheki
tchen.

"I
'
mt ryi
ngmybest,he'
sbecomingeasi
ertounder
standtheseday
s,notl
i
kebef
orewhenIcan
neverguesswhathemightdonext
"Tanishar
epli
edcheerful
l
y.

"OkenoughofPri
ncet
on,
mor
evi
sit
orswi
l
lbecomi
ngt
oday
"Macsai
d,gi
vi
ngTani
shat
he
veggi
estochop.

"I
t'
sanopengr
oundpar
ty?
"Tani
shaasked.

"Ofcourse,
befastwi
tht
hev
eggi
es,
wehav
etoser
vebr
eakf
asty
ouknow?
"Macr
epl
i
edand
Tanishaspedup.
*
***
**

ADAYTOTHEPARTY*
*

Justli
keLadyMacbethsaid,
thepal
acei
sful
lofguest
salready
,thepartywil
lbehappeni
ng
tommor owsoalmostal
ltheguest
sarear
oundalr
eadythoughthelastbat
chofguestswil
l
arr
iveintheev
ening.

Whil
eTanishaisbusyintheki
tchenwi
thVi
gnet
teandRei
na,
Zar
aishav
ingf
unwi
thagr
oupof
heral
readypr
esentfr
iends.

Li
aisatt
hepool
wit
hther
estoft
hegang,
hav
ingf
un.

"
Didy
ougetadr
essal
ready
?"Si
err
asuddenl
yasked.

"
Ihavemor
ethanhundr
eddressesIhav
en'
tev
ent
ri
edon,
I'
m notr
eadyt
ogof
orshoppi
ngsoI
'
ll
j
ustgowi
thoneofi
t"Li
arepl
iedsi
mply.

"I
onhav
eti
met
ogof
orshoppi
ngt
oosoy
ou'
l
lgi
vemeoneoft
hegowns,
deal
?"Si
err
aasked.

"Nodeal
,paymef
ir
st"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"
Nodon'
tbel
i
ket
hisLi
a,we'
ref
ri
endsr
emember
"Si
err
apout
edandLi
alaughed.

"Whydi
dn'
tyougof
orshoppi
ngy
est
erday
?"Li
aasked.
"I
'
m notaf
anofshoppingandIhat
eweari
nggownsbutwhatcanIdo?
,godmot
herwant
s
ev
ery
onetodr
essnicel
y"Si
err
arepl
ied.

"Okdeal
"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"Thanksbud"Si
err
awi
nkedandShaycameoutoft
hepool
,br
ushi
nghi
swethai
rbackwi
thhi
s
pal
m.

Li
acouldn'
ttakeherey
esof
fhi
m,Si
err
anot
icedandsmi
l
edagai
n,nownooneneedst
otel
lher
whothecrushis.

"
It
'sShayr
ight
?"SheaskedandLi
aqui
ckl
ylookedaway
.

"
Idunno"sher
epl
i
edandqui
ckl
yrushedt
othepool
,wal
ki
ngpastShay
.

Shaycamet
oSi
err
aandsatbesi
deher

"Yourbr
idejustent
eredt
hepool
,whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Sheasked,
looki
ngathi
m wi
than
archedbrow.

"
Bri
de?
"Hesai
d.

"For
geti
t"shesi
ppedf
rom herdr
inkandBr
entj
oinedt
hem.

"Andnowt
heseconddi
stur
beri
sher
e,gosh!
"Shesai
d,cov
eri
ngherear
s.

"Hear
dgodmot
herwi
l
lbesel
l
ingsomesl
avest
ommor
owi
nabi
ddur
ingt
hepar
ty"Br
entsai
d.
"I
oncar
e,I
'
m notasl
ave"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"
Aft
ert
heanni
ver
sar
ypar
ty,
what
'sourf
ir
stmi
ssi
on?"Shayasked.

"Noi
dea,
may
bewe'
l
lgof
orsi
l
vert
hist
ime"Si
err
agi
ggl
ed.

"Wi
l
lyoubemydat
efort
hepar
ty?
"Br
entasked

"
Whosay
swe'
ret
obr
ingdat
es?
"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Idon'
tmeant
hat
,Imean.
..
.Ij
ustwantust
oat
tendt
oget
hery
unno"Shaysai
d.

"Not
hanks,
I'
m noti
nter
est
ed"sher
epl
i
edf
lat
ly.

"Sowhataboutme?
,Wi
l
lyougowi
thme?
'"Br
entasked.

Si
err
adeci
dedt
oignor
eandj
ustl
eav
ebutt
heybot
hhel
dherhands.

Shel
ookedatt
hem bef
oresi
ghi
ng.

"
Letgoofme,
youbot
h"shesai
dcal
mly
.

Theybot
hkepthol
dingher
.
"
Letgoofme!
"Shesnapped,
taki
ngherhandsf
rom t
hem.

Thenshenot
icedLi
aisn'
tmov
ingi
nthepool
.

"Li
aaren'
tyougonnacomeout
?"Shesai
dloudl
y,wal
ki
ngt
owar
dsi
tbutonl
ybubbl
esar
e
comingtot
hesurface.

"
Lia!
'shecal
l
edagai
nandt
hensl
i
ght
lysawherbodyunder
wat
er.

"
Lia!
"Sheshout
ed.

Shayj
umpedi
ntot
hewat
erandandpul
l
edherout
.

Shewaspl
acedbyt
hepool
sideandshewokeupI
mmedi
atel
y,v
omi
ti
ngal
otofwat
er.

"
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
,It
'snoty
ourf
ir
stt
imeswi
mmi
ng"Si
err
asai
d.

Li
akeptl
ooki
ngatt
hem,
justbr
eat
hingheav
il
y,unabl
etospeak.

"
I'
ll
takehert
oherl
odge"Shaysai
d.

"
Sur
e,makesur
eshe'
sok"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"Takecar
eLi
a"Br
entsai
dandshenoddedasShaycar
ri
edheri
nhi
sar
ms.

Shewast
akenoutoft
hepl
aceandshesmi
l
edwhenr
eal
i
zat
ionhi
thert
hatshe'
sinShay
'sar
ms.
Theygott
ohersui
teandhet
oldhi
mthepasscode.

Hepr
essedi
tandi
tmadeanopeni
ngsoundbef
oreopeni
ng.

Hewenti
nwi
thherandwal
kedst
rai
ghtt
oherr
oom.

Hepl
acedheront
hebedandsatbesi
deheraf
tercov
eri
ngher
.

"
Whydi
dyoudr
own?
"Heasked.

"
Ilostconcent
rat
ionf
orami
nut
e"sher
epl
i
edgent
ly.

"Lostconcent
rat
ion?
,Whatmadey
oul
oseconcent
rat
iont
otheext
entofdr
owni
ng?
"Heasked.

*
WhenIsawy
oudr
aggi
ngSi
err
awi
thBr
ent
*shet
hought
,looki
ngathi
m.

"
Youar
en'
tsay
ingany
thi
ng"hesai
d.

"
Idunno,
Ijustl
osti
tforawhi
l
e"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
May
bei
thappenssomet
imes,
you'
l
lbef
iner
ight
?"Heasked.

"I
fyoust
ayher
ewi
thme"sher
epl
i
edqui
ckl
y.
"I
fIst
ay?
"Hesai
d

"Yes,
pleasestaywi
thme"sher
epl
i
edandt
ookhi
sri
ghthand,
shepl
acedt
hebackofhi
spal
m
onhercheek.

"
Liket
his"shesai
dandt
houghShayl
ooksconf
used,
hest
ayed.

*
***
**

Landoncameoutofhi
ssui
tef
ort
hef
ir
stt
imet
hatdayandst
art
edheadi
ngf
ort
heki
tchen,
he'
s
f*
ckinghungr
y.

Heseemst
obeuni
nter
est
edi
nthef
est
ivi
ti
esgoi
ngoni
nthepal
ace.

Someonesuddenl
yhuggedhi
mfr
om behi
ndandev
eni
fhehasn'
tseenhery
et,
he'
ssur
eofwho
i
tis.

"
Tracy
,It
hinkIf
*cki
ngt
oldy
out
ost
ayaway
!"Hesai
dhar
shl
y,pushi
ngherawayf
rom hi
msel
f.

"I
sthathowmuchy
ouhat
eme?
,I'
mli
keev
eryot
hergi
rlt
oo,
I'
mli
keVi
viand.
..
.

"Don'
tment
ionhername!
"Hey
ell
ed.

"
Whydi
dyouhat
eme?
"Sheasked.

"Ij
usthat
ey ouwit
houtar easonandt
heear
li
ery
ouknowt
hat
,thebet
ter
"her
epl
i
edandmade
togobutagain,
sheblockedhim.
"Icanmakey
ouf
all
inl
ovewi
thmey
ouknow,
Icandoi
t"shesai
ddesper
atel
y.

"Idon'
twanttol
i
key
ou,
.
nott
otal
kofl
ovesopl
ease.
..
..j
ustl
eav
emeal
one!
"Hey
ell
edand
walkedaway.

Vi
viwat
chedsat
isf
act
ori
l
yfr
om herspotandsmi
l
ed.

"I
'
m sti
l
linhi
shear
t,Iknowhe'
l
lcal
lformesoon,
hecan'
tfor
getaboutmet
hateasi
l
y"she
smil
ed.

Landonent
eredt
heki
tchenandcameacr
ossVi
gnet
tewho'
sjustcomi
ngi
ntoo.

Shei
gnor
edhi
m andwentt
ojoi
ntheot
her
s.

"
LadyMacbet
h!,
I'
m st
arv
ing!
"hesai
dloudl
y.

"
Don?
,Goodt
ohav
eyouher
e"sher
epl
i
ed,
looki
ngupathi
m.

Shewal
kedt
ohi
m andt
ri
edl
ooki
ngathi
shandbuther
aisedi
tupsoshewon'
thav
ethechance.

"
I'
mfi
ne,
thehandi
sfi
net
oo"hesmi
l
ed.

"
Ihopeso"sher
epl
i
ed.

"I
'
m hungr
y"hesai
dandshel
edhi
mint
other
oom behi
ndt
heki
tchen.
"I
'
llsendsomet
hingdel
i
cioussoon"shesai
dandl
eft
.

"
Vignet
tey
oushoul
dgoser
vehi
m,he'
syourmai
nmast
ery
ouknow"l
adyMacsai
d.

"Idon'
twantt
o"sher
epl
i
ed.

"I
t'
sanor
der
"ladyMacsai
d.

"F*
vk'
Vignet
temut
ter
edasshewashandedt
hef
ood.

Shet
ookt
het
rayoff
oodt
other
oom andset
tl
edi
tinf
rontofhi
m.

Hest
il
lcoul
dn'
teatwi
thhi
swoundedhandsoheusedt
hel
eftone.

"
Ionknowwhat
'swr
ongwi
thy
ourhandbuty
oushoul
dgof
ort
reat
ment
"shesai
d.

"I
t'
snoneofy
ourbusi
ness"her
epl
i
edandshesmi
rkedathi
m.

"
Notli
keIcar
e,i
oncareify
our
otbutIj
ustdeci
dedt
obehav
eli
keahumanf
orawhi
l
e"she
r
epl
iedandst
art
edleavi
ng.

Hewal
kedt
oherandpul
l
edherback,
hesl
ammedherbackont
hewal
lroughl
y.

"
Youhav
enor
ightt
otal
kshabbi
l
yatme,
I'
myourboss!
"Hesneer
ed.
"Sowhat
?,You'
l
lki
l
lmebecauseIt
oldy
out
het
rut
h?,
Thengoahead"sher
epl
i
edf
ear
lessl
y.

Thef
ear
lessl
ookt
hat
'sal
way
sinherey
esi
sal
way
smaki
nghi
mfeel
inf
eri
oranduni
mpor
tant
.

Howcanasl
avehav
ebi
ggut
s?

Shepushedhi
m awayandhest
agger
ed.

"
Don'
tcomenearmeagai
n"shegl
aredandl
eft

Hel
ookedathi
spal
m,i
t'
sbl
eedi
ngal
readyasar
esul
tofhowhesl
ammedher
.

Hel
ookedatt
hemeal
ont
het
abl
eagai
nandpour
edi
tal
lawayangr
il
y.

*
***
***

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Thet
winshuggedTani
shawhenshecamei
nwi
thf
ri
esf
ort
hem.

Shewai
tedf
ort
hei
rreact
ionsast
heychewedoni
tandt
heybot
hgav
ehert
humbs

"
It
'sdel
i
cious?
"Sheasked.

"
Ofcour
se,
didy
oumakei
t?"Sanaasked.
"
Yeah,
from t
hegener
alki
tchenbutImadei
tmy
sel
f"sher
epl
i
ed,
feedi
ngSweett
oo.

"Thanksf
ormaki
ngi
t,i
t'
sreal
l
ydel
i
ciousandt
hatmeansy
ou'
l
lknowhowt
ocook"Mi
nasai
d.

"Icancookanydi
sh"shesmi
l
ed.

"Thenwi
l
lyoucookf
orussomeday
?"Sanaasked.

"Ofcour
se"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"
Whatar
eyouwear
ingt
ommor
ow?
,It
'st
heanni
ver
sar
y"Mi
naasked.

"I'
l
ljustbear
andom ser
ver
,I'
m notpar
toft
hisf
ami
l
yany
way
s'sher
epl
i
edandt
het
winswent
sad.

"
Youguy
sar
eat
tendi
ng?
"Sheasked.

"Yes,dadwillal
l
owus,wegotsamegownandshoes,
sameheadbandandsamecol
orof
every
thing"Sanasai
d.

"Thenyouguysshoul
denj
oytommor
ow, I
'
llbewatchi
ngyoubothfrom myser
vingcount
er,
can'
twaitt
oseeyoubothl
ooki
ngmoreadorabl
einyourdr
esses"sherepl
i
ed.

"Buti
t'
sst
il
lsadt
haty
ou'
l
lbet
her
easaser
ver
"Mi
nasai
dsadl
y.

Tammycameoutoft
heki
tchenandherey
eswi
denedwhenshesawt
hepl
ateoff
ri
es.
"
Wher
eist
hisf
rom?
"Sheaskedur
gent
ly

"
Thegener
alki
tchen,
Imadei
tmy
sel
f"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"What
!,Bosshat
esanyt
hingf
rom t
hegener
alki
tchenandnowtheyatef
rom i
tI'
mint
roubl
e,I
needt
odisposei
tbef
oreheseesit
"Tammysaidandtookthepl
ate.

"Di
dyouf
ryt
hat
?"Pr
incet
onasked,
comi
ngoutt
hati
nst
ant
.

Tammyf
rozeandf
acedhi
m sl
owl
y.

Nomatterhowmuchshet r
iestocoverup,
he'
l
lfi
ndoutsoshedeci
dedt
ocomecl
eansoi
t
won'
taggravat
ethepoorsi
tuat
ion.

"
No"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Theni
t'
sfr
om wher
e?"Heasked.

"
The.
..gener
alki
tchen"Tammyst
utt
eredandhi
sey
eswi
dened.

"If
*cki
ngt
oldyouseveral
l
ythatmygi
rl
sorImustnott
ast
eany
thi
ngf
rom t
hatki
tchen!
"He
yel
l
edandTani
shafli
nched.

"I
'
m sor
ryIf
orgot
"Tammysai
d,t
ryi
ngt
ocov
erup.

"
Itwasme,
Ibr
oughti
t"Tani
shasai
dsl
owl
yandhef
acedher
.
"Youdi
d?"

"Yes"sher
epl
i
ed,
picki
ngonhernai
l
s.

"
Why
!"Hesnapped.

"
Inev
erknewy
ouhat
edt
hingsf
rom t
heki
tchen"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Theny oucoul
dhav easked!,I
onwantmykidstotasteanythi
ngfr
om t
hekitchen!
,Igot
poisonedthefi
rstti
meIt ast
edameal f
rom t
hatf*
ckingplaceandnear
lygotmyexistence
tr
uncated!"Heyell
edloudly.

"Daddon'
tyel
lather
"Mi
nasai
d.

"Dadpl
ease"Sanaadded.

Tani
shai
satt
hev
ergeoft
ear
sal
readybuti
snotr
eadyt
oleti
tout
.

"
I'
m sor
ry"shesni
ff
edsl
owl
y.

"
Shemadei
ther
sel
fsoi
t'
sst
il
lsaf
e"Mi
nasai
d.

"I
t'
snot
!,Thei
ngr
edi
ent
swer
efr
om t
heki
tchen"Hesnapped.

"I
'
m sor
ry"Tani
shasai
dsl
owl
yagai
n.
Pr
incet
oni
nhal
edhar
dandwal
kedt
oher.

Het
ookTani
sha'
shandandpul
l
edheri
ntohi
sroom.

Theygott
her
eandshecont
inuedpi
cki
ngonhernai
l
sner
vousl
y.

"
Nisha"hesai
d.

"
Mast
er"sher
epl
i
edwi
thoutl
ooki
ngup.

"
Ionl
i
keanyf
oodf
rom t
hegener
alki
tchen"hesai
dcal
mly
.

"
I'
m sor
ry,
Iwon'
tdoi
tagai
n"sher
epl
i
edandhehel
dherf
ace,
rai
singi
t.

"Ar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
ocr
y?"Heasked.

"
No"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
I'
m sor
ryf
ory
ell
i
ngaty
ou"hesai
d.

"Huh"

Hehuggedherf
acet
ohi
schest
,rubbi
nghi
spal
msonherhai
r.
"Ihav
en'
tseeny
out
hroughoutt
oday
..
..
Ipr
obabl
ymi
ssedy
ou"hewhi
sper
ed.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:01AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER30&31

★★★★★

Tani
shanev
erwant
edt
obel
i
evewhathej
ustsai
dbutheconf
ir
medi
tbyr
epeat
ingi
t.

Hebr
oket
hehugandhuggedherf
acei
nhi
spal
ms.

"It
hinkImi
ssedyou"hesai
dandsheopenedhermout
htot
alkbutnot
hingcameout
,he
huggedheragai
n.

I
twasl
ongert
hant
hef
ir
stonet
hist
ime.

"
Ihat
eev
ery
thi
ngaboutt
hegener
alki
tchen"hesai
d,st
il
lrubbi
nghi
spal
msonherhai
rgent
ly.

Shesl
owl
yhuggedhi
m back,
int
erl
ocki
ngherf
inger
sbehi
ndhi
m gent
ly.
Hesmi
l
edanddr
ewherev
encl
osert
hought
her
e'sbar
elyanyspacebet
weent
hem any
mor
e.

Hej
ustwant
stof
eel
herwar
mthonhi
sbodysobadl
y.

"Igotpoi
sonedbyadanger
ouspoi sont
hefi
rstt
imeIatether
eandal
mostdiedbutallt
hanksto
LandonandladyMacbet
h,theysavedmeandt i
l
lnow,nooneknewthecul
pri
t,Ist
oppedeati
ng
theresi
ncethen,
Ionl
yeatanythi
ngcookedbyTammy "hesaid.

Shej
ustkeptherheadonhi
schest
,hi
swar
mthi
ssoot
hingt
oo,
shel
ovesi
t.

"
I'
m sor
ryf
ormaki
ngy
ouwor
ry"shesai
dandhebr
oket
hehug.

"It
'sf
ine,butshoul
dn'
tyougett
oknowmyl i
kesanddi
sli
kes?,
Tammyisl
eavi
ngaf
tert
hepar
ty
andyou'l
lbeinchargeoft
hekit
chenher
e,y
ou'l
lbeanannytomygi
rl
s"hesai
d.

"I
'
llr
eal
l
ybe?
,Tammywasnotj
oki
ng?
,Butwhatabout
..
..

"
godmot
her
?,I
'
llt
akecar
eofhery
oudon'
thav
etowor
ry"hesai
d.

Shest
art
edpi
cki
ngonhernai
l
sagai
nbutshest
oppedher
.

"
Don'
tbescar
ed,
I'
m her
e"hesai
d.

Shenoddedsl
owl
y.

"
Andy
out
oo,
becar
eful
ofwhat
every
oueati
nthegener
alki
tchen,
godmot
heri
snotni
ceand
shemi
ghtj
ustmani
pul
atel
adyMacbet
hbyf
orce"hesai
d.

"Shoul
dIst
opeat
ingt
her
e?"Sheasked.

"Exact
ly,
stopeat
ingt
her
e,al
way
seather
eandonl
yher
e"her
epl
i
edandshesmi
l
ed.

"Yesmast
er"shesai
d.

"Andaboutmyl
i
kesanddi
sli
kes,
you'
l
lhav
etol
ear
nity
our
sel
f,
wat
chmecl
osel
yfr
om nowon"
hesai
d.

"Idon'
tneedt
hat
,I'
l
ljustt
akeashor
tcut
"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Whatshor
tcut
?"Heaskedcur
iousl
y.

"
Youdon'
tneedt
oknowmast
er"shewi
nkedandmadet
oleav
ebuthepul
l
edherback.

"
Tommor
owatt
heanni
ver
sar
y,don'
tser
ve"hesai
d.

"
Why
?,Al
lthesl
aveswi
l
lser
ve"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Iknow,
butdon'
t,si
tatatabl
eint
hemi
ddl
eoft
hehal
l
,I'
l
lkeepaney
eony
ouf
rom t
her
e"he
sai
dandshelookedathi
m.

"Wi
l
lther
ebe.
..danger
?"Sheasked.
"Maybe,
ionknowwhatZar
aandKaf
fyhav
einst
oresoIhav
etowat
chy
ou"hesai
dandshe
nodded.

"I
'
llt
ell
ladyMacbet
habouti
t"hesai
dandshesmi
l
ed.

"I
'
llobey
"shesai
d.

"Cool
,youcanl
eav
e"hesai
dandshet
urnedt
odot
hatbuthehel
dherbackagai
n.

Shel
ookedathi
m andhesi
ghed.

"
Mist
ake"hesai
dandr
eleasedherhand.

Shel
eftt
her
oom andsmi
l
edt
hroughoutherwal
ktot
hel
i
vingr
oom.

"Di
dhescoldy
ou?
,Hey
ell
edaty
oui
nther
eri
ght
?,Hegav
eyouapuni
shmentr
ight
?"Tammy
qui
ckl
yasked.

"No,
hedi
dsomet
hingdi
ff
erent
"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Youmean.
..
hedi
dn'
ttel
lyout
ogol
i
ftt
heheav
ymet
alsorsi
tint
hesunf
ort
wohour
s?"Tammy
asked.

"Atal
l
,wej
ustdi
scussedandnot
hingel
se"sher
epl
i
edandt
het
winssmi
l
edateachot
her
.

"
Wil
lyoust
il
lst
ay?
"Mi
naasked.
"
No,
Ineedt
ogohel
pwi
thwashi
ngi
ntheki
tchen,
I'
ll
bebackby9t
ogetSweet
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"I
'
m sad"Sanapout
edandshebenti
nfr
ontoft
hem.

"
Promi
semey
ouguy
swi
l
lst
il
lbeawakebyt
hensowecanal
lpl
aybef
oreIl
eav
e"shesai
d.

"Wepr
omi
se"t
heychor
usedandshegav
ethenaki
ssont
hei
rfor
eheadsbef
orest
andi
ng.

"
ByeTammy
!"Shewav
edhappi
l
ybef
orel
eav
ingf
ast
.

Thet
winscont
inuedpl
ayi
ngwi
thSweetwhi
l
eTammywasl
eftt
owonderi
nbewi
l
der
ment
.

Shest
oodonherspot
,st
ari
ngi
ntospace.

"
Mysuspi
cionsar
etr
ue"shewhi
sper
ed.

Thelastt
imeshedisobey
edPrincet
onbymistake,hepuni
shedherbymakingherkneel
int
he
heav
yr ai
nforanhourandshepassedouti
nther ai
nbefor
eheorderedhertr
eat
ment.

Backt
henhewasst
il
lthecol
dandi
nhumanePr
incet
onbut
..
.whathappenedt
ohi
m?

Het
ookheri
nanddi
dwhat
?

Tammysmi
l
edandwal
kedi
ntot
heki
tchen.

"
He'
sini
tagai
n,Ihear
dhewasmadl
yinl
ovewi
thAv
abackt
hen,
ishemadl
yinl
ovewi
th
Tani
shat
oo?"Shewonder
ed.

"I
'
m gl
ad"shesi
ghed.

*
***
**

KI
TCHEN*
*

"Yourmastersai
dyou'
renotal
l
owedt
oser
vet
ommor
ow"l
adyMacbet
hsai
dimmedi
atel
y
Tanishast
eppedin.

"
Huh?
,Het
oldy
oual
ready
?"Sheaskedsur
pri
singl
y.

"
Yeahhecal
l
ed,
luckyy
ou"l
adyMacbet
hsmi
l
ed.

"
I'
mjeal
ous,
youhav
eacar
ingmast
er,
notl
i
keat
rashcanl
i
kemi
ne"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed.

"He'
snotat
rashcan!"LadyMacbet
hyel
l
edandVi
gnet
tef
acedher
.

"
Whyar
eyoual
way
satLandon'
sdef
ense?
"Sheasked.

"
He'
snotasbadashel
ooks,
finehe'
sobsessedwi
thf
*ckbut
..
.

"
Ionwantt
oli
stent
otal
ksabouthi
m,cuti
t"Vi
gnet
tei
nter
rupt
edandcont
inuedwi
thwhatshe
wasdoi
ng.
"Pr
incet
oni
scar
ingt
owar
dsTani
shacosi
t'
sher
"ladyMacbet
hsai
d.

"Cosi
t'
sher
?,I
sshespeci
alt
ohi
m orsomet
hing?
"Rei
naasked.

"Youdon'
tneedt
oknow"l
adyMacbet
hrepl
i
ed.

Tani
shaj
oinedVi
gnet
teandst
art
edr
insi
ngt
hedi
shes.

Rei
nagl
aredsecr
etl
yather
.

"
Let
'sj
ustwai
tfort
ommor
ow,
youmi
ghtbedy
ing"shet
houghtr
esent
ful
l
y.

*
***
**

LI
A'SSUI
TE*
*

Shayi
sst
il
lwi
thher
,shef
ell
asl
eepandwokeupwi
tht
hef
eart
hathe'
sgonebuthe'
sst
il
lther
e.

"
Youst
ayed"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Youaskedt
ost
ay,
soar
eyoubet
ternow?
"Heasked.

"Ofcour
se,
I'
m st
rong,
Ifeel
li
keIcanswal
l
owast
one"shesai
dandShaygi
ggl
edl
oudl
y.

Shegotupf
rom t
hebedandst
agger
edknowi
ngl
y,knowi
nghe'
l
lcat
chher
.
Hecaughthert
ohi
msel
fandshehuggedhi
m.

"
Sor
rycanIst
ayl
i
ket
hisf
ort
womi
nut
es?
"Sheasked.

"Why
?"Heasked.

"Ij
ustwantt
o"sher
epl
i
edandhewentmut
e,al
l
owi
nghert
ost
ayt
houghwi
thouthuggi
ngher
back.

Shehuggedhi
mti
ght
lyandhest
art
edf
eel
i
nguncomf
ort
abl
e,hehadt
opul
lawayaf
terami
nut
e.

"
I'
m sor
ry"hesai
dandst
art
edl
eav
ing.

"
Wai
tforme!
"Shesai
d,qui
ckl
yput
ti
ngonhersneaker
s.

Sher
anaf
terhi
m andhel
dhi
shandoncet
heywer
eoutoft
hesui
te.

"
Myhandsar
ecol
dri
ght
?"Sheasked.

"
Somehow"her
epl
i
edandr
emov
edhi
shandf
rom her
s.

Hesi
ght
edBr
entandSi
err
aimmedi
atel
y.

"
HeySi
err
a!"Hehol
l
eredandj
oggedt
othem,
leav
ingLi
abehi
nd.
Hesnucki
ntot
hei
rmi
ddl
eandSi
err
agl
aredathi
m.

"
Arey
oupl
anni
ngt
oknockusdown?
"Shesai
d.

"Sor
ry"hewi
nked.

"Wher
e'smyLi
a?"Sheasked.

"
She'
s.
..
"Hest
oppedandl
ookedathersui
tebutshe'
snoti
nfr
ontofi
tany
mor
e.

"
May
beshewenti
n"hesai
d.

"
ThenIhav
enobusi
nessher
e"Si
err
asai
dandl
eftt
hem.

"
Youdon'
thav
etomakei
tsoobv
ioust
haty
oul
i
keher
"Br
entsai
d.

"
Yout
alkasi
fyou'
rei
nnocent
"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"Atl
eastIkeepmy
sel
fincheck,
notl
i
kesomeone"Br
entr
epl
i
edandShaysmi
rked.

"What
ever
,can'
tyouj
ustl
etgof
orme?
"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"No,shel
ikesnoneofusnowsoi
t'
l
lonl
ybef
airi
fwebot
hkeept
ryi
ngt
il
lshesay
shermi
nd"
Brentr
epl
i
ed.

Vi
gnet
tesuddenl
ybumpedi
ntot
hem andawi
desmi
l
etookov
erherf
acet
hemomentshe
si
ght
edBr
ent
.

"
Heyf
rowni
e"Shaysmi
l
ed.

"
Sor
ryi
onknowy
ourname"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Shay
"her
epl
i
edandshef
acedBr
ent.

"Br
ent
"her
epl
i
edandsheof
fer
edanhandshake.

Br
entl
ookedatShayandShayshr
ugged.

Br
entt
ookherhandandshesmi
l
ed.

"
Youal
way
sonl
ysmi
l
eathi
m,why
?"Shayasked.

Vi
gnet
tet
ookherhandf
rom Br
entwi
thoutr
epl
yi
ng.

"
Let
'sgo"Br
entsai
dandl
eftwi
thShay
.

Vignett
estaredatBr
entasshewal
ked,
notconcent
rat
ingonwher
eshe'
sgoi
ngt
il
lshef
ell
and
hurtherknees.

"
Shi
t!
,WhywasIst
ari
ng!
"Shesnappedather
sel
fandst
ood.

Shel
ookedatherwoundedkneeandsi
ghed.
Shel
ookedbackathi
m agai
nandst
opped,
wat
chi
nghi
mti
l
lhel
efthersi
ght
.

*
***
***

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Zar
ahasabott
leofchampagnei
nherhandasusual
asshewal
kedt
hesecr
etcor
ri
dort
hatl
ed
tot
hesecr
etr
oom.

She'
ssmi
l
ingsat
isf
act
ori
l
yasshemadeherent
ryi
ntot
her
oom.

Shel
aughedl
oudl
yimmedi
atel
ysheent
ered.

"
Thi
spalacei
scl
ocki
ng40tommorowCr
imeLor
d,f
*cki
ng40!
"Shesai
dloudl
yanddr
oppedt
o
t
hebot
tl
eofchampagneonthet
abl
e.

"Aren'
tyouashamedthatittur
nedoutt hi
sway ?
,Younev erwant
edthi
sdaytocomeri
ght?,
Yourdream wastoendthi
spal acebutno..
..
noti
nt hi
sli
feti
me,MCFpalacewi
ll
for
everexi
st!
'
shesaidseri
ousl
y,l
ett
ingeverywordcomeoutwi t
hapitchofmeanness.

Shesmi
l
eddar
klyandwal
kedar
oundmenaci
ngl
ybef
orecomi
ngbackt
othebedsi
de.

"Iwon'
tl
ett
hispalacecr
umble!
,I'
l
lconti
nuetomakeitst
andt
il
lal
ltheenemi
esbow!,
Ouralpha
i
sdoingwel
landIpr omi
setotakecareofal
lthest
umbli
ngbl
ocksinhi
swayincl
udi
ngthatgi
rl
"
shesai
dandlaughedsoloud.

"Cr
imeLor
d,t
hisi
sn'
tendi
ngsoon,
butany
timei
tends,
Ican'
tpr
omi
set
hesaf
etyofany
onecos
I
'
llki
ll
wit
houtmindingwhoi
tis,
I'
ll
shedmor
ebl
ood!
,Li
ket
hedev
ilIam"shel
aughedand
l
ookedathermanicur
ednai
l
s.

Shet
oreherar
m wi
tht
hel
ongnai
l
sandbl
oodgushedout
.

Shewal
kedt
othegl
assofchampagneandl
etherbl
ooddr
ipi
nit
.

Shet
ookt
hecupanddr
ankev
ery
thi
ngi
nonegul
p.

"
Iswear
"shemut
ter
ed.

*
***
***

NEXTDAY,
MCFPALACE*
*

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Thet
winscameoutoft
hei
rrooms,
accompani
edwi
thTammy
,they
'r
edr
essedal
ready
.

Al
lreadyf
ort
hef
reaki
ngpar
ty.

Thei
rgowni
scol
our
edgr
eenonwhi
teshoes,
samecol
ourofhai
rbands.

Theyl
ooksoador
abl
eandmor
ebeaut
if
ul.

"
Daddywi
l
llov
ethegownsr
ight
?"Sanaasked.
"
Ofcour
se,
hegoti
tfory
ouguy
ssohe'
l
ldef
ini
tel
ylov
ehowi
tlooks"Tammysmi
l
ed.

Mi
nasmi
l
edoutherdi
mpl
eandSanat
ouchedhercheek.

"
Iwi
shIhaddi
mpl
etoo"Sanasai
d.

"
Evenwi
thoutdi
mpl
e,y
ou'
recut
eli
keme"Mi
nasai
dandTammychuckl
ed.

"Yougi
rl
sar
ef*
cki
ngcut
e"Pr
incet
onsai
d,comi
ngoutofhi
sroom.

He'
snotdr
essedy
et,
hehasn'
tev
ent
akenhi
sbat
h.

"
Daddy
!"Theybot
hgushed,
rushi
ngt
ohughi
m atonce.

Hebenti
nfr
ontoft
hem andt
ouchedt
hei
rhai
rs.

"
Ionl
i
ket
hisst
yli
ng,
itl
ooksodd"hesai
d.

"
Real
l
y?,
ThenI
'
llchangei
t"Tammyr
epl
i
edqui
ckl
y.

"Nowel
ovei
t"t
het
winschor
used.

"
Okf
ine,
don'
tchangei
t"Pr
incet
onsmi
l
edandgav
ethem pecksbef
orest
andi
ng.
"Ni
shai
sn'
ther
eyet
?"Heasked.

"No,
onl
yRei
nacamet
ocl
eanear
li
er,
Nishamustbebusymov
ingt
hedr
inkst
othepar
tygr
ound"
Tammyrepl
i
ed.

"Thepal
aceguar
dsdoubl
edsonof
ear
s,y
oucangowi
tht
hem I
'
llmeety
ouguy
s"hesai
dand
Tammynodded.

"By
edad!
,Seey
a!"Theywav
edandher
epl
i
edwi
thawi
nkast
heyl
eft
.

*
***
**

LI
A'SSUI
TE*
*

"
Gosh!
,IneverknewI
'
llev
erl
ookgoodi
ngown"Si
err
agushed,
checki
ngher
sel
fouti
nfr
ontof
t
hemir
ror.

She'
swear
ingoneofLi
a'
sgowns,
it'
sti
ghtandshor
tbuti
twassl
i
ttedont
her
ightt
high.

"
Thi
ssl
i
tmademel
ovei
tmor
e,i
far
uckushappens,
Icanf
ightwi
thi
t"shef
urt
hersai
d.

Li
aisweari
ngal
onggown,
it'
dhav
ebeencr
awl
i
ngont
hegr
oundi
fnotf
ort
heheel
sshe'
s
wear
ing.

"
Lasty
earanni
ver
sar
ywhatdi
dyouwear
?"Sheasked.

"Don'
tki
dme,
Iwasn'
ther
edur
ingt
hel
astanni
ver
sar
y,Igotr
ecr
uit
edl
asty
earendi
ng"Si
err
a
r
epl
i
ed.

"Soy
ouwer
esi
xteenwheny
ougother
e"Li
asai
dandSi
err
agl
ared.

"Ar
eyout
aunt
ingmenow?
,I'
mf*
cki
ngsev
ent
eenr
ightnowsoshuti
t"Si
err
agl
ared.

Li
agi
ggl
edassheputonhershoes.

"If
eel
li
keI
'
m ont
opofmountEv
erest
,Ihat
eheel
s!"Si
err
acompl
ained.

"Soyou'
regonnawearsneaker
sont
hats*
xygown?
,Comeonl
et'
sgo"Li
arepl
i
edandpul
l
edher
out
.

PARTYGROUND*
*

Thoughi
t'
sst
il
lnoonbutt
hedecor
smadet
hepl
acel
ookl
i
kei
t'
slat
eal
ready
.

I
t'
snotshi
nynorf
ancyort
acky
.

I
t'
ski
ndof
..
.wei
rdanduncommon.

Tani
shat
ooki
nthel
astbat
chofdr
inkst
otheser
vingcount
erandi
nhal
edhar
d.

Theguest
sar
eal
readyseat
ed,
alotoft
hem ar
ewal
ki
ngar
ound,
mingl
i
ng.

Ev
eryi
nvi
tedguesti
saVVI
Pandl
i
keshehear
d,mostoft
hem ar
efr
iendst
othel
ategodf
ather
Far
ri
swhi
l
ether
estar
eZar
a'saccompl
i
ces.

I
t'
sobv
ioust
hatt
hey
'r
emost
lyf
orei
gner
s.

Shesi
ght
edMi
naandSanawi
thTammyandsmi
l
ed.

Theyl
ooktoocut
eint
hei
rdr
essesbutj
ustwhenshemadet
ogot
othem,
Kaf
fypassedbyand
shest
opped.

Kaf
fyl
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed,
thesmi
l
ethatmeansal
ot,
danger
.

Shel
eftaf
tert
hatandTani
shar
eleasedt
hebr
eat
hshenev
erknewshewashol
ding.

"
Scar
y"shewhi
sper
edandsear
chedf
orwher
ecoul
dbet
hesui
tabl
epl
acet
ocal
lthemi
ddl
e.

Af
terawhi
l
e,sheset
tl
edf
oraspot
.

"
Arey
oul
eav
ingal
ready
?"Vi
gnet
teasked

"Yeah,
I'
ll
besi
tt
ingt
her
e"sher
epl
i
ed,
poi
nti
ngatt
het
abl
e.

"Ok,
hav
efun"Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
ed.

"
Becar
eful
"Rei
nasmi
l
ed.

"Sur
e"Tani
shar
epl
i
edandl
eftf
ort
heseat
.
Br
entandShaycamei
nthati
nst
ant
,dr
essedi
nsui
ts,
theybot
hlookdashi
ng!
.

Vi
gnet
ter
est
edonat
abl
easshest
aredatBr
entandRei
nasmi
l
ed.

"Guessy
ou'r
enotinnocentei
ther
,ar
eyouobsessedwi
thBr
entorShay
?"Shesai
dandVi
gnet
te
glar
edatherbef
oreladyMacbethcame.

"
Star
tser
ving"sheor
der
ed.

"
Yesma'
am"t
heybot
hchor
usedwi
tht
heot
hernumer
oussl
aves

Theyst
art
edser
vingt
hedr
inksar
ound.

"
HeySi
err
a!"Shaywav
edwhenshecamei
nwi
thLi
a.

"
Yourhusbandswon'
tl
etmebe,
whatshoul
dIdowi
tht
hem"Si
err
asai
d.

"Myhusbands?
,You'
recr
azy
"Li
asai
d

Theguy
sgott
othem andShaygr
abbedSi
err
a.

"Let
'sgodr
ink,
youl
ovedr
inki
ngr
ight
?"Hewi
nkedandSi
err
abl
i
nked

"No"shesai
d.
"Let
'sgo"Shaysai
dper
sist
ent
lyandt
ookheri
ntot
hecr
owd.

"I
'
llj
ustsi
tsomewher
eanddr
inkt
il
lgodmot
herar
ri
ves"Br
entsai
dandl
eftt
oo.

Li
atookagl
assofwi
nef
rom Vi
gnet
teanddr
anki
tal
latonce.

Tr
acyandVi
vi
'ssenseofdr
essar
esomehowsame.

Thei
rdr
essesar
eli
keswi
mmi
ngt
runks,
bar
elycov
eri
ngt
hei
rb*
*bsandb*
*ts.

They
'r
eal
mostnaked.

Landonscof
fedwhenhecamei
nandsawt
hem.

"Yourbr
idesar
ereadyfory
ou"Princet
onsaidbehi
ndhi
m.Ki
ndl
yhi
Kwesi
on+233554737287t
o
beaddedt oSt
oryr
eadersroom f
ormor est
ori
es.

Landonl
ookedbackt
oseehi
m andmadehat
eful
faces.

"
Per
fectson"hesai
d.

"
Omega"Pr
incet
onsmi
l
ed.

"
Youwokeupf
rom t
hewr
ongpar
toft
hebedt
oday
"Landonsai
d.

"
Hav
efun!
"Pr
incet
onwi
nkedandl
eft
.
"Iwantt
obadl
yki
l
lhi
m"Landonmur
mur
ed.

Pr
incet
onwav
edathi
ski
dswhent
hei
rey
esmet
.

Hest
art
edl
ooki
ngf
orTani
shaandwhenhef
inal
l
ysawher
,hesmi
l
edshor
tl
y.

Tani
sha'
sey
esal
mostpopped,
he'
ss*
xy!
,Ev
eni
nther
edsui
t.

"
Zar
awi
l
lbeouti
ntenmi
nut
esIt
hink"Li
asai
d,appear
ingbesi
dehi
m

"Ok"hesai
d.

"Buty
oul
ookdanger
ousl
yhandsome,
jeez!
"Li
asai
dandhesmi
l
ed.

"Iknow"her
epl
i
edandr
emember
edheact
ual
l
yfor
gotsomet
hing.

"
I'
ll
ber
ightback,
wat
chov
erNi
shapl
ease"hesai
d.

"Sur
e"Li
arepl
i
edandhel
eftbutLi
acoul
dn'
tdowhatheasked.

Thr
oughout
,shest
aredatSi
err
aandShay
.

Tanishawassti
llwonder
ingwhyhesuddenl
ylef
twhenRei
naset
tl
edi
nfr
ontofheranddr
opped
aglassofwine.

"
Fory
ou"shesai
d.
"
Slav
esar
en'
tal
l
owedt
odr
inkany
thi
ngher
e"Tani
shawhi
sper
ed.

"Butyou'
remor
eli
keaguestsi
ncey
ouar
en'
tser
vingsoenj
oy,
it'
sor
dinar
ymoj
i
to"Rei
nawi
nked
andlef
t.

Tani
shat
ookt
hecupanddr
ankal
i
ttl
efr
om i
t.

"
Gosh!
,Cool
"shesmi
l
edandcont
inueddr
inki
ng.

TENMI
NUTESLATER*
*

"Thesoul oft
hispar
tywil
lmakeherent
rynow,wel
comeZaraMast
erson,
thegodmotheroft
his
palace"oneoftheguest
sannouncedandever
yonewentsi
l
entast
hebigdooropenedandZara
camei n.

She'
sinal
lred,
shel
ooksdanger
ousandhot
.

She'
snotsmi
l
ingandt
hatonl
ymakesherl
ookcol
der
.

Shestoodbythedoorf
orawhileandall
owedherdanger
ousauratomixwit
htheai
rbef
ore
st
eppinginbuti
mmediatel
yshesteppedi
n,t
heglasscupfel
lfr
om Tani
shaandbr
okeonthe
ground.

I
twassupposedt
obet
otal
sil
encewhenZar
aismaki
ngherent
rybut
..
.

Tani
shast
ood,
obv
iousl
ydr
unk.
Ev
ery
onet
urnedt
hei
rat
tent
iont
ohershocki
ngl
y.

Shesmi
l
edt
ipsi
l
yandst
art
edl
i
cki
ngherl
i
psasshewal
kedt
othedoor
.

"
Ibel
i
evei
canf
ly.
..
.

"Ibel
i
eveIcant
oucht
hesky
..
.

"It
hinkabouti
tev
eryni
ghtandday
..
.

"Spr
eadmywi
ngsandf
lyaway
..
.

Shesangdr
unkenl
y.

Zar
a'sv
einsr
eveal
edonherneck,
excessangerbl
oomi
ngi
nherbl
ood.

Tani
shagott
oherandhel
dherhand

"
You'
resohot
..
.ver
yhot
"shesai
d,smi
l
ingcr
azi
l
ybef
orer
aisi
nguphergown

"I
'
m socol
d..
.I
'
m col
d..
..
theai
rar
oundi
stoochi
l
ly.
..
mygosh!
"Shebl
urt
edandbenti
nfr
ontof
her.

Shecr
awl
edunderZar
a'sl
onggownandhi
dther
e.
"
Feel
sbet
terher
e..
..
I'
m goodnow"shegi
ggl
ed.

Rei
nasmi
l
ed,
knowi
ngTani
shai
sinamessal
ready
.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:05AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER32&33

★★★★★

Zar
afacedt
heguar
dsi
mmedi
atel
y.

"Whatareyouall
doi
ng?
,Gett
hist
hingof
fme!
"Sheor
der
edandt
woguar
dst
ookdr
unkTani
sha
awayfrom her
.

"
Tomydeepestt
rap"sheor
der
edandSi
err
agaspedbef
oret
api
ngLi
a.

Li
aisst
il
ll
ost
,st
ari
ngatShay
.

"
Lia!
"Shet
appedherandLi
afacedher
.
"Ar
en'
tyougonnamakeamov
e?,
Tani
sha!
"Si
err
asai
dandLi
alookedatt
hedi
rect
ionshe'
s
gest
uri
ngat.

Tani
shai
sal
readyatt
hedoorwi
tht
heguar
ds.

Herey
eswidenedandshestart
edrunni
ngther
ebutbef
oreshecoul
dgett
her
e,Tani
shahas
beent
akeni
nandt hedoorhasbeenshut.

Shepr
essedt
hebl
ackbut
tonsr
epeat
edl
ybutt
hedoorwon'
topen.

Shegav
eupandwal
kedbackt
oZar
a.

"
Whatj
usthappened?
,Wher
ear
etheyt
aki
nghert
o!"Shedemandedl
oudl
y.

"Ev
ery
onesawwhatshedi
dsomef
*cki
ngmi
nut
esago!
"Zar
ayel
l
ed.

"
Tel
ltheguar
dst
obr
ingherback,
Rightnow!
"Li
ashout
edandZar
asmi
l
ed.

"Tool
ate"shesai
dandf
acedt
hecr
owd.

"
Let
'sst
artt
hepar
ty"shesai
dandev
ery
oner
aisedt
hei
rcups.

Agl
assofchampagnewashandedt
oZar
atooandt
heyal
lrai
sedt
hecupst
ocheer

"
Cheer
stoMCFpal
acef
orcl
ocki
ng40t
oday
"shesai
d.
"
Cheer
s"ev
ery
onechor
usedanddr
ank,
thenshecont
inuedherwal
ktot
hef
ront
.

Li
arushedoutoft
hepl
aceandr
anal
lthewayt
oZar
a'ssui
te.

Theguar
dswon'
tl
etheri
n,ov
ert
went
yoft
hem.

Shesmi
rkedandr
emov
edherheel
s.

Shetookoneofi
tandst
uckt
heheel
ont
heneckofoneoft
hem,
hedi
edwi
thi
nasecondsoshe
cont
inued.

Breaki
ngtheheadsoft
heguar
dsanddest
roy
ingt
hei
rneckswi
tht
heheel
til
li
twast
akenf
rom
herbyoneofthem.

Shesl
appedt
hatpar
ti
cul
aronebef
orer
aisi
nghergown,
bri
ngi
ngouthergunf
rom herl
egsst
rap.

Sheshott
hem downi
nami
nut
ebef
orer
ushi
ngi
ntot
hesui
te.

"
Tani
sha!
"Sheshout
ed,
looki
ngar
oundf
oranysi
gnofher
.

Sheent
eredZar
a'st
rapsbutcoul
dn'
tfi
ndheri
nanyoft
hem.

Thet
rapr
oomsar
eal
lempt
ybutshe'
ssur
eshe'
sinsi
det
hesui
te.

"
Tani
sha!
"Shescr
eamedagai
nbutonl
ytheechoofherv
oicecameback.
"Tani
shawher
ear
eyou!
"

Shest
art
edsear
chi
ngf
rant
ical
l
yasi
fshe'
sapi
n.

Thef
actt
hathecoul
dn'
tfi
ndheronl
ymeansshe'
sinsomewher
eknownbyonl
yZar
a.

Zar
a'ssui
teisthemostmy
ster
iouspl
acei
nthepal
aceandnomat
terhowmuchy
out
ry,
you
won'
tunderst
andit
.

Zar
aist
heonl
yonewhoknowsi
tinandout
.

Li
astar
tedopeningt
hedoor
sonebyonet
il
lshegott
othel
astv
isi
bleonebutTani
shast
il
l
coul
dn'
tbefound.

Sher
ushedoutoft
hesui
teI
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Ishouldhavekeptaneyeonherli
kePrincet
onasked,nowhe'
l
lbef
*cki
ngdi
sappoi
nted,
damn
me!"Shecussedather
selfassheranbacktothepart
y.

ATTHEPARTY*
*

Theaucti
oni
sgoi
ngonal
ready
,fi
vesl
avesar
eondi
spl
ayi
nthef
ront
,twohasbeensol
dout
al
ready
.

Tr
acygr
abbedt
henextoneandmadeherst
andi
nthemi
ddl
e.

"
Goi
ngf
or50mi
l
li
ondol
l
ars"Vi
viannounced.
"
70mi
l
li
on!
"Amansai
d.

"
80!
"Anot
heronesai
d.

"
1bi
l
li
on!
"

"
2bi
l
ls!
"

.
..
..

Vi
gnet
tegr
abbedRei
naandt
ookhert
oacor
ner

"What
!"Rei
nasnapped,
taki
ngherar
mfr
om Vi
gnet
te.

"
Thedr
ink,
didy
ouspi
kei
t?"SheaskedandRei
nasmi
l
ed.

"Whatwer
eyouexpect
ing,Ij
ustmi
xedhalfgl
assoftequi
lawit
hhal
fglassofmoji
to,
andshe
wenthi
ghasexpect
ed,
it'
snotmyfaul
tthatshe'
snottol
erantt
oal
cohol"Rei
nasai
d.

"Youdi
ditonpur
posesoshecoul
dbei
ntr
oubl
eli
ket
hisr
ight
?"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"Sowhat
?,Ihat
eher
,she'
sjustt
oodumbt
oknow"Rei
nar
epl
i
ed.

"
Shewast
hesameper
sonwhot
ookcar
eofy
ouwheny
ouwer
ewounded"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.
"Ofcour
sesheshoul
ddothatcosIgott
hewoundscosofher
!,Andnotl
i
keIaskedhert
otake
car
eofme..
..
.bounceof
f!
"Reinasai
dandst
art
edleav
ing.

Vi
gnet
tef
oldedherf
istandhar
denedheruppert
eet
hont
hel
owerones.

Shet
ookt
hreest
epst
oRei
naandpul
l
edherback.

Shet
ookheroutoft
hegroundandwhent
heyf
inal
l
ygotout
,shegav
eheraki
ckont
hej
awand
shef
lewt
othegroundi
nf r
ontofher
.

"
Vignet
teI
'
llki
l
lyou!
"Shet
hreat
ened,
standi
ngwi
thabl
eedi
ngnose.

"Ki
l
lme"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
edandshecameather
.

Rei
nat
ri
edpunchi
ngherbutVi
gnet
tegr
abbedherf
istandt
wist
edherar
m.

"
Arr
gg!
!!
"Rei
nascr
eamedpai
nful
l
y.

"
Isi
tpai
nful
?,I
sit
!"Vi
gnet
tedemandedf
uri
ousl
yandt
wist
edi
tmor
e.

Theauct
ioni
sst
il
lgoi
ngoni
nthepar
ty,
thef
if
thsl
avei
sal
readyonspot
.

"
Theanni
ver
sar
ybl
ackcakewi
l
lbecutaf
terwesel
loutt
hisl
astsl
ave"Tr
acysai
d.

"Goi
ngf
or40mi
l
li
ondol
l
ars"Vi
visai
d.
"50mi
l
li
on"awomansai
d.

"70mi
l
li
on!
"Anot
hersai
d.

"
80"

Noonet
alkedagai
naf
tert
hat.

"
Sol
dfor80mi
l
li
ondol
l
ars!
"Tr
acysai
dandZar
ast
oodwi
thav
ict
ori
oussmi
l
e.

Thebl
ackcakewasshi
ft
edt
othemi
ddl
eoft
hegr
oundandshest
art
edwal
ki
ngt
oit

Pr
incet
onwal
kedi
nthatmomentandShayr
ushedt
ohi
m.

"
Wil
dcat
,youneedt
oli
stent
ome"hesai
d

"
What
?"Heasked.

"Tani
shawas.
..
.

"
Dad.
..Tani
shahasbeent
akenaway
!"Sanasai
dloudl
y,r
ushi
ngt
ohi
m wi
thMi
na.

Theybot
hhav
etear
sint
hei
rey
es.

Pr
incet
onsmi
l
ed,
unabl
etobel
i
eveany
thi
ng.
"
Youknowi
onal
way
sgetf
reakedbyj
okes"hesai
dandTammynodded.

"I
t'
snotaj
okeboss,
shewasr
eal
l
ytakenawaybygodmot
her
'sguar
ds"Tammysai
d.

"Shegotdr
unkandi
nter
rupt
edhersi
l
entent
ry"Shaysai
d.

"Shehasr
eal
l
ybeent
akenaway
"Si
err
asai
d,appear
ingwi
thBr
ent
.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatZar
awho'
sal
readyi
nfr
ontoft
hebl
ackcakeandhi
sey
esshoneanger
.

Hi
sey
esdar
tedt
oLi
a,she'
sst
andi
ngnotf
arf
rom hi
m wi
thagui
l
tyl
ookonherf
ace.

Hel
ookedatZar
aagai
nandbef
oreany
onecoul
dst
ophi
m,hest
art
edwal
ki
ngt
oher
.

Zar
awasaboutt
otaket
hekni
fewhenshesawhi
m.

Shest
oppedt
il
lhegott
oher.

Hestoodinfr
ontofher
,gl
ari
ngdanger
ousl
yather
,he'
stal
l
erbutt
hankst
oherheel
s,t
hey
'r
e
sameheightr
ightnow.

"
Wher
e'sshe?
"Heaskedcal
mlybutt
hecal
mnessi
nhi
svoi
cehel
dcol
dnessandmeanness.

"Shealmostdestr
oy edmypartyandyouexpectmetospar
eher
?,She'
sinsomewher
eshe
belongs,
I'
ll
justki
llheraf
tert
hispart
y"sherepl
iedi
nsamemanner.
"Youdon'
tdar
etouchast
randofherhai
r!
,I
'l
lki
l
lyou"hemut
ter
edser
iousl
y.

"Ar
eyougoi
ngcr
azyov
erheral
ready
?,Thi
scoul
dbei
nter
est
ing"Zar
alaughed.

"Wher
eisshe!
"Hedemandedl
oudl
y.

"Youwon'thavet
hechancet
oseeherany
mor
e!"Zar
ashout
edbackandhegr
abbedherneck
i
mmediately.

Ev
ery
onegasped,
sur
pri
sedbyhi
ssuddenact
ion.

"
He'
smor
ethancr
azy
"Landonsmi
l
ed.

"
Wher
e'sNi
sha?
"Pr
incet
ondemandedagai
n,choki
ngZar
a.

Herguar
dsmadet
ost
epi
nbutshest
oppedt
hem.

"
Ifyoufai
ltol
etgoofmewi
thi
nthr
eemi
nut
es,
I'
ll
makesur
eshedi
esexcr
uci
ati
ngl
yint
henext
f
iveminut
es"shesai
d.

Pr
incet
onchokedhermor
e,pr
essi
nghi
snai
l
sint
oherneck.

"Hewon'
tl
ist
en,
Iknowgodmot
herwon'
tgi
veupei
ther
"Si
err
asai
dbesi
deLi
a

Li
ast
eppedi
nandt
ri
edt
aki
ngZar
afr
om hi
m buti
t'
sImpossi
ble.
"Di
dn'
tyouhearwhatshesai
d?,ShesaidTani
shawill
begonef
iveminut
estonowifyoudon'
t
l
ethergo,pl
easel
ethergo"shepleadedt
oPrincet
onwhohashisangr
yeyesonZarawhil
esti
ll
choki
ngher.

"
Pri
ncet
onpl
ease,
wehav
etosav
eher
"Li
asai
d,hol
dinghi
sar
m.

Pr
incet
on'
shol
donZar
ast
art
edl
esseni
ngbi
tbybi
tti
l
lhef
inal
l
ylethergo.

Zar
a'sneckhasbeenbedeckedwi
thr
edmar
ks,
impr
int
edbyPr
incet
on'
snai
l
s.

"Youwon'
tseeheragai
n,mar
kmywor
ds"Zar
asai
dandi
mmedi
atel
ytookt
hekni
febesi
det
he
cake.

Bef
oreany
onecoul
dbl
i
nk,
shedi
vedi
tint
ohi
sar
m.

"
Mot
her
!"Li
agasped.

"Forgrabbi
ngmyneckthat'
swhaty ouget,
noonehasev erdonethatandfort
hefactt
hat
you..
.mypreci
oussonisthefi
rst
,youdeservesomeaccoladesandthat'
swhatIj
ustgaveyou"
Zarasaidandremovedthekni
fefrom hi
sarm.

Hi
sbl
ooddampenedhi
sredsui
tandZar
adel
vedt
hebl
oodykni
fei
ntot
hecake,
cut
ti
ngi
t.

"
Cheer
s!"Shesmi
l
edt
othecr
owd.

"
Tous!
"Ev
ery
onechor
usedanddr
ankt
oit
.
"Theknif
ehasmyal pha'
sbl
ood,t
hatonl
ymeanst
hispal
acewi
ll
growstronger
,thi
sist
hebest
anniv
ersaryt
hispal
acehaseverr
ecor
ded"Zar
asmil
edanddr
ankherchampagne.

"Mer
ryandenj
oywhi
l
eIt
akemyl
eav
e"shesai
dandst
art
edl
eav
ing.

"Mot
her
!"Li
asai
dloudl
ybutshewon'
tst
opt
il
lshe'
scompl
etel
youtoft
hepl
ace.

Li
afacedPr
incet
onwhosebl
oodi
sst
il
lpour
ing.

"
I'
ll
gety
out
reat
ed,
let
'sgot
omysui
te"shesai
dandPr
incet
onf
acedher
.

Hi
sey
esdoesn'
texudepai
ns,
rat
heri
t'
sful
lofwhatshecoul
dn'
texpl
ain.

"
Nishai
sindanger
,thi
smi
norwoundmeansnot
hing"hesai
dandwal
kedoutoft
hepl
ace.

Hewentst
rai
ghtt
ohi
ssui
teandpeel
edt
hesui
tof
fhi
sbody
.

Thei
nnerwhi
teshi
rthasbeensoakedwi
thhi
sbl
oodal
ready
.

Het
ookt
hatof
ftooandwr
appedbandageont
hewoundwi
thoutt
reat
ingi
t.

Hel
i
ght
enedasmokeandpuf
fedoni
tforl
ong,
blowi
ngoutt
hesmokesenor
mousl
y.

Hepacedr
oundhi
sroom ashesmoked,
Tani
sha'
sfacewon'
tl
eav
ehi
sheadandi
t'
srat
her
i
nsane.
Hi
sey
est
urnedr
edi
nmi
nut
es.

Hebr
ushedhi
sfi
nger
sonhi
shai
randcl
osedhi
sey
es,
try
ingt
ofi
gur
eoutwhat
'l
lhappennext
.

He'
ssur
eshewon'
tki
l
lher
,oneoft
het
hingsshecan'
tdoi
ski
l
lsl
aves.

Zar
awi
l
lrat
herpuni
shheri
nhumanl
yorsel
lherandmakehermoney
.

I
tseemst
hel
atheri
sthemostpossi
ble.

"
Kaf
fy"hesai
dandsmokedagai
n.

"
Dad!
"Hi
stwi
nscamei
nandhef
acedt
hem.

"
Got
oyourr
oom guy
s,Iwantt
obeal
oneandt
hink"hesai
d.

"
Wil
lshebef
ine?
"Sanaaskedwor
ri
edl
y.

Thei
rtear
sdr
iedupal
readybuti
mmedi
atel
ytheysawhi
sar
m,t
heyst
art
edcr
yingagai
n.

Thebandagehasbeensoakedwi
thbl
ood.

"
Blood"Mi
nacr
ied
Pr
incet
onl
ookedathi
sar
m andsmi
l
ed.

"
Itdoesn'
thur
tabi
t,I
'
mfi
ne"hesai
dbutt
heycont
inued.

"
Teachersai
dopenwoundsbr
ingbl
ood,
andbl
oodmeanspai
n,i
tmusthur
tal
ot"Sanacr
ied.

"Bl
oodbr i
ngspai
nsforchi
ldren,
butforadul
ts,
itmakesusst
rongersoI
'
m gonnabecome
st
rongerandbri
ngyourTanishaback"hesai
d.

"Pr
omi
seus"Mi
nasai
d.

"Pr
omi
se,
she'
l
lbeok,
trustmeok?
"Her
epl
i
edandt
heybot
hnodded.

Tammyt
ookt
hem awayandhegothi
sphone.

Hecal
l
edShay
.

"
Wil
dcat
"Shaysai
dfr
om t
heot
herend.

"
Dur
ingt
heauct
ion,
didKaf
fybuyasl
ave?
"Heasked.

"
No,
shedi
dn'
tev
enbi
dforonce"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"Cool
,comet
omysui
tewi
tht
her
est
,excl
udi
ngLandonandhi
sbr
ides"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Sur
e"Shayhungup.
Pr
incet
ondr
oppedhi
sphoneandcont
inuedsmoki
ng.

Thefactt
hatKaffydi
dn'tbuyasl
avei
sanot
herev
idencet
hatZar
aispl
anni
ngt
ogi
veTani
shat
o
herwhenevershe'
sgoingback.

Kaff
ybuysasl
aveev
eryy
earwhenshecomesf
ort
heanni
ver
sar
y,butt
hisy
ear
,she'
sgoi
ngwi
th
Tani
sha?

"
Boss,
they
'r
eher
e"Tammysai
dbyhi
sdoor
.

Hel
eftt
her
oom andLi
agaspedwhenshesawhi
sbl
oodyar
m.

"
You'
rel
osi
ngbl
ood,
it'
sdanger
ous"shesai
d.

"
I'
m notf
rai
l,i
oncar
eabouti
tri
ghtnow,
all
Icar
eabouti
sthat
,Ni
shamustbef
ine"her
epl
i
ed.

"She'
ssomewher
einhersui
te,
Isear
chedal
lhert
rapr
oomsbutcoul
dn'
tfi
ndher
"Li
asai
d.

"Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngwhenIl
eft
?,Icl
ear
lyt
oldy
out
owat
chov
erher
"Pr
incet
onsai
d,l
ooki
ngat
her

"
I'
m sor
ry.
..
I.
..
lostconcent
rat
ionf
orawhi
l
e"sher
epl
i
edsl
owl
y.

"
Musty
oual
way
sloseconcent
rat
ion?
,It
'sbecomi
ngr
ampantandi
t'
sdanger
ous!
"Shaysnapped.

Li
alookedathi
m hur
tful
l
yandt
urnedherf
aceaway
.
"
I'
m sor
ry"shesai
d.

"Ev
enifwesear chZara'
ssuit
et i
l
leter
nity
,wewon'tf
indTanisha,
ther
earealotofsecretrooms
i
nhersuit
e, hiddenones,ther
e'sanundergroundt
raptoot
houghI '
venev
erenteredbut.
..
.she
tol
dmeher self,ionknowthelocati
on,
Ijustknowt
hatever
ythingi
sinherf*
ckingsuit
e"
Pri
ncet
onsai d.

"Kaff
ymightleav
eany t
imesoon,thefactthatgodmotherhasanundergr
oundtrapinhissui
te
meansthere'
sawayoutofthispalaceintheundergr
ound,shemightj
usttakeheranyt
imeshe
l
ikes,
butshecan'tf
*cki
ngescape"Sier
rasaid.

"Therearet
woroadsthatl
eadstotheair
port
,thehi
ghwayandt
hemai
none,
IandShaywill
st
artwatchi
ngt
hehighwayforanysignofher
,wejusthav
etoactl
i
ker
oadmaint
enancecops"
Brentsai
d.

"Cool
,Br
entandShayyoubothshoul
dwat chthehi
ghway,
Sier
raandLia,
youbot
hshoul
dwat
ch
themai
nroad,I
'
llst
ayatt
heinter
sect
ion,
we'removingt
onight
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Sur
e,l
et'
smov
e"Shaysai
d,st
andi
ngupwi
tht
heot
her
s.

*
***
**

NEXTMORNI
NG*
*

ZARA'
SSUI
TE,
UNDERGROUNDTRAP*
*

Tani
shawokey
out
oaspl
i
tti
ngheadacheandhel
dherheadl
i
ght
ly,
try
ingt
ofi
gur
eoutwhy
.
Shesqui
ntedwit
hhereyesclosedandmanagedtoopenherey
esbutI
mmedi
atel
yshesaw
wher
eshei s,
shefor
gotherheadacheandspr
angedup.

"
Wher
e'st
his?
"Sheaskedher
sel
f,l
ooki
ngar
oundconf
usedl
y.

Herheadji
ngl
edagai
nandshehel
dit
,remember
ingal
lthei
nci
dentt
hathappenedl
astni
ght
i
nstant
ly.

Herey
escamewi
deandshest
ood.

"
Idi
dal
lthat
?,Idi
d?,
Me?
"Shesai
dandf
ell
ont
hegr
oundagai
n.

"I
'
m dead,
I'
m sodead.
..
wher
eam I
?,Whydi
dIdr
ink?
,Whydi
dIdr
ink!
'shey
ell
edather
sel
fand
st
oodagai
n

"Masterwarnedmenev
ertot
akeanyt
hingf
rom t
hegener
alkit
chenanymorebutidi
dn'
tl
ist
en,
didmybr ai
nleav
emyheadbackt
hen?,OhTani
sha,
I'
mintroubl
e,am Igonnadi
enow?"She
said.

Theopeni
ngoft
hedoormadeherst
opr
ambl
i
ng,
Kaf
fycamei
nwi
thZar
aandshef
roze.

Theywal
kedt
oherandshest
art
edshi
ver
ing.

"
Nowy
ou'
reof
fi
cial
l
ymi
ne"Kaf
fysmi
l
ed,
touchi
ngherf
ace.

Shet
rembl
edmor
e.
"IknowPri
ncetonwon'
tsi
tandwat
ch,
he'sprobabl
ypl
anni
ngsomet
hingandt
hat
'swhyy
ou
havetogoaheadofhi
m bymovi
ngear
ly"Zar
asaid.

"Iunder
stand,
can'
twai
ttogett
oFr
ance"Kaf
fyr
epl
i
ed.

Twoguar
dscamei
nandTani
shawasdr
aggedout
.

Thepl
acel
ooksdi
ff
erentasifi
t'
snotpartoft
hepalace,t
hepar
khasmor
ethant
went
yposh
car
sandshewaspushedint
othebackseatofoneofit.

Kaf
fybr
oughtoutashi
nykni
fef
rom herpur
se,
dangl
i
ngi
tinf
rontofher
.

"
You'
ll
diebythi
sthemomenty oumaket
hesl
ight
estsound"shet
hreat
enedandTani
shabi
ther
t
onguetokeepherf
rom t
alki
ng,t
ear
srol
l
edoutofhereyes.

Kaf
fysatbesi
deherandt
hedr
iversati
nthef
rontseat
.

Theydr
oveoutoft
hepl
aceandkeptcr
uisi
ngaf
orestt
il
ltheygott
othehi
ghway
.

*
***

MAI
NROADCHECKPOI
NT*
*

Sier
raandLi amanagedt
odressli
kemalecopsafterknocki
ngoutt
woofthem i
nthei
rcars,
theytooktheiruni
for
msandrol
l
eduptheirhai
rs,
theyhadt owal
kli
keguy
stoosotheothers
Won'tsuspect.
Theykeptr
egul
ati
ngwi
tht
heot
her
s,checki
ngeachcart
hor
oughl
y.

They
'vebeenoni
tsi
ncel
astni
ght
.

Si
err
acar
eful
l
ypr
essedherbud.

"
Doy
out
hinkt
hey
'r
ereal
l
ytaki
ngt
hisway
?"Shewhi
sper
ed.

"
Wecan'
tsay
"Li
awhi
sper
edback.

Si
err
aconcent
rat
edbackont
her
oadandasi
fpl
anned,
acarwi
tht
int
edwi
ndowspassed,
col
or
br
own.

I
mmedi
atel
yLi
asawt
henumber
,sheknewi
t'
soneofZar
a'snumer
ouscar
s.

I
t'
sspeedi
ngsof
astsoi
t'
sImpossi
blet
ohi
j
acki
t,t
hedr
ivermustbeapr
o.

"Thatcar
!"Shequickl
ysaidandSierr
athrewadev i
cetothebodyofthecar.Youcanjoi
nand
readmoreintr
igui
ngst or
iesfr
om ourWhatsApppagessuchas,unli
mitedstorypl
atf
orm,f
resh
stori
eski
ngdom, houseofstoryr
oom, sweetandnicest
oryroom t
hroughKwesi
on+233554737287.Itsti
ckedonitandtheybothgotint
henextcabthatshowedup.

"
Iknewi
t!
,They
'r
eimpost
ers!
"Oneoft
hecopssai
dandt
heyst
art
edchasi
ngt
hem

Si
err
agotherphonewhi
cht
hedev
icehasbeenconnect
edt
oandf
rom t
hephone,
shehacked
i
ntothecar
.
Li
acont
act
edPr
incet
onandt
heot
her
s,t
heyst
art
edchasi
ngaf
tert
hecar
.

"I
onthinkI'
ll
beabl
etohackwel
lwi
thaphone,
Ishoul
dhav
ebr
oughtmyl
apt
op"Si
err
a
complained.

"Justdoi
tandst
opt
hecarsomehow!
"Li
asai
d.

*
***
**

Kaf
fybecamer
est
lesswhenherdr
iverl
ostcont
rol
oft
hecar
.

Nomat
terwhathepr
esses,
thecarkeptmov
ingoni
t'
sown.

"
Ithi
nki
tgothacked"t
hedr
iversai
d.

"
What
!"Kaf
fysai
d,l
ooki
ngback.

Twocar
sisf
oll
owi
ngt
hem.

Thecarkeptmov
ingev
enwhent
hedr
iveri
snotdr
ivi
ng.

"
Takecont
rol
oft
hecaragai
nf*
cki
ngi
diot
!"Kaf
fyy
ell
ed.

"Ther
e'snowayI
'
m notanhacker
"thedr
iverr
epl
i
ed.

Tani
shai
sst
il
lshaki
ngbadl
y.Shecl
osedherey
es,
expect
ingt
hewor
se.
THREEMI
NUTESLATER*
*

Thecarsuddenl
ytur
neddownarockysit
eandst ar
tedbumpi
ngi
ntost
ones,
goi
ngzi
gzagand
bumpingdanger
ousl
yti
ll
itbumpedint
oar ock.

Si
l
encepr
evai
l
edf
orami
nut
ethenwi
resspar
kedandpr
oducedf
ir
e.

Thecarbl
ewupI
mmedi
atel
y.

Pr
incet
oncameoutofhi
scarandr
efusedt
obel
i
evewhathe'
sseei
ng.

"
Nisha!
!!
!"Heshout
ed,
runni
ngt
othebur
ningcar
.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:05AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER34&35
 ★★★★★

Pr
incet
onr
ant
owar
dst
hecar
,sweat
ingsomuch,
det
ermi
nedt
ogetherouti
fshe'
sin.

Hewasaboutt
ogett
othebur
ningcarwhenLi
agr
abbedhi
m.

"
Noy
oucan'
t,
you'
l
lgetbur
ntbyt
hef
ir
e"shesai
d.

"
Nishai
sint
hecarIneedt
osav
eher
!"hesai
dfor
cef
ull
yrel
easedhi
msel
ffr
om her
.

Hest
art
edgoi
ngt
owar
dst
hecaragai
nandLi
ahel
dhi
m agai
n.

"
Pri
ncet
onpl
ease!
,Don'
thur
tyour
sel
f"shesai
d.

"Ineedt
osav
eher
,Ican'
tl
oseher
"her
epl
i
ed.

Thel
ooki
nhi
sey
esr
eal
l
ymeanshe'
sreadyt
oent
ert
hef
ir
e.

Her
eleasedhi
msel
ffr
om hergr
ipandt
ookonemor
est
ept
owar
dst
hecar
.

"
AndnowIbel
i
evewhaty
ousai
dLi
a,oural
phai
sini
t,madl
y"Si
err
alaughedf
rom behi
nd.

"Whythehel
lwouldyoulaughinthi
ssi
tuat
ion!
,Youdi
dn'
thackt
hecarwel
lenoughandt
hat
's
whyt
hishappened!
"Liasnapped.
"Ididn'
thackitwel
l
?,Hav
eIev
ermadeami
stakewhi
l
ehacki
ng?
,Idi
dmyj
obdi
l
igent
lywel
l
"
Sier
rasmiled.

"I
sther
esomet
hingy
ou'
renott
ell
i
ngme?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

"YourNi
shawi
l
lsoonbeher
e,ShayandBr
entwi
l
lbr
ingher
"shewi
nked.

Acargal
l
opedi
ntot
hepl
acei
mmedi
atel
y.

ShayandBr
entcameoutofi
tandopenedt
hebackdoor
,dr
aggi
ngKaf
fyoutofi
t.

Li
agaspedi
nshock.

"Atfi
rstwewer et
heclosestt
othecarcosIwashacki ngfr
om it
,butwhenwecr ossedthe
highway,ShayandBrent'
scarwentclosersoIhal
tedmyhackingforawhil
e, t
hecarstopped
andBr entgott
hechancetogetKaffyandTanishaout,l
eavi
ngonlythedr
iveri
n,thenIresumed
mybusi nessanddrovehi
mt oheaven"Sier
raexpl
ained.

"So,
onl
ythedr
ivergotbur
ntwi
tht
hecar
?"Li
aasked.

"Sur
e"Shaysmi
l
ed.

Pr
incet
ongothi
sgunandai
medatKaf
fy.

"
You'
l
lregr
eti
tify
oudoi
t"shesai
d.

"Who'
ssheki
ddi
ng?
"Br
entl
aughed.
"I
'
veexper
iencedr
egr
etsal
lmylif
e, yourswon'
ttakemylif
eandIpersonal
l
ydon'tthi
nkther
e's
anyf
*cki
ngt hi
ngt
oregr
etaboutsendingyoutohell
"Pr
incetonr
epl
i
edexpressi
onlessl
y.

"Mydadwi
l
lhunty
oudown,
he'
l
lendy
ourexi
stence!
"Shet
hreat
ened.

"F*
cky
ou"hesai
dandpul
l
edt
het
ri
gger
,shoot
ingathert
hri
cei
ndel
i
cat
epl
aces.

"
Gone"Li
asmi
l
ed,
looki
ngatt
hecar
.

"
Wher
e'sNi
sha?
'Pr
incet
onasked.

Shaywentbackt
oitandopenedt
heseconddoor
,pul
l
ingheroutoft
hecar
.

Shehast
ear
sonherf
ace,
maki
ngPr
incet
onwantt
oki
l
lkaf
fyagai
n.

She'
spi
cki
ngonhernai
l
sner
vousl
y,t
hinki
ngPr
incet
oni
sgonnascol
dheragai
n.

Hekeptt
hatcol
dfaceashewal
kedt
oher
.

Shekeptherf
acedown,
unabl
etol
ookathi
m.

"
Youdon'
thav
eany
thi
ngt
osay
?"Heasked.

"
I'
m sor
ry"shemut
ter
ed.
"
Why
?"

"
Idr
ankandgotwast ed,
Ishoul
dn'
thav
edr
ankwheny
ouwar
nedmenott
otakeany
thi
ngf
rom
t
hegener
alki
tchen"shesai
d.

"Lookatmeandt
ell
met
hat
"hesai
dandsheswal
l
owedhar
dasshesl
owl
yst
art
edl
ooki
ngup.

Whenthei
rey
esf
inal
l
ymet
,wor
dsgotst
ucki
nhert
hroat
,he'
snotsmi
l
ingsoi
t'
shar
dtof
orma
sent
ence.

"
I'
m..
..
I.
..
I'
m..
.

Shest
art
edst
utt
eri
ngandhef
inal
l
ysmi
l
edbef
orepul
l
ingherswi
ft
lyt
ohi
msel
f.

Hehuggedhersot
ightasi
fshe'
drunawayi
fhedoesn'
t.

"Igotscar
edforthef
ir
sttimeintwoy ears,
themomentt
hatcarbl
ewup,
IthoughtIwasnev
er
gonnaseey ouanymore"hesai
d,rubbingherhai
r.

"I
'
m sor
ry,
Ishoul
dhav
eli
stenedt
oyou"shecr
ied.

"
Don'
tcr
y,i
t'
sanor
der
"hesai
dandshequi
ckl
yst
opped.

"It
oldy
out
hey
'l
lbeagoodmat
ch"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"Goodmat chbutdanger
ous,t
hatgir
lhasal
otofenemi
esandt
hef
actt
hatgodmot
heri
soneof
them onl
ymakesitworse"Si
err
arepli
ed.
"Thi
sissocr
azyr
ight
?,Lookatwi
l
dcathuggi
ngagi
rl
"Shaysmi
l
ed.

"I
t'
sf*
cki
ngni
ce"Br
entsmi
l
ed.

Pr
incet
onnev
erwant
edt
olethergo,
theyspental
mostf
ivemi
nut
es,
huggi
ngeachot
her
.

"
Heyal
pha!
,Weneedt
ogo!
"Br
entsai
dloudl
y.

Pr
incet
onbr
oket
hehugandhel
dherhand,
taki
nghert
othecar
.

"
Youguy
sshoul
dtaket
heot
hercar
,Iwannadr
ivet
hisal
onewi
thher
"hesai
dandgoti
ntoo.

Hedr
oveof
fandSi
err
ascof
fed.

"
Ser
iousl
y?,
Wegotdi
tchedf
orhi
sNi
sha"shesai
d.

"
Stopbei
ngj
eal
ous"Li
asai
d.

"Jeal
ousmyass"Si
err
alaughed.

Shayt
ouchedherhai
r,st
roki
ngi
tgent
ly.

"
Goodj
ob,
hacker
"hewi
nkedandSi
err
asmi
l
ed.
"
Myheadwi
l
lswel
lup,
stopi
t"shesai
d,sl
appi
nghi
shandof
f.

Theygoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f.

*
***
***

MCFPALACE*
*

Pr
incet
ondr
ovei
nroughl
yandbr
oughtt
hecardi
rect
lyt
ohi
ssui
te.

Het
ookTani
shaoutoft
hecarandt
heywenti
ntoget
her
.

"
Tani
sha!
!!
!"Thet
winsscr
eamedi
mmedi
atet
heysawher
.

Theybot
hrushedt
ohugheratonce.

Pr
incet
onsmi
l
ed,
seei
ngt
hathi
sgi
rl
sar
ehappyagai
n.

"
Wemi
ssedy
ou"Sanapout
ed

"
Sameher
eguy
s"sher
epl
i
ed,
pecki
ngt
hem bot
h.

"Dadwel
ovey
ou"Mi
nasai
d.

"
Ilov
eyouguy
smor
e"hesmi
l
edandTani
shahuggedSweetaf
ter
war
ds.
"
IthoughtIwasnev
ergonnaseey
ouagai
n"shesai
d,st
roki
ngi
t'
sheadf
ondl
y.

Tammycameoutwi
thabagandTani
shast
oodi
mmedi
atel
yshesawher
.

"
You'
rel
eav
ingal
ready
?"Shesai
d.

"
Yeah,
Ideci
dednott
oleav
eti
l
lyoucomebackandher
eyouar
e,soIshoul
dleav
e"shesmi
l
ed.

Tani
shawal
kedt
oherandhuggedhert
ight
ly.

"
I'
m gonnami
ssy
oual
ot,
Ihopewemeetagai
n"Tani
shasmi
l
edsadl
y.

"Sameher
e,pl
easet
akecar
eoft
hegi
rl
sIbegy
ou"Tammysai
d.

"Ofcour
se"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed,
disengagi
ngf
rom her
.

Thet
winshuggedhert
oo,
bot
hhast
ear
sint
hei
rey
es.

"
Can'
tyoust
ayal
i
ttl
ebi
tlonger
?"Sanaasked.

"Ihav
etogohel
pmyjuni
orsi
sint
akingcar
eofmysi
ckmum,
butIpr
omi
set
ocomev
isi
ti
ng
oncemum get
sbet
ter
"Tammyrepl
ied.

"We'
l
lmi
ssy
oubadl
y"Mi
nasai
d.
"I
'
m mi
ssi
ngy
ouguy
sal
ready
"Tammyr
epl
i
ed,
tight
eni
ngt
hehug.

Theystayedi
nherar
msf
orl
ongandwhenshest
ood,
shehast
ear
sinherey
esbutshehi
dit
fr
om them.

Shequi
ckl
yfacedPr
incet
on.

"
Itwasni
cewor
kingwi
thy
ouboss"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Her
e"hesai
d,br
ingi
ngoutadebi
tcar
d.

Shesl
owl
ytooki
t.

"
Ionknowhowmuchi
sint
heaccountbutit
'smor
ethanenough,
ify
ouneedany
thi
ngel
se,
cal
l
me"hesai
dandTammyal
mostcouldn'
tbel
iev
eherear
s.

"Boss!
"

"Justst
aygood"hesai
dandshesmi
l
ed.

"
Thankssomuchboss"shebowed.

Pr
incet
onwenti
nwi
thoutsay
inganot
herwor
d.

Tammywav
edatt
heki
dsandTani
shaasshel
eftt
hesui
te.
Acari
sal
readywai
ti
ngt
oconv
eyheroutoft
hepl
ace.

Shegoti
nandcont
inuedwav
ingt
il
li
twentoutofsi
ght
.

Tani
shawentbacki
nwi
tht
hegi
rl
sandSanaf
acedher
.

"
Dadi
swounded"shesai
d.

"
Huh?
,Wher
e?,
How?
"Sheasked.

"Yest
erdayatt
hepar
ty,whenhecamebackandcoul
dn'
tfi
ndyou,
hechokedgodmot
herand
sheendedupwoundinghim wi
thakni
feonhi
sarm"Minarepl
i
ed.

"Youguy
sshoul
dcont
inuepl
ayi
ngwi
thSweetok?
,I'
l
lber
ightback"shesai
dandqui
ckl
yrushed
i
ntohi
sroom.

Shemethi
m shi
rt
less,
smoki
ngsl
owl
ywhi
l
esi
tt
ingont
hebed.

Hi
swoundedar
misobv
iouscost
hebandageoni
tisbl
oody
.

Sher
ushedt
ohi
m andst
art
edunwr
appi
ngt
hebandagewi
thoutt
alki
ng.

Hedi
dn'
tst
opher
,hej
ustcont
inuedsmoki
ng.

Shef
ini
shedunwr
appi
ngi
tcompl
etel
yandgasped,
itmustbesodeep!
"
What
..
..
whydi
dshe.
..
.

"Zar
aisnotahuman,
you'
remi
stakeni
fyou'
vebeenseei
ngherasone"hesai
d.

Shequi
ckl
ygott
heki
tbutt
heant
ibi
oti
cisnotav
ail
abl
eagai
n.

"
Hear
dther
e'sacl
i
nici
nher
e,l
et'
sgoI
'
llt
akey
ou"shesai
d.

"Andyouactuall
ythi
nkI'
ll
go?,Thi
ssui
tei
stheonl
ysaf
epl
acef
ormei
nthi
spal
ace,
iont
rust
thedoct
ori
nt her
e"herepl
ied.

"Thenwhatar
ewegonnado"sher
epl
i
edur
gent
ly.

"
Shaywi
llgett
hedr
ugsi
ntheev
eni
ng,
I'
ll
bef
inet
il
lthen"her
epl
i
edbutshekeptst
andi
ng
wor
ri
edl
y.

Hedr
oppedhi
ssmokeandpul
l
edhert
ohi
slaps.

Herbut
tlandedonhi
slapsandhehel
dher
,li
nki
nghi
sar
msbehi
ndherbef
orepl
aci
nghi
shead
onherb**bs.

"
Thi
swi
l
lcal
m medownt
il
lthen"hesai
d,cl
osi
nghi
sey
es.

Shesmi
l
edandsl
owl
ybr
oughtherhandt
ohi
shai
r,shest
art
edst
roki
ngi
tgent
ly.

"
Youar
en'
tgoi
ngbackt
othesl
avehousenort
hegener
alki
tchen"hesai
d.
"I
'
m gonnast
artl
i
vingher
e?"Shesai
d.

"
Sur
e,Tammyi
sgonenow,
takecar
eofmygi
rl
sandme"her
epl
i
ed.

"Iwi
l
l"shesai
dandcont
inuedst
roki
nghi
shai
r.

*
***
**

EVENI
NG,
ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Pr
incet
onwast
hel
astt
oent
er,
ever
yonei
sal
readyi
nwhenhegott
her
e.

Zar
ast
oodi
mmedi
atel
yandf
acedhi
m.

"
Youki
l
ledKaf
fy?
"Shesai
d.

"
Andhowisthaty
ourf
*cki
ngprobl
em?,Idon'
tremembery
out
ell
i
ngmenott
oki
l
lher
,Ij
ustdi
d
t
heri
ghtt
hingatt
heri
ghtt
ime"herepl
i
edblunt
ly.

"Real
ly
?,Doy ouknowwhoherfatheri
s?,Ozzi
e!,
F*cki
ngOzzi
efr
om Fr
ance!
,Themost
i
nfl
uenti
algangst
erovert
her
e!"Zarayel
led.

"Sowhat
?,Ther
e'snosi
ngl
eev
idencet
hatIki
l
ledhersoi
onf
*cki
ngcar
eaboutany
one!
"He
yel
l
edback

"Yout
hinkhewoul
dn'
tknowhi
sdaught
erwascomi
ngt
oat
tendmypar
ty?
"Zar
agl
ared.
"
Ial
readysai
dIdon'
tcar
e"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed

"You'r
ebit
ingmoret
hanyoucanchewal
lbecauseofonef
*cki
nggi
rl
!,
Comebackt
oyour
senses!
"Shescr
eamed.

Pr
incet
ononl
ysmi
rked.

"Andyouall
..
.y
ouhel
pedhi
mincar
ryi
ngoutt
hepl
an,
yourpuni
shment
sawai
tsy
ou,
ever
yoneof
youguys!
"Shebar
ked.

"Andwhydi
dyoucal
lev
ery
one?
"Landonasked.

"
Pri
ncet
ony
oushoul
dbepr
epar
ingt
ofl
ytoI
tal
yonMonday
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Andwhy
?"Heasked.

"Pascal
isi
nIt
alyr
ightnow,
youl
osthi
minI
ndi
atwomont
hsago,
youmustki
l
lhi
mthi
sti
me
ar
ound"Zar
aorder
ed.

"Whyam Ij
usthear
ingaboutt
his?
,Andy
out
hinkI
'
llact
ual
l
ygo?
"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Igottheinf
ormati
onjustnowsogety ourf*
ckingassreadyfort
hetr
iponMonday,hest
ole
countl
essbarsofgoldfrom t
hispalacebeforeheescaped,seei
nghi
m crui
singt
heworl
dshoul
d
beannoying,makehim stopbreat
hing"Zarasaid.

"SobecauseIst
art
edt
hechase,
Igett
ofi
nishi
t?"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.
"I
sn'
tthatt
her
uleher
e?,
Alway
sfi
nishwhaty
oust
art
ed"Zar
arepl
i
ed.

Pr
incet
onsi
ghed.

"Andt
herestofyou,
nextweekwi
l
lbehect
ic,
wehav
eal
otofdi
rt
ycasht
ost
eal
,thei
nfowi
l
lbe
for
war
dedtoyouremail
s"Zar
asai
d.

"Nishawil
lbestayi
ngatmysui
tef
rom nowon,
Tammyi
sgonesoI
'
mtaki
ngheri
nasananny
formykids"Pr
incet
onsai
dandZar
asmi l
ed.

"Nomatterwhatyoudoorwher
eyout
akehert
o,shest
il
lremai
nsmysl
aveandI
'
m notr
eadyt
o
sel
lher
"sherepl
ied.

"What
every
oudeci
de,
isy
our
s"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Iwon'
tst
opy
ouf
rom t
aki
ngheri
n"Zar
asmi
l
edandsat
.

"Leav
e"shesai
dandev
ery
onel
eftt
hesui
te.

"
Thatwasscar
y,shewassoscar
ybackt
her
e"Si
err
asai
d.

"
Shehasal
way
sbeenscar
y"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"Soourwi
ldcati
sflyi
ngt
oItalyonMonday,suddenbutsoundsf
un,
Iwi
shIcoul
dgowi
thy
ou
butwehav
eourmi ssi
onstotakecar
eof"Shaysaid.

Pr
incet
onl
eftwi
thoutsay
inganot
herwor
d.
Landonl
ookedathi
spal
m andsi
ghed.

Ofal
lthewoundshehasbeenget
ti
ng,
thi
shur
tsmost
,may
bebecausei
t'
sfr
om hi
smot
her
.

Andi
t'
swei
rdert
hathe'
snotf
eel
i
ngl
i
ket
reat
ingi
t.

"
Shoul
dIj
ustl
eti
trotandki
l
lme?
"Het
hought
,st
il
lst
ari
ngati
t.

Vi
vicamet
ohi
m andgr
abbedt
hehand.

"
Heywhat
'supwi
thi
t?,
Isi
twounded?
,Whydi
dyoubandagei
t?"Sheasked.

"Idon'
tremembert
ell
i
ngy
out
obewor
ri
edaboutme"her
epl
i
edshar
plyandl
eft
.

"Whyi
shebecomi
ngbor
ingt
heseday
s"Vi
visai
d.

"Probablybecauseyou'
vebecomehispast
,you'
rel
i
keapasser
byi
nhi
sli
fe"Tr
acywhi
sper
ed
besideherandshelookedbackather
.

"
Youwannadi
e?"Shequest
ioned.

Tr
acysmi
l
edandl
eft
.

"Youguy
swi
l
lcomet
omysui
tet
oni
ghtr
ight
?,Let
'shav
efunt
oget
her
"Li
asuggest
ed.
"Ofcour
se,Idi
dn'
tgett
odri
nkchampagneatt
hepar
tyy
est
erdaycosi
tgotr
uined,
we'
l
lpop
champagne"Si
err
asmil
ed.

"Whydon'
twemakei
tourapar
tment
?"Shayasked.

Heact
ual
l
yli
veswi
thBr
ent
.

"Deal
"Li
asmi
l
ed

*
***
***
*

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE,
DINNERTI
ME*
*

Thet
winsar
eseat
edont
hedi
nni
ngt
abl
eal
ready
,wai
ti
ngf
orTani
shat
oappearwi
tht
hei
rmeal

Sheshowedupi
nnot
imeandt
heysmi
l
edateachot
herassheset
tl
edt
hemeal
sont
het
abl
e.

"
Sincey
ouguy
slov
echi
ckenr
icesomuch,
Imadei
twi
thsomesal
ad"shesai
d.

"Looksdel
i
cious"Mi
nasai
d.

"I
t'
ll
tast
esame"Sanar
epl
i
ed.

Theypi
ckedt
hei
rspoonsandst
art
edeat
ing.

"
OMG!
"Theybot
hchor
usedwi
thbi
gey
es.
"
What
?,I
ttast
esbad?
"Tani
shaaskedcur
iousl
y.

"No,
it'
sthebestwe'
veevert
ast
ed,howcanyoucookbett
erthannannyTammy"Sanasai
dand
Tani
shapouredthem somewat
erbefor
estar
ti
ngtost
roketheirhai
rast
heyat
efast.

Pr
incet
onsai
dhe'
snoteat
ingy
et,
may
behe'
l
leatl
ater
.

Shekeptst
ari
ngathi
sdoort
il
ltheki
dsf
ini
shedeat
ingbuthedi
dn'
tcomeout
.

ANHOURLATER*
*

Thetwinssl
eptof
fsomeminut
esaft
ereat
ingandaf
terTani
shat
ookt
hem t
othei
rroom,
she
tookSweetwit
hhertoTammy'
sroom

I
t'
ll
beherr
oom f
rom now.

Shedr
oppedSweetont
hebedandent
eredt
hebat
hroom,
smi
l
ingasshel
ookedar
ound.

Sheent
eredt
hedr
yjacuzzi
tubandj
umpedcount
lessl
yini
t.

Thenshewentundert
heshower
.

Shesawaswi
tchandwonder
edwhati
tmi
ghtbef
or.

"
What
'saswi
tchbut
tondoi
ngher
e?,
Isi
tfort
hel
i
ght
s?"Shewonder
edandsl
owl
yputi
ton
Theshowercameonimmedi
atel
yandwat
erdr
enchedhercl
othesi
nonemi
nut
ebef
oreshe
managedtoputi
tof
f.

"
Swi
tchcont
rol
sit
?,Wei
rd"shesai
d.

Shetookof
fherclot
hesforapr
operbat
handlucki
l
yaftert
hebath,shesawat
owel
and
wrappedi
taroundherbodyt
houghi
t'
sshor
t,i
t'
sbarel
ycoveri
ngherthi
ghs.

Shewentt
oherr
oom andopenedt
hecl
osetbutnotasi
ngl
ecl
othei
sther
e.

"Whatwi
llIpossi
blywear
?,Whatshoul
dIdo?
"Shet
hought
,goi
ngbackt
othebed,
Sweeti
s
alr
eadyf
astasleeponit
.

"
Mycl
othesar
ewet
,Ican'
tpossi
blygot
obedi
nat
owel
"shesai
dandopenedt
hedoor

Shest
eppedoutoft
her
oom andpeepedatt
hedi
nni
ngt
oseei
fPr
incet
oni
sther
ebuthe'
snot
.

Shef
urt
herpeepedi
ntot
hel
i
vingr
oom buthe'
sst
il
lnott
her
e.

Shemadeherwayt
ohi
sroom andknockedsl
owl
y.

"
Nisha?
"Hesai
dfr
om i
nsi
de.

"
Yes"sher
epl
i
edandwenti
nshor
tl
y,t
uggi
ngathert
owel
.

Hi
sbacki
sonher
.He'
ssmoki
ngbyhi
swi
ndow.
"Ihav
e..
..not
hingt
oweart
obedand.
..
mycl
othesar
ewet
"shesai
d,sucki
ngonherbot
tom l
i
p
cutel
y.

Pr
incet
ont
ookanot
herpuf
fbef
oref
aci
ngherbuti
mmedi
atel
yhesawher
,thesmokef
ell
from
hi
m.

*
Howcoul
dshet
hinkofcomi
ngher
eli
ket
hiswhenhe'
str
yingal
lpossi
blebestt
oresi
sther
?*

Hi
sey
eswi
denedandshemov
eduncomf
ort
abl
yonherspotashest
ared.

Hecan'
ttakehi
sey
esof
fher
,howwi
l
lhebeabl
etodot
hatwhenshe'
sli
ket
his.

Herwethai
rthat
'sst
icki
ngt
oherf
ace,
herpi
nkl
i
psandherf
resht
highsandl
egs.

She'
sf*
cki
nghot
.

Hegott
urnedoncr
azi
l
yandt
hemonst
erbet
weenhi
slegsst
ooder
ect
.

Hest
art
edwal
ki
ngt
oher
,st
il
lnotl
ooki
ngawayf
rom herandshewonder
edwhy
.

Het
ookt
hel
astt
wost
epst
oherandpul
l
edherr
ighthand.

Herl
egsmov
edhert
ohi
m andherchestsl
ammedonhi
sown.

"
Ican'
ttakei
tany
mor
e,sor
ry"hewhi
sper
edandherey
eswi
dened.
Hi
shandsgr
abbedherassashi
sli
psf
oundi
t'
swayt
oher
s.

Herl
i
psgotst
ucki
nsi
dehi
smout
handherey
escont
inuedwi
deni
ngi
nthei
rsocket
s.

Heopenedhermout
hwi
thhi
stongueandwhenshedi
d,hebi
therl
i
pli
ght
ly,
causi
ngal
i
ght
gasp.

Hehar
denedt
heki
ssandsheshi
ver
ed.

Thewayherl
ipsfi
tt
edI
ntohi
sownmadehi
m concl
udei
twasmadef
orhi
m,she'
sjustassweet
ashehasImagi
ned.

Hersof
tli
psdr
ovehi
mint
oanot
herr
eal
m ofcr
azi
nessent
ir
ely
.

Tani
shast
il
lcoul
dn'
tpr
ocesswhat
'shappeni
ng,
it'
sli
keadr
eam.

Hel
i
ftedherupbyherb*
ttandwr
appedherl
egsar
oundhi
stor
so,
thei
rli
psst
il
loneachot
her
.

Bynow,
she'
sjustr
ecov
eri
ngf
rom t
heshock.

Hertowel
suddenl
yfel
lfr
om herupperbodyandshet
ri
edt
ocov
erher
sel
fwi
thherpal
m buthe
hel
dherhandandbroketheki
ss.

Helookedatherpl
eadi
ngl
y,t
hatusual
looki
sonhi
sface,
theoneshedoesn'
tal
way
s
under
stand.
"
Please"hewhi
sper
edsof
tl
yandshef
oldedherf
ist
.

Bef
oreshecoul
dfor
m asent
ence,
hesl
ammedhi
sli
psonher
sagai
ninanot
herr
oughki
ss.

Hi
shandcuppedherbr
e*standhernet
herr
egi
ont
hrobbedasherey
eswentshut
.

TBC.

[
6/17,
6:05AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER36&37

★★★★★

Er
oti
csceneahead

Tani
shasuddenl
yfoundherar
msonhi
sneck,
hol
dinghi
m gent
lyasher
ockedheronhi
msel
f.

Hispalmisstil
lonhersmal
lbutcut
ebr*ast
s,t
aki
ngt
urnst
opr
esst
hem,
heoccasi
onal
l
y
caressedherpi
nknippl
eswit
hhisfi
ngerti
ps.

I
tdi
dn'
ttakel
ongbef
orehersof
tmoansf
il
ledupt
her
oom andt
hat
..
.
Thatonl
ydidmorei
nsanethi
ngstohi
m,hermoanswer
emel
odi
oust
ohi
sear
sandhi
sd*
ck
st
oodmor eer
ectast
heyreachedhi
sear
s.

Histongueswipedhermout
hasifsear
chi
ngf
oranhi
ddent
reasur
e,hi
ssecondhandsqueezed
herb*ttsof
tl
yandsherel
easedmoremoans.

Whatev
erhe'sdoingt
oher,shehadnoi
deabuti
t'
ssur
elynew,
shehasnev
erf
eltt
hatway
bef
oreanditfel
tsosoot
hing.

Thef
leshbet
weenherl
egsar
chedandshecanf
eel
her
sel
fget
ti
ngwetal
ready
.

Pr
incet
onbr
oket
heki
ssandbenthi
sheadt
oherchest
,heki
ssedherbr
*ast
sandshegasped.

Hel
ookedatherandshet
ooki
nherbot
tom l
i
p,i
tst
il
ltast
esl
i
kehi
m.

Hehast
het
ast
eofi
ntoxi
cat
ion,
har
dtopoi
ntoutbutj
ust
,.
..Cr
azy
.

Hi
seyeswer
eful
lofemot
ionswhi
chhef
indshar
dtospi
tout
,ifonl
yshecoul
dseet
hroughhi
s
ey
es.

She'
sbr
eat
hingheav
il
yandhecanheart
hesoundofhersl
ammi
nghear
t,i
t'
ssol
oud.

Hel
eanedi
nandki
ssedherl
i
psl
i
ght
ly.

Shehel
dhi
mti
ght
erandhedi
ditagai
nandagai
nti
l
lshest
art
edant
ici
pat
ingf
ormor
e.

Hebr
okei
tandshekeptst
ari
ngathi
swetl
i
ps,
want
inghi
mtodoi
tagai
n.
Helookssos*xyandf
reaki
nghotr
ightnow,
hehasal
way
sbeenbutt
oni
ght
,it
'st
rappi
ngan
ext
rabeneat
hit.

Shewasst
il
lst
ari
ngathi
sli
pswhenhet
ookherr
ighthand.

Het
ouchedhi
sli
pswi
thhert
humbandl
efti
tther
e.

Shest
art
edr
ubbi
nghi
sli
pssl
owl
yandt
hatt
oof
eel
sli
ket
hebest
.

*
Howcanshemanaget
ohav
eaccesst
ohi
sgr
eenbut
tonwi
thev
ent
hesl
i
ght
estt
ouch?
*

I
t'
samazi
ngbutf
*cki
ngcool
.

"
Nisha"hewhi
sper
edandsheswal
l
owedhar
dbef
oreanswer
ing.

"Mast
er"shewhi
sper
edbackandhesmi
l
ed.

"Youwon'
that
emef
ort
hisr
ight
?"Heasked.

"
Wil
li
thur
t?"Sheasked.

"Al
i
ttl
ebi
t"her
epl
i
edandshebi
therl
i
pagai
n.

Thatt
oodr
iveshi
mtoi
nsani
ty.
"
Wil
lIscr
eam?
"Sheasked.

"
Thatdependsonhowmuchy
oucant
ake"her
epl
i
ed.

She'
str
yinghar
dnott
olookathi
sli
psbuthert
reacher
ousey
eswon'
tl
ist
en,
theykeptst
ari
ngat
hi
sli
ps.

Shest
art
edl
eani
ngi
nbyher
sel
f,sl
owandst
eady
.

Pr
incet
onwai
tedpat
ient
lyandi
tfel
tasi
fti
mest
oppedasshekeptmov
ingcl
oser
.

Shehel
dhi
sshoul
dersandImmediat
elyherl
ipstouchedhisown,hewelcomei
twi
thmor
ezeal
,
har
deni
ngi
timmediat
elywhi
lepul
l
ingthetowelcompletel
yoffherbody
.

Het
hrewi
tany
wher
eandgent
lyl
ayheront
hebed,
sti
l
lki
ssi
ngawayherf
ear
s.

Herey
esr
emai
nedshut
,shy
nesst
hatshe'
sreal
l
ynakedi
nfr
ontofhi
m won'
tmakeheropeni
t.

"
Car
essme"hewhi
sper
ed,
let
ti
nghi
swor
dsmel
tint
oher
.

Shedoesn'
tseem t
ounder
standsohet
ookherhandsandpl
acedt
hem onhi
sbody
.

"
Rubmybodygent
ly,
dri
vememor
ecr
azy
"hewhi
sper
edandshest
art
edsl
owl
y.

Li
keheexpect
ed,
thatmadehi
m gowi
l
der
Thewayherwar
m pal
msr
oamedr
hyt
hmi
cal
l
yar
oundhi
sbodyi
ssomet
hingt
ogogagaf
or.

She'
smagi
cher
sel
f,herwhol
ebodyi
s.

Hecont
inueddev
our
ingherl
i
psandwhenshef
eltsomet
hingi
nsi
deher
sel
f,herey
esf
lewopen.

"
Thi
swi
l
lmakei
teasi
er,
justendur
eok?
"Hewhi
sper
edandshenoddedwi
thdi
ff
icul
ty.

Hest
art
edmov
ingaf
ingeri
nsi
deherandshegaspedr
epeat
edl
y.

Shehel
dhi
mti
ght
erandhepl
ungeddeeper
,maki
ngherscr
eam shor
tl
y.

Hecov
eredherl
i
pswi
thhi
s,keepi
nghershutashedoubl
edt
hef
inger
.

"
Ouch!
"Shegaspedi
nhi
smout
h.

"
Hol
ditNi
sha"hewhi
sper
ed,
mov
ingt
het
wosl
owl
y.

Hel
ockedey
eswi
thherandpi
nnedherhandsont
hebedwi
thanhand.

Hecont
inuedhi
sbusi
nessandmadei
tgoonf
ormi
nut
es,
herpr
e-cum wethi
sfi
nger
sandhe
pul
l
edout.

Hewi
denedherl
egsandl
i
ckedhercl
ean,
shet
ast
esgoodt
her
etoo.

*
Herbodymustbesugar
-coat
ed*
Tanishagr
abbedfi
stf
ulsoft
hebedsheet
s,cl
osi
ngherey
est
ight
lyashecont
inuedl
ett
inghi
s
tonguedojust
icet
oherV.

"
Ouh!
"Shemoanedconsecut
ivel
y,maki
ngherf
istmor
ehar
dont
hesheet
s.

Herl
egsshookandherwhol
ebodyi
sal
readyshi
ver
ingbyt
het
imehewasdone.

Hecamebackt
oherl
i
psandki
ssedhergent
ly.

Thi
swasgent
lert
hant
heoneshest
art
edwi
th.

Shet
ast
edher
sel
fint
heki
ssast
hei
rli
psmov
edi
nsy
ncwi
theachot
her
.

Dur
ingt
heki
ss,
hesl
i
ppedof
fhi
spant
sandbef
oresheknewi
t,hewenti
nsi
deher
.

"
Ouh!
'shegasped,
breaki
ngt
heki
ss.

Herey
esmethisownandherhear
tmel
ted,
hisey
escar
ri
esal
otofcar
eandshenev
erl
ooked
awayfr
om hi
m.

Hest
art
edf
*cki
nghergent
ly,
maki
nghersqui
ntupherf
aceatev
eryt
hrust
.

"
Pai
nful
"shemut
ter
ed.

"
Sor
ry"hewhi
sper
edandsl
owl
ydownev
enmor
e.
Herbr
eat
hingqui
ckenedandhern*
ppl
esst
ooder
ecti
nherchest
.

Heaccommodat
edoneofi
tint
ohi
smout
handsuckedgent
lywhi
l
ef*
cki
nghersof
tl
y.

Hef
ondl
edwi
tht
heot
herb*
*bandhermout
hopenedbutnowor
dcameout
.

"
Sayany
thi
ng"Pr
incet
onmut
ter
ed,
goi
ngsl
i
ght
lyf
ast
er.

"I
..
..not
hing.
..not
hing!
!"Shescr
eamedwhenhewentev
enf
ast
er.

"You'
resof
*cki
ngsumpt
uousNi
sha"hegr
oanedandwentf
orherl
i
psagai
n.

Headdedext
raonceagai
n,mov
ingf
ast
erandgoi
ngdeeper
.

"
Ohno..
..
I'
m onf
ir
e,f
eel
sli
kemyl
egsar
egone,
aremyl
egsst
il
lther
e?,
.
..Oh.
..
my.
."shemoaned
t
ear
ful
l
y.

"Ni
shapl
ease,
stopt
het
ear
s"hesai
dpl
eadi
ngl
y.

"I
thur
ts.
..badl
y"shewhi
mper
ed.

"
I'
m sor
ry.
..Justf
ivemor
emi
nut
esandI
'
llbedone"hesai
dandshenodded

Hel
essenedt
hehar
dnessandhermoansbecamesof
tagai
n.
"
Pri
nce.
..t
on!
"shegasped.

"
Sayt
hatagai
nNi
sha"her
epl
i
ed,
goi
ngf
ast
eragai
n.

"
Pri
ncet
on!
"Shescr
eamed.

Hemadeherl
egsgomor
ewi
deandmadehi
sbusi
nessser
ious.

"
Ouch!
..
.Ohno"camehergaspsev
eryseconds.

Pr
incet
onhel
dherl
i
pswi
thhi
sownonceagai
n.

Hepull
edoutandwenti
nagai
n,t
hist
imeheent
eredf
reel
yandbangedherc*
ntsohar
d,maki
ng
hercr
ymore.

"
Pri
ncet
onpl
ease.
..
let
'sst
op!
!"Shecr
iedser
iousl
y.

Seei
nghert
ear
s,hebecameweakagai
nandwentsl
ower
.

Shecoul
dfeel
herseal
breaki
ngandashepul
l
edout
,thedi
gni
tywett
hesheet
s.

Thatpar
ttur
nedr
edwi
tht
hebl
oodandher
eleasedr
ightaf
tert
hat

Hewi
pedhert
ear
swi
thhi
sthumbs.

"
I'
m sor
ry"hewhi
sper
edandshenodded.
"
I'
m sor
ry"hesai
dagai
nandshej
ustst
ared.

Heki
ssedherl
i
ght
lyandf
ell
besi
deher
.

Hedr
ewhert
ohi
msel
fandmadeherheadst
ayonhi
schest
,hol
dingi
tther
e.

Shecov
eredt
hem t
oget
heraf
ter
war
ds.

Asi
fpl
anned,
shesl
eptof
fimmedi
atel
y.

Hest
aredatherf
acef
orl
ong,
remi
ndedofherbeaut
yagai
n.

Hehasbeenf*
cki
ngsi
ncehetur
nedei
ght
eenbutsi
ncehest
art
edf
*cki
ng,
hehadt
oconf
esst
o
hi
msel
fthatt
hiswast
hebest
.

Herwar
mness,
sof
tnessandi
nnocence.
..
.hert
ouches.

He'
sgoi
ngnut
sforev
ery
thi
ng.

Heki
ssedherey
esandcl
osedhi
sey
est
oo,
dozi
ngof
f.

*
***
**

LI
A'SSUI
TE,
10pm*
*
"
Cheer
stot
heanni
ver
sar
y"Br
entsai
d,hol
dinguphi
scup.

"
Cheer
stous"Li
arepl
i
edandt
heyal
lcl
i
nkedgl
assesbef
oredr
inki
ng.

"Feel
freet
ogetdr
unk,
asmuchasy
ouwant
"Shaysai
d.

"Ofcour
se,
acar
ri
agei
sav
ail
abl
etocar
ryy
ouhome"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"Soi
fIgetdr
unk,
you'
l
lcar
rymei
nacar
ri
age?
"Li
aasked.

"Sur
e,y
ou'
resoheav
yIcan'
tpossi
blycar
ryy
oui
nmyar
ms"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

Li
afacedShay
.

"Me?,
Ican'
tcarr
yyoueither
,Sier
rai
smuchl
i
ght
ersoIcancar
ryherbutBr
ental
readysai
dhe'
l
l
useacar
ri
ageforyou"Shaywinked.

Li
afel
tbadanddr
ank.

"Letgodmotherseey
ouconv
eyi
ngheronl
ydaught
eri
nacar
ri
age,
you'
l
lbeasgoodasdead"
Si
errasai
d.

"Notl
i
keshecar
es,
eveni
fIdi
e"Li
arepl
i
edanddr
ankagai
n.

"Ar
eweonl
ygonnasi
tanddr
ink?
,Let
'swat
chsomet
hing"Shaysai
d.
"Ihat
elov
emov
ies,
it'
sfake"Si
err
asai
d.

"Ihat
emel
odr
amascosIf
indt
hem t
hem t
oodr
amat
ic"Li
asai
d.

"Thenl
et'
swat
chact
ion"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"
Iwasact
ual
l
ythi
nki
ngofsomet
hingel
se"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"What?
"Si
err
aaskedandshaysmil
ednaught
il
ybeforeput
ti
ngont
heTV,
heconnect
edhi
s
phonetoi
tandacount
downstart
edonthescreen.

"
Whatmov
iei
sthi
s?"Si
err
awonder
edl
oudl
y.

"Shayi
sabast
ard,
por
n?"Br
entsai
d.

"
Por
n??
"Li
aandSi
err
asai
datat
ime.

"
Look"Br
entr
epl
i
ed,
poi
nti
ngatt
heTV.

I
t'
sreal
lypor
n,t
wopor
nst
ars,
f*cki
ngeachot
her
,themoansandcr
iesoft
hegi
rldomi
nat
edt
he
r
oom Immediat
ely
.

"
Gett
hisof
fthescr
een"Li
asai
d.

"
It
'snott
oobad"Shaysmi
l
ed.
"
Ever
yguywat
chespor
n"Br
entsai
d.

"I
sthi
swhatyou'
l
lbeimpact
ingony
ourchil
drenl
ater
?,Por
nisbad!
"Li
asai
d,di
sconnect
ingt
he
phone,
thev
ideowentof
fandShayl
aughed.

"
Shayi
snotpl
anni
ngt
ohav
echi
l
dren"Br
entsai
d.

"Say
swho"Shaygl
ared.

"Let
'sj
ustdr
inkandchat
,nopor
n"Si
err
asai
d.

"Mor
evodka"Li
asai
dandBr
entgoti
t.

"
Dri
nki
ngcompet
it
ion"Si
err
asai
d.

"
Arey
ousur
e?"Shaysai
d.

"
I'
mint
oo"Li
asai
d.

"Okl
et'
sgof
ori
t,we'
l
ltaket
urnst
ofi
l
lthecups"Br
entsai
d.

Thef
il
ledt
hef
ir
stcupsandt
heyal
ldr
anki
tup.

Thesecondwentsameway
,thet
hir
d..
.t
hef
ort
hti
l
lthet
ent
h.

Ev
erysi
ngl
eoneoft
hem gotdr
unkex
ceptLi
awho'
sst
il
lsl
i
ght
lyconsci
ousofwhatshe'
sdoi
ng.
"
What
'st
henameoft
hef
ir
stAmer
icanat
owearshoes?
"Si
err
aasked.

"I
'
m notsosur
e,may
beJohnCena"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"Ofcour
se,
Ial
mostf
orgot
,thenMi
keTy
soni
sthef
ir
stt
ori
deacar
"Si
err
asmi
l
ed.

"Smar
typant
s"Li
alaughed.

"I
'
m sosl
eepy
"Br
entmut
ter
ed,
li
cki
nghi
sli
ps.

"If
eel
sopr
essed,
Ineedt
ouset
her
est
room"Si
err
asai
dandst
agger
edup.

"I
tshoul
dbet
hatway
..
.Imean.
..
ther
est
room"Shaypoi
nted.

Shemadeherwayt
othedi
rect
ionandal
mostf
ell
sev
eral
timesbutshewasl
ucky
.

Ami
nut
eaf
tershel
eft
,Shaywentt
hatwayt
oo.

Si
err
afi
nishedherbusi
nessandcameoutonl
ytomeetShayout
sidet
her
est
room.

"
Oh.
..
..naught
yboywhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e"Si
err
asmi
l
edt
ipsi
l
y.

"Iwantt
opeet
oo"hesmi
l
ed.
"Hav
etheway
,hav
eital
l
,youngboy
"Si
err
asai
d,backi
ngt
hewal
l
,tr
yingt
ohol
dher
sel
f.

Shayr
oll
edhi
sey
esbef
oret
ryi
ngt
oent
erbutr
est
room buthesuddenl
yfacedher
.

"
I'
m not
..
.t
her
est
room.
..
goi
n"shesai
d,cl
osi
ngherey
esaf
ter
war
ds.

Shesl
i
ppedof
fthewal
landwasaboutt
ofal
lwhenShayhel
dherback.

"
Sier
ra?
"Hesai
d,get
ti
ngconsci
ousofhi
sact
ionsal
i
ttl
ebi
t.

"
Youknowmyname?
,Doy
ouknowme?
"Shesmi
l
ed,
rubbi
ngherey
es.

"Ofcour
se"her
epl
i
edandl
eanedcl
oser
.

"What
?,Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oki
ssmey
oungboy
?"Sheasked.

"Yes"her
epl
i
edandhar
dlycr
ashedhi
sli
psonher
swi
thouthesi
tat
ion.

Sher
espondedi
mmedi
atel
yasi
fshehasbeenexpect
ingt
hisf
ory
ear
s.

Sheheldhi
m cl
oserandhangedherhandsonhi
sneck,
bit
inghi
sli
pssohe'
l
lki
sshermor
e
deepl
y.

Hi
shandwenttoherb*
obsandhest
art
edsqueezi
ngt
hem har
d,shemoanedsol
oudandt
he
ki
sshar
dened.
Her
aisedhershi
rtupanddi
ppedherhandsunderi
t,gr
abbi
nghernakedb*
*b.

"
Uhhm"shemoanedl
oudl
y.

Hepi
nnedhermor
eti
ght
lyt
othewal
landshegaspedshar
ply
.

Thedoort
othepl
aceopenedandLi
acamei
n.

Theremai
ningt
ipsi
nesscl
ear
edof
fherf
aceandherey
eswi
denedi
ndi
sbel
i
efatwhatshe'
s
seei
ng.

ShayandSi
err
agotbackt
othei
rsensesi
mmedi
atel
ytoo.

Si
err
apushedhi
m awayf
rom her
sel
fandLi
arushedout
.

"
Lia!
,F*
ck"Si
err
arushedaf
terher
.

Shayent
eredhi
sroom i
mmedi
atel
y.

*
***
*

SLAVEHOUSE*
*

"What
!,She'
l
l l
i
vewithmasterPri
ncet
onf
rom nowon?
,Thenewnanny
?"Rei
nasai
dshocki
ngl
y
aft
erVi
gnettebrokethenews.
"Areyoushocked?
,Wel
lyoushouldbe,youwanthert
odier
ight
?,Andt
hat
'swhyy
ou'
ret
ryi
ng
every
thi
ngpossibl
etomakethatpossi
ble"Vi
gnet
tesmil
ed.

"I
shei
nlov
ewi
thherorsomet
hing?
"Rei
nasai
d,paci
ngar
ound.

"
May
be.
..
.y
oucangoanddi
e,wench"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
edandl
ayonherbed.

Rei
nahel
dherhai
rtoherhead,
sti
l
lwal
ki
ngar
ound.

"
Tani
sha"shemut
ter
edhat
eful
l
y.

*
***
*

LANDON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Landoni
sasl
eepal
readywhenhehear
dtheopeni
ngofhi
sroom door
,hej
umpedupandgothi
s
gun.

Her
oll
eddownf
rom t
hebedandai
medshar
plyf
ort
hedooronl
ytoseeVi
vient
eri
ng.

"
Howdi
dyougeti
n?,
Howdi
dyouknowmypasscode?
"Hequest
ioned.

"Iwasoncey
ourf
avor
it
ef*
ckmat
e,Ispi
edoni
t"shesmi
l
ed,
sti
l
lcomi
ngcl
oser
.

"Getout
,Ial
readyt
oldy
ouI
'
m noti
nthemoodf
orf
*vk"hesai
d,st
il
lpoi
nti
ngt
hegunather
.
"AndI
'
m nother
eforf
*ckei
ther
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Thenwhyar
eyouher
e?"Heasked.

Shegottohim andsmil
ed."Yourhandsomenessismakingmefeelli
kehavi
ngyouinsi
deme
ri
ghtnow,Iwantyoubutyouyoudon't,
whatadisast
er"shesai
d,poki
nghischest
.

Sheheldherhandandpulledhercl
oser
,shet
ri
edki
ssi
nghi
m buthepushedherhead
backwardsandshelaughed.

"Let'
stal
kaboutwhatI
'
m her
efor
,awayt
omakegodmot
herv
aluey
ouj
ustl
i
keshev
alues
Princet
on"shesai
d.

"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"Her
epl
i
ed.

Shewhi
sper
edi
ntohi
searandhepushedheraway
.

"
Goout
"hesai
dandshesni
cker
ed.

"Youwon'tmeananythinghereandyou'
l
lcont
inuet
obeami nori
fyour
emai
nweakandfindi
t
hardtodeci
deforyourself
,IhaveawaytodowhatItol
dyou,l
etmeknowi
fyou'
rer
eady
"she
winkedandlef
t.

Landonl
i
ght
enedaci
garandsmokedsl
owl
y,t
hinki
ngaboutwhatshej
ustsai
d.

*
***
*
NEXTMORNI
NG,
PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Tani
shawokewi t
hsli
ghtpai
nsr
unni
ngt
hroughhermi
ddl
e,shef
eltanhandhol
dingherhead
andopenedhereyes.

Herf
acei
sst
il
lonhi
schest
,itwashi
shandhol
dingherhead.

Sheat
tempt
edt
ogetupbuthewon'
tl
ether
,hehel
dheri
npl
ace.

Shet
ri
edagai
nbutst
il
lthesame.

"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
o?"Hesuddenl
yaskedandshewentqui
et.

"Ni
sha"hecal
l
ed.

"Mast
er"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Thatwasn'
twhaty
oucal
l
edmel
astni
ght
"her
epl
i
ed.

Shewentmut
eandher
eleasedherbutnotcompl
etel
y,j
ustenoughf
orhert
oseehi
sface.

Shel
ookedathi
m andmett
heusual
s*xysonofawi
tch.

"
Ishoul
dgonow,
Ineedt
odr
esst
heki
dsup,
forschool
"shesai
d.

"
It
'sSundayand,
theywakeupby9onSat
urday
sandSunday
ssost
ayher
eti
l
lthen"hesai
d.
"Ihear
dthat
..
."Shesai
dandbi
therl
i
p.

Heki
ssedherl
i
ght
ly.

"Thatwhat
?"Heaskedaf
ter
war
ds.

"
Youdon'
tl
ikeseei
nganygi
rly
ouf
*ckedbesi
dey
out
henextmor
ning"sher
epl
i
ed.

"You'
renotanygi
rl
"her
epl
i
edandwentf
orherl
i
psagai
n.

Hegav
eheramor
edeepki
ssandsher
espondedgent
ly.

Hebr
okei
tandst
rokedherhai
r.

Thedoor
bel
lrangi
nthel
i
vingr
oom.

"
ThatmustbeLi
a,st
ayher
eIneedt
ogot
alkt
oher
"hesai
d,cl
i
mbi
ngdownf
rom t
hebed.

"Aboutwhat
?"Sheasked.

"
Myt
ri
p"her
epl
i
ed.

"You'
re.
..
.tr
avel
i
ng?
"Sheaskedf
ear
ful
l
y.
*
Ifhet
rav
els,
thenhowwi
l
lshesur
viv
einher
e?*

Shest
art
edpi
cki
ngonhernai
l
s.

Hecamebackandsepar
atedherf
inger
s.

"
I'
ll
ber
ightback"hesmi
l
edshor
tl
ybef
orel
eav
ing.

*
Wil
lIbesaf
e?*Sheaskedher
sel
fandsawhert
owel
ont
hegr
ound.

Sheremember
edhowhepul
l
edi
tof
fherbodyl
astni
ghtandhowshecr
iedwhenhewasdoi
ng
thef
*ck.

Shesawt
hebl
oodst
ainsont
hebedandwr
appedt
heduv
etmor
ecl
osel
yar
oundher
sel
f.

"
Ifi
nal
l
ylosti
t"shesmi
l
ed.

*
***
**

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Reinadi
dn'
tunder
standwhygodmot
hersuddenl
ycal
l
edf
orherbutshe'
shopi
ngi
twon'
tbe
tr
ouble.

Shewasint
heki
tchen,
prepar
ingbr
eakf
astwi
thVi
gnet
teandl
adyMacbet
hwhenoneoft
he
guar
dscametogether
.
Shewasl
edintot
hemagni
fi
centsui
teandZar
aisal
readyst
andi
ng,
wai
ti
ngf
orhert
houghher
backi
sonher.

Shest
oodsomemet
ersawayf
rom herbutZar
afacedherandwal
kedt
oher
.

Sheshi
ver
edal
i
ttl
ebi
tcoshermer
cil
essey
esl
ookedi
ntoher
s,shel
ookedaway
.

Shedar
enotl
ooki
ntot
hosewi
tchyey
es.

"
Thedr
ink,
yougav
eitt
oTani
shaont
heanni
ver
sar
yri
ght
?,Isawy
ou"Shesai
dandRei
naf
roze.

"I
..
..
I'
m..
.I
..

Shest
art
edbl
abber
ingsensel
essl
yandZar
asmi
l
ed.

"
Youhat
eher
,andt
hat
'sj
ustwhatIneed"shesai
dandf
orcef
ull
yrai
sedherf
ace.

Zar
alookedi
ntoherey
esandherbl
oodal
mostdr
iedup

"
Myal
phai
shergreat
estprot
ector
,he'sleav
ingf
orI
tal
ytommor
owandwhi
l
ehe'
sgone,
Iwant
y
out
okeepaneyeonTanisha"sheglared.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:05AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)
CHAPTER38&39

★★★★★

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Aspredi
cted,
Liai
sal
readyi
nthel
i
vingr
oom whenPr
incet
ongott
her
ebutherey
esar
edamn
red.

Pr
incet
onsat
,looki
ngather
.

"
Whyi
syourf
acel
i
ket
his?
"Heasked

"Not
hing,
Ijustcoul
dn'
tsl
eep,
Ithi
nkIhav
einsomni
a"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Yousuddenl
yhav
einsomni
a?,
Whydoest
hatsoundl
i
keal
i
e?"Her
epl
i
edandshel
ookedat
him.

"Whydi
dyoucal
lmeher
e?"Sheasked.
"
Ical
l
edt
heot
her
stoo,
youguy
sneedt
odosomet
hingwhi
l
eI'
m away
"her
epl
i
ed.

"Ot
her
s?,
Incl
udi
ngSi
err
a?"Sher
epl
i
ed..

"Yourr
edey
es,
isi
taboutSi
err
a?"Heasked.

"Inev
ersai
dthat
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Looksl
i
kei
t"her
epl
i
edandst
oodwhenhesensedt
her
estar
eher
eal
ready
.

Heopenedt
hedoorandt
het
hreecamei
n.

Si
err
asatbesi
deLi
abutLi
aisnotj
ovi
alasusual
.

"Li
ayou'
l
lhav
etowat
chandpr
otectNi
shapendi
ngwhenI
'
llbebackf
rom myt
ri
p"Pr
incet
on
sai
d.

"Iknow"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"Ify
ousl ackof
fli
ket
heot
hert
ime,
I'
ll
hat
eit
,not
hingmusthappent
oher
"hesai
dLi
asmi
l
ed
short
ly.

"Sur
e,I
'
lldot
hat
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Idoubti
fthat
'l
lwor
k,wehavetogoformi
ssi
onst
hroughoutt
hisweekanddur
ingt
hoset
imes,
she'l
lbel
eftal
oneinthi
spal
ace"Si
err
asai
d.
"Shecanj
ustst
ayinhere,t
hel
evelofsecuri
tyi
nherei
snott
otoywi
thei
ther
,noonecant
oy
wit
hthedoorwi
thoutknowi
ngthepasscode"Shaysai
d.

"Andaft
erev
erymi
ssi
on,
comest
rai
ghtt
othi
ssui
tet
ocheckonher
,Imeanev
ery
one"
Pri
ncet
onsai
d.

"Okdone"Br
entsai
d.

"I
fIcanbr
ingPascal
downi
njustt
woday
s,I
'
llbebackonThur
sday
"hesai
d

"Pascal
,thatbast
ardi
snott
obeunder
est
imat
ed"Li
asai
d.

"Iknow,
andI
'
m nott
obeunder
est
imat
edt
oo"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Thepoi
nt"Shaysmi
l
ed.

"That
'sal
l
,ri
ght
?"Li
aasked.

"Sur
e,andy
ouguy
sshoul
dbecar
eful
toodur
ingmi
ssi
ons"hesai
d.

"
Wewi
l
l,wi
l
lyoueatdi
nnerwi
thusi
nthegener
aldi
nni
ngt
oni
ght
?"Si
err
aasked.

"Notl
i
keI
'
mleav
ingf
orl
i
fe,
ain'
tdoi
ngt
hatshi
t"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Iknewi
t,ai
n'
tdoi
ngt
hatshi
t"Br
entmi
mickedhi
m.
"Wegatt
ogo,
mor
ningwor
kouty
unno"Shaysai
d.

"
Sur
e,y
ouguy
sshoul
dgo"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
edandt
heyl
eft.

Onget
ti
ngoutoft
hesui
te,
Liast
art
edwal
ki
ngf
astbutSi
err
abl
ockedher
.

"
Why
?,You'
vebeensnubbi
ngmesi
ncet
hedaybr
oke"sheasked.

"Nothi
ng,
Ithi
nkIhav
einsomni
aandt
hathasbeenmaki
ngmef
eel
li
kebei
ngonmyown"Li
a
repl
i
ed.

"I
nsomni
a?,
Cosofwhaty
ousawl
astni
ght
?"Si
err
asai
dandLi
alookedupather

"
Forf
*cksake,
Iwasdr
unkLi
a,Iwasf
*cki
ngdr
unk!
"Si
err
asai
d.

"Iknowyou,
evenwheny
ou'
redr
unk,
youdon'
tdot
hingsy
ouwon'
tdowheny
ou'
renotdr
unk"
Li
asaid.

Si
err
aav
oidedherey
esI
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Doy
oual
sol
i
keShay
?"Li
aasked.

"
No.
..
that
'sr
idi
cul
ous"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"
But
,whydi
dyouki
sshi
m andal
l
owedhi
mtocar
essy
out
hatway
,ithur
ts"Li
arepl
i
ed.
"
Whydon'
tyouj
ustt
ell
him howy
ouf
eel
?"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"Youthi
nki
t'
sthateasy
?,Heobv
iousl
ydoesn'
tfeel
thesameway
,he'
sf*
cki
ngI
ntoy
ou"Li
a
repl
i
ed.

"But,y
ouj
usthav
etospi
touthowy
ouf
eel
,tohi
m..
.you'
l
lfeel
mor
erel
i
evedIswear
"Si
err
a
repl
i
ed.

"Ar
eyousur
eyou'
renoti
nlov
ewi
thhi
m?"Li
aasked

Si
err
atookawhi
l
ebef
oreanswer
ing.

"
I'
m noti
ntohi
m,t
rustme"shesai
dandLi
asmi
l
ed.

"
Let
'sgof
orwor
kout
"shesai
dandt
heybot
hlef
tfort
hegr
oundi
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Wher
ehav
eyougi
rl
sbeen?
"Shayaskedwhent
heygott
her
e.

He'
sal
readycombat
ti
ngwi
thBr
ent
.

"
Facey
ourcombatbef
orey
ougetawoundedf
ace"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"Let
'sgochange,
Ithi
nkI
'
llgowi
tht
hepunchi
ngbagst
hismor
ning"Si
err
asai
dandl
eftwi
thher
.

*
***
***
ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Zar
alookedatt
hekeywi
thherandsmi
l
edasshewal
kedt
hrought
hesecr
ethal
l
wayagai
n.

Thi
sti
me,
shehasnocupofchampagnewi
thher
,onl
yanev
ilsmi
l
e.

Shegott
othef
rontofar
oom,
dif
fer
entf
rom t
heonesheusual
l
yent
ers.

Shei
nser
tedt
hekeyi
ntot
hehol
eandopenedt
hedoor
.

Shesmi
l
edwhenshesawhermast
erpi
eceandt
henannyshegotf
orher
.

Al
adyi
sint
her
ewi
thagi
rlchi
l
dwho'
seat
inganappl
e.

"
Isshest
il
leat
ingwel
l
?"Zar
aasked,
str
oki
ngt
hegi
rl
'
shai
r.

"
Yesgodmot
her
,she'
l
lgr
owst
rongerj
ustl
i
key
ouwant
"thel
adyr
epl
i
ed.

"Conti
nuenurt
uri
ngher,makeherwatchatleastt
hreeact
ionmovi
esaday
,feedherwellI
'l
l
cont
inuesendi
ngfoodst
uff
s,that
'sal
lyouhavetodoifyouwannabefr
eefr
om here"Zar
asaid.

"Yesgodmot
her
"thel
adybowedandZar
alookedatt
hegi
rlagai
n.

"
Tina,
growupf
ast
,I'
l
lcont
inuet
ocheery
ouon"shesai
dandt
hegi
rlst
aredbl
ankl
y.

"Gr
eat
,that
'st
het
ypeofl
ookIwantf
rom y
oual
way
s"Zar
asmi
l
ed.
Shewal
kedoutoft
her
oom andl
ockedt
hedooraf
ter
war
ds.

Shewal
kedoutoft
het
rapandmetTr
acyi
nthel
i
vingr
oom.

"
Yousentf
ormegodmot
her
"shebowed.

"Igav
ethejobt oRei
naal
readybut,
Ithi
nkIshoul
dmakeyouguystwosoicanachi
evewhatI
wantfaster
,keepaneyeonTanishaasfrom t
omorr
owandrepor
tever
yofhermovestome"
Zarasaid.

"Yesgodmot
her
"shebowedhappi
l
y.

"Il
etyoudoitcosIknowyouhat
ehertoo,
youoncegotpuni
shedcosofher
,hat
reddi
esbut
noteasi
l
y,I
'
m sureyousti
l
lhat
eher"Zar
asaid.

"Ihat
ehermosti
nher
e"Tr
acyr
epl
i
edandZar
asmi
l
ed.

"
Ifpossi
ble,
wor
kwi
thRei
na,
justmakesur
esheget
sint
omyt
rap"Zar
asai
d

"Yesgodmot
her
"Tr
acybowedandl
eftt
hesui
te.

Shekeptsmi
l
ing,
happyt
hatt
her
e'sf
inal
l
yawayt
ogetbackatTani
sha.

"Shemusthav
eofferedy
ousomet hi
ngbig,
andt
hat
'swhyy
ou'
resmi
l
ingl
i
keani
diot
"Landon
saidi
nfr
ontofherandshequi
tlookedup.
"
Don"shesmi
l
edandwentt
ohi
m.

Hesmi
l
edbuthi
sexpr
essi
onhar
denedaf
tert
hat
.

"Whatdi
dshet
ell
you?
"Heasked.

"
Thefactt
hatI
'
minl
ovewi
thy
oudoesn'
tguar
ant
eet
hatI
'
llbey
ourf
ool
,Iwon'
ttel
lyou"she
r
epl
ied.

"Notli
keI
'
mint
erest
edi
nknowi
ngany
way
s,butwhyam Ismel
l
ingdeat
hfr
om y
ou"Landon
sni
ff
ed.

"Ar
eyoucr
azy
?"Tr
acygl
ared.

"Thelastper
sonIperceiv
edt hi
sscentf
rom.
..
wasKaf
fy,
andshedi
ed,
sopr
epar
e"Landon
smil
edandTr acyl
eftangri
ly
.

"Gonet
oosoon"Landongi
ggl
edandent
eredZar
a'ssui
te.

Hemethersi
ppi
ngchampagneal
ready
.

"
Isawyourmail
,sonowthatthealphawi
l
lbegonetommorow,Iwon'
tev
enhav
ethechancet
o
l
eadthegang?
,Liawi
ll
beleading?
"HesaidandZar
afacedhi
m.

"Cosy
oual
way
srui
nthi
ngs,
howcanIt
rusty
ou"shesai
d.

"
Andt
hat
'st
hef
*cki
ngpr
obl
em!
,You'
venev
ert
rust
edorv
aluedmel
i
key
oudot
oPr
incet
onand
that
'swhyIalway smakemi stakes,t
ellmewhyt hatwon'thappenifIkeepthinki
ngofy our
hatr
edforme, Ial
waysthi
nkI'm notcompetentandandt hatnoonel ovesme, Ibecamel onel
y
andembr aceds* xastheonlywaytor el
iev
emyl oneli
nessbutthatain'
twor ki
ng!,Justtr
ustme
foroncewillyou?,Iwantt
obet heheadf oroncetoo"hesaidloudl
y,pouringouthi spl
ightInt
o
hisever
ywor d.

"
You'
renev
ergonnal
eadt
het
eam,
Iwon'
tal
l
owi
t"sher
epl
i
edbl
unt
ly.

"Why
?,CosI
'
m notcompet
ent
?"Heasked.

"
Cosyoucannev
erbecompet
ent
!,You'
l
lal
way
sbeLandon!
,Youwer
en'
tbor
ntol
ead"she
r
epl
i
ed.

"What
!"Hesai
d,notbel
i
evi
nghi
sear
s.

"Yes,
that
'st
het
rut
hsoj
ustgett
hati
ntoy
ourskul
l
"Zar
arepl
i
edandwenti
n.

Landonl
eftt
hesui
teandwentbackt
ohi
sown.

Heent
eredandmetVi
gnet
te,
justdr
oppi
nghi
smeal
ont
het
abl
e.

"LadyMactol
dmet
odr
opt
hisher
esi
ncey
oudon'
tcomet
othegener
aldi
nni
ngt
oeatt
hese
days"shesai
d.

"Takei
tandgetout
!"Hey
ell
ed.

"Shewant
edyoutoeatandthat
'swhyshet
oldmet
obr
ingi
ther
e?,
Andnowy
ouwantt
omake
i
tawasteofener
gy?
"Sherepli
ed.
Hecamecl
oser
,hi
sey
esal
mostbur
ningher
,hel
ookshur
tandangr
y.

"
Iwon'
tbeni
cet
het
hir
dti
mesot
akei
tandgetout
!"Hey
ell
ed.

Shet
ookt
het
rayoff
oodandf
acedhi
m.

"Youar
eal
way
sbei
ngabast
ard"shescowl
edandt
hatonl
yigni
tedmor
eanger
.

Toget
herwi
tht
het
ray
,hegr
abbedherar
m andst
art
edpul
l
ingherout
.

"St
opbeingsuchabast
ardi
fyouwantt
ober
ecogni
zed"shebl
urt
edandhef
inal
l
ypushedher
outcomplet
ely
.

She'
dhav
efal
l
enbuti
tcol
l
idedwi
thwhenBr
entandShaywer
ecomi
ng.

Br
entqui
ckl
yhel
dherbutt
hatdi
dn'
tst
opt
hemeal
from pour
ingaway
.

I
tpour
edont
hegr
oundandshel
ookedathi
m,wonder
ingwhenhegother
e.

"
Brent
"shewhi
sper
edandhel
ethergo.

"
Wer
eyoupl
anni
ngt
oki
l
lher
?"Br
entaskedLandon.

"Hy
pocr
it
es"Landonr
epl
i
edandwentbacki
n,shut
ti
ngt
hedoorbehi
nd.
"Hechangedal
otthesepastday
s,he'
smorecal
m andqui
et,
butseei
nghi
mli
ket
hisonl
y
meanssomeonesaidsomethi
nghurt
ful
"Br
entsai
d

"Hecan'
ttaket
oomuch,he'
stooemoti
onalandt
hat
'swhywi
l
dcatal
way
ssayhe'
sst
il
laki
d,he
get
sworkedupoversl
i
ghtthi
ngs"
Shayadded

"godmot
hermusthav
esai
dsomet
hingpai
nful
agai
n,she'
sreal
l
yawi
tch"Br
entsai
d.

Al
lthesewhi
l
e,Vi
gnet
tehasbeenst
ari
ngatBr
ent
.

"
Arey
ouok?
"Br
entsuddenl
yasked.

"
YesI
'
mfi
ne,
he'
sal
way
sbei
ngaj
erksoI
'
m notsur
pri
sed"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Seey
ouar
ound"Br
entwi
nkedandshesmi
l
edashel
eftwi
thShay
.

Shel
ookedatLandon'
sdooragai
nandhi
therl
egoni
t.

"
F*cky
ourbal
l
s!!
"Sheshout
edbef
orewal
ki
ngaway
.

*
***
**

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE,
7pm*
*

Pr
incet
oni
satt
hedi
nni
ng,
eat
ingdi
nnerwi
thTani
shaandhi
ski
ds.
Sweetwaspl
acedonachai
rtoowi
thbowl
sofmeatandmi
l
kinf
rontofhi
m,he'
seat
ing
zeal
ousl
y.

"
How'
sit
?"Tani
shaaskedPr
incet
on.

Hel
ookedatherandshegr
ewexpect
ant
.

Hedidn'
tl
atereatl
astni
ghtandi
nthemor
ning,
heonl
ysmoked,
say
inghe'
snothungr
yandhe
seemssomehowsad.

"
Ifi
twasn'
tgood,
I'
dhav
est
oppedeat
ingaf
tert
ast
ingt
hef
ir
stspoon"her
epl
i
edandshesmi
l
ed.

"That
'st
rue,
dadwi
l
lnev
ert
ast
ebl
andmeal
s"Sanasai
dandMi
nanodded.

"Di
dLi
abr
ingt
hest
uff
sal
ready
?"Heasked

"
Yes,
but
..
.isn'
tthatt
oo.
.much?
"Shesai
d.

"What'
stoomuch?
,Iwant
edhert
ogetmor
ebutshesai
dthecarwoul
dn'
tcont
aini
tal
l
"he
repl
i
ed.

Heact
ual
l
ygotherst
uff
sli
kecl
othes,
shoes,
femal
eneedst
hatshe'
l
lbei
nneedof
,andaphone.

"I
'
vebeenwanti
ngtothanky
oubuty
ou'
vebeeni
nyourr
oom andIdi
dn'
twanti
ttoseem l
i
keI
'
m
di
stur
bingy
ou"shesaid.

"Youdon'
tneedper
missi
onorr
easont
oent
ermyr
oom"her
epl
i
ed.
"
Arey
ouok?
,Youl
ooksad"sheasked.

"Inot
icedt
hatt
oo"Mi
nasai
d.

"Gi
rl
s,I
'
llbegoi
ngonat
ri
ptoI
tal
ytommor
owmor
ning"hef
inal
l
yannounced

"Whyar
eyouj
ustt
ell
i
ngusnow?
,Dad"Sanasai
d,dr
oppi
ngherf
ork.

"I
'
m sor
ry"her
epl
i
edsi
mpl
y.

"
Wewon'
tmi
ssy
ou,
Tani
shai
sher
e"Sanasai
dinpr
etence.

"
Sur
e,don'
tmi
ssmeandal
way
sli
stent
oher
"hesai
d.

"Whenwi
l
lyoubecomi
ngback?
"Mi
naasked

"Ei
therThur
sdayorFr
iday
"her
epl
i
ed.

"We'
l
lwai
t"Sanasai
dandhesmi
l
edbef
orehuggi
ngt
hem bot
h.

Afterthemeal
,Tani
shatookthem t
othei
rroomsandhel
pedt
hem wi
tht
hei
rremai
ning
assignment
sbeforeput
ti
ngthem tobed.

Shesl
eptbet
weent
hem andhel
dthei
rheadst
oher
sel
f.
Sweetsl
eptatt
hebase.

Shewasunawar
eofwhenshesl
eptof
fwi
tht
heki
ds.

Ami
nut
elat
er,
Pri
ncet
oncamei
nandcov
eredt
hem t
oget
her
.

Sweetwokeupandst
art
edl
ooki
ngathi
m.

"Br
avado,
youknowbett
ert
handoingdanger
oust
hings,
don'
ttoywi
thherwhenI
'
m away
"he
sai
dandSweetwentbackt
osleep.

Pri
ncetonki
ssedMi
naandSanaont
hei
rfor
eheadsbutpr
essedhi
sli
psonTani
sha'
s,ki
ssi
ngher
l
ight
ly.

Hel
eftt
her
oom af
ter
war
dsandf
eltl
i
keseei
ngsomeonet
oo.

Hel
eftt
hesui
teandwal
kedt
oLandon'
ssui
te.

Hemethi
minf
rontofi
t,smoki
ng.

"
It
'swei
rdt
haty
ou'
renotf
*cki
ngt
heseday
s"hesai
d.

"
Per
fectson,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Landonasked.

Pr
incet
ont
ookt
hesmokef
rom hi
m andpuf
fedsl
owl
y.
"
Bast
ard"Landonmut
ter
ed.

"
Icamet
osayI
'
llmi
ssy
ou"Pr
incet
onsmi
l
ed.

"I'
minnomoodf orj
okes,
andy
oudon'
thav
etot
ell
mey
ouwon'
tbecomi
ngback,
Iknow"
Landonsai
dser
iousl
y.

"
Hownast
y,i
onf
eardeat
hany
way
s"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Congr
atul
ati
ons"Landongl
ared.

"Yourpalm wi
l
lroti
fyour
efuset
otakecar
eofi
t"Pr
incet
onsai
dandpathi
sshoul
derbef
ore
l
eaving.

"
Whyi
shebei
ngapr
ickt
oni
ght
,mydesi
ret
oki
l
lhi
m gotst
ronger
"Landonsni
cker
ed.

*
***
**

NEXTMORNI
NG,
PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Pr
incet
onwasal
readygonewhenTani
shaandt
heki
dswokeup,
maki
ngTani
shawonderwhy
.

"
Dadl
ovesl
eav
ingwi
thoutgoodby
e"Sanasai
d.

"
Why
?"Tani
shaasked.
"Tammysai
dit
'sbecauseoft
hebel
i
evet
hati
tmi
ghtbehi
slasti
fhedoes"Mi
nar
epl
i
ed.

"Odd"Tani
shasai
d.

"Ti
met
odr
essf
orschool
"Sanasai
dandTani
shaent
eredt
hebat
hroom wi
tht
hem.

Anhourl
ater
,she'
sdonedr
essi
ngf
orbot
hoft
hem.

Theyat
ebreakf
astandshegav
ethem aki
sseachbef
orer
eleasi
ngt
hem f
ort
hecart
hat
's
taki
ngt
hem.

Shewav
edt
il
lshecoul
dnol
ongerseet
hecar
.

Shewenti
naf
ter
war
dsandgothernewphone.

I
tonl
yhasLi
aandPr
incet
on'
snumber
.

Shemadetodi
alhisli
nebutr
emember
edhewasn'
tsupposedt
orecei
vecal
l
sonboar
d,hi
s
phonewi
l
lbeinfl
ightmodebynow.

Shedr
oppedt
hephoneandsi
ghed.

Shewentt
ohi
sroom andsatont
hebed,
looki
ngar
ound.

Hemi
ghthav
elef
tbuthi
sscenti
sst
il
lher
e.
Shecl
osedherey
esandl
ayont
hebed.

Shesmi
l
edwhensher
emember
edt
hatni
ghtagai
n.

Howhekeptsay
ingsor
ry,
act
ingl
i
kehe'
sthehur
ti
ngone,
howhewi
pedhert
ear
s.

Shesatupagai
nandsi
ghed.

"
Am Imi
ssi
nghi
m?"Shet
houghtandst
ood.

Shewentbackt
othedi
nni
ngandat
eherf
ood.

Shel
eftt
hesui
teaf
ter
war
dsandr
ani
ntoVi
gnet
te.

"
Iguessy
ouf
orgott
hesl
avehouseal
ready
"shesai
d.

"No,
Ipl
annedt
ocomesayhi
from t
imet
oti
me"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Nodon'tbot
her
,notwhent
heevi
lwenchist
her
e,sheknowinglygav
eyoual
cohol
ont
he
anni
ver
sarysoyoucoul
dgetdr
unkandlandi
ntr
ouble"Vi
gnett
esaid.

"Iknow,
Ifi
gur
edi
toutal
ready
"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"St
ayawayf
rom heri
fyouwannabesaf
e"Vi
gnet
tesai
d

"Ofcour
se,
l
ookIgotaphone"sher
epl
i
ed,
showi
ngher
.
"Whoa!
,You'
resol
uckyt
ohav
eamast
erl
i
kehi
m,hear
dhet
rav
ell
ed"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed.

"Yes,
Ihopehecomessoon"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Youmi
ssi
nghi
m?"Vi
gnet
teasked.

"
Notr
eal
l
y*sher
epl
i
edwi
thasmi
l
e.

"Si
l
ly"

"Ishoul
dgoback,
Iact
ual
l
ycameoutwi
tht
hehopeofseei
ngy
ouandI
'
veseeny
ou"Tani
sha
said.

"No,
gobackaf
terwat
chi
ngt
heguy
satt
het
rai
ninggr
oundwi
thme"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed.

"You'
reobsessedwi
thwat
chi
ngwr
est
les"Tani
shasai
d.

"Thanks"Vi
gnet
tegi
ggl
edandcont
inuedpul
l
ingher
.

*
***
**

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*.

"
Whatt
hehel
l
!,Landonsai
dwhat
?"Shesai
dunbel
i
evabl
y.
"
He'
snoti
nter
est
edi
nthemi
ssi
on"Tr
acyr
epl
i
ed.

"
Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
"Zar
asai
d.

"Ihav
enoi
deagodmot
her
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Leadmet
ohi
m"Zar
asai
dandTr
acybowedbef
oref
oll
owi
ngherout
.

Shet
ookZar
atot
het
rai
ninggr
oundandt
heymetLandont
her
e,wor
kingout
.

"
Theot
her
sar
ewai
ti
ngatt
hepar
kal
ready
"Zar
asai
d.

"
Ain'
tgoi
ngf
ort
hemi
ssi
on"hesai
dbl
unt
ly.

"Thef
ormat
ionatt
hebui
l
dingwon'
tbecompl
etewi
thouty
ou!
"Zar
ayel
l
ed.

"ThefactthatLiai
sleadi
ngthegangmadeittastel
ess,i
t'
senought hatmyj
uni
orbr
otherl
eads
meinmi ssionsand,andnowmyjuniorsi
s?,
Liaisjustni
neteen!
,I
'm sixy
ear
sol
dersotel
lme
whyIshouldbebel owher!
"Heyel
led.

"You'
l
lbeget
ti
ngwoundedagai
nify
our
efuset
oobey
"Zar
asai
d,t
aki
ngTr
acy
'sgunf
rom her
.

Sheai
medf
orLandonandLandonsmi
l
ed.

"
Shootme"hesai
dfear
lessl
yandst
art
edl
eav
ing.
Zar
anev
erbr
oughtt
hegundown,
shekeptt
arget
inghi
m andai
medf
orhi
sar
m.

Shepul
l
edt
het
ri
ggerandshotbutLandonseemedatal
ert
.

Hequi
ckl
yduckedandt
hebul
l
etf
lewpasthi
m.

Unf
ort
unat
ely
,Tani
shaandVi
gnet
tear
ejustcomi
ngt
hatway
.

Thebul
l
ethi
toneoft
hem andt
heybot
hgasped,
looki
ngateachot
herwi
thwi
deey
es.

TBC.

[
6/17,
6:05AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER40&41

★★★★★

Tani
sha'
sbr
eat
hal
mostsei
zedwhenshesawbl
oodgushi
ngoutofVi
gnet
te'
smout
h.

Thebul
l
etact
ual
l
yhi
theri
nthet
ummyandt
hespoti
sal
readybl
eedi
ngt
oo.
"
Vignet
te!
!"Tani
shascr
eamedl
oudl
y.

Vignet
tevomitedmor ebloodbef
oregoi
ngonherknees,
Tani
shar
ushedt
oherandknel
tinf
ront
ofher,hol
dinghershoulders.

"
Vignet
tey
ou'
rebl
eedi
ng,
arey
ouok?Huh?
"Shecr
ied.

Vi
gnet
tewentdownaf
ter
war
ds,
fal
l
ingonherf
ace.

"
Vignet
te!
,Vi
gnet
te!
!"Tani
shashout
ed.

Landonst
oodandf
acedZar
awhohasf
inal
l
ybr
oughtdownt
hegun.

"
Shootagai
n,ai
m per
fect
lyf
ormet
hist
ime.
.b*
tch"hesneer
edandl
eft
.

"Gojoi
ntheot
her
s,I
'
llsendsomeonet
ojoi
nyouguy
s"Zar
asai
dandTr
acybowedbef
ore
l
eavi
ng.

Zar
awal
kedcl
osert
oTani
shawho'
sst
il
lcr
yingbesi
deVi
gnet
te.

Shebentbesi
deherandf
eltVi
gnet
te'
sjugul
arv
einonherneckwi
thherf
inger
s.

Shefel
tther
e'ssti
lll
i
feinher
,shel
ookedatcryi
ngTani
shaandsmi
l
ed,
wishi
ngi
thi
theri
nst
ead,
she'
dhaveleftheroutt
il
lshedi
escomplet
ely
.

"
Twoguy
s!'
sheor
der
edandt
woguy
srant
oher
.
"Takehert
othecl
i
nicandhav
ehert
reat
ed"shesai
d.

"
Yesgodmot
her
"theybowedandj
oint
lyt
ookVi
gnet
teawaywhi
l
eTani
shaf
oll
owed.

Tr
acygotbackt
othepar
kandLi
agav
eherquest
ioni
ngl
ooks.

"Hef*cki
ngst
oodonhiswor
ds,.
..godmot
hergotangryandshotathi
m butheescapedanda
slav
egothiti
nst
ead,
oneoft
hosewhoserveinthekit
chen"Tr
acyexpl
ained.

"Wai
t,whi
chone?
"Li
aasked.

"Thet
all
one,
ionknowhername"Tr
acyr
epl
i
ed.

"Vi
gnet
te"Si
err
asai
d

"Vi
gnet
te?
,F*
ck"Br
entsai
d.

"
Wher
edi
dshegetshotat
?"Shayasked.

"DoIl
ookl
i
kear
epor
ter
?,St
opt
hedamnquest
ions!
"Tr
acyy
ell
edangr
il
y.

"Hi
guy
s!"Rei
nasmi
l
ed,
joi
ningt
hem shor
tl
y.

She'
schangedf
rom t
hesl
avedr
essI
ntol
eat
hert
rouser
sandst
rappedt
op.
"
What
'sgoi
ngon"Li
asai
d

"
godmot
hersentmeher
etoj
oiny
ouguy
s,sher
ecr
uit
edmeIt
hink"Rei
nar
epl
i
ed.

"Recr
uit
edy
ouwi
thoutt
rai
ning?
,You'
reaf
*cki
ngsl
ave!
"Vi
visai
d.

"Iwasaf
emalewrestl
erbefor
eIgotki
dnappedandt
akenher
easasl
ave,
Iwaski
dnappedi
n
thewr
est
li
ngr
ing"sherepl
ied.

"Whocar
es?
"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"godmot
herr
eal
l
yrecr
uit
edher
"Tr
acysai
d

"Tr
acy
!'Rei
nasmi
l
edatherandwentt
ost
aybesi
deher
.

"Whenab*
tchmeet
sab*
tch"Si
err
amut
ter
ed.

Youcanreadmor
eofthesest
oryfr
om,unl
imitedst
orypl
atf
orm,freshst
orieski
ngdom,
house
ofst
oryr
oom,sweetandni
cestor
yroom t
hroughKwesion+233554737287.

"She'
l
lrepresentLandonfornow,it
'smyor der,hertr
aini
ngsstar
tstommorowbutt
oday,f
eed
herwiththenewsont hewayt othebuildi
ng,she'scompetentsoI'
m sur
eshe'
l
ldowell
,buti
f
shefai
ls,she'
llhavetopaywithherli
fe"Zarasaid,appeari
nginfr
ontoft
hem.

"Howi
sthi
sri
ght
?,We'
rehav
inganewgangmemberandwe'
rej
ustget
ti
ngt
oknowr
ightnow?
"
Li
asai
d.

"Ify
oufeel
li
kedisobey
ing,
ther
e'sal
waysroom f
ort
hatbuty
ou'
l
lpr
obabl
ylosey
ourf
aceaf
ter
that
"Zar
asaidandLiagoti
nthecarangr
il
y.
Theot
her
sgoti
ntooandt
heydr
oveoutoft
hepal
ace.

*
***
***

MCFCLI
NIC,
TWOHOURSLATER*
*

"
Isshear
ock?
"Thedoct
oraskedaf
terVi
gnet
tebecamest
abl
e.

Shebul
l
ethasbeenr
emov
edt
hroughsur
ger
ythoughVi
gnet
tei
sst
il
lunconsci
ous.

"
Rock?
,Why
?"Tani
shaasked.

"
She'
sstr
ong,thebul
lethi
tadel
icat
eplacewhi
chshoul
dhav
ecauseddeat
hbutshe'
sper
fect
ly
f
ine,
I'
mimpressed"t
hedoctor(
Darrel
)sai
d.

"She'
str
ulyst
rong,
.Al
ot"Tani
shar
epl
i
edsl
owl
y.

"She'
sfi
ne,
she'
l
lwakeupwhenshef
eel
sli
kewaki
ng"doct
orDar
rel
sai
d.

"Today
?"Tani
shaasked.

"
Whoknows"her
epl
i
edandl
eftt
hewar
d.

"I
'
m glady
ou'r
edoingfi
ne,Ishoul
dhavest
oppedyouwheny
out
oldmet
ogot
her
ewi
thy
ou"
Tani
shasaidsadl
y,l
ooki
ngatVignet
teonthebed.
"
Tani
sha!
"LadyMacsai
dloudl
y,r
ushi
ngi
n.

"
LadyMacbet
h"Tani
shast
ood.

"
Ihear
dabouti
tfr
om someguy
satt
het
rai
ninggr
ound,
how'
sshef
ari
ng?
"Sheasked.

"Doct
orsai
dshe'
sfi
ne,
she'
sst
rongsoshe'
l
lwakeupsoon"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"I
'vealwaysknownshe'
sst
rong,
Shoul
dIst
artcal
l
ingherRocky
?"LadyMacbet
hsai
dand
Tanishasmil
ed.

"Sheloveswatchi
ngwrest
li
ngsomuch,
Ishoul
dhav
est
oppedheri
fIknewt
hiswasgonna
happen"Tani
shasaid.

"It
'sonlynormal i
fshelov eswr est
li
ng,herdadwasonceasol dierwhogoti ndi ctedasaspy ,he
hadtoescapef rom Thailandwi thher,t
heycamet oSingaporetohi deandwhent hingsbecame
hard,hemetsomeonewhot oldhertomeetgodmot herandl endmoney ,hedi dthatbutt hr
ee
monthsl at
er,hediedofcancer ,hehasbeenkeepi nghisconditi
onasecr etforhisdaught er,and
j
ustli
keZar adidtoy ou,shet ookherheretoo,shebeatupt enguy sal l
byher selfthefir
stti
me
shesteppedi nhere,shewassost ubborn,somucht hatshewasl ockedinacagef oral
mosta
month,Iadv i
sedhert oletitgoandj usteatt
osurviv
ei nhere,Inev erknewshe' dl i
stentome,
shedidandwhengodmot hersawshechanged, shemadeherj oint heother
satt heslave
house"ladyMacbet hexpl ai
ned.

"Shehasrefusedt
otel
lmeherst
ory
,soi
t'
sassadast
his,
nev
erknewshe'
sfr
om Thai
l
and"
Tani
shasaid.

"Justassadasy
our
s"l
adyMacbet
hsai
d.

"Iseedadi
nmydr
eamsev
ery
day
,heal
way
stel
l
smet
hatgr
andmai
sfi
ne,
heal
way
sbegsf
or
f
orgi
venessf
ormaki
ngmeendupher
e,Imi
sshi
m"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"I
syourmot
herdead?"LadyMacbet
haskedcar
eful
l
y.

"I'
veneverseenher
,dadal
way savoi
dstal
kingabouther
,Nanaonl
ytol
dmethatmum i
sani
ce
person,
IbadlywanttomeetherbutIdon'
tevenknowwhosheis"Tani
shar
epl
iedmor
esadl
y.

LadyMacbet
hhel
dherhandsandr
ubbedt
hem.

"
I'
m sor
ryy
ouhadt
opasst
hroughal
lthat
"shesai
d.

"
It
'sf
ine"Tani
shasmi
l
edasshepul
l
edheri
ntoawar
m hug.

*
***
**

VENI
CEI
NITALY,
8:30PM*
*

Pr
incet
onl
andedawhi
l
eago,
heusedhi
sfacecapi
mmedi
atel
yhecameoutoft
hepl
ane.

Hedr
aggedhashi
ssmal
lbagwi
thhi
m ashewal
kedt
other
oad.

Hegotacabi
mmedi
atel
yandi
nhal
edashegoti
n.

"
Wher
etosi
r?"Thedr
iverasked.

"
Ist
her
eanyhot
eli
nthi
sar
ea?
"Heasked.
"Bel
mondhot
el,
it'
sthebesther
e"t
hedr
iverr
epl
i
ed.

"Thendr
ive"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
edandt
hedr
iverdr
ovedownt
her
oad.

I
tonl
ytookt
enmi
nut
esbef
oret
heygott
othehot
el.

Hepayedandgotoutoft
hecab,
maki
ngsur
ethathe'
snotl
ooki
ngupashewal
kedi
nev
enaf
ter
wal
ki
ngin.

Thecapcov
eredhi
sfaceandhi
slonghai
rhel
pedt
oo.

Hi
sfacemustnotbecapt
uredi
nanycamer
aorCCTV,
Pascal
canbeanani
mal
.

Hegoti
nandpay
edf
orar
oom att
hemi
ddl
efl
oor
.

Hewasgi
vent
hekeyandhewenti
nthr
ought
heel
evat
or.

Hegott
other
oom anddr
oppedhi
sbagont
hegr
oundbef
orebr
ingi
ngoutt
hel
apt
op.

Hegott
hel
i
stofPascal
'
spossi
blel
ocat
ions,
ther
ear
etenpl
aceshemi
ghtpossi
blybe.

Hecheckedoutt
hel
ocat
ionsagai
nandl
eftt
hel
apt
op.

Hegothi
sphoneanddi
all
edTani
sha'
sli
nei
mmedi
atel
y.
"
Mast
er"herv
oicecameaf
tershepi
cked.

Heknewi
mmedi
atel
ythatev
ery
thi
ngi
snotf
ine.

"
Tel
lmey
ou'
reok"hesai
d.

"
I'
m notok"sher
epl
i
edandhest
ood.

"
Whatt
ookpl
ace?
"Heasked.

"Vi
gnet
tegotshot
"sher
epl
i
edandhei
nhal
ed.

Hesatback."Why
?,How?
"Heasked.

"I
twasgodmother
,shewantedtogetatLandonbutheav
oidedi
tandVi
gnet
tet
ooki
tinst
ead,
she'
sst
il
latt
hecli
nic"sher
epli
ed.

"I
sshest
il
lunconsci
ous?
"Heasked.

"
Noshewokeupear
li
erbutI
'
m st
il
lsadt
hatshegotshot
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Si
nceshewokeupshe'
l
lbef
ine,
andy
ou.
..
.don'
tgooutoft
hatsui
tet
il
lI'
l
lbeback"hesai
d.

"ButIneedt
ogot
othecl
i
nicandseeVi
gnet
teev
ery
day
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Ar
eyoul
i
steni
ngatal
l
?,It
rustt
hatl
adyMacbet
hwi
l
ltakecar
eofhersoj
ustl
i
stent
ome"he
r
epl
i
ed.

"CanIgoseeherf
oronce?
,onl
ytommor
ow"shesai
d.

"Ni
sha!
"Hesnapped.

"I
'
m sor
ryI
'
llobey
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Cool
,ar
emygi
rl
sgood?
"Heasked.

"
Yes,
theysl
eptear
lyt
odaysot
hey
'r
easl
eep"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Whatar
eyoust
il
ldoi
ng?
"Heasked.

"
Iwaswai
ti
ngf
ory
ourcal
l
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Andnowt
hatI
'
vecal
l
ed,
wil
lyougot
obed?
"Heasked.

"Yes,
arey
ousl
eepi
ngnowt
oo?
"Sheasked.

"
No,
Ist
il
lhav
esomef
indi
ngst
omake,
I'
ll
bei
nfr
ontofmyl
apt
opt
il
lmay
be10"her
epl
i
ed.

"Thef
li
ghtwasn'
tti
ri
ngr
ight
?"Sheaskedwor
ri
edl
yandhesmi
l
edshor
tl
y.

"
No,
justgot
obedal
ready
"her
epl
i
ed.
"
I'
mly
ingonmybedal
ready
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Closey
ourey
es"hesai
d.

"Done"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Sl
eep"hesai
d.

"Goodni
ght
"shesai
dandhehungup

Hedr
oppedhi
sphoneandl
ayont
hebed.

"
Imi
ssher
"het
hought
,touchi
nghi
schestt
ofeel
hishear
tbeat
.

Hecl
osedhi
sey
esf
orami
nut
ebef
orest
andi
ngagai
n.

Her
emov
edhi
scapandgotanappl
efr
om hi
sbag.

Heent
eredt
hebat
hroom andwashedi
tbef
oret
aki
ngabi
teashewal
kedbackt
other
oom.

*
***
*

SI
NGAPORE,
MCFPALACE*
*
"
Sofi
nall
yIgettoeatwit
hyouguys,
Icansti
l
l r
ememberSi
err
ainsul
tedmewhenIf
ir
stasked
f
ori
t"Rei
nasaidproudl
yasshesatwit
htherest.

Tr
acyandVi
viar
eincl
udedt
hist
ime.

"
Yourshar
pmout
hwi
l
lgety
ouki
l
led,
Imi
ghtbet
heonet
oki
l
lyou"Si
err
agl
ared.

"Tr
ythatandgodmot
herwi
l
lmakey
oust
opexi
sti
ng,
you'
l
lgoext
inctatt
hesoundofdi
ng!"
Rei
nalaughed.

"She'
ssoannoy
ing,
Ican'
tst
andher
"Li
asai
d.

"
Sameher
e"Rei
nal
aughedandTr
acysmi
l
ed.

"Iguesst
hat'
swhywegotal
ongsoqui
ck,
wehav
esamel
i
kesanddi
sli
kes"Tr
acysai
dand
l
aughedwithRei
na.

"St
opt
hei
rr
it
ati
ngl
aught
erandj
ustl
etuseatqui
etl
y!"Vi
vishout
ed.

"Themi
ssi
onwoul
dn'
thav
ebeensuccessf
ulwi
thoutme,
Itookcar
eoft
hehugeguy
"Rei
nasai
d.

"That'
sbecauseLiagavehi
mthebeat
ingofhi
sli
fef
ir
st,
Liadi
dthemai
njob,
thaty
oudi
dis
cal
ledfi
nishi
ng"Shaysai
d.

"What
ever
,myt
rai
ningst
art
stommor
owIcan'
twai
t!"Rei
nashout
ed.

Ev
ery
onei
nthecaf
eter
iai
slooki
ngather
.
"
Howmuchdi
dwest
eal
ear
li
er?
"Br
entasked.

"About50bi
l
ls"Vi
vir
epl
i
ed.

"What
'st
hehi
stor
y?"Br
entaskedagai
n.

"godmot
hert
oldmenot
hing,
shej
ustt
oldust
ogof
ori
t"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"I
'
m cl
oset
ogodmot
hery
ouknow,
Icanaskher
"Rei
nasai
dandLi
ascof
fed.

"I
fsheknowsgodmot
herwel
l
,she'
l
lknowshe'
snotsaf
e,shewon'
tl
ast
"Shaywhi
sper
ed.

"Wenev
ercant
ell
,b*
tchesl
i
keherl
ovessur
pri
ses"Br
entr
epl
i
edandShayst
ood.

"I
'
lll
eav
efi
rst
"hesai
dandl
eftt
hehal
l
.

"
I'
ll
ber
ightbackSi
err
a"Li
asai
dandr
ushedaf
terhi
m.

"So.
..Li
ahasaweaknesst
oo,
Shay
"Rei
nasai
d.

Si
err
api
ckedherf
orkandwoundedRei
na'
shandwi
thi
t.

"
F*ck!You!
"Rei
nagasped
"
Nextt
imei
t'
l
lbey
ourmout
h"Si
err
asai
dandl
eftt
oo.

Li
acaughtupwi
thShayi
nfr
ontofhi
sapar
tment.

"
Shay
!"Shecal
l
edagai
nandhef
inal
l
ylookedather
.

"
Lia?
,What
'sup?
"Hesmi
l
ed.

"
Ineedt
otel
lyousomet
hing"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Whati
sthat
?"Heasked.

Shet
ookt
wost
epscl
oserandl
ookedupathi
m.

"Il
ovey
ou"shesai
dandhesi
ghed,
notsur
pri
sednorshocked.

"Iknow"hesai
d.

"
Real
l
y?"

"
Yeah,
I'
m qui
ck-
wit
tedsoIf
oundoutnotl
ongago"her
epl
i
ed.

Li
afel
tsl
i
ght
lyembar
rassedbutdeci
dedt
ocont
inue.

"Iknowyoudon'
tfeel
thesame,
y oulovemybest
iei
nstead,
butIj
ustt
houghtoft
ell
i
ngy
ousoI
'
ll
feelmor
erel
i
eved"shesai
dandleftwit
houtl
ooki
ngback.
Shayent
eredhi
sapar
tmentandwi
thi
nami
nut
e,he'
sal
readysmoki
ng.

Hi
smi
ndi
snoti
nter
est
edi
nLi
aatal
l
,Si
err
aisal
way
stheone,
shehasal
way
sbeen.

Her
emember
edt
heni
ghtt
heymadeoutdr
unkenl
yandwi
shedi
tcoul
dhappenagai
n.

Hel
ookedathi
spal
m andsmi
l
edwhenher
emember
edhecar
essedherb*
*bswi
thi
t.

*
***
**

CLI
NIC*
*

Landonenter
edVi
gnet
te'
swar
dandmetl
adyMacasl
eepwi
thherheadont
hebedbesi
de
Vignet
te.

Vi
gnet
tei
sasl
eept
oo.

Hest
ayedbyt
hebedandsi
ghed.

"
Sheseemsf
ine"hemut
ter
edt
ohi
msel
f.

Het
urnedt
ogo.
..

"
Whydi
dyoucome,
pri
ck"Vi
gnet
tesai
dandhet
urnedback.
Herey
esi
snowopened.

"Icamet
ocheckonl
adyMacbet
h,def
ini
tel
ynoty
ou"her
epl
i
ed.

Shet
ri
edt
osi
tupbuthert
ummyhur
ts.

"Ouch!
"Shewi
ncedandl
ayonherbackagai
n.

"Youshoul
dhav
edi
ed,
atl
easty
ou'
dst
opbei
ngab*
tch"hesai
d.

"Ican'
tdi
eyet,y
ou'l
ldi
ebeforeme,I
'
llr
egr
eti
tify
oudon'
tdi
ebef
oreIdo,
Ihat
eregr
etssoI
'
ll
havetoseeyoudie,
bastar
d"shesai
d.

"
Rudei
diot
"her
epl
i
ed.

"Unci
rcumci
sedwar
thog"shesai
d.

"
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
"hesai
d.

"
Youhear
dmer
ight
"sher
epl
i
edandhecamecl
oser
.

Hemadet
opunchherbuthi
sfi
stst
oppedmi
dai
r.

"
What
?,Punchmebast
ard"shesai
dandhebr
oughtdownhi
spunch.

"Ar
eyouscar
ed?DoIl
ookl
i
keascar
ecr
ow?
"Shesai
dwi
thasmi
rk.
"
Don'
tst
epf
ooti
nmysui
teev
eragai
n"hesai
d.

"LadyMacbet
hassi
gnedmet
ocl
eany
oursui
teev
ery
day
,Imustobeyher
"sher
epl
i
ed

"F*
cky
ourp*
ssy
"hesai
d.

"Tohe'
l
lwi
thy
ourski
mpyd*
ck"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Ski
mpy
?"Hesai
d.

"Fi
nal
l
yIgotyouanewname,
ski
mpyd*
ck"shesmi
l
edmocki
ngl
yandcov
eredher
sel
f
compl
etel
y.

Her
aisedt
hecov
ercl
othef
rom herandgr
abbedherhai
r,pul
l
ingi
troughl
y.

"
Aar
rgggh!
!!
!!
,LadyMac!
!!
!"Shescr
eamed.

*
***
**

NEXTDAY(
TUESDAY)
,ITALY*
*

SANTACROCE*
*

Pr
incet
onhasbeeni
nfr
ontoft
hebui
l
dingf
orov
ert
enmi
nut
es,
dev
isi
ngameanst
oent
er.
Pascal
mightbet
her
etodayf
rom 8t
il
l10.

Thet
imei
s8:
30.

Thebuil
dingi
snott
hatbi
gbutt
henoi
secomi
ngf
rom i
tisdeaf
eni
ng,
it'
sagamehousef
or
gambli
ng.

Hegotdownf
rom t
hecabandadj
ust
edhi
scapbef
oreent
eri
ngt
hehouse.

I
t'
sjustl
i
keMCFpal
ace,
dif
fer
enti
l
legal
act
ivi
ti
esi
sgoi
ngonbutt
hemai
nonei
sgambl
i
ng.

Hewal
kedar
oundt
het
abl
esofbusygambl
ers,
sear
chi
ngf
orPascal
buthe'
snowher
etobe
f
ound.

Hi
sfacei
sunseenonanyt
abl
e.

Hest
oppedatt
hel
astoneanddeci
dedt
owat
cht
hegameabi
t.

Hest
ayedbyt
het
abl
eandashewat
ched,
he'
swat
chf
ulofhi
senv
ironmentt
oo.

"
Thebossi
sher
e!"Aguyshout
edandev
ery
onewentsi
l
entasaguyent
eredt
hehouse

Hehaspi
erci
ngsal
l
overhi
sfaceandheusedr
ingsonal
lofi
t,i
t'
scl
oset
oir
ri
tat
ing.

Hi
stat
tooswer
esodar
kanddanger
ous,
hishai
rwasweav
edbackwar
ds.
"
Pascal
"Pr
incet
ont
houghtandhi
dhi
sface.

"
Whothef*
ckopenedupthi
splace,
Itol
dy'al
lthatthi
sf*cki
nghousewi
l
lnotoper
atet
odayand
y
ety
'al
lhav
etheball
stowal
kin?"Hesaidauthori
tati
vel
y.

"
Wecan'
tj
ustf
*cki
ngi
gnor
eity
unno"aguysai
dandPascal
shothi
m deadi
mmedi
atel
y.

Hel
ookedar
oundagai
nandhi
sey
esf
ell
onPr
incet
on.

"
Thebl
ackcap"hesai
d.

"
Shi
t!
"Pr
incet
ont
houghtandsl
owl
ydi
ppedhi
shandi
ntohi
sst
rapf
orhi
sgun

"
Blackcap,
showy
ourf
*cki
ngf
ace!
"Pascal
yel
l
ed.

Pri
ncet
onmadeacountdowntot
hreeandai
meddi
rect
lyf
orPascal
'
shear
tbutPascal
qui
ckl
y
usedaguyt
ocoverhi
mself.

Theguygotshoti
nst
eadandPascal
rushedout
.

Thewhol
epl
acewentr
owdyasPr
incet
onwentaf
terhi
m.

Hesett
rapsasher
anbutPr
incet
onj
umpedt
hem al
landkeptshoot
ingathi
m.

Hemanagedt
oshootPascal
ont
hear
m bef
orehegoti
nhi
scaranddr
oveof
f
Pr
incet
onhi
j
ackedacarf
rom adr
iverandwentaf
terhi
m buti
twast
ool
ate.

Pascal
wentoutofsi
ghtbef
orehecoul
dcat
chup.

Hest
oppedt
hecarandcameout
,hi
shai
rcov
eri
ngpar
tofhi
sface.

"
Sh*
t!,
Notagai
n"hebr
eat
hed.

*
***
***

MCFPALACE,
ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Zar
aisi
nthesecr
etr
oom al
ready
,Ti
nai
sinf
rontofherandt
hel
adyi
swat
chi
ngt
hem f
rom a
saf
espot
.

Ami
cei
sint
hehandsofTi
naandZar
aissmi
l
ingather
.

Zar
asuddenl
yfacedt
hel
ady
.

"
Chl
oe"shecal
l
ed.

"
Yesgodmot
her
"sher
epl
i
edf
ear
ful
l
y.

"Pr
ayt
oyourancest
orssoTinawil
ldowhatIexpect
,ifshedoesn'
t,t
hatmeansyou'
venotbeen
doi
ngagoodjobandI'
ll
giv
ey ouwhaty
oudeserve,death"Zar
asaidandChloeshi
ver
ed.
"It
rai
nedherwel
l
"shesai
d.

"Let
'ssee"Zar
asai
dandf
acedTi
naagai
n.

Ti
nai
snotsmi
l
ing,
shehasabl
ankl
ookonhercol
dface.

She'
slooki
ngatt
hemi
cel
i
keawi
tch.

"
Kil
li
t"Zar
asai
d.

Ti
nacont
inuedl
ooki
ngatt
hemi
ceandZar
agl
ared

"
Now!
"Sheshout
ed.

Ti
nahel
dtheheadoft
hemi
cewi
thanhand,
shehel
dthebodywi
tht
hesecondhand.

Sheemotionl
essl
ypul
l
edt
heheadoft
hemi
cef
rom t
hebodyandt
hebl
oodspl
ashedonher
faceandclot
hes.

Shet
hrewdownt
heheadandbody
.

Zar
alaughedl
oudl
y.

"
Mast
erpi
ece,
thehei
resst
oMCFpal
ace!
"shet
hunder
edandr
esumedl
aughi
ng.

TBC
[
6/17,
6:08AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER42&43

★★★★★

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Thet
winsar
ejustr
etur
ningf
rom school
,Tani
shat
ookt
hem i
nandl
ockedt
hedoor
..

"
Howwasschool
today
?"Sheasked.

"
Itwasbor
ing,
thear
tteacherwasbei
ngt
oost
ri
ct,
ionl
i
keher
"Sanasai
dandTani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Il
i
keherst
ri
ctness"Mi
nasai
d.

"Luckyy
ou"Sanamut
ter
edwi
thapout
.

"Ev
eryt
eacherneedsst
ri
ctnesst
oimpactknowl
edge"Tani
shasai
d.

"Iknow,
butexcessst
ri
ctnessi
snotok"Sanar
epl
i
ed.
"Sowhatdi
dyougeti
nthedr
awi
ng?
"Tani
shaasked.

"
Promi
semey
ouwon'
tl
aughatme"Sanar
epl
i
ed.

"
Val
i
dpr
omi
se"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"90ov
er100"sher
epl
i
edandTani
shagasped.

"
Youscor
edt
hatmuchandy
ou'
recompl
aini
ng?
,OhcomeonSana,
yout
ri
ed"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"ButIandMi
naal
way
sget
sthef
ull
mar
ks,
shegoti
tal
onet
hist
ime"Sanasai
d.

"Ar
eyouJeal
ous?
"Tani
shaasked.

"Jeal
ousymakesoneugl
y"Sanar
epl
i
ed.

"
I'
m gl
ady
ouknowt
hat
,nowy
ougi
rl
sneedt
oshowerandeatl
unch"shesai
d,l
eadi
ngt
hem i
n.

Shehel
pedt
hem showeri
nthebat
hroom t
henputonsi
mpl
ewear
sfort
hem.

"
Wher
e'sSweet
?"Mi
naasked.

"
Meow!
"Sweetmeowed,
comi
ngi
ntot
her
oom.
"
He'
ssosmar
t"Sanasai
d,car
ryi
ngi
t

"
Doy
ouguy
scar
etot
alkt
oyourdad?
"Tani
shaasked.

"
Ofcour
se,
Iwasaboutt
osayt
hat
"Sanasai
dandTani
shadi
all
edhi
sli
ne.

Hepi
ckedshor
tl
y.

"
Mast
er"

"
Nishaar
eyouok?
"Heasked,
hisv
oicesoundssomehow.

"I
'
mfi
nebuty
ou,
yousounddi
stur
bed"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Ilostmyt
argeti
nthef
ir
stencount
er"her
epl
i
ed.

"Real
l
y?,
Arey
oui
ntr
oubl
enow?
"Sheaskedandcanhearhi
m gi
ggl
i
ng.

"
He'
stheonei
ntr
oubl
e,I
'
llst
il
lgethi
m cost
her
ear
est
il
lchances"her
epl
i
ed.

"Yourgi
rl
swant
stot
alkt
oyou"shesai
dandhandedt
hephonet
othem.

"
Dad"t
heybot
hchor
used.

"
Yougi
rl
sshoul
dst
aygoodokay
?"Hesai
dandt
heysmi
l
ed.
"Yesdad,
yout
oo"Mi
nasai
d.

"Getmeapi
nkt
eddybearwheny
ou'
recomi
ng"Sanasai
d.

"Iwantawhi
teoneandal
otofbur
ger
s"Mi
nasai
d.

"
Waf
fl
ecooki
est
oo"Sanaadded.

"
Rogert
hat
"her
epl
i
ed.

Tani
shat
ookt
hephoneandr
anoutofwhatt
osayagai
n.

"
Youhav
enot
hingel
set
osay
?"Heaskedandshebi
therl
i
psl
owl
y.

"Ni
sha?
"Hecal
l
ed.

"I
..
.

"
Youwhat
?"Hepr
obed.

"Imi
ssy
ou"shesai
dqui
ckl
yandhungup.

Shemett
hesmi
l
ingf
acesoft
het
wins.
"
What
?"Sheasked.

"
Youmi
ssourdad?
,that
'snew"Sanasai
d.

"
Isi
tromant
ical
l
yoror
dinar
il
y?"Mi
nasai
d.

"Whatdoy
ouknowaboutr
omance"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Wewatchedaromancetel
enov
elalastmonth,Iknowal otabouti
t,y
oumi
sswhoev
ery
our
hear
tbeat
sforwhenev
erheorsheisnotaround"Mi nasaid.

"Yougi
rl
sar
e..
..
.okenoughofi
t"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed,
greenwi
thembar
rassment
.

"Soyourhear
tbeat
sforourdad?
,Ar
eyougonnamar
ryhi
m andgi
veust
winsi
ster
stoo?
"Sana
sai
d.

"Enough.
..enoughpl
ease"Tani
shasai
d,st
andi
ngandr
ushi
ngoutoft
her
oom.

"Wer
eal
l
ywantt
winbabysi
ster
s"Sanasai
d,r
ushi
ngaf
terher
.

"Pr
ett
yoneswi
thbl
ueey
esl
i
keus"Mi
naadded,
fol
l
owi
ngTani
shat
oo.

"Not
heyshoul
dhav
ebr
owney
essi
ncewehav
ebl
ueal
ready
"Sanasai
d.

Tani
shaswi
ft
lyl
ookedbackandt
heyst
oppedt
alki
ng,
smi
l
ingsi
l
li
ly
.
"
We'
rehungr
y"t
heychor
used.

"
Tot
hedi
nni
ngr
oom"Tani
shar
epl
i
edandt
heyl
edt
hewayout
.

Tani
shasi
ghed,
hol
dingherchest

"
They
'r
ehandf
uls"Shesai
d,f
oll
owi
ngt
hem.

*
***
**

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

"I
'
venotbeenseeingherar
oundsi
ncePr
incet
onl
eft
,seemsshewasi
nst
ruct
ednott
ocome
out"Rei
narepor
ted.

Zar
atur
nedherchai
rtof
aceRei
na.

"
Iwasn'
texpect
ingl
ess,
herpr
incechar
mingwoul
dhav
etol
dhert
hat
,orLi
a"shesmi
l
ed.

Shespr
eadherpalm si
dewar
dsandoneoftheguar
dspl
acedaci
gar
ett
eoni
t,hel
i
ght
enedi
t
andshepuf
fedalotofsmokesbef
orest
anding.

Shewal
kedt
oRei
naandl
etoutal
lthesmokes.

"
Makehercomeout
,lur
eheroutbyal
lmeanspossi
ble"shesai
d.
"
Huh"Rei
nashi
ver
ed.

Zar
agr
abbedherhai
r,pul
l
ingi
tbackwar
ds,
maki
ngherf
acest
ayr
ightbel
owher
s.

"
Doi
t,Idi
dn'
trecr
uity
ouf
orpl
ay"shesai
dandpul
l
edherhai
rhar
der
.

Al
lthev
einsi
nRei
na'
sneckbecamer
eveal
edassheshooki
nfear.

"
Y..
.y
yyesgodmot
her
"shequi
ver
edandZar
alethergo.

"She'st
heonl
yobst
acl
eIhave,
Ihat
eobstacl
es,shemustbedeadbef
oremyalphacomesback,
I'
ll
giveherasl
owexcr
uci
ati
ngdeat
hwit
houtanyonet
oquesti
onme"Zarasai
dandpuffed
again.

Rei
nacont
inuedshi
ver
ing.

Zar
afacedherandshef
acedt
hegr
ound.

"Makesureyoucar
ryi
toutt
ommor
ow,
tommor
owi
sfi
nal
..
.leav
e"shesai
dandRei
nabowed
bef
oreleavi
ng.

"Summonl
adyMacbet
h"Zar
aor
der
edandaguar
dlef
ttodot
hat
.

Tenmi
nut
esl
ater
,LadyMacbet
hcamei
n.

"
godmot
her
"shebowed.
"
Beusef
ult
omor
row"
Zar
asai
d,st
ayi
ngonherspot
.

"Idon'
tunder
stand"l
adyMacbet
hrepl
i
ed.

"
Tommor owdur
ingdinner
,inj
ectAt
ivani
ntot
hedr
inki
ngwat
erofLi
a"Zar
aor
der
edand
Macbet
h'sey
eswidened.

"At
ivanwi
l
lmakehersl
eep"shesai
d.

"Iknow,i
njectenoughquant
it
ytomakehersl
eepImmedi
atel
yshedr
inksagul
p,i
t'
sanor
der
andifyoufail
,you'
llbedy
ingtommor
ow"Zarasai
d.

"Y.
..Yes.
..godmot
her
"ladyMacbet
hshi
ver
ed.

*
***
***

NEXTDAY(
WEDNESDAY)I
TALY*
*

Pr
incet
onj
ustf
ini
shedchecki
ngt
hesev
ent
hpossi
blepl
acef
orPascal
.

Noi
nfot
hathel
eftI
tal
ysohe'
sdef
ini
tel
yst
il
li
nthecount
ry,
justhi
dingsomewher
e.

Hegott
ohi
scarandsi
ghedsof
tl
y.

Ther
e'sst
il
lthr
eepossi
blepl
acest
ocheckf
orPascal
.
Het
ookhi
sphoneandcheckedt
het
ime

I
t'
ssomemi
nut
esaf
tert
hree.

"
Sti
l
lgotsomef
*cki
ngt
ime"hesai
dandsomeoneknockedhi
swi
ndow.

Heopenedi
tandwassur
pri
sedt
oseewhohewasn'
texpect
ing.Tammy
!

"
Am If
*cki
ngdr
eami
ngnow?
"Hesai
d.

"
Boss"shesmi
l
ed.

Hecamedownf
rom t
hecar
.

"
It
'sr
eal
l
yyou,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nIt
aly
?"Heasked.

"It
ookmymum heref
ort
reat
mentj
usty
est
erday
,she'
scur
rent
lyatanhospi
tal
notf
arf
rom
here"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Issheget
ti
ngbet
ter
?"

"Yes,
myj
uni
orsi
shasbeendoi
ngagr
eatj
ob"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Cool
,Ineedt
ogonow"her
epl
i
edandmadet
ogoi
ntohi
scar
..
.

"I
fyouneedhel
p,I
'
mri
ghther
eboss"Tammysai
d.
Hest
oppedandf
acedher
.

"Ar
eyousur
eyoucan?
"Heasked.

"
Ofcour
se,
I'
mtr
ainedy
ouknow"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Okf
ine"her
epl
i
edandgoti
nhi
scar
.

"
Ist
il
lhav
etwomor
epl
acest
ocheckf
ormyt
arget
"hesai
d.

Shesmi
l
edandgoti
nwi
thhi
m.

"
Whoar
ewet
racki
ng?
"Sheaskedashedr
ove.

"
Pascal
Joe"her
epl
i
edandshegasped.

"Thepopul
aronewi
thpi
erci
ngs?
"Shesai
d.

"
Youknowhi
m?"Heasked.

"Yes,hecametothehospit
albef
oreIleftt
her
e,Ihear
dpeoplegossi
pinghi
snameandhow
dangeroushei
s"sherepl
i
edandPr i
ncetontur
nedthecarar
ound.

Hest
art
eddr
ivi
ngr
oughl
ytot
hehospi
tal
.
"
Hemusthav
egonet
her
etot
reathi
swoundedar
m,Igav
ehi
m ashoty
est
erday
"hesai
d.

Pascal
wasjustcomi
ngoutoft
hehospital
whent
heygott
her
ebuti
mmedi
atel
yhesawt
hecar
,
hegotinhi
scaranddr
oveawayroughl
y.

Pr
incet
onwentaf
terhi
mImmedi
atel
y.

"
It
'sgonnaber
ough,
don'
tgethur
t"hesai
dandTammynoddedaf
terf
ast
eni
ngt
hebel
t.

Pascal
issur
elyar
oughr
ider
,he'
snotgi
vi
nganychancet
ocat
chupwi
thhi
m butPr
incet
oni
sn'
t
si
mpleeit
her
.

"
Ther
e'sashor
tcutov
ert
her
e,wecanj
ustcr
osshi
m"Tammysai
dandPr
incet
onwentt
hatway
.

Hecameoutatt
heot
herendandt
hei
rcarcol
l
idedwi
thPascal
'
s.

Pascal
qui
ckl
ymadeat
urnandwentdownt
her
oadagai
n.

"
He'
spl
ayi
ng,
buti
t'
l
lendi
nregr
ets"Pr
incet
onsai
dandf
oll
owedhi
m.

Theykeptt
her
unni
nggameupt
il
lhechasedhi
mint
oasi
l
entSandyar
ea.

"
Thi
sar
eai
sdomi
nat
edbyqui
cksand,
it'
sdanger
ous"Tammysai
d.

"
Justst
ayi
nthecarandnev
ercomeout
"Pr
incet
onsai
d,l
eav
ingt
hecar
.
Pascal
cameoutofhi
scart
ooandsmi
l
ed.

"
Pri
ncet
on,
you'
vegr
ownsomuch,
Zar
amustber
eal
l
ytaki
ngcar
eofhi
sal
pha"hesai
d.

"AndI
'
m her
etot
akecar
eofy
ou"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"OhI
'
mlucky
"Pascal
smi
l
ed,
rubbi
nghi
spal
m onhi
sweav
edhai
r.

"Il
oveconf
identt
hiev
es,
theygi
vememor
ereasont
oel
i
minat
ethem"Pr
incet
onsmi
l
ed.

"Whydon'
twemaket
hiseasy
?,I
'
llgi
vey
ousomedol
l
arsandy
ou'
l
lleav
ewi
thouthav
ingt
odi
e"
Pascal
sai
d.

"Yout
hinkI
'
m her
eforsomef
*cki
ngdol
l
ars"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Si
ncey
ouwantt
oreal
l
ydi
e,t
henl
et'
sdoi
t"Pascal
repl
i
edandcamef
orhi
m.

Theyl
ockedhandsandst
art
edt
ryi
ngt
opusheachot
her
,thei
rmuscl
esandv
einsr
eveal
i
ng
massi
vel
y.

Beadsofsweatf
ormedonPascal
'
sfor
eheadwhi
l
ePr
incet
onsmi
l
ed.

Hef
inal
l
ysucceededi
npushi
ngPascal
.

Pascal
hel
dhi
msel
fbutPr
incet
ondeal
thi
mtwoheav
ypuncheswhi
chsenthi
mtot
hegr
ound.
"
Bast
ardhowdar
eyou!
'her
oar
edandst
ood.

Her
ushedt
oPr
incet
onandwasabl
etopunchhi
sfacet
wicet
oo.

Pr
incet
onl
andedaki
ckonhi
sfacenextandhebl
edbl
oodf
rom t
hemout
h.

"
Yougotbet
ter
,butnotbet
terenought
oki
l
lme"Pascal
sai
dandpunchedPr
incet
on'
sjaw.

Pr
incet
onst
agger
edbuthel
dhi
msel
f.

Pascal
cameathi
m agai
nandgr
abbedhi
sneck,
Pri
ncet
ondi
dthesame.

Theyst
art
edchoki
ngeachot
her
.

Pascal
madePr
incet
on'
slegsl
eav
ethegr
oundandhef
ell
.

Hesatonhi
m andst
art
edpunchi
nghi
sface.

Pr
incet
onbl
edheav
il
yfr
om t
hepunchesandgotsomanywoundsi
nmi
nut
es.

Pascal
tri
edpunchi
ngagai
nbuthegr
abbedhi
sar
m,pr
essi
nghi
swound.

"
Aar
rgggh!
!!
"Pascal
yel
l
edpai
nful
l
y.

Bl
oodoozedoutoft
hewoundasPr
incet
onpr
essedhar
der
.
Pascal
keptscr
eami
ng.

Thespotsuddenl
yst
art
edgoi
ngdownandPr
incet
onqui
ckl
yst
ood,
leav
ingPascal
.

Thesandst
art
eddr
owni
nghi
m.

Pr
incet
onst
oodatasaf
edi
stanceandbr
oughtouthi
sgun,
aimi
ngatPascal
.

"
Hel
pmebast
ard!
'Pascal
shout
edast
hesandcont
inuedswal
l
owi
nghi
m.

"I
'
llr
atherhel
pyoubackt
ohell
"Pri
ncet
onrepl
iedandshothi
sfor
eheadt
hri
cet
henhi
sthr
oat
oncebeforet
hesandswal
lowedhi
m complet
ely.

"
Accompl
i
shed"hesai
dandwal
kedbackt
othecar
.

"
Thatwaspr
ett
ycool
"Tammysai
d.

"
He'
stoughImustadmi
t"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Butbosswi
l
lal
way
sbet
heboss"Tammysai
dandPr
incet
onsmi
l
edshor
tl
y.

"IwannagoseeyourmotherbutI
'
llhav
etomakeadet
ouratt
hehot
el,
Ineedt
ogetmyphone
bef
oregoi
ngwithyou"hesai
d.

"
You'
l
lgety
ourf
acet
reat
edatt
hehospi
tal
too"sher
epl
i
edandhedr
oveof
f.
Theygott
othehot
elandhewenti
n,l
eav
ingTammyi
nthecar
.

Hegott
ohi
sfl
oorandst
art
edf
eel
i
nguneasy
.

Hel
ookedar
oundbutt
her
e'snot
hingsuspi
cious.

Hewal
kedt
ohi
sroom doorandwasaboutt
oscant
hecar
dwhenhehear
dmov
ement
sbehi
nd.

Hemadet
odr
awhi
sgunandt
urnbutwhoev
eri
tiswasswi
ft
er.

Somethi
ngwashi
tvi
olent
lyonPr
incet
on'
sheadandhel
ostconsci
ousnessi
mmedi
atel
y,f
all
i
ng
onthegr
ound.

"
Takehi
m"anhuskyv
oiceor
der
ed.

*
***
**

SI
NGAPORE,
MCFPALACE*
*

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Thetwinsar
epl
ayi
ngi
nthel
i
vingr
oom whi
l
eTani
shai
sst
il
lbusypr
epar
ingt
hei
rdi
nneri
nthe
ki
tchen.

Sweetsuddenl
ycamei
ntot
heki
tchen.
I
tst
art
edmeowi
ngl
oudl
ywhi
l
esi
tt
ingonherf
eet
.

"
Heywhat
'swr
ong?
"Tani
shasai
d,car
ryi
ngi
t.

Sweetcont
inuedmeowi
ngwhi
l
elooki
ngatherey
es.

"
Doesi
thur
tsomewher
e?,
Whyar
eyoul
i
ket
his?
"Tani
shaaskedwor
ri
edl
y.

Thenshest
art
edhear
ingl
oudgossi
psf
rom out
side

Sher
ushedt
oPr
incet
on'
sroom andopenedt
hewi
ndowf
rom t
her
e.

Somegi
rl
sar
est
andi
ngi
ngr
oups,
tal
ki
ngaboutsomeone'
sdeat
h.

"
Hear
dshe'
sokal
ready
,howdi
dshedi
eagai
n?"Agi
rlsai
d.

"
May
begodmot
herki
l
ledheratt
hehospi
tal
"anot
hersai
d.

"Can'
tbegodmother
,she'
sgodmot
her
'ssl
aveandy
ouknowshe'
drat
hersel
lasl
avet
hanki
l
l
her
"anot
hersai
d.

"Hear
dhernamei
sVi
gnet
te,
Isomehowpi
tyher
"anot
heronesai
dandTani
shagasped.

"Vi
gnet
te?
,Is.
..
dead?
,No"shesai
dandr
ushedoutoft
her
oom.
Sher
anpastt
het
winsi
nthel
i
vingr
oom andwentoutoft
hesui
te.

Shecont
inuedr
unni
ngal
lthewayt
othecl
i
nic.

Sur
pri
singl
y,Vi
gnet
tei
ssi
tt
ingont
hebed,
eat
ingf
ri
es.

"
Vignet
te!
"Shesai
dandr
ushedi
n.

"
What
?"Vi
gnet
teasked,
looki
ngathersur
pri
sedf
ace.

"
Not
hing"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed,
cal
mingdown.

"
You'
resweat
ing"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
Ijustcamet
ocheckony
ou"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Wher
e'sSweet
?"Vi
gnet
teasked.

"Icameher
ewi
thhi
m"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed,
looki
ngar
oundf
ort
hecatbuti
t'
snott
her
e

"
Vignet
teIhav
etogonow"shesai
dandr
ushedoutoft
hewar
d.

"Thenwhatwer
ethosegi
rl
stal
ki
ngabout
?,I
sther
eanot
herVi
gnet
te?"Shewonder
ed.

Shel
eftt
hecl
i
nic,
looki
ngar
oundf
orSweet
.
Shewentbackt
othesui
tebutt
het
winssai
dithasn'
tcomehome.

Shel
eftt
hesui
teandst
art
edcal
l
ingSweetr
oundt
hepal
ace.

"
Sweet
!!
"

"
Sweet
!!
"

Shewentt
othesl
avehousebuti
t'
snott
her
etoo.

Shecameoutf
rust
rat
ingl
yandsi
ghed.

"
Wher
ear
eyouSweet
"shesai
dwor
ri
edl
yasshecont
inuedhersear
ch.

Shegott
othegol
dbankandst
art
edhear
ingmeowi
ngsoundsf
rom t
her
e.

Shewentcl
oserandcl
oserandt
hesoundskeptbecomi
ngl
ouder
.

Shepl
acedherear
sont
hedoor
.

"
Sweet
!"Shecal
l
edandSweetmeowedmor
eloud.

"
Howdi
dyougeti
nher
e,howdoIgety
ouout
?"Shesai
dandl
ookedar
ound.
Nooneseemst
obei
nsi
ght
.

Sher
emov
edt
hepi
ninherhai
randi
nser
tedi
tint
othepadl
ock.

Sheopenedi
tshor
tl
yandwenti
n.

Herey
eswi
denedwhenshesawcol
l
ect
ionongol
dbar
sint
het
ranspar
entgl
asssaf
e.

Knowi
ngt
hatshemustnotbecaughther
e,shequi
ckl
ygotSweet
.

"Howdi dyougeti
nheresil
l
ycat"shesai
d,st
roki
ngit
'sheadasshet
urnedtogobackbutt
oher
surpr
ise,shesawmorethantengangmember sbyt
hedoor,l
edbyReinaandTr
acy.

"
Caughtat
hief
"Rei
nasmi
l
ed.

"Sother
e'sadescendantofPascal
inher
e,y
ouev
enopenedt
hepadl
ockwi
thoutkey
s"Tr
acy
sai
d.

"
Icamet
ogetmycat
,nott
ost
eal
gol
d"Tani
shasai
d,hol
dingSweett
ight
ly.

"Ofcour
se.
..
gett
het
hief
!"Tr
acyor
der
edandt
heguy
scamef
orher
.

"AndI
'
m say
ingIdi
dn'
tcomet
ost
eal
!"Tani
shashout
edashandsgr
abbedher

Sweetf
ell
from herandshewasdr
aggedoutoft
hebank.
"
Iwasn'
ttr
ynast
eal
!,
Ireal
l
ywasn'
tpl
anni
ngt
odot
hatl
etmego!
!!
'shekeptscr
eami
ng.

"
Wecaughtat
hief
!"Rei
nashout
ed.

Befor
etheygott
othet
ort
uregr
ound,
almostev
ery
onei
nthepal
acehasconv
ergedt
owat
cht
he
thi
ef.

Rapi
ngandsni
tchi
ngar
ethet
wobi
ggestcr
imesi
nthepal
ace,
deat
hist
hepenal
ty.

Tani
shawast
hrowndownandshegotwoundedont
hel
eg.

"
Iwasn'
tpl
anni
ngt
ost
eal
hearmeout
!!
"Sheshout
ed.

Tr
acysl
appedherr
ightcheekwhi
l
eRei
nasl
appedherl
eftcheek

Herey
est
urnedr
edwi
thpai
nsandhercheekshassamecol
or.

"
Shutupt
hief
!"Rei
naspat
.

Si
err
acameov
erwi
tht
her
estexceptLi
a.

"
What
'shappeni
ng?
"Sheasked.

"
Shewascaughti
nthegol
dbank,
try
ingt
ost
eal
"Tr
acysai
d.

"
Whatt
hef
*ck"Shaysai
d.
"Idi
dn'
tst
eal
,Iwentt
her
etogetSweeti
onev
enknowhowSweetgott
her
ebel
i
eveme"Tani
sha
cri
ed.

"Thi
sisn'
tther
ightt
imef
orLi
atosl
eepof
f"Br
entsai
d.

"Doesn'
tthi
sseem li
keapl
an?,
Whywoul dLiasl
eepof
faf
tereat
ing?
,Andt
hent
hishappened"
Si
err
asaidsuspi
ciousl
yasTani
shakeptcry
ing.

"
Liai
sherpr
otect
or,
sot
ogetatt
hepr
ey,
theymadet
hepr
otect
orsl
eep"Shaysai
d.

"LadyMacbet
h!"Si
err
aseet
hedandr
ushedoutoft
hepl
ace.

"You'
ref
inal
l
ydy
ing"Rei
nasmi
l
edasZar
aappear
edwi
thagun,
smi
l
ingwi
ckedl
y.

Ev
ery
onebowedwhenshegott
her
e.

"
Thatgun"Shaysai
d,l
ooki
ngati
t.

"
Nai
lgun?
"Br
entsai
d.

"Yeah,i
thasshar
ppoi
sonednai
l
sinst
eadofbul
l
etsandatashot
,itr
eleasest
hreenai
l
s"Shay
said.

"Hear donceyouhavetwent
yonenai
l
sinyourbody
,you'
ll
stayal
i
vei npai
nsfort
hreeday
sand
forthosethr
eedays,t
hebloodwi
ll
tur
nblackcompl
etel
yasthepoisonspr
eads,t
hentheper
son
dies"Brentr
epli
ed.
"
Zar
aisgonnauset
hegunonTani
sha?
"Shaysai
d.

"I
t'
sobv
ious"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"Ti
ehert
othepol
l
"Zar
aor
der
ed.

"Yesgodmot
her
"Rei
naandTr
acychor
used.

"No..
.Idi
dn'
ttr
ytost
eal
!!
,Bel
i
evemeIr
eal
l
ydi
dn'
ttr
ytodoi
tno!
!!
'Tani
shascr
eamedt
ear
ful
l
y
asshegotdraggedt
othepol
l.

Shewast
ight
lyt
iedt
oit
.

"
Onl
yLi
ahast
hebal
l
stoconf
rontgodmot
her
,wecandonot
hing"Shaysai
d.

"Landon"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"I
ont
hinkso"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"
Let
'sj
ustt
ry"Br
entr
epl
i
edandt
heyr
ushedoutoft
hepl
acet
oLandon'
ssui
te.

"
Don'
tki
l
lme.
.don'
tki
l
lmeIdi
dn'
ttr
ytost
eal
please!
!"Tani
shacr
ied.

"I
t'
ll
hur
tmor
eify
oukeept
alki
ng"Zar
asai
dandpul
l
edt
het
ri
gger
.
Sheshott
hegunandt
hreeshar
pnai
l
sfl
ewoutofi
t,r
ushi
ngt
oTani
sha.

Thet
hreenai
l
sent
eredhert
ummy
.

"
Pri
ncet
on!
!!
"Shescr
eamedpai
nful
l
yasbl
oodgushedoutoft
het
hreespot
sandhermout
h.

Pai
nsshott
hroughal
lherbodyandi
tfeel
sli
kehel
l
.

Shehasn'
trecov
eredwhenZar
ashotanot
her
.

Thr
eenai
l
sent
eredherr
ightt
high.

"
Pri
ncet
on!
!!
"Shescr
eamedagoni
zi
ngl
y

Tbc

[
6/17,
6:08AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER44,
45&46
 ★★★★★

LANDON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Shayhi
tthedoorl
oudl
yimmedi
atel
yhegott
her
ewi
thBr
ent
.

"
Landon!
"Hey
ell
ed

"
Don!
"Br
entshout
edt
oo,
joi
ningShayi
nhi
tt
ingt
hedoor
.

"
Donopenup!
!"Shayshout
edagai
nbutnor
esponse.

Br
enthi
thi
sboot
hont
hedoorhar
dly
.

"
Donshowy
ourf
*cki
ngf
ace!
"

"
Landonsav
eal
i
fe!
"

Thedoorf
inal
l
yopenedandLandoncameoutshi
rt
less,
hisey
esar
eredanddr
owsy
.

"Ar
eyouguy
sf*ckingdumb?,Iwassl
eepi
ngandt
hisi
sst
il
lmysui
te!
,I
nfr
ingi
ngonmyr
ight
sis
notal
l
owed!
"Hey ell
edangr
il
y.

"Weneedy
ourhel
p,godmot
herwi
l
lki
l
lTani
shai
fyoudon'
tst
opherpl
ease"Shaysai
d.
"She'
shersl
ave,
shecandeci
det
oki
l
lherorsel
lher
,it
'snotmyf
*cki
ngheadache"Landon
repl
i
ed.

"Dropyouregoandjustdosomethi
ngmeaningf
ult
hist
imepl
ease!
,Youknowhowmuch
wil
dcatcher
ishesher
"Shayfur
therpl
eaded.

"Idon'
tcar
e!"Landonsai
dtohi
sfaceandmadet
ogoi
nbutBr
enthel
dthedoor
.

"
Please.
..she'
l
ldi
eify
oudon'
tgowi
thus,
justpl
ease!
"Heshout
ed.

Landongl
aredathi
m andShayhel
dhi
shand.

"Donj
ust
..
.dot
hisf
ory
ourbr
other
..
.Pl
ease"hesai
d.

"Andy
out
hinkIcanst
opher
?,Shef
*cki
nghat
est
hesi
ghtofme"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"Youj
usthav
etot
ry"Br
entsai
d.

Landongl
aredagai
nbef
oref
oll
owi
ngt
hem.

Tanisha'
scl
othesi
sal
readybl
oodywhent
heygott
her
e,herbl
oodi
sdr
ippi
ngdownt
hepol
l
al
ready

Herwhi
tet
opi
sredwi
thbl
oodandherj
eant
rouser
siswetwi
thbl
oodt
oo

She'
snotscr
eami
ngany
mor
e,seemsshel
ostal
lherst
rengt
h.
"
She'
sal
readyont
heei
ght
eent
hnai
l
"agi
rlsai
d.

Zar
aiscur
rent
lyaboutt
oshoott
hel
astshotwhi
chwi
l
lmakei
ttwent
yone.

Landonst
oodi
nfr
ontherandshegl
ared.

"
Mov
e"shesai
d.

"
Kil
l
ingherwi
thagunwoul
dhav
ebeenbet
ter
,thi
sisf
*cki
nguncal
l
edf
or!
"Hesai
d.

"Outoft
heway
"shesai
d.

"Shootmei
fyoui
nsi
st"her
epl
i
ed.

"Ev
eni
fIdon'
tshoott
hisl
astone,
she'
l
ldi
e,butImustcompl
etet
hedosesomov
e"shesai
d.

Landonr
ushedt
oherandt
ri
edt
aki
ngt
hegunf
rom herbutsher
aisedherl
egt
ohi
sface.

Sheki
ckedhi
sjawandhest
agger
ed.

Hef
acedheragai
nandhel
dthegun.

"
I'
ll
taket
hel
astt
hree,
shootmei
nst
ead"hesai
dandshegi
ggl
ed.

"
Real
l
y?,Andthat
'swhyIsayy
oucannev
erbet
hehead,
you'
l
lal
way
sbebel
owot
her
scosy
ou'
re
t
oosoft
!"Sheyel
l
ed.
"YesI'
mtoosof
t!
,Idon'
twantt
obeamonst
erl
i
key
ouZar
a,j
ustshootmeal
ready
"hesai
dand
Zarasmil
ed.

"No"shesai
danddr
ewLandon'
sgunf
rom hi
spocketasswi
ftashecoul
dnev
eri
magi
ne.

Bef
oreany
onecoul
dgasp,
Zar
ashott
hegunandt
hebul
l
ethi
tTani
sha'
sar
m.

Sheonl
ygaspedshar
plyasbl
oodgusheddownherar
m.

"
That
'l
lmakeupf
ort
hel
astt
hree"Zar
asmi
l
ed,
leav
ingev
ery
onedumbf
ounded.

Landonkeptl
ooki
ngatTani
shashocki
ngl
y.

"
Takeherdownf
rom t
hepol
l
,Tr
acyandRei
na.
..
car
ryhert
omysui
te"Zar
aor
der
ed.

Tr
acyandRei
naobey
ed.

Theyl
oosenedt
her
opesandTani
shaf
ell
li
fel
essl
yont
hegr
ound.

Shewascar
ri
edandasZar
awal
kedaway
,theyf
oll
owed.

Aboutt
went
yofherguar
dssur
roundedt
hem,
maki
ngpenet
rat
ioni
mpossi
ble.

Landonst
art
edwal
ki
ngsl
owl
ybackt
ohi
ssui
te.
"
Ifai
l
edagai
n"het
houghtsadl
y.

ShayandBr
entexchangedpai
nful
glancesbef
oremaki
ngt
hei
rwayt
otheki
tchen.

KI
TCHEN"
*

LadyMacbet
hisi
ntear
swhenSi
err
aent
eredt
heki
tchen.

Si
err
apoi
ntedhergundi
rect
lyt
oherheadbutshedi
dn'
tmov
e,shekeptsi
tt
ingandkeptcr
ying.

"
Howcoul
dyou,
wet
rust
edy
ou!
"Si
err
ayel
l
edangr
il
y.

"
It
'sal
lmyf
aul
t,y
oushoul
djustki
l
lme"shehi
ccuped.

"
Howcoul
dyousedat
eLi
a!"Shey
ell
ed.

"Iwasthr
eat
enedwit
hmyl i
fe,Ijustdidn'
twantt
odi
ey et,Ist
il
lhav
ealottosetst
rai
ght
,Ist
il
l
haveal
ottosayandthat'
swhyIdi ditatgodmot
her
'sordersevenwhenIknewitwasmeantfor
har
m"ladyMacsaidwithastraightlook.

Si
err
awi
thdr
ewt
hegunandst
umpedherf
ootont
hegr
ound.

"Shit!
,Ever
ythingisi
ndisar
rayr
ightnow,
chaoshashappened,
ifTani
shadi
esy
ou'
renotsaf
e,
Princetonwill
kill
youandyouknowi t
"Si
err
asai
d.

"Iknow"l
adyMacbet
hsai
dsl
owl
y,wi
pinghert
ear
s.
"
Forhowmanyday
swi
l
lshesl
eep?
"Si
err
aasked.

"Ii
nject
edenoughAt
ivant
omakehersl
eepf
ort
woday
sst
rai
ght
"sher
epl
i
edandSi
err
agasped.

"Whatt
hef
*ck!
".

"I
sthatr
eal
l
ytr
ue?
"Shaysai
d,ent
eri
ngwi
thBr
ent
.

"Howcoul
dyoudosomet
hingl
i
ket
hisl
adyMacbet
h!,
Youshoul
dhav
etol
dLi
aand.
..

"AndLiawil
lpret
endtobeasl
eepthenwakeuptosaveTanishawhenherpuni
shmentstar
ts?,
If
thatwasthecaseI'
dhavedi
edri
ghtnow,Ican'
tj
ustdi
eyet"sherepl
i
edandBrentbenti
nfront
ofher.

"You'
renotsaf
eri
ghtnoweit
her
,ifPri
ncet
oncomesbackandmay
be.
..Tani
shadi
es,
you'
l
l
surel
ydietoo,
he'
l
lwastey
ou"hesaid.

"Iknow"l
adyMacr
epl
i
edandBr
entst
ood.

Her
anhi
shandt
hroughhi
shai
r.

"
Thi
sisf
*cki
ngconf
usi
ng"hesai
d.

"Wi
ll
shesurvi
veit
?,Ei
ght
eennai
l
sinonebodyt
henbul
l
eti
nherar
m..
..she'
sal
i
vingdeadr
ight
nowjeez!
"Si
err
asaid.

"Wheni
sPr
incet
onsupposedt
obeback?
"Shayasked.
"Tommor
ow"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"Doy
ouguy
sreal
l
ythi
nkhe'
scomi
ngback?
"Si
err
asai
d.

"I
t'
sPr
incet
onwe'
ret
alki
ngabout
,he'
l
lsur
viv
eev
ent
het
oughestwar
"Shaysai
d.

"Thet
wins"Br
entsuddenl
ysai
dandt
heyal
lrushedoutoft
heki
tchen.

Theygott
oPr
incet
on'
ssui
teandmett
hedoorl
ocked.

"
They
'r
ein,
whoknowst
hepasscode"Si
err
asai
d.

"
Onl
yPr
incet
on,
LiaandTani
sha"Br
entsai
d.

"Butt
hey
'r
eal
lnotav
ail
abl
e,whatdowedo,
they
'l
lal
mostcr
ythei
rey
esouti
nther
e"Shaysai
d.

"I
'
llt
ryt
ohackt
hedoor
"Si
err
asai
d,br
ingi
ngoutherphone.

"St
opki
ddi
ngy
our
sel
f,i
twon'
topenbyhacki
ng,
notPr
incet
on'
sdoor
"Br
entsai
d.

"Why
?"

"Tr
yitandseewhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.
Sier
raconnect
edherdev
icet
othedoorandst
art
edt
ryi
ngbutr
edkeptbeepi
ngf
rom t
hedoor
securi
typanel
.

"
Whyt
hef
*cki
sitnotopeni
ng!
"Si
err
ayel
l
ed.

"
Event
hewi
ndowscan'
tbehacked"Br
entsai
d.

"
OhnoIgotav
irusonmyphone"Si
err
asai
d.

"That
'swhathappensi
fyoukeept
ryi
ng,
you'
l
lgett
hev
irus"Br
entsai
d.

"Howdi
dyouknowal
lthese"Shayasked.

"Wi
l
dcatt
oldmebyhi
msel
f"Br
entsai
d.

"Butt
heki
dsar
ein!
"Si
err
ashout
ed.

"Mi
na!
"Shayshout
ed.

"Sana!
"Br
entaddedandt
heyst
art
edt
aki
ngt
urnst
ocal
lthei
rnamesbutnomat
terwhat
,no
repl
ycame.

"
***
**

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*
AfterTr
acyandReinadr
oppedl
i
fel
essTani
shaont
hef
looroft
hedeepestt
rapr
oom,
theyl
eft
theroom andZar
acamei n.

Shebentbesi
deTani
shaandsmi
l
ed.

"Iwon'
tbl
amey
ouf
orcomi
ngher
ecosIbr
oughty
ouher
emy
sel
f"shesai
dwi
thav
ict
ori
ous
smirk.

"Butmakingmyal phafal
l f
oryouwasyourgr
eat
estmist
ake,
thelastti
mesomeonetr
iedthat
,I
madeherr egr
etit,
butyou,you'
ll
regr
eti
nhell
costhr
eedaystot
histime,y
ou'
l
lfor
getever
ythi
ng
aboutexi
stence"shesmiled.

Tani
shanev
ermov
ed,
nost
rengt
htodot
hat
.

Shej
ustkeptl
ayi
ngt
her
eli
keal
ogofwood,
herbl
oodst
aini
ngt
hegr
ound,
itkeptbl
eedi
ng.

"You'
rethefi
rstsl
aveIki
ll
ed,I
'
drathersel
laslavethanwastet
hem butI'
m gladl
ywastingyou
coshell
!,Youdeserv
eit!
"Sheyel
l
edandt ouchedthebloodonTani
sha'sfacewithherpoint
er
fi
nger.

Shel
ickedi
tof
fherf
ingerandst
oodbef
orel
ett
inghershr
il
ll
aught
erf
il
lthewhol
eroom asshe
wal
kedout.

Shegott
othel
i
vingr
oom andmetTr
acyandRei
nast
il
lwai
ti
ng.

"
Youbothbecamemyweaponstoday,
I'
mi nt
ri
guedbyy
ourabi
l
iti
es"shesai
dandt
heybot
h
l
ookedateachot
herhappi
l
ybef
orebowing.

"
Thanksgodmot
her
"
"Wher
e'st
heant
idot
e?"Sheasked.

"I
t'
swi
thme,
I'
m bur
ningi
ttoni
ghtandI
'
llmakesur
eitl
eav
esnot
race"Tr
acyr
epl
i
ed

"
Noonemesseswi
thZar
aandgoesscotf
ree"Zar
asmi
l
edshor
tl
yandpi
ckedherphone.

"Myalphahasn'tcal
ledyet
,Iknewit
'l
lbeatoughone,IknewPascali
snotaweakli
ngandthat
's
whyIsenthi
m, keepbeingbusyPri
nceton,
yourador
ablepri
ncessi
sdying"shesmi
ledandher
champagnewasbr ought.

Shesi
ppedf
rom i
tandsmi
l
ed.

*
***
**

Landonwasj
ustget
ti
ngt
ohi
ssui
tewhenVi
viappear
ed.

Hewasaboutt
oshutt
hedoorwhenshehel
dit
.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Hequest
ioned.

"
Wel
l
...
.shoul
dn'
tyoubegl
adnow?
,It
hinky
ou'
l
lbecomet
heal
phasoon"shesmi
l
ed,
sli
ppi
ngi
n.

"Whatar
eyousay
ing"her
epl
i
ed.

"
Pri
ncet
oni
sdy
ingsoon"sher
epl
i
edandLandonswi
ft
lyf
acedher
.
"
Meani
ng?
'

"It
oldy
outheotherti
met hattheonl
ywaytoberecognizedisf
ory
out oki
l
lhi
m buti
tseemed
youwer
en'
treadytodothat,soItookast
epinyourstead"shesmi
led.

"Whatdi
dyoudo"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"Yousee.
..
Ihaveati
nyconnect
ionwit
hOzzie,kaf
fy'
sfather
,Imadeuseofi
tandal
ert
edhi
s
gang,I'
m sur
ethey
'dhavegott
enhim bynow"shesmiled.

"Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
"Landon'
sey
eswi
dened.

"Youhear
dmer
ight
,Ozzi
ewi
l
lki
l
lPr
incet
..
..

Landongr
abbedherneckt
ight
ly,
pinni
nghert
othewal
l
.

"
Inev
ersenty
out
odot
haty
out
inyb*
tch!
"Hey
ell
ed.

"Iwasj
ust
..
.hel
ping.
..l
etme.
..
letmego"shest
utt
ered,
try
ingt
ofr
eeher
sel
f.

"Ifanyt
hinghappenst
ohi
m,I
'
llki
l
lyouIswearwi
thmybl
ood"hesai
dandl
ethergobef
ore
pushingherout.

Hehi
thi
sfi
stont
hewal
l
,seet
hingwi
thr
age.

*
***
**
I
TALY,
NEXTMORNI
NG(
THURSDAY)
**

Pr
incet
on'
sfacewaswetwi
thwat
erandt
hatmadehi
m wakeup.

Hef
oundhi
msel
fti
edt
oamet
alchai
r,he'
sshi
rt
lessal
ready
,theenv
ironmenti
sunf
ri
endl
y.

Thehousel
ooksl
i
keanhaunt
edonewi
thcobwebsar
ound.

Hi
svi
sionwasbl
urr
yatf
ir
stbutwi
thi
nami
nut
e,ev
ery
thi
ngbecamel
uci
d.

Moret
hansev
enguy
sar
ewal
ki
ngar
oundt
hepl
aceandt
heyal
ll
ookdanger
ouswi
thspi
der
t
att
oos.

Hekeptl
ooki
ngatt
hem andwhenhi
sey
esmetwi
tht
heonewhopour
edwat
eronhi
m,he
scowl
ed.

"
Final
l
ywokeuphuh?
"Hesai
d.

"
Whot
hehel
lar
eyouguy
sandwher
ethehel
lam I
?"Pr
incet
onquest
ioned.

"Thatquest
ionwi
l
lpendt
il
lbossar
ri
ves"her
epl
i
edandal
mosti
mmedi
atel
y,amancamei
n.

He'
swear
ingabl
ackhatbutev
enwi
tht
hat
,hi
swhi
test
randsofhai
rst
il
lst
ret
chedout
.

Hi
sfacei
ssl
i
ght
lywr
inkl
edbutl
ooksr
ebel
l
iousl
ywi
cked.
Hemustbei
nhi
sear
lysi
xti
es.

Theguyi
nfr
ontofPr
incet
onl
efthi
sspotandt
hemanst
eppedi
n.

Hegav
ePr
incet
onanheav
ypunchont
hef
aceandhebl
edf
rom t
hemout
h.

Hethr
ewanot
herpunchagai
nandkeptdeal
i
nghi
sfacewi
thpunchest
il
lPr
incet
on'
sfacebl
ed
al
l
over.

Princet
onspi
toutbl
oodandl
ookedathi
m,wonder
inghowt
hepunchesofanol
dmancoul
dbe
thatheavy
.

"
Whoar
eyou?
"Heasked.

"You'
ret
her
ascal
whoki
l
ledmydaught
er"t
hemanr
epl
i
edandPr
incet
onscof
fed.

"Howfunny
,soyou'
reOzzi
e,t
hef
*cki
ngf
atheroft
heb*
tchwhot
ri
edshi
twi
thmygi
rl
"hesai
d
andsmil
edaft
ert
hat.

"Yousti
l
lhavethener
vest
otal
k,whoa!
,Zar
atrai
nedyouwell
andt
hat
'swhyy
ou'
rest
il
lsmi
l
ing
whenyou'l
lbedyi
nganymomentfr
om now"Ozzi
erepl
ied.

"Youshoul
dhaveconfr
ont
edmemant oman,i
fyoumi ssy
ourdaught
erI
'
dhav
egl
adl
ysenty
ou
towher
esheis"Pr
incet
onsai
dandOzzi
egotaplank.

Hehi
titonPr
incet
on'
sheadandbl
oodr
andownhi
sface.
"
Stopt
alki
ng!
"Ozzi
eyel
l
ed.

"Mymouthwasmadef ortal
ki
ngyoul
i
ttl
epieceofshi
t!
,Youshoul
dhavefacedmeandnot
abduct
ingmeli
kethi
s,ropi
ngmetoashit
tychai
risasignt
hatyou'
reanoldcowar
d"Pr
incet
on
sai
dagainandOzzi
eslappedhi
m.

"Arey
ouangr
ythatIt
oldy
out
hef
*cki
ngt
rut
h?,
Thet
rut
hhur
tssoI
'
m notsur
pri
sed"Pr
incet
on
sai
d.

"St
artt
het
ort
ure"Ozzi
eor
der
edandt
heguy
sgott
hewhi
ps.

Ozzi
est
eppedbackandt
heyst
art
edwhi
ppi
ngPr
incet
onwi
tht
hewhi
ps.

Hehardenedhi
smuscl
esast
heymadecont
actwi
thhi
sski
n,hi
svei
nsr
eveal
edandhi
sfi
st
f
olded.

Despi
tet
hepai
ns,
henev
erscr
eamed.

Hi
sski
npeel
edwi
tht
hewhi
psandhi
sbodybl
ed.

"
Stop"Ozzi
eor
der
edandt
heguy
sst
oppedt
hewhi
ppi
ng.

Hecamet
oPr
incet
onandhel
dhi
m byhi
shai
r.

"
You'
redy
ingt
oday
"hesai
d.
Pr
incet
onsmi
l
edmocki
ngl
y.

"I
ttakest
alentt
ogr
owol
dwi
thoutbr
ains,
you'
rej
ustl
i
key
ourdaught
er"hesai
dandOzzi
elet
hi
m go.

Hedr
ewhi
sguni
mmedi
atel
y,poi
nti
ngi
tatPr
incet
on.

"
Goodby
e"hesai
dandpul
l
edt
het
ri
gger
.

*
***
*

5PM,
SAMEDAY*
*

SI
NGAPORE,
ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Zar
ajustf
ini
shedsmoki
ngt
hef
if
thci
gari
njubi
l
ati
onf
orwhathappenedt
oday
.

Sheli
ghtenedthesi
xthsti
ckandj
ustwhenshewasaboutt
ost
artsmoki
ng,
herphoner
angi
n
thehandsoftheguardbesi
deher
.

"
Youhav
eacal
lgodmot
her
"hesai
d.

"
From?
'sheasked.

"
It
'sanewnumber
"her
epl
i
ed,
handi
ngi
ttoher
.
Shet
ooki
tandpi
cked.

"
Zar
a"t
hehuskyv
oiceboomedandshest
ood.

"
Ozzi
e"shesai
d

"Shoul
dn'
tyoubecr
yingnow?,Yourwingshasbeencut ,i
t'
sapi
tyy
ouhadt
opayf
ormy
daughter
'sdeat
hwi
ththeli
feofyouralpha"Ozzi
elaughed.

"Whatt
hehel
lar
eyouspewi
ng!
"Zar
ayel
l
ed.

"Youral
phadi
edt
oday,
somehour
sago"hesai
d.

"Myal
pha?
"Shesai
dwi
thwi
def
ear
ful
eyes.

"
Youmi
ghtnotwantt
obel
i
evesoI
'
llsendpr
oof
"hesai
dandhungup.

Ami
nut
elat
er,
shegotamai
landwhenshechecked,
herey
eswi
denedmor
e.

I
t'
sthepi
ctur
esofdeadPr
incet
on,
lyi
ngl
i
fel
essl
yinapool
ofbl
ood.

Shehel
dthet
abl
eti
ght
ly,
shaki
ngv
iol
ent
lyasherr
edl
i
psqui
ver
edoneachot
her
.

Shest
aredatt
hepi
ctur
esagai
nandscr
eamedl
oudl
y.

"
Ozzi
e!!
!"Shescr
eamed,
smashi
ngt
hephoneaf
terpushi
ngawayt
het
abl
e.
TBC

[
6/17,
6:09AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER46&47

★★★★★

Zar
ast
ormedi
ntoherr
oom andgr
abbedagunf
rom t
hewal
lhanger
,thel
ongestone.

Shewal
kedoutoft
her
oom andmadeherwayt
ohert
raps.

Sheopenedt
hedoorwi
thherheel
sandst
eppedi
n,hangi
ngt
hegunonhershoul
der
.

Shehasastr
aightf
aceandherey
esaresti
l
lwidefrom t
heshockbutangermixedwit
hthe
shockt
hist
ime,makingherl
ookl
ikeaanevi
lpri
ncesswhojustgotawokenfr
om alongsl
eep.

Shegott
othedoort
oTani
sha'
str
apandopenedi
tvi
olent
ly,
steppi
ngi
nsl
owl
y.

Al
lshehasi
nhercr
aft
yheadi
stoki
l
lherandmakeherr
egr
ethav
ingany
thi
ngt
odowi
thher
al
pha.
Pri
ncet
oni
sdeadbecauseofher
,ifhehadn'
tki
l
ledKaf
fybecauseofher
,he'
dst
il
lbeal
i
veby
now.

Ozzi
ewon'
thav
ehadanyr
easont
oel
i
minat
ehi
m!

Tani
shaisgroani
ngi
npainsfrom t
imetoti
me,
herbl
oodi
sst
il
ldr
aini
ng,
herey
esar
ecl
osed
andherski
nhasstar
tedchangingcol
our
.

"
I'
ll
justendt
hepai
nsf
ory
ou,
Ihat
ethef
actt
haty
ou'
rest
il
lal
i
vewhenmyal
phai
sdead!
"Zar
a
y
ell
ed.

Mer
elyhear
ingt
hat
,Tani
shamov
edsl
i
ght
ly.

"
Pri
nce.
..
.Pr
incet
on.
..
."shemut
ter
edi
npai
ns.

"Youki
ll
edhi
m!,Heel
imi
natedKaff
ycosofy
ouandnowherf
*cki
ngdadel
i
minat
edmypr
ince!
,
Youdeser
veapai
nful
deat
h!"Zar
aspat.

Thoughhereyesi
svoi
doft
ear
sal
readybutwhatshej
usthear
dmadet
ear
scomeoutofher
cl
osedeyes.

"
No.
..
.it
's.
..
not
..
.tr
ue.
..
.He'
snotdead.
..
stopl
yi
ng"shecr
iedsl
owl
y,f
oldi
ngherbl
oodyhands.

Zar
abentswi
ft
lybesi
deherandpul
l
edherhai
r.

Thebl
oodonherf
acehasdr
iedupandl
eftt
racesoni
t.
"
Idon'tt
hinky
oudeser
vetodi
ebymybul
l
et,
it'
sawast
e"Zar
asai
dandl
ethergo,
hit
ti
ngher
f
oreheadonthegr
ound.

I
tgotwoundedandbl
ed.

Zaraai
medatt hewal
landplant
edthr
eebul
l
etsi
nther
ebef
orel
eav
ingt
her
oom,
shut
ti
ngt
he
doorasvi
olent
lyassheopenedit
.

Tanisha'
sfor
eheadbl
eddownherf
aceandshewr
iggl
edpai
nful
l
y,herey
espr
oduci
ngmor
e
tear
s.

"Pri
nce..Princetoni
snotdead...
.pleasedon'tdi
e..
..
youcan'
tleav
emeher e..
..
youalwaysdo
everythi
ng..
..
to..
tomakesure..
.I
'm safe.
.joi
nusonourWhat sApppagef ormor est
ori
esthrough
Kwesi on+233554737287.pleasesav eme...j
ustt
hisonce..
.Ican'
tbearthepainsanymore
please..
..pl
easecomefastPr i
nceton...
.pl
ease..
.

Shecont
inuedl
ament
ingi
npai
ns.

"Gatherever
yoneinfrontofthi
ssuit
e, makesureever
ysi
ngl
esoul i
nthispal
acegetstothe
frontofthi
splacetenminutesfrom now"Zaraorder
edoneofherguardsimmedi
atelyshegot
backt othel
ivi
ngroom.

Hel
efti
mmedi
atel
yandZar
akeptbr
eaki
ngt
hings.

Fi
vemi
nut
esl
ater
,thel
i
vingr
oom i
sint
otal
chaos.

Shet
ookt
hegunagai
nandst
art
edai
mingf
ort
hewal
l
sinanger
,imagi
ningi
tasOzzi
e.

Zar
ast
oppedhershoot
ingspr
eeandst
eppedoutoft
hesui
teaf
tert
heyhadal
lgat
her
ed.
Ev
erymemberi
swai
ti
ngi
nfr
ontoft
hesui
teal
ready
.

Shesur
vey
edt
hem wi
thherangr
yey
esandgl
aredatnoonei
npar
ti
cul
arbef
orespeaki
ng.

"
Oural
pha.
..
.i
sdead"shesai
dandev
ery
onest
aredunbel
i
evabl
y,t
hinki
ngi
t'
saj
okebut
..

*
Zar
anev
erj
okes,
she'
drat
herki
l
lthanj
oke*

"
Whati
nthehol
yhel
ldi
dgodmot
herj
ustspew"Si
err
amut
ter
ed.

"
Ozzi
eunf
ort
unat
elygothi
m"Zar
asai
d,f
oldi
ngherf
istbehi
ndher
sel
f.

Landon'
sear
sbecamer
ed,
it'
sthenewshehasbeendr
eadi
ngt
oear
..
..
.i
tcan'
tbet
rue.

"
Wil
dcat
?,Whataj
oke,
he'
snotachi
ckent
ojustdi
ethatway
"Shaysai
d.

"She'
sgot
tabeki
ddi
ngme"Br
entmut
ter
ed.

"
Shenev
erj
okes!
!!
"Si
err
ascr
eamedi
ntear
s.

"
Ozziei
soldenoughtogot ohel
l andhejustboughthisti
ckett
ohel l
bydoingt heabomi
nabl
e,
t
ommor owby10,I'
l
lbefl
yingtoFr ancetomakehisticketusef
ul,heandal
l hisgangmembers
wi
ll
havetopayformyalpha'sli
fe!"Zar
asaid,pour
ingherangerintoherev
er yword.

Si
err
abentdownandst
art
edcr
yingsol
oud,
noonet
oconsol
eany
one.
Shaystar
edbl
ankl
ywi
thr
edey
eswhi
l
eBr
entswal
l
owednot
hingdownhi
sdr
ythr
oatev
ery
minut
e.

Sor
rowspr
eadi
t'
sshawl
overt
heat
mospher
e.

Vi
vismi
l
edbutwhenherey
esmetwi
thLandon'
sbur
ningey
es,
shest
opped.

"Butbef
orewemoveby10,I
'l
lhol
dadeathcer
emonyf
ort
hesol
ecauseoft
his,
Tani
shaLeBr
on"
Zarasai
dandSi
err
alookedupwit
htear
yeyes.

"
She'
shal
fdead,
butI'
l
lmakeitful
ltommorowmor
ningby8,
ever
yoneshoul
dbepr
esentatt
he
t
ort
uregr
oundby8"Zarasai
dandwentin.

Landonst
art
edwal
ki
ngt
oVi
visl
owl
y,l
ooki
ngathermeanl
y.

Vi
vinev
ersuspect
edt
il
lshel
ookedhi
swayandsawhi
m.

Shewant
edt
ost
aybol
dlybutwhenshesawt
hel
ooki
nhi
sey
es,
shet
ookt
oherheel
s.

Landonwentaf
terherandchasedheroutoft
hepl
ace.

Sher
anwi
thal
lherl
ot,
notst
oppi
ngt
ohi
def
oronce.

Landongothi
sgunandst
art
edshoot
ingatherassher
an.

Shedoubl
edherpaceandj
umpedi
ntoamet
alcont
ainer
.
Landonr
anpastt
hecont
ainerbutwhenhegotabr
ainst
ormt
hatshemi
ghtbet
her
e,hecame
back.

Hej
umpedi
ntooandVi
vif
rozewhenhesawhi
m.

"
Ionl
yhel
pedy
ouandnowy
ou'
ret
ryi
ngt
oki
l
lme?
"shebr
eat
hed,
shi
ft
ingback.

Landonhasnoemot
iononhi
sfaceashest
eppedcl
oserandcl
oser
.

"
Isworeonmybl oodt
okilly
oui
fithappens,i
thappenedandI
'
llgl
adl
ysendy
ouonanexi
l
eto
wher
ey oubel
ong"herepl
i
edandpointedhisgunather.

"Il
oveyou,that'
swhyIdi
ditDon,DonIl
oveyoual otandIj
ustcoul
dn'
tst
andhowt
hey
'r
eal
l
bel
i
ttl
i
ngy ou,youcan'
tdothi
sDon,dr
opthatgun"shesaid.

Heai
medf
orherhear
tandshotbutsheswi
ft
lyt
urnedandi
thi
therback.

"
Aar
gh!
"Shegr
oaned,
hol
dingt
heshotar
ea.

Landonai
medagai
n.

"
Donpl
ease.
..
.don'
tdoi
t.
..
."shesai
d.

Henev
err
epl
i
edandai
medf
orherf
oreheadt
hist
ime.

Hewasaboutt
opul
lthet
ri
ggerwhensomeonej
umpedi
ntot
hecont
ainer
,hi
tt
ingt
hegunaway
f
rom hi
m.

"
Tracy
"Vi
vibr
eat
hed.

Tr
acymadet
opunchLandonbuthemadeacount
erat
tackwi
thhi
swoundedhand.

Thei
rpunchesmetandhi
shandbl
ed,
sendi
ngpai
nst
oasf
arashi
shead.

Hi
swhol
ebodyshooki
nagonyashi
shandbl
ed.

"
Weakl
i
ng"Tr
acymockedwi
thader
isi
vel
aught
er.

Landonhel
dthewr
istoft
hebl
eedi
nghandwi
thhi
sot
herhand.

Tr
acyf
acedVi
viandsmi
rked.

"
Ijustsav
edy
ourl
i
fe,
youowemeone.
..
b*t
ch"shesai
d.

Shecl
i
mbedupt
hecont
ainerandVi
vicl
i
mbedupt
oo,
herar
m bl
eedi
ngmor
easshedi
d.

Shej
umpeddownandmetVi
gnet
tewho'
srushi
ngbackf
rom t
hecl
i
nic.

Vi
gnet
test
oppedandst
aredasVi
vil
eft
,herbl
oodl
eav
ingt
racesf
rom t
hecont
ainer
.

Shest
art
edhear
inggr
oansf
rom t
hecont
ainerandshewentcl
oser
.
Thev
oicesoundsf
ami
l
iar
.

Shecl
i
mbedupandpeepedi
ntoseeLandon,
groani
ngi
npai
ns.

Shemadet
ojumpbackdownandj
usti
gnor
ehi
m butshehadachangeofmi
ndandj
umpedi
n.

Shel
ooksi
ndi
ff
erentwhenshesawhi
sbl
eedi
nghand.

Hi
sbl
oodf
ormedast
ream al
ready
.

Sher
emov
edherhai
rbandandt
ookhi
shand.

Shemadet
oti
eitwi
tht
hebandbuthewi
thdr
ewi
timmedi
atel
y.

"
Idi
dn'
taskf
ory
ourhel
p"hesai
dandshesmi
rked.

"
I'
m nothel
ping,
I'
mjustbl
i
ndandmyhandsar
edoi
ngwhatIdi
dn'
tsendt
hem"sher
epl
i
edand
t
ookhishandagain.

Shest
art
edwr
appi
ngi
twi
tht
hebandandhel
ookedatherbutl
ookedawayal
mosti
mmedi
atel
y.

Shef
ini
shedupandl
ookedathi
m.

"
Alphai
sdead?
"Sheasked.
Heonl
ylookedawaywi
thoutanswer
ing.

"Andmyfri
end..
.Tani
shawaspuni shedinhumanely,
andnowshe'
str
appedandyourdar
ned
Zar
aispl
anningtokil
lhercompl
etelytommor ow?"Shesai
dandsmil
eddar
ingl
y.

"Shoul
dIj
ustbur
nherdownwi
thhersui
te?
"Shesai
dtoher
sel
f.

"No,
Ihav
eabet
teri
dea"shesai
dandj
umpedoutoft
hecont
ainer
.

Sensi
ngdanger
,Landonj
umpedoutwi
thdi
ff
icul
tyandhel
dher
.

"
Gety
ourhandsof
fme!
"Shesnapped,
taki
ngherhandf
rom hi
m.

Shest
art
edl
eav
ingagai
nandhepul
l
edherbackagai
n,pi
nni
nghert
othecont
ainer
.

"
Doy
ouwantt
odi
e?"Shegl
ared.

"You'
retheonewho'
sdiei
ngi
fyoustepint
oZara'
ssui
te,she'
samonst
erwhot
akespl
easur
ein
sheddingbl
ood,y
outhi
nkshe'
l
lbeleni
ent?,
Stopnow"herepl
ied.

Shepushedhi
m awayandwal
kedaway
.

Landonl
ookedathi
shandandsi
ghedbef
orel
ooki
ngatheragai
nasshewal
kedawayangr
il
y.

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*
"
Sana"Mi
nat
appedheraf
terwaki
ngupf
rom t
hei
rlongsl
eep.

Theywai
tedf
orTani
shat
il
ltheyf
ell
asl
eepl
astni
ght
.

Mi
naopenedherey
esandsatupt
oo.

"
IsTani
shaback?
"Sheasked,
rubbi
ngherey
es.

"
No,
anddadwassupposedt
obebackt
odayt
oo"Sanasai
d.

Mi
nal
ookedar
oundandf
acedSanaagai
n.

"
Myst
omachhur
ts,
I'
m sohungr
yandt
hir
styt
oo"shesai
d.

"
I'
ll
gety
ouwat
erf
rom t
hef
reezer
"Sanasai
d.

"Idon'
twantanyt
hingIj
ustwantt
oseedadandTanishat
oo,
Imi
sst
hem bot
hsomuchand
theyar
en'
tcoming"Minarepl
i
edandst
art
edcry
ing.

"St
opcr
yingy
ouknowdadi
sver
yst
rong,
he'
l
lbeokdon'
tyout
rusthi
m?"Sanasai
d.

"IdobutI
'
m scar
ed"Mi
nacont
inuedcr
ying.

Sanawi
pedt
het
ear
sthat
'st
hreat
eni
ngt
ofal
lfr
om herowney
est
oo.

"
Don'
tbescar
ed,
I'
m sur
eTani
shai
sfi
net
oo,
stopcr
ying"shesai
d,wi
pingMi
na'
stear
s.
"Doy
ouknowt
hedoorpasscode?
,Wecangot
oLi
a'
spl
acet
oaskoft
hem"Sanasai
d.

"Dadt
oldusdi
dyouf
orget
?"Mi
nasai
d.

"MMπ2.
..
."Sanasai
d.

"
4#QKMSP"Mi
nacompl
etedi
t

"
MMπ4#QKMSP"Sanasai
d.

"Exact
ly"Mi
nasai
d.

Theybot
hwentt
othedoorbutt
hey
'r
enott
all
enought
oreacht
hepasscodekey
boar
d.

"
Let
'sgetoneoft
hedi
nni
ngchai
rs"Sanasai
dandt
heybot
hwentf
ori
t.

Theyj
oint
lygoti
tandSanamadet
ocl
i
mbf
ir
stbutshef
ell
andhur
therar
m.

"
Ouch!
"Shewi
ncedandMi
nast
art
edcr
yingagai
n.

"
I'
m nothur
t"Sanasai
dthoughherar
m hur
tsl
i
kehel
lbutshehi
dthepai
nsandhuggedSana.

"
I'
mfi
neok?
"Shesai
dandwi
pedhert
ear
swhenshef
inal
l
ybr
oket
hehug.
"Dadal
way
stol
dust
obebr
aveandal
way
sst
andagai
naf
terev
eryf
all
"shesai
d.

"Ir
emembert
hat
"Mi
nanodded.

"SoI
'
mtr
yingagai
n"Sanasmi
l
edandcl
i
mbedt
hechai
ragai
n.

Shewasf
inal
l
yabl
etor
eachi
t.

Shepr
essedt
hepasscodeont
hekey
boar
dandt
hedoorbeepedgr
een.

"
Itopened"Mi
nasai
d.

Sanagotdownf
rom t
hechai
randt
heyt
ookt
hechai
rawayf
rom t
hedoorbef
oreopeni
ngi
n.

"
Jeez!
"Si
err
asai
dimmedi
atel
yshesawt
hem.

Shewasact
ual
l
ytr
yingt
ohackagai
n.

Shehuggedt
hem bot
himmedi
atel
y.

"
Wher
e'sLi
a?"Mi
naasked.

Si
err
alookedatt
hem bot
handal
mostst
art
edcr
ying.

They
'r
etooy
oungt
obecomeor
phans.
"
Liai
s..
.Shet
rav
ell
ed"shel
i
ed.

"
Thendoy
ouknowwher
eTani
shai
s?,
Andwhyi
sourdadnotbacky
et?"Sanaasked.

"
Youguy
sshoul
dcomewi
thmet
omyapar
tmentandI
'
llt
ell
youev
ery
thi
ng"Si
err
arepl
i
edand
t
ookt
hem away
.

*
***
**

NI
GHT*
*

"
Wher
e'si
t?"Rei
naaskedwhenTr
acyappear
ed.

They
'r
est
andi
ngatt
hebackoft
hei
rapar
tment
.Rei
nanowshar
esTr
acyapar
tmentwi
thher
.

"
Her
e"Tr
acysai
dandbr
oughtoutt
heant
idot
ebot
tl
e.

Shedr
oppedi
tandRei
nabr
oughtoutt
hemat
chbox.

Shel
i
ght
enedast
ickandwasaboutt
odr
opi
tont
heant
idot
ewhensomeoneappear
ed.

Asswi
ftast
hel
i
ght
,shesnat
chedi
tfr
om t
hegr
ound,
cat
chi
ngt
hem bot
hbysur
pri
se.

"
Vignet
te?
"Rei
nasai
d.
Vi
gnet
tel
ookedatt
hebot
tl
eandl
ookedbackatRei
na.

"
Hear
dyougotr
ecr
uit
ed,
you'
dhav
egr
ownmor
ewi
ngs"shesai
d.

"Whati
sshe?"Tr
acysai
d,l
ooki
ngatVi
gnet
teangr
il
y.

"Yourdoom"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
edandr
ushedt
othem.

Shedi
danhandst
andandwasabl
etohi
tRei
nabutTr
acyducked.

"
Zar
amustbesost
upi
dtor
ecr
uitamosqui
tol
i
key
ou"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"Youj
ustcal
l
edgodmot
herbyhername,
andy
ouev
encal
l
edherst
upi
d?"Rei
nasai
d.

"Oh,
she'
sfool
i
sht
oo,
addt
hatwhenev
ery
ouwannar
epor
tmet
oher
"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed.

"You'
vegotsomener
ves"Tr
acysmi
l
ed.

Vi
gnet
tel
ookedatt
heant
idot
e.

"I
'
vegotthi
s,Ij
usthav
etof
indawayi
ntoZar
a'ssui
tebef
oredawnandmakeTani
shat
akei
t"
shesai
d.

Tr
acyl
aughedoutl
oud.

"Yout
hinkI
'
mthatdaf
t?"Shesai
d,br
ingi
ngoutanot
herbot
tl
e.
"Iknewthi
smighthappenandthat
'swhyIprepar
edaf
akebot
tl
e,y
ougott
hef
akeoneandt
his
i
stherealdeal
"Tr
acysaidanddangledi
tint
heair.

Vi
gnet
ter
oll
edey
esangr
il
yandwentf
ori
t.

"
Noway
"Tr
acysai
dandt
ookt
oherheel
swi
thRei
na.

TheyescapedandVi
gnet
test
umpedherf
ootont
hegr
ound.

"
Damn!
"

*
***
**

NEXTMORNI
NG,
7:50AM*
*

"Whatdi
dyout
ell
thet
wins?
"Br
entaskedashewal
kedt
othet
ort
uregr
oundwi
thSi
err
aand
Shay.

"
Lies"Si
err
arepl
i
edsadl
y.

"Iwi
shwecoul
ddosomet
hing"Shaysai
d.

"
Iwi
sh"Br
entsai
d.

Theygott
othegr
oundandmetal
mostev
ery
oneal
readyexceptLandon.
Al
argef
ir
eisbur
ningbeneat
hapol
lal
ready
.

"Heardgodmot
heri
sgonnat
iet
hesl
avet
othepol
landl
ett
hef
ir
escor
chhert
il
ldeat
h"agi
rl
said.

"She'
snotbeeff
orhel
l
'ssake"Si
err
asai
d.

Vi
gnet
tehel
dthebagwi
thhert
ight
ly,
wat
chi
ngev
ery
thi
ngl
i
keanhawk.

Thebagcont
ainsst
onesandshepl
anst
obr
eakZar
a'sheadwi
thi
t.

Ei
therZar
aorher
,she'
spl
anni
ngt
omakesur
eonewi
l
ldi
e.

Zar
afi
nal
l
yappear
edandwi
thTr
acyandRei
nabehi
ndher
.

They
'r
ebot
hcar
ryi
ngTani
shawhosesi
ghti
stoopi
ti
ful
.

Vi
gnet
tehar
denedhert
eet
honeachot
her
.

Zar
asatont
hechai
rpr
epar
edf
orher
,she'
swear
ingal
lbl
ack,
herl
i
psar
ebl
ackt
oo.

Shesmi
rkedwi
tht
hecor
nerofherl
i
ps.

"
Tieherov
ert
hef
ir
e"sheor
der
ed.
Vi
gnet
tegott
hreest
onesf
rom t
hebag.

Si
err
acl
aspedherhandst
oget
her
.

Tr
acyandRei
nast
art
edt
aki
ngTani
shat
othef
ir
e.

Landoni
sst
andi
ngsecr
etl
yatanhi
ghl
ocat
ionwi
thhi
sgun,
he'
sai
mingdi
rect
lyatZar
a.

Hi
sfi
ngermov
edmor
ecl
osel
ytowar
dst
het
ri
ggerasTr
acyandRei
namov
edt
owar
dst
hef
ir
e

Vi
gnet
tet
arget
edZar
a'shead.

Theai
rar
oundi
scol
dandgent
lebuti
t'
sbl
owi
ngf
ear
.

Butt
hen,
theunexpect
edhappened.

JustwhenTr
acyandRei
naar
ethr
eest
epsawayf
rom t
hef
ir
e,acarzoomedr
oughl
yint
othe
pl
ace.

Zar
alookedup,
wonder
ingwhoi
tis.

Landonr
eleasedhi
sfi
ngerwhi
l
eVi
gnet
tewi
thdr
ewherhand.

Thecarcamet
oanhal
tinf
rontoft
hef
ir
e.

Tr
acyandRei
nadr
oppedTani
shai
mmedi
atel
y.
Ev
ery
onehel
dthei
rbr
eat
hsast
hedooropenedandt
hegr
eat
estshockoft
hei
rli
vescameout
.

Pr
incet
on!

Asi
ffr
om t
hel
andoft
hedead.

Theonl
yexpr
essi
ononhi
sfacei
spur
eanger
,readyt
odest
roywhoev
ercomesi
ncont
act
.

Zar
ast
oodi
ndi
sbel
i
ef

Tr
acyandRei
nashi
ft
edbacki
nfear
.

Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
edandSi
err
acoul
dn'
tbel
i
eveherey
es.

"
Isai
dit
,wi
l
dcati
sback"Shaysmi
l
ed.

"
Hol
yf*
vk"Br
entmut
ter
ed.

"
Pri
ncet
on"Zar
asai
dunbel
i
evabl
y.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatTani
shaont
hegr
oundf
orami
nut
eandhi
sey
esbecamer
edder
.

Tr
acyhel
dtheant
idot
einherhandmor
eti
ght
erwhenPr
incet
on'
sey
esl
ookedherway
.
I
nanot
hersecond,
he'
sal
readyi
nfr
ontofher
.

Het
ookherhandandbr
okeherf
inger
sopen

Het
ookt
hebot
tl
efr
om herandgr
abbedherneck.

"
Pri
ncet
on!
"Zar
ashout
ed.

He'
snothear
ingany
thi
ngatt
hemoment
.

Hel
ookedatTani
sha'
sbodyont
hegr
oundandwr
appedhi
spal
m mor
eti
ght
lyonTr
acy
'sneck.

Tr
acyv
omi
tedbl
oodandhest
art
edpushi
nghert
othef
ir
e.

I
mmedi
atel
yhegott
her
e,her
eleasedherandshef
ell
int
othef
ir
e.

Shescr
eamedast
hef
ir
econsumedheri
mmedi
atel
y.

Ev
ery
onej
ustwat
chedt
hespect
acl
espeechl
essl
y.

Rei
nast
art
edr
unni
ngawaybuthenev
ert
ri
edt
ochase,
hegothi
sgunandshotather
.

I
tgotherar
m andheshotagai
n,i
tgotherbackandshef
ell

Zar
awat
chedwi
thwi
deey
es,
unabl
etof
orm awor
d.
Theguar
dswant
edt
ost
artshoot
ingbutshest
oppedt
hem.

Pr
incet
onst
art
edcomi
ngf
orherasf
astast
hewi
nd.

Shest
oodhergr
oundt
il
lhegott
oher

Hesmi
l
edatherbutanysaneper
sonwi
l
lknowi
tsmel
l
sdanger
.

"
You'
reback"shewhi
sper
ed.

"Yes,t
ost
uckadaggeriny
ourdamnhear
t"hesai
dandl
i
ket
hat
,hedi
vedakni
fer
ighti
ntoher
chestwhi
l
elooki
ngint
ohereyes.

Shev
omi
tedbl
oodi
mmedi
atel
yandr
aisedherhand,
tel
l
ingherguar
dst
oremai
nwher
etheyar
e.

Shesmil
edasshev
omi
tedmor
ebl
oodandPr
incet
onkeptl
ooki
ngi
ntoherey
eswi
thi
mmense
hat
red.

Herbl
oodwethergownbadl
y.

Herey
eswentshutandshef
ell
int
oherchai
r.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedbackandst
art
edwal
ki
ngbackt
owher
eTani
shai
s.

Hegotther
eandbentbesi
deher
,her
aisedupherheadandI
mmedi
atel
yhernosei
nhal
edhi
s
scent
,sheknewi
t'
shim.
"
Pri
nce.
."shecal
l
edf
aint
ly.

Pr
incet
onsmi
l
edsadl
y,t
ryi
ngnott
ocr
y.

"
Yeahi
t'
sme,
Icamebackf
ory
ou"hesai
dandhuggedheral
mostl
i
mpbodyt
ight
ly.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:09AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER48&49

★★★★★

Tracy'
scr
yofhor
rorcont
inuedt
ofi
l
lthepl
aceasPr
incet
oncar
ri
edTani
shai
nabr
idal
sty
leout
ofther
e.

Zar
a'sguar
dst
ookheroutoft
hepl
acet
oo.

"Let
'sgetoutofher
e"Si
err
asai
dandbumpedi
ntoVi
gnet
tewhenshet
urnedt
ogo.

"
Icanf
oll
owy
ouguy
sri
ght
?"Sheasked.
"
Let
'sgo"Si
err
arepl
i
edandshef
oll
owedt
hem.

Pr
incet
ongott
ohi
ssui
teandt
ookTani
shai
ntohi
sroom.

Hedr
oppedheront
hebedandt
ookof
fhert
rouser
sandt
opf
ir
st.

I
t'
ssmel
l
ingofdr
iedbl
oodal
ready
.

Hecoul
dn'
tfi
ghthi
stear
swhenhesawt
hepoi
sonousnai
l
sonherbody
.

Tear
scameoutofhi
sey
esbuthewi
pedi
tbef
orei
t'
dfal
l
.

"
You'
l
lbef
ine"hesai
dandshemov
edsl
i
ght
ly,
herey
esar
est
il
lcl
osed.

Het
ookt
hebot
tl
eandsatbesi
deheraf
teropeni
ngi
t

Her
aisedherheadt
ohi
slapsandpl
acedt
hebot
tl
eonherl
i
ps.

"Youhavet
odri
nkthi
s,i
t'
l
lmakeitl
esspai
nful
whenI'
l
lberemovi
ngt
henai
l
sandi
t'
l
lal
so
neutr
ali
zet
hepoi
sonandmakethewoundshealf
ast
"hesaid.

Sheopenedhermout
hsl
i
ght
ly.

"Mor
epl
ease.
..
.t
ryNi
sha"hesai
d.
Sheopenedhermout
hmor
ewi
del
y.

"Goodgi
rl
"hesmi
l
ed.

Hepour
edhalfoft
hewhiteli
qui
dInt
ohermout
handshef
eltpai
nsi
nhert
hroatasshet
ri
ed
swal
l
owing,
shealmostspiti
taway.

"
No.
..Youdon'
tdar
espi
tthat
,youdon'
tdar
eNi
sha"hesai
d.

Shesqui
ntedupherf
acei
npai
nsashert
hroatbul
ged.

"Pleaseyouhavetoswallowthistol
i
ve,
don'tl
eavemeNisha,mygi
rl
slov
eyousomuchal
ready
,
pleasetr
yallyourbestandjustswal
l
owit"hepl
eaded,
holdi
ngherf
acegent
ly.

Sher
aisedherhandsl
i
ght
lyandhehel
dit
.

Shehel
dunt
ohi
m asshef
orcef
ull
yal
l
owedt
heant
idot
etor
undownhert
hroat
.

"
Nowy
ouhav
etot
aket
her
emai
ningonet
omakei
tful
l
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

Sheopenedhermout
hagai
nandhepour
edt
her
emai
ningl
i
qui
inhermout
h.

Sheswal
l
owedi
twi
thdi
ff
icul
tyt
ooandsomeofi
twetherdr
yli
ps.

"
Youdi
dwel
l
"hesmi
l
ed,
droppi
ngt
hebot
tl
e.
Shepl
acedherheadbackont
hebedandl
eftt
her
oom.

Shayandt
heot
her
sar
eint
hel
i
vingr
oom al
readywi
tht
het
wins.

"
Dad!
"Mi
nascr
eamed,
rushi
ngt
ohi
m.

Shej
umpedonhi
m andhecaughther
.

Shehuggedhi
mti
ght
ly,
notl
ett
inghi
m gof
orl
ong.

"
Imi
ssedy
ousomuch"shesai
d.

"
Sameher
egi
rl
"hesmi
l
ed.

Sanast
oodonherspot
,looki
ngathi
m.

"
Heyy
ouwon'
tgi
vey
ourdadahug?
"Si
err
asai
d.

"
Ihat
ehi
mformaki
nguswai
tforl
ong"Sanar
epl
i
ed,
tear
smadeherey
esgl
assyal
ready
.

Pr
incet
ondr
oppedMi
nagent
lyandwentt
oher
.

Hebenti
nfr
ontofherandhuggedher
.

"
I'
m sor
ry"hesai
d.
"
Ihat
eyou"shecr
ied.

"I
'
m sor
ryangel
"her
epl
i
ed,
str
oki
ngherhai
r.

"Iwasscar
edbutIhadt
oactst
rong,
IknewSi
err
awasl
yi
ng"shesai
d.

"Li
tt
lewi
tch"Si
err
amut
ter
ed.

"I
'
m sor
ry,
I'
m backnowandI
'
m notl
eav
ingy
ouguy
sany
mor
e,Ipr
omi
se"hesai
d.

"
Ilov
eyousomuchdaddy
"shesai
dandf
inal
l
yhuggedhi
m back.

"Il
ovey
oumor
e"her
epl
i
edandhuggedMi
nat
oo.

"
Wher
e'sTani
sha?
"Theybot
haskedatat
ime.

"
She'
sinsi
de"her
epl
i
edandt
heybot
hmadet
ogoi
nbuthest
oppedt
hem.

"
Youbot
hcan'
tseeherr
ightnow"hesai
d.

"
Why
?,I
sshei
nabadcondi
ti
on?
"Sanaasked.

"Somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
"her
epl
i
ed.
"ButIwantt
oseeher
"Mi
nasai
d.

"Cal
m downMi
na"Sanasai
d,f
aci
ngher
.

"
Daddywi
l
lletusseeherwheni
t'
sbest
,Imi
sshercr
azi
l
ytoobutl
et'
sli
stent
odaddy
"shesai
d.

"Somet
imesIf
eel
li
keshe'
sthebi
gsi
s"Shaysai
d

"
Ili
keher
"Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
ed.

"
Ilov
eMi
na,
herchi
l
dishnessmakeshercut
er"Br
entsai
dandVi
gnet
tel
ookedathi
m.

Thei
rey
esmetbutshequi
ckl
ylookedaway
.

"
Igav
ehert
heant
idot
eal
ready
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Thenyoushoul
dremov
ethenai
l
s,shewon'
tfeel
muchpai
nssi
nceshet
ookt
heant
idot
e
alr
eady
"Shaysaid.

"Thatseemsdif
fi
cul
t,seei
ngheri
npainswhil
eremov
ingt
henai
l
swi
l
lsur
elymakemef
eel
li
ke
nai
li
ngthem t
omybody "Pri
ncet
onrepl
ied.

"Iunder
standhowy
ouf
eel
,buty
ouj
usthav
etodoi
t"Br
entsai
d.

"Howmanyday
swi
l
lshet
aket
oheal
aft
ert
henai
l
sget
sremov
ed?
"Vi
gnet
teasked.
"Aweekoratmost
..
.Aweekandsomeday
s"Si
err
asai
d.

"Thewoundswi
l
lheal
fast
,hear
dtheant
idot
eisf
*cki
ngpot
ent
"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"
Pri
ncet
onwenti
nandVi
gnet
tesi
ghed.

"godmotherorder
edallthesl
avest
ogobacki ntothesl
avehousewhenyouwerei
nthehospi
tal
,
heardt
heywon' tbeall
owedt omovearoundagainli
kebef
ore,
Iwasexpect
ingy
outojoi
nthem
whenyour et
urned"ShaysaidandVignet
tesmir
ked.

"I
'm notgoi
ngbacktothatf*
ckingslav
ehouse,
someguar
dsmadeanat
temptt
ogetmeback
i
ntothehouseyest
erday"Shesaid.

"Whatdi
dyoudo?
"Br
entasked.

"Idr
ewsomef
inepat
ter
nsont
hei
rbodi
es"sher
epl
i
edandSi
err
agi
ggl
ed.

"Badass,
Ilov
eyou"shesai
d.

Pr
incet
ongotbackt
other
oom andmetTani
sha'
sey
esopenal
ready
.

Heknel
tbesi
det
hebedandsmi
l
ed,
sher
etur
nedi
tfai
ntl
y.

"
Your
eal
l
ycameback"shesai
dwi
that
inyf
aintv
oice.

"
Yeah,
fory
ouandmyki
ds"her
epl
i
ed.
"Iknewyouwoul
dn'
tdi
e,Iknewy
ouwer
egonnamakei
tal
i
ve,
you'
renotacowar
d"shesmi
l
ed
again.

"Thanksf
ort
rust
ingme"her
epl
i
ed,
kissi
ngherey
esaf
ter
war
ds.

"
Imi
ssedy
oui
nsanel
y"sheconf
essed.

"
Sameher
eNi
sha"her
epl
i
ed,
touchi
ngherhai
r.

"Wi
l
lIbef
ine?
"Sheasked.

"
Ofcour
se,
aft
erIr
emov
ethenai
l
siny
ourbody
"her
epl
i
edandshenodded.

Hest
oodandgothi
ski
t.

Heopenedi
tandgotasur
ger
ysci
ssor
sandscal
pel
.

Hecamebackandst
art
edf
rom hert
highs.

"
It
'l
lhur
tal
i
ttl
e,t
heant
idot
ewon'
tmakei
thur
tmuch"hesai
d.

"
Itr
usty
ourwor
ds"shesmi
l
ed.

Hedr
oppedt
hescal
pel
,deci
dingt
ouset
hesci
ssor
s.

Heat
tachedi
ttot
hef
ir
stoneandpul
l
edi
tgent
ly.
Tani
shacl
osedherey
esashepul
l
edi
toutofherbody
.

Bl
oodaccompani
edi
tbuthecl
eanedi
twi
thapi
eceofwhi
tecl
othe.

Hecont
inuedl
i
ket
hatandsur
pri
singl
y,sheshednot
ear
sti
l
lhewasdonebutshel
ostal
otof
bl
ood.

Herwhi
teey
ebal
l
sshowshowmuchsheneedsbl
ood.

"
I'
ll
gogett
hedoct
orf
rom t
hecl
i
nic"hesai
d,st
andi
ngt
ogobutshehel
dhi
shand.

"
You'
recomi
ngbackr
ight
?"Sheasked.

Her
epl
i
edbyki
ssi
ngherhandbef
orel
eav
ing.

*
***
***

MCFCLI
NIC*
*

Zar
a'sguar
dsr
ushedhert
her
eandshewasqui
ckl
ytakeni
nonast
ret
cher
.

Shewasaboutt
obet
akeni
ntoawar
dwhendoct
orDar
rel
appear
edwi
thhi
snur
ses.

"
Whatt
hehel
lhappenedt
ogodmot
her
!'heal
mostscr
eamed,
looki
ngatt
hekni
feonherchest
.
Herbl
oodi
sdr
aini
ng.

"
Not
imef
orquest
ionsj
ustdoy
ourj
ob!
"Zar
a'schi
efguar
d(Spar
k)shout
ed.

"Myj
ob?
,I'
m notcompet
entenought
odot
his!
"Dar
rel
lyel
l
ed.

"Whatt
hef
*ckdoy
oumean!
"Spar
kyel
l
edback.

"I'
m notanexper
ienceddoct
or,Iwaskidnappedhalfwaythr
oughschoolremember?
,IfIt
ryt
o
getthi
sknif
eoutofherthenI'
l
lberiski
ngherlif
e!"Darr
ell
repl
ied,
touchi
ngherneck.

"She'
ssti
l
lbr
eat
hing,
youguy
sshoul
dgethert
othenear
esthospi
tal
assoonaspossi
ble,
fast
!"
Darr
ell
sai
d.

"F*
cky
ouDar
rel
l
!"Spar
ksai
dandZar
awast
akenoutoft
hecl
i
nic.

Pr
incet
oncamei
nwhenDar
rel
lwasaboutt
ogobackt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.

"
Sot
henewsi
str
ue,
you'
rer
eal
l
yback"hesai
d.

"Fol
l
owme,
youneedt
otr
ansf
usebl
oodf
orsomeone"Pr
incet
onor
der
ed.

"Unf
ort
unat
elyt
her
e'snobl
oodi
nourbl
oodbank"Dar
rel
lrepl
i
ed.

"Evenift
her
e'sbloodi
nyourf
*cki
ngbank,
Iwon'
thav
eal
l
owedy
out
ouset
hatf
orher
,I'
m
donati
ng"Pr
incet
onsaid.
"Ohy
ou'
reauni
ver
sal
donor
?"Dar
rel
lsai
d.

Pr
incet
ongl
aredsai
dandDar
rel
lsmi
l
edbef
orel
eadi
ngt
heway
.

*
***
**

MATI
LDASPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TALS*
*

Zar
awasr
ushedi
nandev
ery
onei
nthehal
l
waypav
edwayf
ort
heguar
dsast
heyr
ant
hrough.

Shewast
akeni
ntoawar
dandt
heheaddoct
orappear
ed,
doct
orMat
il
daher
sel
f.

ShecheckedZar
a'shear
tbeatandsi
ghed.

"
It
'l
lbeawast
eoft
imet
ogoi
ntosur
ger
y,she'
sal
mostdead"shesai
d.

Spar
kpul
l
edhi
sgunandai
medatMat
il
da'
shead.

"
Ify
oudon'
tsav
eher
,you'
l
lhav
etodi
ewi
thher
"hesai
d.

Mat
il
dasmi
l
edf
ear
lessl
yandgl
ared.

"Taket
hegunof
fmyhead,
youguy
sar
egangst
ersr
ight
?,Fr
om MCFpal
ace"shesai
d.

"So?
"Spar
ksai
d.
"Andshe'
sZar
a,y
ourgodmot
her
"shesai
d.

"Howdar
eyoucal
lherbyhername"Spar
ksai
d.

"Notli
keshecanhearme,
andherl
i
fei
sinmyhandsr
ightnow,
Icandeci
denott
osav
eher
"
doct
orMatil
dasai
d.

"Shutupanddowhaty
ouneedt
o!"Spar
kyel
l
edandMat
il
dasmi
l
ed.

"AndI
'mtell
i
ngyout otakey
ourgunof
fmyheadi
fyouwannasav
eyourdar
nedgodmot
her
!"
Shesnappedser
iously
.

Spar
kbr
oughtdownt
hegunandMat
il
daf
acedt
hei
nter
nsbehi
ndher
.

"Shi
fthert
othetheat
erandpr
epar
eforsurger
y,cont
actdoct
orDanielanddoct
orHi
l
da,
they
'l
l
bemyassistant
"sheorder
edandt
heint
ernsshift
edZara'
sstr
etcheraway.

Mat
il
daf
acedSpar
k.

"
Lear
nhowt
oaskf
ort
hingsr
espect
ful
l
y"shesai
dbef
orewal
ki
ngoutoft
hewar
d.

*
***
*

MCFPALACE*
*

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*
"
All
done"doct
orDar
rel
lsai
daf
terhef
ini
shedconnect
ingt
her
ubbert
ube.

Hehadtododir
ecttr
ansfusionsincei
ndi
rectwil
ltaketi
mesoPr i
ncet
oni
slay
ingbesi
de
Tani
sha,
hisbl
oodrunni
ngt hroughther
ubbertubeintoherbody
.

"
Whencanwest
opt
het
ransf
usi
on?
"Shayasked.

"
Idon'
tmi
ndgi
vi
ngheral
lmybl
oodt
hough"Pr
incet
onsai
dandt
heyal
ll
ookedathi
m.

"Don'
tyout
hinkheneedsament
alheal
thcheck?
"Br
entwhi
sper
edt
oSi
err
a.

"Pr
obabl
y"Si
err
agi
ggl
ed.

"Thi
rt
ymi
nut
est
ime"Dar
rel
lrepl
i
ed.

"
Oht
hanks"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
edandt
hedoct
orl
eft
.

"Getwel
lsoonTani
sha"Mi
nasai
dpat
het
ical
l
ybesi
deher
.

"
Ipr
omi
se"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Ibel
i
evey
ou,
your
eal
l
yneedt
ogetwel
lsoonsoIcanhugy
ou"Sanasai
dandTani
shasmi
l
ed.

Pr
incet
oncov
eredTani
shav
erywel
lwi
tht
heduv
et.
Herwoundswer
etr
eat
edandl
eftt
oheal
upal
ready
.

Shecov
eredPr
incet
onwi
tht
heduv
ett
ooandhuggedhi
m underi
t.

"
Youguy
scan'
tst
artcuddl
i
ngy
unno"Si
err
asai
d.

"Li
awassedat
ed,
godmot
heror
der
edl
adyMacbet
htodoi
t"Shaysai
d.

"
Thatf
*cki
ngMac"Vi
gnet
temut
ter
ed.

"
Iknewsomet
hinghappenedt
oher
"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Landont
ri
edt
osav
eTani
shat
oo,
Idi
dn'
texpecthi
mtodoi
t"Br
entsai
dandPr
incet
onsmi
l
ed.

"He'
snott
hej
erky
oual
lknow,
Iknowhi
m bet
ter
"hesai
d.

"Butyoul
ookedl
ikecommandowit
hy ourent
rytheot
herti
me,jeez!,IwastooshockedIshoul
d
havemadethevi
deoandj
ustpost
editonNetfli
xIsweary
ou'l
ltrend"Sier
rasai
dandShay
l
aughed.

"Butser
iousl
yI'
m dy
ingofcur
iosi
ty,
howdi
dyouescapef
rom Ozzi
e?"Heasked.

"Anddi
dyoubr
ingPascal
down?
"Br
entasked

"
Iki
l
ledPascal
"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.
"
So.
..howdi
dyouescapef
rom Ozzi
e?"Si
err
asai
d.

"Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
tyet
"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Iknewt
hat
'swhaty
ou'
dsay
,youl
ovesuspense!
"Shaysai
d.

Pr
incet
oncl
osedhi
sey
esandt
heyal
lsi
ghed.

"
Stor
yforanot
herday
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

*
***
**

LI
A'SSUI
TE,
5PM*
*

Openi
ngherey
esf
eltl
i
ket
hehar
destt
hingshehasev
ert
ri
edout
.

Thewor
ldf
eel
sfuzzyl
i
keapuzzl
eatf
ir
standshehadt
obl
i
nkal
mostami
l
li
ont
imes.

Herheadf
eltempt
yandshei
nst
ant
lyf
eltl
i
kenada.

Shestood,l
ooki
ngar
oundherr
oom,
feel
i
ngl
i
keshej
ustcamebackf
rom aj
our
neyt
othel
and
ofconfusi
on.

Shehel
dherheadandcl
osedherey
es.

Openi
ngi
tagai
n,i
t'
sst
il
lthesamebutsher
emember
edeat
ingwi
tht
heot
her
sint
hegener
al
di
nni
ngbef
oreshest
art
edf
eel
i
ngdr
owsy
.

"
Whathappenedaf
tert
hat
?,Howdi
dIgether
e?"Shewonder
edi
nconf
usi
on.

Herheadi
scur
rent
lyscr
eami
ngf
orhel
p.

Shewasst
il
lwal
l
owi
ngi
nconf
usi
onwhenSi
err
acamei
nwi
thVi
gnet
te.

"
F*ck!
,You'
reawake!
"Si
err
ascr
eamed,
rushi
ngt
ohughersot
ight
.

Li
alookedatVi
gnet
teandVi
gnet
tewi
nked.

"
Wel
comeback"shesai
dandLi
aqui
ckl
ybr
oket
hehug.

"Whathappened?
,If
eel
li
kesomet
hingbi
ghappened"shesai
dur
gent
ly.

Si
err
asatherdownandst
art
edf
rom whenshesl
eptof
faf
tereat
ingatt
hedi
nni
ng.

Vi
gnet
tet
ooki
tfr
om t
hemi
ddl
eandf
ini
shedt
hest
ory
.

Li
alookedatt
hem bot
hasi
fthey
'r
efr
om herdr
eams.

Shest
oodsl
owl
yandhel
dherheadsot
ight
.

"
Aaaaaahhhhhr
rrr
rr!
!!
!!
"Shescr
eamedouthergut
s.
*
***
**

7PM,
LANDON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Pr
incet
onknockedandLandonopenedt
hedoorbutI
mmedi
atel
yhesawPr
incet
on,
hef
rowned.

"
Whyar
en'
tyoudeady
et?
"HeaskedandPr
incet
onsmi
l
ed.

"You'
regoodatpr
etence,
butnotev
ery
onewi
l
lbuyi
t,j
erk"hesai
d.

"Goaway
,per
fectson"Landonsai
dandmadet
oshutt
hedoorbutPr
incet
onhel
ditandwenti
n.

"
It
'sbeenl
ongsinceIcamei
nher
e,i
t'
sst
il
lthesame,
themessi
estsui
teI
'
veev
erseen"hesai
d,
l
ooki
ngaround.

Landonf
ell
ononeoft
hecouchesandPr
incet
onl
ookedathi
m.

"
Youdon'
thav
etosmi
l
eatme,
I'
m okwi
thy
ourf
rown"hesai
dandent
eredLandon'
sroom

"Inev
ersai
dyoucoul
d"Landonsai
d,f
oll
owi
nghi
m.

Princet
ongott
heki
tfr
om hi
sni
ght
standandgr
abbedLandon'
shand,
pul
l
inghi
m outoft
he
room.

Theygotbackt
othel
i
vingr
oom andhepushedhi
mtot
hecouch.
Landonf
ell
oni
t,l
ooki
ngathi
m.

Pr
incet
onsatbesi
dehi
m andt
ookhi
shand,
remov
ingt
hebandoni
t.

"
Sincey
ouwon'
tgot
othehospi
tal
,I
'l
lbey
ourdoct
ort
oday
"hesai
d.

Landonwant
edt
otakehi
shandf
rom hi
m buthehel
dti
ght
.

"
Youwon'
taskhowIsur
viv
edOzzi
e'
str
ap?
"Heasked,
pour
ingdi
sinf
ect
anti
nthewound.

Landonhar
denedhi
smuscl
esasi
tst
ung.

"
Iwon'
ttel
lyouev
eni
fyouask,
I'
m keepi
ngt
hatst
oryf
orZar
a"hesai
d.

"Whydi
dn'
tyouki
l
lZar
a?"Landonf
inal
l
yasked.

"Ii
ntensi
onal
l
yspar
edher
,shehasal
otofexpl
anat
iont
omake"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Whatexpl
anat
ion?
,Youshoul
dhavejustendedherandt
henwe'
l
lknowwehav
eonl
yG-
Dragon
andhi
sdadtohuntdown"Landonsai
d.

"Mothert
oldusG-Dr
agon'
sdad..
..Venom ki
l
ledourdad,
shetoldusVenom i
scurr
ent
lyi
n
Shanghai
andwe'l
lgethi
m oncehecomesbackbut..
..
"Pri
ncet
onsaidandst
opped.

"Butwhat
?"LandonaskedasPr
incet
ont
iedabandager
oundhi
shand.
"
Venom di
edsamedayourdaddi
edsomey
ear
sago,
Venom i
sdead"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Dead?
"Landonsai
dshocki
ngl
y.

*
***
*

8PM,
PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

"If
eel
usel
ess"Li
asai
dsadl
y,hol
dingTani
sha'
shandont
hebed.

"
It
'snoty
ourf
aul
tpl
easest
opbl
ami
ngy
our
sel
f"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"
Alothappenedwhi
l
eIwassl
eepi
ngl
i
keababy
"Li
asai
d.

"I
'
mfi
nenow,
andev
ery
thi
ngi
sbackt
onor
mal
atl
eastf
ornow"Tani
shasai
d.

"Getwel
lsoonsoy
oucanst
arty
ourt
rai
ning"Li
asai
d.

"Ican'
twai
t"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"We'
rehungr
y!!"Thet
winscompl
ainedf
ort
heupt
ent
hti
me.

Li
aledt
hem outoft
her
oom t
othel
i
vingr
oom wher
etheot
her
sar
esi
tt
ing.
"
They
'r
ehungr
y,t
heydeser
vegoodf
oodaf
tersol
ong"shesai
d.

"I
'
llbewit
hTani
shainther
oom,
Liay
oushoul
dcooksomet
hingf
orev
ery
onei
ntheki
tchen"
Pr
incet
onsai
dandleft
.

"I
'
llhel
p"Si
err
asai
dandent
eredt
heki
tchenwi
thLi
a.

"
Pri
ncet
onsay
shewon'
tal
l
owy
out
ogobackt
othesl
avehouseany
mor
e"Shaysai
d.

"Iwasn'
tpl
anni
ngt
ogobackei
ther
,I'
l
lst
aywi
thSi
err
a"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed.

"Atl
eastgodmot
her
'swi
tchyact
swi
l
ldi
edownf
ornow"Br
entsai
d.

"Butwhenshecomesback,
noonei
ssaf
e"Shaysai
d.

"IdunnowhyI
'
m notscar
edofher
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"Let
'sst
opt
alki
ngabouther
,ev
ery
oneshoul
djustt
rai
nmor
ebef
orehercomeback"Br
entsai
d.

Somemi
nut
esl
ater
**

Theyst
oppedt
alki
ngwhenSi
err
aandLi
ast
art
edset
ti
ngt
hedi
shesont
hedi
nni
ngt
abl
e.

Theyal
lmov
edt
her
ewi
tht
het
wins.

"
Thi
swi
l
lbet
hebestdel
i
cacyy
ou'
veal
lev
ert
ast
ed"Li
asai
d.
"We'
l
lseeaboutt
hat
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

Theyal
ldi
ggedi
natonce,
excl
udi
ngt
he"
socal
l
edchef
s"

I
mmedi
atel
ytheyal
lat
ethef
ir
stspoons,
theyexchangedgl
anceswi
thoutchewi
ng.

"
Sumpt
uousr
ight
?"Li
aasked.

"
Youguy
sshoul
dcomment
"Si
err
asai
dexpect
ant
ly.

"Youbot
har
eser
ial
kil
l
ers"Sanasai
dandr
ushedoutoft
hedi
nni
ngr
oom t
other
est
room

"Iwant
edf
ood,
notpoi
son"squi
ntedupherf
ace,
leav
ingt
oo.

"Dogf
oodt
ast
esbet
ter
,thi
sispur
ewi
ckedness"Shaysai
d.

"I
'
drat
hereatbul
l
ets"Br
entadded,
rushi
ngoutwi
thhi
m.

Si
err
aandLi
alookedatVi
gnet
tewho'
slooki
ngatt
hem expr
essi
onl
essl
y.

"
They
'r
ely
ingr
ight
?"Si
err
aasked.

"
Lett
hisbet
hef
ir
standl
astt
imey
oubot
hwi
l
ltr
yCOOKI
NG!
"Shesnapped.
TBC.

[
6/17,
6:09AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER50&51

★★★★★

Li
aandSi
err
aexchangedconf
usedgl
ances.

"
Itol
dyouy
out
olet
'st
ast
eitf
ir
stbef
oreser
vingt
hem"Si
err
asai
d.

"Youdi
dn'
ttast
e?"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

Theybot
htookspoonsandat
efr
om t
hef
ood.

Theyl
ookedateachot
herandSi
err
aspi
titouti
mmedi
atel
y.

I
tlacksaspeci
fi
ctast
e,f
*cki
ngbl
andandt
ast
eless.

"
May
bewe'
rer
eal
l
ywi
cked"Si
err
asai
d.
"Theysayt
woheadsi
sbet
tert
hanone,
youbothpoppedyourt
wobigheadsintotheki
tchen
andcameoutwit
hagoodexampl
eofrubbi
sh!
"Vignet
tesai
dandt
heothersstart
edcomi ng
back.

"Seri
ouslyever
yonei
shungr
yandnoonet
rust
sladyMacbet
hany
mor
e,who'
sgonnapaci
fyour
hunger"Shaysai
d.

"I
'
llj
ustcook"Vi
gnet
tev
olunt
eer
ed.

"Thanksbaby
"Br
entsai
dandVi
gnet
te'
scheeksheat
edupassheent
eredt
heki
tchen.

*
***
**

GENERALKI
TCHEN*
*

Landoncamei
nandmetl
adyMacbet
hsi
tt
ingqui
etl
yinsi
det
heki
tchen.

Atrayofcabbagesi
sonherlapsandshe'
swi
thakni
fewhi
chshe'
schoppi
ngt
hem wi
thbut
seemsshef or
gother
sel
fri
ghtther
e.

Landont
ookt
hekni
fef
rom herandshel
ookedupsl
owl
y.

"
Landon"shesai
d,st
andi
ngupI
mmedi
atel
y,f
orget
ti
ngshet
rayi
sonherl
aps.

I
tfel
landLandonsi
ghed.

"
Whydi
dyoudoi
t?"Heasked.
"
Doy
ouhat
emenow?
"Sheasked.

"Answert
hequest
ionf
ir
st,
whydi
dyousedat
emysi
s?"Heasked.

"godmot
hert
oldmet
o..
.

"
Youshouldhavet
oldmeorLiaher
self!
,Pr
incet
oni
sinheret
ooy
oucoul
dhav
etol
dhi
m!,
But
y
oudecidedtodowhatpl
easesyouladyMac!"Hey
ell
ed.

"I'
m sorr
yIwasjust
..
..t
hought
lessandal
lthatcamet
omymi
ndwast
hatIdon'
twantt
odi
e,I
real
lycan'
tdi
eyetIcan'
t"sher
epli
ed.

Landonst
eppedcl
oser
.

"Why
?,Whycan'
tyoudi
eyet
?"Heasked.

"Ist
il
lhav
eal
otoft
hingst
otal
kabout
,Ican'
tj
ustdi
eyet
"shesai
d,l
ooki
ngst
rai
ghti
ntohi
s
eyes.

"Whatdoy
ouhav
etot
alkabout
?"Landonaskedcur
iousl
y.

"
You..
..Li
a,Pr
incet
on,yourfather
,godmotherher
sel
f.
..
.andsuspi
cionsaboutTani
sha"she
r
epl
iedandLandon'searsthrobbedformore.

"Thenspeak!"Landony
ell
ed,
grabbi
nghershoul
der
swhi
l
egl
ari
ngcol
dlyatherasi
ftopi
erce
i
ntoherheartwit
hhisey
es.
"NotnowDon,
I'
ll
spi
titoutatt
her
ightt
ime"Macbet
hsai
dsi
mpl
y.

"When!"Hey
ell
ed.

"Justcal
m down!
"Sheshout
edathi
m bef
orer
eal
i
zing.

"I
'
m sor
ryf
ory
ell
i
ngaty
ou"shesai
dsof
tl
y.

Landonsl
owl
ylethergoandl
eftqui
etl
y.

LadyMacbet
hsatdej
ect
edl
y.

"
Who'
l
ldi
e?,
Who'
l
lli
ve?
,It
'sgi
vi
ngmet
hechi
l
ls,
Zar
aisamor
on"shewhi
sper
edt
oher
sel
f.

*
***
**

Landonwentt
oZar
a'ssui
teandmetherguar
dsst
il
lonst
andby,
sur
roundi
ngi
t.

"
Ineedt
ogoi
n"hesai
dandt
hewaywaspav
edf
orhi
m.

Hegott
othedoorandr
emember
edhehast
oknowt
hepasscodef
ir
st.

"
Jeez"hesai
dandt
urnedt
ogo.
Spar
kappear
edandheal
mostbumpedi
ntohi
m.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eDon?
"Heasked.

"
Thi
sisst
il
lgodmot
her
'ssui
te"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"So?"Spar
ksai
d.

"
Whot
oldy
ouy
oucant
alkt
omej
ustany
how"Landonsai
d.

"Evenyoursibl
ingstal
ktoyouanyhow,
whycan'tIdothatt
oo?
"Spar
ksai
dandLandonmadet
o
punchhim butLiaswif
tl
yappear
edandgrabbedSpark.

Shet
ri
edf
li
ppi
nghi
m buthebr
okef
ree.

Shepunchedhi
sfaceandhemadet
oret
urni
tbutanot
herper
sonappear
ed.

Spar
kshi
ver
edsl
i
ght
lywhenhesawPr
incet
on.

Pr
incet
ongr
abbedhi
sar
msandt
urnedhi
m ar
ound,
twi
sti
ngi
t.

"
Arr
gg!
'hegr
oanedi
npai
ns.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatLandonandLandonscof
fedl
i
ght
ly.

"
Shoul
dImakey
oust
opspar
king?
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandt
wist
edhi
sar
m mor
e.
"F*
ck!
"Spar
kgr
oanedagai
n,hi
svei
nsr
eveal
edt
hemsel
vesshamel
essl
y.

"
Yout
ri
edt
opunchLi
a?,
Isn'
tthatt
hehei
ghtofcr
azi
ness?
"Pr
incet
on'
ssai
d.

Li
ast
eppedt
othef
rontandr
aisedSpar
k'sf
acewi
thaf
inger
.

"
Mymot
her
'sdog"shesai
dandl
aughedathi
sface.

Spar
kgr
oanedagai
nasPr
incet
ont
wist
edhi
sar
msagai
n.

"
Howmanyt
imesdoy
oueataday
?,You'
ret
oof
eebl
eforachi
efguar
d"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"How'
sourwi
tchdoi
ng?
"Li
aasked,
rai
singherboot
htoSpar
k'smi
ddl
e.

"
Ify
ouf
ail
toanswer
,yourbal
l
swi
l
lhav
etopop"shesai
dwi
thawi
nk.

"Thesur
ger
ywas..
..successf
ul.
.buthercondi
ti
oni
ssti
l
l.
..sl
ightl
ycr
it
ical
,doct
orsai
ditmi
ght
takeal
ongt
imeforhertowakeup"Spar krepl
i
edandLi
awi t
hdrewherleg.

"TreatLandonwit
hsamerespecty
outr
eatmewi
th,
tel
lyoursubor
dinat
est
oo,
ift
heyf
ail
to
obey,they
'l
li
ncurmywrat
h"Pri
ncet
onsai
d.

"Yes.
.mast
er"Spar
ksai
d.

"
Cool
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandr
eleasedhi
m.
Hemadet
ogobutLi
apul
l
edhi
m back.

"
Whosai
dyou'
ref
reet
oleav
e?,
Goony
ourkneesi
nfr
ontofDonandsaysor
ry"shegl
ared.

Sparkl
ookedatPr
incet
onandt
hedanger
ousgl
areonhi
sfacemadehi
mfl
i
nchandgoonhi
s
knees.

"
I'
m sor
ryDon"hesai
dandst
ood,
hemadet
oleav
eagai
nbutLi
apul
l
edhi
m backagai
n.

"
Ithi
nkIdeser
vesor
ryt
oo,
yout
ri
edt
opunchme"shesai
d.

"
I'
m sor
ry"Spar
kbowedandLi
atouchedhi
shai
rli
keherchi
l
d.

"
Okson,
don'
tdoi
tagai
n"shesai
dandSpar
klef
taf
tert
hat
.

"Bi
gbr
other
"shesai
dcut
ely
.

Landonpr
etendednott
ohear
.

"HeyDonI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou"shepout
ed,
hol
dinghi
shand.

Landonl
ookedathi
m andshesmi
l
ed,
hequi
ckl
ytur
nedaway
.

Li
ahuggedhi
mti
ght
ly.
"
Ilov
eyousomuchdoy
ouknowt
hat
?"Shesai
d

"
Getof
fmebr
at"Landonsai
d,t
ryi
ngnott
osmi
l
e.

"
Peopl
eonl
yir
oncl
othesbuty
oui
ronedy
ourf
ace,
iron-
face"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"I
'
llpunchy
ou"Landonsai
dandPr
incet
oncamecl
oser
.

"Pl
easedo"hesmi
l
ed.

"
Youbot
hshoul
dgoawayf
rom me"Landonsai
d.

"
Noway
"Li
asai
d,st
il
lhuggi
nghi
m.

Pr
incet
ont
ouchedLandon'
shai
rgent
ly.

"
Whenl
astdi
dyouwashy
ourhai
r,i
t'
sst
icky
"hesai
d.

"
SinceIgott
hecutonmypal
m"her
epl
i
ed.

"
What
!"Li
aandPr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Thatshoul
dbeaweekandsomeday
sagowhatt
he.
..
"Li
asai
d.

"
Let
'sgotomysuit
e,Vi
gnetteshoul
dbedonewi
tht
hecooki
ngbynow,
Liawi
l
lwashy
ourhai
r
f
oryou,
orshoul
dI?"Pr
incet
onasked.
Landonr
emai
nedqui
et.

"Let
'sgo!
"Li
asai
d,pul
l
ingLandonal
ong.

Pr
incet
onst
ayedbesi
det
hem ast
heywal
kedt
ohi
ssui
te.

Li
ahel
dhi
sar
m wi
thherot
herhandwhi
l
eshest
ayedi
nthemi
ddl
e.

Shel
ookedatt
hebot
hoft
hem andsmi
l
ed.

"
Todayi
sthehappi
estdayofmyl
i
fe"shesai
d.

"
Why
?"Landonasked.

"I
thasal
way
sbeenmydr
eam t
ohol
dyoubot
hli
ket
his,
myt
wohandsomebr
other
s"shesai
d.

Pr
incet
onsmi
l
edhandsomel
y.

Landonsmi
l
edsecr
etl
ybutPr
incet
onsawhi
m.

Isawt
hat
"hesai
d.

"What
?"Landonpr
etended.
"Not
hing"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

Theygott
ohi
ssui
teandev
ery
onescr
eamed.

"Youreall
ybroughthim,
Isai
ditt
hatsomet
hingsmel
l
sfi
shywheny
oubot
hlef
tthi
spl
ace
toget
her"Shaysaid.

"DonIl
ovey
ou!
!"Br
entshout
ed,
huggi
nghi
m.

"Ar
eyounut
s?"Landonpushedhi
m awaysl
i
ght
ly.

"Vi
gnet
tei
sther
eal
deal
swear
s,t
hear
omaoft
hef
oodi
ski
l
li
ng,
I'
m sur
eit
'l
lbedel
i
cious"Si
err
a
sai
d.

"Yeah,
notl
i
kesomegi
rl
s"Shaysai
dandSi
err
ahi
thi
m.

"Wher
ear
emygi
rl
s?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"
They
'r
eint
hebat
hroom,
bat
hingSweet
"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"Sweet
?"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Yes,
thatpoorcat
,Sier
raf
ounditi
nfr
ontofherapart
mentsomemi
nut
esagowhenshewent
topi
cksomething,
itwasasdir
tyasapig"Shayr
epl
ied.

"Itmusthav
ewanderedaroundthepal
ace,
lucki
l
ythecr
azygangmember
sdi
dn'
tsi
ghti
t,t
hey
'd
havemadeitint
oBBQ"Brentsai
d.
Vignet
tecameoutoft
heki
tchenwi
tht
hef
ir
stpl
ateandI
mmedi
atel
yshesawLandon,
she
scowled.

"
Whyi
ssheher
e?"Landonasked.

"
She'
snotasl
aveany
mor
e"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"
Badchoi
ce"Landonsai
d.

"
I'
ll
justpr
etendl
i
keIdi
dn'
theart
hat
"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
edandpl
acedt
hepl
ateont
het
abl
e.

Shest
art
edbr
ingi
ngoutt
hedi
shest
il
lthet
abl
ebecamef
ull
.

"
It
's10:
30pm,
thel
atestdi
nnerI
'
veev
ereat
en"Shaysai
d.

Thet
winscameoutwi
thSweetwho'
sbackt
owhi
te.

"
It
'sbackt
ocut
e"Li
asmi
l
ed,
str
oki
ngi
t'
shead.

Theyal
lset
tl
edi
nthedi
nni
ngt
oeatexceptPr
incet
on.

Het
ookhi
smeal
wit
hTani
sha'
sandwenti
n.

Tani
shai
ssi
tt
ingupi
nbedwhenhecamei
n.
"
Sonofawi
tch"shesai
dandhesmi
l
edasheset
tl
eddownbesi
deherwi
tht
hef
ood.

"
Pri
nce"shecal
l
edandhel
ookedather
.

Shel
eanedi
nqui
ckl
yandki
ssedhi
mli
ght
ly.

Theyl
ookedateachot
herandhi
sey
esset
tl
edbackonherl
i
ps.

Hesl
i
ppedhi
shandt
othebackofherheadandhel
dhert
her
ebef
orel
eani
ngi
n.

Thei
rey
eswentshutasheki
ssedherdeepl
y.

Nodoubt
,theybot
hmi
ssedt
hisequal
l
y.

Sheopenedupr
eadi
l
yandhel
ethi
stonguemakeat
ourofhersweetmout
h.

Shesuckedoni
ttender
lyanddel
vedherf
inger
sint
ohi
shai
r,l
ett
ingi
troam ar
oundi
tast
heki
ss
wentharder
.

Thei
rli
psar
chf
ormor
ebutt
hef
oodi
sget
ti
ngcol
dsoPr
incet
onbr
okei
t.

"
Let
'seat
"hewhi
sper
edandshenodded.

Het
ookt
hef
oodandst
art
edf
eedi
ngher
..
..
heat
etooashef
edher
.

"
Vignet
tei
sreal
l
yachef
"shesai
d.
"
She'
sthedaught
erofasol
dier
,howcome?
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Idunnoei
ther
,may
beshewat
chesl
adyMacbet
hcar
eful
l
yint
heki
tchen"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Notpossi
blewi
thi
nhowmanyday
s"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

BACKI
NTHEDI
NNI
NGROOM*
*

"Myl
atedadt
aughtmehowt
ocook"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
Howcanasol
dierknowhowt
ocook"Si
err
asai
dsur
pri
singl
y.

"Hi
smum taughthim,butwhenIcameal
i
ve,
hismum di
edsoheusedhi
sfr
eet
imet
oteach
me"Vi
gnet
terepl
ied.

"That
'st
ouchi
ng"Li
asai
d.

"Il
ovey
ou"Sanasai
d

"Il
ovey
out
oo"Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
ed.

"Tani
sha'
sfoodt
ast
esbet
ter
"Mi
nasai
d.

"
Somehowt
rue"Sanasai
d
"Youj
ustt
oldmey
oul
oveme"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"Il
oveTani
shamor
e"Sanasmi
l
ed.

"
F*cky
oul
i
ttl
ewi
tch"Vi
gnet
tesai
dandev
ery
onel
aughed.

"
Itt
ast
esgr
eatImustsay
"Br
entsai
dandVi
gnet
tesmi
l
edwhi
l
ebi
ti
ngherl
i
p.

Landonsawi
tandscof
fed.

"
Super
-b"Shaysai
d.

"
Thebest
"Li
asai
d.

"
It
'sdel
i
cious"Si
err
asai
d.

"
It
'ssweet
"Mi
nasai
d.

"I
t'
s.
..
notpoi
sonl
i
kewhatsomeser
ial
kil
l
erscooked"Sanasai
dandVi
gnet
tegi
ggl
ed.

"Landony
ourcomment
"Shayasked.

"
I'
mjustmanagi
ng,
it'
snott
hatgr
eat
,justl
i
ket
hecooker
"her
epl
i
ed.

"Youj
ustbad-
mout
hedmymeal
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.
"So?
,Youwannaki
l
lme?
"Landonr
epl
i
ed,
looki
ngatheraf
terdr
oppi
nghi
sspoon.

"D*
ckhead"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"P*
ssy
hol
e"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"Idon'
tl
ikey
ou"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"I
t'
smut
ual
"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"Av
oidmef
rom nowon"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"Ishoul
dbesay
ingt
hat,
stopcomi
ngt
ocl
eanmysui
te"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"Fi
ne!
,Notl
i
kei
t'
ssomewher
eI'
m pr
oudt
oent
erany
way
s"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed.

"Andi
fI'
mtal
ki
ng,
keepshut
"Landongl
ared.

"I
fIt
aker
ight
..
."Vi
gnet
tesmi
rked.

"
I'
ll
takel
eftandi
fI'
m comi
ngf
rom t
hel
eft
,taker
ight
"Landonsai
d,st
andi
ngup.

"F*
cky
ou!
!!
!"Vi
gnet
tescr
eamed,
thr
owi
ngev
ery
thi
ngsheget
sherhandsonathi
m.
Hel
eftt
hedi
nni
ngr
oom andwentt
othel
i
vingr
oom.

Vi
gnet
test
ormedbacki
ntot
heki
tchen.

Ev
ery
onest
aredateachot
herandbef
oret
heyknewi
t,t
heyst
art
edl
aughi
ngl
oudl
y.

"
Irecor
dedi
t"Li
asai
d,r
epl
ayi
ngi
t.

Theyst
art
edr
ewat
chi
ngandl
aughi
nghar
d.

*
***
**

TWOWEEKSLATER*
*

Thepal
acehasbeencal
m asexpect
edast
hewi
tchyowneri
snotar
ound.

Vignet
tej
oinedt
heother
sintr
aini
ngal
readyandshe'
scat
chi
ngupr
eal
fast
,shewasal
most
goodenoughbefor
eshestar
ted.

Tani
shaheal
edupal
ready
,thankst
otheant
idot
eandPr
incet
on'
scar
e.

Herbodyr
etur
nedt
ospot
less,
thankst
otheant
idot
etoo.

Hert
rai
ningst
art
stommor
ow.

*
***
***
VI
VI'
SAPARTMENT*
*

Rei
nawasmor
ethansur
pri
sedwhenshewokeupt
oseet
hatshe'
sal
i
ve.

Shesatupbutcanst
il
lfeel
pai
nsonherbackandar
m,t
heshotar
eas.

Shewhi
mper
edshor
tl
yandVi
vicamei
n.

"
Viv
i"shesai
dsur
pri
singl
y.

Theywer
enev
ercl
osesohowsheendedupwi
thheri
sshocki
ng.

"
Isav
edy
ou"Vi
visai
d.

"
WhataboutTr
acy
?"Rei
naasked.

"
She'
sdead,
didn'
tyouseewhenshewaspushedi
ntot
hef
ir
e?"Vi
vir
epl
i
ed.

Rei
naexhal
ed.

"
godmotheri
scur
rent
lyi
nthehospi
tal
,Iv
isi
tedhert
oday
,thedoct
orsai
dshemi
ghtst
il
ltake
l
ongtowakeup"Vi
visai
d.

"Whydi
dyousav
eme?
"Rei
naasked.
"Idi
dn'
tsav
eyou,
Pri
ncet
ondi
d"Vi
vir
epl
i
ed.

"huh?
"

"He'
dhaveshoty
ouintheheadi
fhewantedt
okil
lyoubutIguesshedoesn'
twantasimple
deat
hforyou,
hewant
st oki
ll
youagoni
zi
ngl
yli
keTracy
,you'
redyi
nginhishandssoon"Vi
vi
l
aughed.

Rei
nashi
ft
edont
hebed.

"Ibr
oughty
ouher
eandgotdoct
orDar
rel
tot
reaty
ousoIwon'
tbeal
one,
wel
comeback"Vi
vi
sai
d

Rei
nahel
dherhead.

"What
'st
hatsoundout
side?
"Shesai
d.

"Oh.
..
.Pr
incetonfr
eedal
lthesl
aves,you'
refr
eetogoi
fyouwanttoleav
ethi
spal
acesince
you'
reaslavetoo,
hesaysthi
spalacewon'tdosl
avet
radeagai
nevenwhengodmothercomes
back"Vi
visaid.

"Ai
n'
tgoi
ngany
wher
e"Rei
nar
epl
i
ed.

Vi
vismi
l
edandaguyent
ered,
oneoft
hegangt
oo.

"
I'
veseenhi
mint
het
rai
ninggr
oundbef
ore"Rei
nasai
d.
"
Yes,
meetToy
,mynews*
xmat
e"Vi
vii
ntr
oduced.

*
***
*

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE,
8PM*
*

Pr
incet
onent
eredhi
sroom andmetTani
shapl
ayi
ngwi
tht
heki
dsonhi
sbed.

Hesatwi
tht
hem andt
het
winsj
umpedonhi
m.

"
Tomor
rowi
sMonday
,youguy
sshoul
dbeasl
eepbynow"hesai
d.

"
That
'st
rue,
I'
ll
taket
hem t
othei
rroom"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Nowecangobyour
sel
ves"Sanasai
dandgav
eTani
shaapeckbef
oregi
vi
ngPr
incet
ont
oo.

Minadi
dthesameandt
heygr
eet
edgoodni
ghtbef
orer
ushi
ngoutoft
her
oom whi
l
eSweetr
an
af
tert
hem.

"I
'
m suret
hey
'l
lconti
nuepl
ayi
ngi
nthei
rroom t
il
lsl
eepget
sthem"Pr
incet
onsai
dandTani
sha
huggedhi
mfrom behi
nd.

"
Nisha"Pr
incet
oncal
l
ed.

"
Yessonofawi
tch"sher
epl
i
ed,
kissi
nghi
shai
r.
"
Thatname"hesmi
l
ed.

"Yespr
ince"shegi
ggl
ed.

"
Iandmysi
bli
ngsdeci
dedt
ofr
eet
hesl
aves"hesai
d.

"Andy
oudi
dal
ready
"sher
epl
i
ed,
kissi
nghi
sneckaf
ter
war
ds.

"Youdon'
tfeel
li
kel
eav
ing?
"Heaskedandshedi
sengagedf
rom hi
m.

Shecl
i
mbeddownt
hebedandst
oodi
nfr
ontofhi
m.

"
Why
?"Sheasked.

"
Youdi
dn'
tcomeher
ewi
l
li
ngl
y,y
ouwer
efor
ced,
Iwast
hinki
ngy
ou.
..
.

"
I'
m notl
eav
ing"shei
nter
rupt
ed.

Shesatst
raddl
edonhi
slapsandhuggedhi
mli
ket
hat
.

"
Why
?,Youdon'
tmi
ssy
ourNana?
"Heasked.

"I
'
llgoseeherf
rom t
imet
ot i
mebutI
'
m nev
erleav
ingyou,
Iwannast
aywi
thy
ou"sher
epl
i
ed,
ki
ssinghi
sneckagai
nbutthi
sti
mesheni
bbledonit
.

"
Nisha"hewhi
sper
edandshest
oppedt
olookathi
m.
"
Myt
rai
ningst
art
stommor
owr
ight
?,Gi
mmeener
gizer
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"What
'sener
gizer
?"Heasked.

Shegotof
fhi
m andpul
l
edof
fhersi
ngl
et.

Mer
elyseei
ngherbel
l
ybut
ton,
hel
ostcont
rol
.

"
F*ck"hemut
ter
edandshecamebackt
ohi
m.

Shesatonhi
slapsagai
nandcapt
uredhi
sli
ps.

Hewel
comedherl
i
psonhi
sownandhar
denedi
timmedi
atel
y,car
essi
ngherbel
l
ybut
tongent
ly.

Wav
esonwav
esofpl
easur
ewashedt
hroughherassher
ockedonhi
m.

Thei
rli
psmov
edi
nhar
dsy
ncandt
hei
rbodi
esr
ubbedoneachot
hers*
xil
y.

Pr
incet
on'
shandl
eftherbut
tonandwentf
orherboobs.

Hepull
eddownherbr
ast
rapandwhenherwar
m b*
*bstouchedhi
spalm,hegr
oanedi
n
pl
easur
eandhermoansmixedwi
thi
t,maki
ngt
heatmospheremoret
ense.

Herpal
msr
ubbeddanger
ousl
yonhi
stat
toosandhi
shor
monesshotmassi
vel
y.
Hi
sd*
ckst
ooder
ectonherb*
tty
.

Ther
ingi
ngofhi
sphonemadehi
m st
op.

They
'r
ebot
hbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.

"
Don'
tpi
ck"shewhi
sper
ed.

Hesmi
l
ednaught
il
yandt
ookt
hephone,
it'
sShay
.

Hepi
ckedsl
owl
y.

"
Iwast
oldnott
opi
ck"hesai
dandhungup.
.

Het
hrewt
hephoneacr
osst
hebedandTani
shasmi
l
edwhenhef
acedheragai
n.

Hereat
tachedhi
sli
pst
oher
sandgr
abbedherb*
tt,
car
essi
ngi
tandatt
hesamet
ime,
pressi
ng
i
tonhiserectd*
ck.

Tani
sha'
shandsst
art
edunbol
ti
nghi
sbel
t.

Hebr
oket
heki
ssandsmi
l
ednaught
il
yagai
n.

"
Whendi
dmyd*
ckbecomey
ourener
gizer
?"Heasked.

"
Sincet
hef
ir
stt
imei
hadat
ast
eofi
t"sher
epl
i
edwi
thoutbl
i
nki
ng.
"Andwhendi
dyoubecomeabadass?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

"ThedayIstar
tedfal
l
ingfory
ou"sherepl
i
edandpushedhi
mtot
hebedbuthet
ossedherand
changedposi
ti
on,comingtot
hetop.

"
Iwon'
tst
opev
eni
fyoucr
y"hesai
dser
iousl
y.

"Let
'sf
*ckal
lni
ght
"sher
epl
i
edandPr
incet
onsmi
l
edbef
oregoi
ngf
orherl
i
psagai
n.

Sheresumedunbol
ti
nghi
sbel
twhi
l
ehesl
i
ppedhi
shandunderherni
ght
ie,
pul
l
ingdownher
pant
ies.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:12AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER52&53
 ★★★★★

Er
oti
csceneahead

Tani
shapul
l
edhi
sbel
troughl
youtoft
hel
oopandt
hrewi
tacr
osst
her
oom bef
oregoi
ngf
orhi
s
tr
ouser
s.

Bynow,Pr
incet
on'
sfi
nger
sisonhercl
*t,
rubbi
ngi
tinci
rcl
es,
herbr
eat
hingqui
ckenedev
ery
minut
e.

Sheletgoofhi
str
ouser
sforawhi
l
eandcl
osedherey
esashedr
ovehermor
enut
swi
thhi
s
fi
ngers.

Hecont
inuedr
ubbi
ngci
rcl
esonhercl
*t,
maki
ngherbodyshi
verwi
thonl
ythat
.

Thepleasur
ecomingfrom thati
simmeasurabl
e,i
tlandedheri
nthepool
ofsweet
nessandshe
hadtoholdthesheet
stightasPri
ncet
onrubbedmor efast
.

"
Gosh.
..
.Pr
ince.
..
"Shemoanedsof
tl
y.

"
Idon'
tl
ikesof
tmoansNi
sha"Pr
incet
onwhi
sper
edi
ntoherear
sandr
ubbedherev
enmor
efast
.

Sher
eleasedal
oudmoanandPr
incet
ont
ooki
nherl
i
ps,
kissi
ngherhar
d.

Sher
esumedt
aki
ngof
fhi
str
ouser
sandshewasabl
etot
akei
tof
fcompl
etel
ythi
sti
me.

Hebr
oket
heki
ssandshel
ookeddownathi
sbul
gingl
ong,
thi
ckmemberwhi
l
eherbr
eat
hing
escal
atedagai
n.

Thef
ir
stt
imet
heydi
dthi
s,shewasanov
iceandhadnot
imet
olookt
hatway
.

I
twasonl
ynowsher
eal
i
zedhowt
hickhei
s.

Shel
ockedey
eswi
thhi
m ashesl
i
ppedhi
shandsbehi
ndher
,unhooki
ngherbr
a.

Thei
rey
esst
il
lst
ayedoneachot
herashesl
i
ppedi
tof
f.

Hel
ower
edhi
sheadt
oherchestandki
ssedt
hespacebet
weenherb*
*bs.

Hepushedhergent
lyt
othebed,
placi
nghi
shandatt
hebackofherheadi
npl
aceoft
hepi
l
low.

Hecont
inuedt
raci
ngki
ssesdownt
oherchestt
il
lhegott
oherbel
l
ybut
ton.

Heki
ssedi
tdeepl
y,ni
bbl
i
nggent
lybutseduct
ivel
yoni
t.

Tani
sha'
sgaspsr
ent
edt
her
oom ashedi
d.

Shedi
vedherhandi
ntoherhai
r,cl
osi
ngherey
esagai
nashernet
herr
egi
ont
hrobbed
i
mpati
entl
y.

"
Pri
ncy.
..F*
ckmenow"shemoaned,
herwet
nessdr
ippi
ngont
hebedal
ready
.

Pr
incet
onst
oppedandcamebackt
oher
.
"
Whatdi
dyousay
..
.Ni
sha?
"Heasked.

"
Ineedy
oui
nsi
demeal
ready
,gi
mmepenet
rat
ionpl
ease"shesai
dwi
thpl
eadi
ngey
es.

Pr
incet
onkissedherli
ghtl
yasherhandsf
oundt
heheml
i
neofhi
spant
s,shepul
l
edi
tdownand
hi
sc*ckdancedinfrontofher.

Hel
ookedatherey
esandi
t'
sobv
iousshe'
sdy
ingt
ohav
eiti
nsi
deheral
ready
.

"
Pri
ncy
"shewhi
sper
ed.

"
Nisha"her
epl
i
ed.

Shehel
dhi
sfacedear
ly.

"Whent
hingsget
scr
azy
,pr
omi
senott
opushmeaway
"shewhi
sper
ed,
notbr
eaki
ngt
hei
rey
e
cont
act
.

"Ipr
omi
se"her
epl
i
ed.

"
Promi
semey
ou'
l
lal
way
sbewi
thmeandnotl
eav
emeany
mor
e"shesai
d.

"Ipr
omisetoal
way
sbebesi
dey
ou,
evenwheny
oudon'
tneedme"her
epl
i
edandsheki
ssed
hi
m deepl
y.

Shebr
okei
tandsmi
l
ed.
"
Ilov
eyou"shewhi
sper
edandher
epl
i
edwi
thaki
ss.

Theywentdownt
oget
herandhi
smemberf
oundi
t'
swayi
ntoher
.

Hemadeani
nter
lockwi
tht
hei
rhandsandpi
nnedi
tont
hebedwhi
l
ef*
cki
nghersl
owl
yatf
ir
st.

"
Don'
tgogent
le"shewhi
sper
ed.

"
Don'
tcr
y,j
ustmoanmynameandI
'
llf
*cky
oui
nsanel
y"hewhi
sper
edback.

"
f*ckmehar
d..
.Pr
incy
"sher
epl
i
edandhecov
eredt
hem wi
tht
heduv
et.

Hemadeherb*
*bsf
eel
thewar
mnessofhi
smout
hashemov
edf
asti
nsi
deher
.

Hermoanswer
ebeaut
if
ulandmagi
cal
,maki
nghi
m mor
ehar
dinsi
deher
.

Hergaspsmadehim mor
eener
get
icandhi
smuscl
escont
ract
edandr
elaxedi
nhi
swai
stasher
c*
ntrecei
vedbangsf
rom hi
m.

Hi
stat
toosshoneandhi
sbal
l
smadesl
ammi
ngsoundsasi
thi
tonherent
ranceev
ery
time.

Shekeptl
ooki
ngathi
sey
est
hroughout
.

Thel
ooki
nsi
dei
twhi
chshehasal
way
str
iedt
ounder
standi
sther
eagai
n.
Buti
t'
swar
m andmakesherf
eel
saf
e,shel
ovesi
tsomuch.

Hermoanswentl
ouderev
erymi
nut
eandshepul
l
edhi
m ev
encl
osert
oher
sel
f,hi
sroddr
ivi
ng
heri
nsane.

Heri
nsi
deschur
nedupandherg-
spott
ingl
ed.

"
Ilov
eyou"shewhi
sper
edandwi
denedherl
egsmor
e.

"
Har
derPr
incy
..
..
Ilov
eyourc*
ck"

Pr
incet
onhar
denedt
hebangsandshekeptsmi
l
ingasshemoanedf
orhi
m.

*
***
**

NEXTMORNI
NG,
8PM*
*

Mi
naandSanaj
ustf
ini
shedeat
ingbr
eakf
astandt
hey
'r
eaboutt
ogot
oschool
.

Pr
incet
oncameoutt
othem andsquat
tedi
nfr
ontoft
hem.

Hest
rokedt
hei
rhai
randhuggedt
hem bot
hbef
orepecki
ngt
hem.

"
Dowel
lasusual
"hesai
dandt
heybot
hnodded.

"
Andl
i
keI
'
veal
way
stol
dyoubot
h,don'
teatany
thi
ngf
rom school
,don'
ttakeany
thi
ngf
rom y
our
cl
assmat
es,
eatonl
ythel
unchTani
shapacks"hesai
d.

"Weunder
stand"Sanasai
dandhesmi
l
ed.

"Li
stent
oyourguar
ds"hesai
d.

"
Sur
edad"Mi
nasmi
l
ed.

Hehuggedt
hem agai
nandTani
shaappear
ed.

"
Mum y
oul
ookmor
epr
ett
ythi
smor
ning"Mi
nasai
d.

"Mum?
"Tani
shasai
d,l
ooki
ngatPr
incet
on.

"Dadt
oldust
ost
artcal
l
ingy
oumum andIcan'
tev
enaskf
ormor
e"Sanasai
d.

Pr
incet
ont
ookhi
sseat
,ignor
ingt
hem.

"Wel
ovey
oumum"Mi
nasai
dandshehuggedt
hem bot
h.

"Il
ovey
oubot
hcut
ies"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Seey
ouanddadat3"Sanasai
d.

"
Sur
e,seey
ougi
rl
s"Tani
shasmi
l
edasshel
edt
hem out
.
Theygoti
nthecarandwav
edast
hecarmov
edoutoft
hepal
ace.

Tani
shawentbacki
nandsatonPr
incet
on'
slaps,
kissi
nghi
snose.

"
Standandl
et'
sgot
othet
rai
ninggr
ound"hesai
d.

"
You'
resos*
xy,
sonofawi
tch"shesai
d,t
ouchi
nghi
sar
mtat
toos.

"Ar
eyouuncomf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
hem cal
l
ingy
oumum?
"Heasked.

"Whywi
l
lIbe?
,Mum att
went
y,agr
eatachi
evement
"shesai
dandhesmi
l
edbef
orepul
l
ingher
up.

"Tr
aini
ngt
ime"hesai
d,pul
l
ingheroutoft
hesui
tebuthesuddenl
yst
oppedandl
ookedather
.

She'
swear
ingabum shor
tandacr
opt
opt
hat
'sr
eveal
i
ngherbel
l
ybut
ton.

"
Gochangei
ntoasi
ngl
et"hesai
d.

"
Youdon'
tl
iket
hecr
opt
op?
"Sheasked.

"
Ilov
ewheny
ouwearcr
opt
op"her
epl
i
ed.

"Thenwhyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmet
ochange?
"
"Coswe'
regoi
ngout
"her
epl
i
ed.

"Butt
hoseatt
het
rai
ninggr
oundar
ehumans,
notl
i
ons"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Thef
actt
hatt
hey
'r
ehumansi
sthepr
obl
em,
li
onswoul
dbemor
epr
efer
abl
e"her
epl
i
ed.

"Buty
ousai
dyoul
ovei
t"shesai
d.

"Oki
t'
sugl
y,gochange"her
epl
i
ed.

"
No"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Thent
rai
ningcancel
l
ed"hesai
d.

"Nopl
ease.
.whyar
eyoul
i
ket
hisov
eraf
*cki
ngcr
opt
opIhat
eyou"shesai
d,r
oll
i
ngey
esathi
m
asshewentbacki
n.

Shecamebacki
nasi
ngl
etsomemi
nut
esl
ater
.

"
Happynow?
"Shesai
d.

"
Yeah"her
epl
i
edandgr
abbedherhand,
pul
l
ingheroutoft
hesui
te.

Theygott
othegr
oundandmetVi
gnet
tewi
thBr
ental
ready
,he'
shert
rai
ner
.

Si
err
a,Li
aandShayar
ether
etoo,
wor
kingout
.
Landoni
ssi
tt
ingandwat
chi
ng.

"
Whatar
ewest
art
ingwi
th?
"Tani
shaasked.

"Thegun"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed,
bri
ngi
ngouthi
sgun.

Hef
acedt
hedar
tboar
dandTani
shadi
dsame.

"
Don'tf
idgetwhi
lehandl
ingagunelseyou'l
lmissyourt
arget
,thenwhil
eshoot
ing,
youneedt
o
measurethedi
stanceofyourt
argetandyoursel
fwit
hyoureyes"hesai
d.

"Ok.
..Buti
nwar.
..Wi
l
lIhav
etomeasur
etoo?
"Sheasked.

"I
t'
snotnecessar
y,onl
ywheny
ou'
ret
arget
ingacer
tai
nsomeone"her
epl
i
ed.

"Ok"

"Theny ourlegsshouldbeatmost ,
onemet erapar
tfr
om eachother,
placeyourhandacr
oss
thetri
ggerandt akeaswi f
tlookaty
ourtar
getagainbefor
epull
i
ngi t
"Princet
onsaidandshot
thr
ice,hi
tti
ngt hehead,neckandchest
.

"
Youcandoi
t"Si
err
asai
d,st
oppi
ngt
opatTani
sha.

"Thanksbabe"Tani
shar
epl
i
edasshet
ookt
hegun.

Shesetherl
egsandl
ookedatPr
incet
on,
taki
ngagl
anceatt
her
eassur
ingl
ookonhi
sface.
"
Head,
neck,
chest
"hesai
d.

Shel
ookedbackatt
hedar
tboar
dagai
nandpul
l
edt
het
ri
gger
.

Thebul
l
etf
lewt
otheboar
dandsheshott
wiceagai
n.

Shehi
ttheheadandneckbutmi
ssedt
hechest
.

"
F*ck!
"Li
aexcl
aimed.

"
Thef
ir
stt
imeVi
gnet
teshotagun,
shehi
tthet
hree"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
I'
m sor
ry,
I'
ll
trymor
e"Tani
shar
epl
i
edandt
ookposi
ti
onagai
n.

Sheshotandhi
ttheheadandneckagai
nbutmi
ssedt
hechest
.

Shel
ookedatPr
incet
onandmetcol
dness.

"
Doi
tri
ghtt
het
hir
dti
me,
else.
..
"Hesai
d.

Shet
ookposi
ti
onagai
nandshot
.

Shegott
hechestandneckbutmi
ssedt
hehead.
Pr
incet
onsnat
chedt
hegunf
rom herandshott
het
het
hree.

"Concent
rat
e,don'
tl
ookatmeoranyone,
lety
ourear
sbecomedeaft
oanyot
hersound,
not
evenyourhear
tbeat
s"hesai
dandt
hrewthegunatheragai
n.

Shecaughti
tandwentf
ort
heshootagai
n.

Shet
ookposi
ti
onandcl
osedherey
esf
orawhi
l
e,t
ryi
ngt
omakeherear
sdeaft
oot
hernoi
ses.

Shecoul
dbar
elyhearherhear
tbeatwhensheopenedherey
esandshott
hri
ceatonce.

Shegott
het
hree.

"
Agai
n"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

Sheshotagai
nandhi
tthet
hree.

Shecont
inuedshoot
ingt
het
hreet
il
lsheexhaust
edal
lthebul
l
etsi
nthegun.

Shef
acedPr
incet
onandhel
edhert
oanot
herspot
.

"
Tryhi
tt
ingmewhi
l
eIduck"hesai
d.

Shefol
dedherf
istandwentf
orhi
m butf
orcompl
etet
hir
tymi
nut
es,
shewasn'
tabl
etogethi
m.
Notonce.
"Avoidi
ngpunchesandkicksi
ncludesducki
ng,
bendingsi
dewardsorbackwar
ds,
twi
sti
ngand
swiftsquat
,itdependsonhowthepunchesorkickscome"hesai
dandremovedcov
erfrom a
redhumanmachi ne.

"I
t'
satrai
nermachinebutexper
tinpunchesandki
cks,
hisnamei
sKy
le,
you'
l
lhav
etof
ighti
t"
Pri
ncet
on,thr
owingpunchinggl
ovesforTani
sha.

Shecaughtt
hem andputt
hem on.

Pr
incet
ongotar
emot
eandpr
essedon.

Thehuman-
li
kemachi
nebeepedandbowedaf
ter
war
ds.

"
It
'scomi
ngf
ory
ou"Pr
incet
onsai
dandTani
shal
ookedati
t.

Ky
let
hrewapunchal
readyandi
thi
therf
acehar
d,shef
ell
andbl
edf
rom t
henose.

"
Ouch!
"Shewi
ncedl
oudl
y.

"
Oncey
ou'
rei
nfr
ontofi
t,i
tdoesi
t'
sjob,
becar
eful
soy
ouwon'
tgethi
t"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

Tani
shawi
pedt
hebl
oodonhernoseandst
oodagai
n.

Themer
cil
essKy
lest
art
edt
hrowi
ngf
astpunchesagai
n.

Shegothi
tsev
eral
l
ybef
oreshest
art
edget
ti
ngi
tthenshest
art
edav
oidi
ngbyal
lwhatPr
incet
on
sai
d.
Shewasper
fect
lydoi
ngt
hatt
il
li
trai
sedaki
ck.

Shehel
dthel
egandsqueezedi
t.

"
Geez!
,Ouch!
,Myl
eg!
"Ky
leshout
ed.

"
You'
vebeenhi
tt
ingmesincewest
art
ed,
nowi
t'
smyt
urn"shesai
dandst
art
edhi
tt
ingi
t
r
epeat
edl
yontheface.

Ky
lecr
iedl
oudl
yandPr
incet
onsmi
l
edashewat
ched.

"
ShebeatKy
le?
,Whoa"Li
aappear
ed.

"
Who'
sthef
ir
stper
sont
obeatKy
let
hisy
ear
?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Noonehasbeathi
m"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"
Vignet
tedi
dn'
t?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

"
Kyl
emadeherpassoutwhenhehi
therst
omacht
hri
ceconsecut
ivel
y"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"So,Ni
shai
sthef
ir
sttrai
neet
obeatKyl
ethisyear
"Pri
ncet
onsai
d,l
ooki
ngatTani
shawho'
sst
il
l
punchi
ngKy
lewhi
lethepoormachi
nekeptscr
eaming.

"
Yes,
lucki
l
y..
.may
beshe'
sst
rongert
hanwet
hink"Li
asmi
l
ed.
Vi
gnett
efi
nishedhert
rai
ningsessi
onf
ort
hedayandwentt
oBr
entwho'
swi
pingt
hesweatf
rom
hi
sfaceal
ready.

"
Thanksf
oral
way
shav
ingt
imef
orme"shesai
dshy
ly,
touchi
ngherhai
rsl
i
ght
ly.

"It
'sf
ine,
thefactt
haty
ou'
recat
chi
ngonsoqui
cki
smaki
ngmyi
nter
estst
ronger
"Br
entr
epl
i
ed
andshesmiled.

"Icant
ouchy
our
ight
?"Sheasked.

"
Why
?"Heasked.

"Ij
ustwantto"sher
epl
i
edandwentcl
oser
,shepl
acedherhandonhi
scheekandst
ayedst
il
l,
l
ookingathi
m.

Landonscof
fedf
rom wher
ehe'
ssi
tt
ing,
hest
oodandwal
kedoutoft
hepl
ace.

Hegottohi
ssui
teandwasaboutt
ocr
ashont
hebedwhenhesawherhai
rbandonhi
s
bedst
and.

Hehasactual
l
ydeci
dednott
othr
owi
tawayf
orar
easonhedoesn'
tknowbutr
ightnowhe'
s
f
eel
ingl
ikethr
owi
ngitof
f.

Het
ooki
tandwal
kedoutoft
her
oom.

Hewentt
othebat
hroom andmadet
othr
owi
tint
othet
ubbutsuddenl
yst
opped.
Hel
ookedati
tandf
oldedhi
spal
m oni
tti
ght
ly.

"
Ihat
eher
"hesai
dtohi
msel
fandl
efthebat
hroom.

*
***
**

1PM*
*

WhenPr
incetonst
oppedt
hecari
nfr
ontofabi
gmansi
on,
Tani
shacameoutsur
pri
singl
y,
l
ooki
ngatthehouse.

They'
reheret
ovisi
therNanaandhewassupposedt
odr
ivehert
otheol
dsmal
lhousebutt
he
factt
hatshe'
sseei
ngamansionisconf
usi
ng.

"
Whatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?"Sheasked,
faci
nghi
m.

"Toseey
ourNana"her
epl
i
edandt
ookherhand.

Hewenti
nwi
thherandt
heymetNanasi
tt
ingi
nthel
i
vingr
oom.

"
Nana!
!"Tani
shascr
eamed,
rushi
ngt
ohi
m.

Nanahear
dherv
oiceandl
ookedt
hei
rway
.

"
Tani
sha!
"Shesai
dshar
ply
.
Tani
shacr
ashedonheront
hechai
r,huggi
nghersot
ight
.

"
MyTani
sha"Nanacr
iedj
oyf
ull
y.

"NanaImissedyousomuch, Imi
ssedyouver
ymuch,
somucht hatIdoseey
oui
nmydr
eams
every
day"sherepl
i
ed,f
ight
ingbackhert
ear
sasNanahuggedherti
ghter
.

Pr
incet
onsmi
l
edshor
tl
yashewat
chedt
hem.

Agi
rlcameoutandsmi
l
edwhenshesawPr
incet
on.

"
Your
eal
l
ycameboss"shesai
d.

Tani
shabr
oket
hehugandf
acedher
.

"
She'
sKr
is,Tammy '
sjuni
orsi
s,Tammysentherher
etowor
k,she'
scur
rent
lyi
nit
alywi
tht
hei
r
mum"Pr
incetonsai
d.

"She'
smyage,
arey
out
went
y?"Tani
shaasked.

"Yes,
Itur
nedt
went
ythi
syear
"sher
epl
i
edandTani
shawentcl
oser
.

"Youl
ookal
otl
i
keTammy
,whydon'
tyougot
oschool
inst
ead?
"Sheasked.

"Iat
tendcol
l
ege,
bossenr
oll
edme"Kr
isr
epl
i
edandTani
shahuggedher
.
"Pl
easeal
way
sli
steni
ncl
asssoy
oucandowhat
'sexpect
edofy
ou"shesai
d.

"I
'
llt
rymybestIpr
omi
se"Kr
isr
epl
i
ed.

"She'
llal
waysstaywithNanasoyoudon'
thav
etowor
ry,
anddur
inghercl
asses,
Iempl
oyed
anothergir
lwho'l
lst
ay"Pri
ncet
onsai
d.

Tani
shal
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed,
lov
inghi
m mor
e.

"
I'
ll
cookf
ory
ouNana,
youmusthav
emi
ssedmyf
oodsomuch"Tani
shasai
d.

"Yeah,
thechi
ckenr
iceespeci
all
y"Nanar
epl
i
ed.

"
Youhav
esamef
avor
it
easmyki
ds"shesai
d.

"Your
..
.ki
ds?
"Nanaaskedcur
iousl
y.

"Mynewki
ds"sher
epl
i
edandent
eredt
heki
tchenhappi
l
ywi
thKr
is.

Pr
incet
onsati
nfr
ontofNanaandsher
emov
edhergl
asses.

"
Thanksf
orev
ery
thi
ng"shesai
dandPr
incet
onbowedr
espect
ful
l
y.

"I
t'
shar
dtobel
i
evet
haty
ou'
reZar
a'schi
l
d"shesai
d.
"If
indi
thar
dtobel
i
evet
oo"her
epl
i
edandNanasmi
l
ed.

"Please.
..
.takecareofourTani
sha,youshoul
dhavefoundoutt
hatshegetsscar
edanyni
ghti
t
rai
nsandt here'
sthunderorl
i
ghteni
ng,pl
easealway
sstaywit
hher"shesai
d.

"Iwi
l
l"her
epl
i
ed.

"It
rusty
ou,
and.
..
.yousee.
..
.abouthermum.
..
..act
ual
lyshe'
sinthi
sSi
ngapor
e,shehasalway
s
wantedt
omeethermum andknowwhoshei sbutherdadneverwant
edthat
"Nanasaid.

"Why
?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Theyseparatedcosofherstubbornness,hewasagai
nstherprofessi
oncositalway
stookal
l
hertimeandshenev erhadtimefortheirki
dwhenshegavebir
th,thatcausedalotof
argumentsandshesuggest edmarriageannul
ment,
theydeci
dedtodot hatandthecour
t
agreedtolethergowiththechi
ldsinceshewasstil
lbr
eastf
eedinghim"Nanasaid.

"Hi
m?"Pr
incet
onsai
dconf
usedl
y.

"Thest
oryi
sconf
usi
ngbuti
fonl
yyoucoul
dfi
ndt
hemot
her
,she'
sadoct
or,
doct
orMat
il
da"
Nanasai
d.

*
***
**

MATI
LDASPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TAL*
*

Doct
orMat
il
daopenedt
hedoort
oZar
a'swar
dandwenti
nregal
l
y.
Shegott
oherbedandcheckedherv
ital
s.

"
She'
srecuper
ati
ng"shesai
dandsmi
l
edbef
orel
ooki
ngatZar
adanger
ousl
y.

Shel
ookedatt
heguar
dssur
roundi
ngt
hewar
dandsi
ghed.

"
Vacat
ethi
swar
d"sheor
der
ed.

"
Howcouldyougi
vesuchor
der
?,Weneedt
opr
otectgodmot
herbyst
ayi
ngwi
thher
,weai
n'
t
l
eav
ing"Spar
ksai
d.

"Youcanpr
otectherbuty
oucoul
dn'
tsav
eher
,it
'ssomehowf
unny
"Mat
il
dasmi
l
ed.

Spar
kdr
ewhisgunbutimmedi
atel
yhepoi
ntedi
tather
,Mat
il
dar
aisedherheel
stoi
t,swi
ft
ly
ki
cki
ngt
hegunfrom hi
m.

Thegunf
lewi
ntheai
rti
l
litgott
oher
.

Shecaughti
tandai
medf
orSpar
k.

Theot
herguar
dsai
medf
orhert
oo.

"
Youknowbet
tert
hant
otr
yshi
t,y
ou'
l
lbewast
ed"Spar
ksai
d.

Mat
il
dahel
dtheoxy
genmaskonZar
a'snose.
"Shoul
dImakeherst
opbr
eat
hingt
hen?
"Shesai
d,l
ooki
ngatt
hem wi
that
ri
ckysmi
l
e.

Spar
kfel
tli
kei
t'
susel
esst
radi
ngwor
dswi
thhersoheor
der
edal
ltheguar
dst
ogoout
.

Theyl
eftandMat
il
dat
hrewt
hegunbackt
oSpar
k.

"
I'
vebeenpr
epar
ingf
ort
hecomi
ngmomentf
orl
ong,
noguncanf
reakme"shesai
d.

"Ij
ustneedt
osaysomet
hingt
oherpr
ivat
ely
"shecont
inuedandSpar
klef
tthewar
drel
uct
ant
ly.

Shef
acedZar
aandsmi
l
ed,
hol
dingherunconsci
ousf
ace.

"
You'vealway
sbeenagoodactress,r
ightf
rom t
hewhi
tebust
haty
ear
..
.Wheny
oust
olewhat
's
mine"shesai
dandletgoofherface.

"Youhav
etowake.
..
.andhandov
erwhat
'smi
ne.
..
elseI
'
llki
l
lyou"shewhi
sper
edandl
aughed
mocki
ngl
y.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:12AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER54&55
 ★★★★★

THREEDAYSLATER,
MCFPALACE*
*

GENERALKI
TCHEN*
*

"
Landonsai
dyouwer
esay
ingsomet
hingaboutsecr
ets"Pr
incet
onsai
d,st
eppi
ngi
n.

LadyMacbet
hlookedupf
rom whatshewasdoi
ng.

"
Pri
ncet
on"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Youseem t
oknowal
otaboutt
hispl
ace"hesai
d.

LadyMacbet
hcamecl
oserandPr
incet
onsmi
l
ed.

"
I'
vebeenher
eev
enbef
oreLandonwasbor
n"shesai
d.

Pr
incet
onar
chedabr
ow.
"
Meani
ngy
ou'
vebeenher
eforl
ongert
hanIt
hought
"hesai
d.

"
Iknowt
heexactdayy
ourdad.
..
.godf
atherFar
ri
sdi
ed"shesai
d.

"
Howdi
dhedi
e?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Nobodyknows,Zarajustsuddenl
ybroughtt
henewst hatwelostt
hegodfat
heroft
hispal
ace,
noonesawhi scorpseandZar asai
dshe'l
lbetheonl
yonewho' l
lburyhi
m,shehi
dhisdead
bodyfrom ev
eryoneelseperhaps.
..
sheburi
edhim al
one"LadyMacbethsai
d.

"
Shet
oldIandmysi
bli
ngst
hatdadwaski
l
ledbyG-
Dragon'
sfat
her
..
.Venom"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Venom andFar
riswer
emor t
alenemi
eswhentheywerest
il
lal
ivebut
..
..
.Venom wasnomatch
forFarr
issoVenom al
way
sav oi
dedhi
m,sayi
ngthatVenom ki
l
ledFar
ri
si snotmaki
ngany
sense"LadyMacbethr
epl
ied.

"
So.
..anot
herper
sonki
l
leddad?
,Whydi
dmot
herl
i
eandwhoki
l
ledVenom?
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Zar
aki
l
ledVenom"l
adyMacbet
hsai
dandPr
incet
on'
sey
eswi
dened.

"
F*ck"

"ThedayVenom died,
Irememberseei
nggodmot
herent
eri
ngthispal
acewithbl
oodyhandsand
face,
sheenter
edhersuiteandwhenshecameoutanhourl
ater
,sheannouncedFar
ri
s'
sdeath"
LadyMacbethsaid.

"
F*cki
ngconf
usi
ng,
didy
ouseedadt
hatcer
tai
nday
?"Pr
incet
onasked.
"
Yes,
godf
athercamet
oseemet
hir
tymi
nut
esbef
oreZar
acamebacki
nbl
ood"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
So.
..f
atherdi
dn'
tl
eav
ethi
spal
acet
hatday
?"

"
Ican'
tsay
,Idunnoi
fhel
eftt
hepal
aceaf
tercomi
ngt
oseeme"

"
Andwhywoul
dhecomet
oseey
ou?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

"
I.
..
.I
..
.wassomehowcl
osewi
th.
..
wit
hhi
m"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Close?
"

"
Yes,
somehow"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
SoZaraki
l
ledG-Dragon'
sfather
,butshetol
dusG- Dr
agon'sf
atherki
l
ledourf
ather
,whatot
her
l
i
edidshetel
lI'
m goi
ngcrazyhere!
,F*cki
ngcrazy
!"Heyel
led.

"Youneedtobecar ef
ulPri
ncet
on,protectyoursi
bli
ngsespeci
all
yLandon,pleasepr
otectour
Landon,shewon'thesi
tat
etoeliminat
ehim whent heti
mecomes, andyou.
..whenshef eel
s
you'
renomor euseful
,shewon'thesit
atetokil
lyoutoo"shesai
d.

"
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"Pr
incet
onasked,
goi
ngcl
oser
.

Tear
srushedoutofLadyMacbet
h'sey
es.

"
AndTani
sha,
I'
m suspi
ciousbutI
'
myett
oconf
ir
m mysuspi
cions,
andabouty
ourki
ds,
Mina
andSana.
..
.they
'r
emor
ethanwhatyouknow,
Zarahasaloti
nherhandst
ouseagainsty
ou
whentheti
mecomes,i
nhersui
tet
oo"shesai
d,sni
ff
ingasmoret
earscameoutofhereyes.

"
Stopconfusingmewoman!
,Whatt
hehel
lar
eyousay
ingaboutNi
shaandmygi
rl
s!"Hey
ell
ed
wi
thredcuriousey
es.

LadyMacbet
hsatdej
ect
edl
y.

"Zaraisnothuman,shewasdr awnoutfrom thepi

tofhell,
justprotectall
youhavetopr otect,
everyt
hingwil
lstar
tbecomingclearwhenshecomesback, butatthesamet i
meit'
l
lbet ough,
she'l
lalwayshav
eherway ,she'
lltr
ytopull
youandLandonapar tagain,pl
easedon'
tall
owher ,
staywithLandonandprotecthim,sayi
nghe'sweakisn'
twr ong,he'
st heweakesti
nt hi
spal ace,
don'tal
lowZaratohavethelastlaugh,
bestrongandfighttil
ltheend"shesaid.

"
Stopt
alki
ngi
npar
abl
es"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
AndaboutAv
a..
..
she'
snotasbadasy
out
hink"l
adyMacbet
hsai
d.

Pr
incet
onangr
il
ypushedherawayf
rom t
hest
ool
andshef
ell
ont
hegr
ound.

"
Sinceyou'r
enotreadytosayal
lwhatyouknow,
stoptal
ki
nginpar
abl
esi
t'
sannoy
ing!
"He
y
elled,
breathi
ngheavi
lywhil
ehol
dinghi
sheadfr
ustr
ati
ngly
.

Hest
ormedoutoft
heki
tcheni
nfur
yandl
adyMacbet
hcont
inuedcr
ying.

Shebr
oughtoutFar
ri
s'
spi
ctur
efr
om herpocketandhuggedi
ttoherchest
.

"
Whydi
dyouhav
etodi
e!!
"Shecr
ied.
*
***
*

Pr
incet
oncal
l
edSi
err
aonhi
swayt
oZar
a'ssui
teandshemethi
mther
e.

"
Hackt
hedoor
"hesai
d.

Wi
thouthesi
tat
ing,
Sier
raconnect
edherdev
icef
rom herphone.

Shepr
essedandt
apf
astandwi
thi
ntwomi
nut
es,
thedoorbeepedgr
een.

Theywenti
ntoget
herandev
eni
fthedev
ilher
sel
fisn'
ti
n,t
hepl
acescent
sli
kehel
l
.

Hel
lwon'
tst
opbei
nghel
lj
ustbecauset
hedev
ill
eft
.

Hewal
kedar
ound,
looki
ngatev
ery
thi
ngcar
eful
l
yint
hel
arger
edl
i
vingr
oom.

Foral
mostanhour
,he'
sst
il
ll
ooki
ngar
ound.

Heent
eredherr
oom af
ter
war
dsandt
hesmel
lofchampagnef
il
ledhi
snose.

Hesear
chedf
oranysuspi
cioust
hingbutst
il
lfoundnone.

Thenherr
est
rooms,
bat
hroom,
hercl
oset
s..
..
Herv
isi
blet
rapr
ooms.

Her
emov
edal
lthef
rameshesawont
hewal
lbutst
il
lfoundnot
hingbehi
ndt
hem.

"
Smar
ty-
pant
s"hesai
d,comi
ngt
oast
andst
il
l.

Hei
nhal
edandf
acedSi
err
a.

"
Icannowaskwhaty
ou'
rel
ooki
ngf
or"shesai
d.

"
Let
'sgo"her
epl
i
edandl
eftt
hesui
tewi
thher
.

*
***
***
*

TRAI
NINGGROUND*
*

Tani
shaj
ustf
ini
shedherev
eni
ngt
rai
ning.

Shesuggest
edt
heyaddev
eni
ngssoshe'
l
lcat
chonf
ast
er.

Pr
incet
oni
shert
rai
neri
nthemor
ningbutLi
aisherev
eni
ngt
rai
ner
.

"Seri
ousl
yyou'
real
mostinVignett
e'slev
el,
ifshewasn'
tasol
dier
'sdaught
er,
you'
dhav
e
outsmart
edherbynow"Liasaid,
wipinghersweat.

"
Onascal
eofonet
ohundr
ed,
howmuchwi
l
lIget
?"Tani
shaasked.
"You'
resti
l
latfi
ft
ybuttr
ustmey ou'
refast,Imean.
..t
hisi
sjustthet
hir
dday,youbeatKy l
eand
youcanhandlegunsperf
ect
lyal
ready,you'r
egoodatguidi
ngandblockingpunches,you'
regood
atfl
ippi
ngtooandyourki
ckisfi
re,wi
thinjustt
hreedays?,
You'r
eawesome"Liar epl
i
ed.

"Ij
ustneedtobemor
eser
iousaboutt
hepunchl
essonsandt
heel
bowhi
ts,
andt
hekni
fet
oo"
Tanishasai
d.

"
I'
m sur
eyou'
l
lsoonbeabadasspr
o"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"
Iser
iousl
ycan'
twai
t,Iwannai
mpr
essmyPr
incy
"sher
epl
i
edandLi
agi
ggl
ed.

"
Hel
ovesqui
ckl
ear
ner
s,I
'
m sur
ehe'
l
lbel
ovi
ngy
oumor
eandmor
e"Li
asai
d.

"
Yout
hinkhel
ovesme?
"Tani
shaaskedcur
iousl
y.

"
Can'
tyousee?
,He'
smadl
yint
oyou,
don'
ttel
lmey
ouneedasoot
hsay
er"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"
Buthenev
ersay
shel
ovesmet
ooany
timeIt
ell
him Il
ovehi
m"

"
Youknowt
hest
uffabouthi
sex,
may
behe'
sst
il
lscar
ed"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Ijustwannaheari
tfr
om hi
m"Tani
shapout
ed.

"
Iknow,
bepat
ient
"Li
awi
nkedandl
eftwhi
l
eTani
shacont
inuedt
rai
ningonherown.

Shest
art
edpunchi
ngt
hepunchi
ngbag,
hit
ti
ngi
twhi
l
eimagi
ningi
tasRei
na.
"
Someonegotbr
ave"Rei
na'
svoi
cesai
d,maki
ngherst
op.

Shel
ookedbackt
oseeRei
nast
andi
ngbehi
ndher
,smi
l
ingt
ri
cki
l
yasusual
.

"
Oh,
thepussy
cati
sal
i
ve"Tani
shasai
dandl
aughedmocki
ngl
yaf
ter
war
ds.

"
Pussy
cat
?"Rei
nasai
d.

"
Yeah,
pussy
cat
"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"YouknowIhat
edy
ouf
ornor
easont
hef
ir
stt
imey
ouent
eredourr
oom att
hesl
avehouset
hat
day"Rei
nasai
d.

"IdunnowhyIsavedyoufrom deat
h,y
oushouldhavej
ustdi
ed..
.Iki
ndoflikedyouat
fir
st.
..
well
..
..may
bebecauseIwassobl i
nd,
toobli
ndtoseeyourevi
lness"Tani
shagl
ared,
goi
ng
closertoher.

"
What
?,Wi
l
lyouki
l
lmenow?
"Rei
nasmi
l
ed.

Tani
shagott
oherandl
eanedi
n.

"
Theguyyouwantsobadl
y,t
heal
phaoft
hispal
ace,
thewi
l
dcati
snowmi
ne,
ionshar
e"she
whi
sper
edint
oReina'
sear
.

Rei
naf
eltl
i
keki
l
li
ngheri
nst
ant
ly.
Tani
shafacedherandsmil
ed,
theki
ndofsmi
l
ethat
'l
lwantt
omakeany
onesendher
somewherefarf
rom ear
th.

"Wef *ckever
ynight,he'salwayssosweet,hehandl
esmej ustt
hewayIwantandwheneverwe
doit,healwaysmakesmewantmor e,
haveyoueverfel
tli
keaqueenwhilef*
cki
ngbef
ore?,
The
answeri snobutme...Ialwaysfeel
li
kethequeenofparadi
sewheneverhe'si
nsi
deme,hi
sli
ps
i
s...
gosh!,Myint
oxication..
.hi
sfi
ngeronmycl *
tisbang!
,Hiswarm mout
honmyn* ppl
esis
always..
..

Rei
nast
art
edwal
ki
ngaway
.

"Nocomebackbabe!,Youneedt
ohearevery
thi
ngI'venott
oldy
ouhowhisd*ckdri
vesme
crazy
!,Pussy
catcomeback!
,Shi
tt
ygi
rl
!"Tani
shalaughedasRei
nawal
kedfaster
.

Tani
shacont
inuedl
aughi
ngsohar
dthatshehadt
ohol
dthepunchi
ngbagsoshewon'
tfal
l
.

"F*
ckher,tohel
lwit
hher!
,Iwi
shIcouldj
ustst
rangl
eher
!,Damny
ourcr
appyassTani
sha!
"
Reinacussedassheent
eredherapar
tment
.

Sur
pri
singl
y,shemetToywai
ti
ng.

Vi
vii
sn'
tar
ound.

"
Someonef
*ckedt
her
ody
ouwer
esupposedt
of*
ck?
"Toysai
d.

"
Noneofy
ourbusi
ness"Rei
nasnappedandent
eredherr
oom.

Shesmokedangr
il
yasshesatont
hebed.
"Iwi
shIcoul
djustsnuf
fheri
nmynose"shesai
dandt
hrewt
heci
gar
ett
eaway
.

Shest
oodandt
ookof
fhert
op,
thr
owi
ngi
tacr
osst
her
oom.

ThewayTani
shadescr
ibedever
ythi
ngdi
dagoodj
obi
nmaki
ngherf
eel
jeal
ousandr
ightnow
shef
eel
sli
kegett
ingf*
cked.

Shepeel
edof
fhert
rouser
sandst
art
edpaci
ngar
oundt
her
oom t
hatway
.

Shel
i
ght
enedanot
hersmokeagai
nandcont
inuedsmoki
ng.

"godmot
hershoul
dcomebackal
ready
,Ican'
twai
tforhercomebacksoal
lthesewi
l
lend"she
said.

Someonesuddenl
yspankedherassandsheswi
ft
lyl
ookedbackt
oseeToy
.

"Whendidyougeti
n?,
Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngi
nher
eandwhosai
dyoucoul
dspankmyass"
shegl
ared.

Wi
thoutanswer
ing,
Toggr
abbedherandki
ssedherr
oughl
y.

Shecoul
dn'
tresi
st,
notwhenherb*
tchysel
fishor
ny.

Shereci
procat
edandbef
oresheknewi
t,hesl
i
dof
fherundi
esandherb*
*bsendedupi
nthe
middl
eofhispalms.
Hestoppedtheroughki
ssandsqueezedherb*
*bs,
fondl
i
ngwi
thherni
ppl
eswhi
l
esmi
l
ing
naught
il
yather.

Sheopenedhermout
h,r
eleasi
ngheav
ybr
eat
hsashecont
inuedhi
sbusi
ness.

"
So.
..
whatdowedo?
"Toyasked,
squeezi
nghermor
eroughl
y.

Thatonl
yincr
easedherexci
tement
.

"Shutt
hef
*ckupandf
ini
shwhaty
oust
art
ed"sher
epl
i
edandki
ssedhi
m ashar
dashedi
dto
her.

I
nthenextmi
nut
e,hi
str
ouser
ssl
i
ppeddownhi
slegsandshepushedhi
mtot
hebed.

Shecl
i
mbedhi
m andhel
dhi
slongmember
,rubbi
ngherpal
m oni
t.

Toysmi
l
edl
i
keabadboyhei
swhenshef
inal
l
yinser
tedhi
smemberi
nsi
deher
sel
f.

Shesatonhi
m andst
art
edr
idi
ngwhi
l
emoani
ngsol
oud.

"
You'
resof
*cki
nggood"Toygr
oanedunderhi
m.

Rei
na'
sb*
*bsbouncedar
oundherchestassher
odel
i
keanhor
seman.

Thesuddenopeni
ngoft
hef
rontdoormadeherst
op.
Shequi
ckl
ycl
i
mbeddownf
rom hi
m.

"
Gett
hehel
lout
!,Vi
vii
sback"shesai
d.

Toypul
l
eduphi
str
ouser
sandsl
i
ppedoutoft
her
oom whi
l
eRei
nar
ushedi
ntot
hebat
hroom.

*
***
**

"
Hear
dwe'
recl
ubbi
ngt
oni
ght
"Si
err
asai
d,wal
ki
ngi
ntot
hegener
aldi
nni
ngwi
thLi
aandVi
gnet
te.

"
Real
l
y?,
Ther
e'sacl
ubhousei
nher
e?"Vi
gnet
teasked.

"
Ofcour
se,
it'
sbeenl
ongsi
nceIst
eppedi
nther
e"Li
arepl
i
edhappi
l
y.

"
Butwhydi
dLandont
ell
ust
oal
lmeether
e"Si
err
asai
d.

"
Ist
il
ldunnoy
et,
ifi
t'
stoeatt
heni
t'
simpossi
ble"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

Theysati
nthemi
dstofot
her
s.

Apar
tfr
om themainshot
s,t
hepalacest
il
lhasmor
ethanhundr
edgangmember
ssot
hedi
nni
ng
i
salwaysf
ullwhenit
'smeal
time.

"
Rei
na?
,Thatmadgi
rli
sst
il
lal
i
ve?
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d,l
ooki
ngatRei
nawho'
sjustcomi
ngwi
thVi
vi
.

"
She'
sgonnadi
esoonany
way
s"Li
ashr
ugged.
ShayandBr
entcamei
nandt
het
hreegi
rl
shadt
hei
rgazef
ixedont
hem,
star
ingspeechl
essl
y.

Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
edasshest
aredatBr
ent
.

"
Hispi
nkl
i
psandey
es"shet
hought
,fi
nal
l
ylooki
ngaway
.

Shel
ookedatSi
err
aandLi
aandt
racedt
hei
rey
es,
they
'r
ebot
hst
ari
ngatShay
.

Theguysgott
othei
rtabl
eandVi
gnet
tequi
ckl
ypat
tedachai
rbesi
dehersoBr
entwoul
dsi
t
ther
e.

"
Ifoundasi
t"Br
entmout
hedt
oherandsatont
her
ightsi
deofSi
err
a,Shaysatont
hel
eftsi
de.

"
Landoni
snother
eyet
?"Shayasked.

"
No"Si
err
arepl
i
ed

"
Heyev
ery
one!
"Tani
shacamei
n.

"
Alpha'
sbaby
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
Ifeel
speci
al"Tani
shasai
d,t
aki
ngherseat
.

"
Wher
e'swi
l
dcat
?"Br
entasked.
"
He'
scomi
ngwi
thDon"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"
Pri
ncet
onsear
chedgodmot
her
'ssui
tet
heot
hert
imeIdunnowhy
"Si
err
asai
d.

"Mustbebecauseoft
hehiddensecr
etsladyMacbethkeptt
alki
nginpar
abl
esabout
,it
'sf
*cki
ng
annoyi
ng,Imean.
..
sheknowsalotbutshewon'tt
alk"Li
arepl
ied.

Pri
ncetonandLandonenter
edatat i
meandal
mostev
erygi
rli
nthehal
lcomment
edaboutt
hei
r
handsomenessespeci
all
yPrincet
on.

Iwi
shIcoul
djustgetf
*ckedbyt
heal
pha

Iwi
shLandonwasst
il
laf
*ckboy
,I'
dhav
eseducedhi
m.

Pr
incet
oni
ff*
cki
ngs*
xy,
I'
mimagi
ningmy
sel
finbedwi
thhi
m.

"
Justl
ookatTani
sha"Li
asai
dandev
ery
onet
urnedt
hei
rat
tent
iont
oher
.

She'
sgl
ari
ngatev
erygi
rli
nthehal
landherpal
msar
efol
dedi
ntof
ist
sal
ready
.

"
Enough!
!"Sheshout
ed,
hit
ti
ngt
hef
ist
sont
het
abl
e.

Ev
ery
wher
ewentsi
l
ent
.

"
Alpha'
sbabyi
stal
ki
ng"Vi
gnet
tesai
dandev
ery
oneont
hei
rtabl
elaughed.
Vi
gnet
tesuddenl
ysawLandonl
ooki
ngatherbuti
mmedi
atel
ythei
rey
esmet
,hel
ookedaway
.

"
Whyi
sthatd*
ckheadst
ari
ngatme"shemut
ter
ed.

LadyMaccamei
nandwal
kedst
rai
ghtt
othef
ront
.

Ev
ery
onewai
tedf
orwhatshehast
osay
.

"
I'
m sor
ry.
..Li
a"shesai
dandwentonherknees.

"
She'
sher
etoapol
ogi
set
oLi
aint
hepr
esenceofev
ery
one?
"Si
err
asai
d.

"
Iwast
hreat
ened,
Ishoul
dn'
thav
edonei
tbut
..
.I
'
m sor
ry"l
adyMacbet
hcr
ied.

Li
ast
oodandwentt
oher
.

Shepul
l
edherupandwi
pedhert
ear
s.

"
I'
ll
onl
yfor
giv
eyouany
timey
ouagr
eet
otel
lust
hesecr
etsy
ou'
rehi
ding"shesai
d.

"
Huh?
".

*
***
*

8PM,
MCFCLUBHOUSE*
*
Thel
oudsongsi
ndi
cat
edt
hel
i
vel
i
nessoft
hecl
ubhouset
oni
ght
.

Onl
yredl
i
ght
sar
eonandt
hehousei
sfi
l
ledt
othebr
im wi
thgangmember
s.

Pr
incet
oni
ssi
tt
ingwi
thLandonbesi
det
hecount
er,
they
'r
ebot
hwat
chi
ngev
ery
one.

"
Thi
swon'
tl
ast
,thedev
ilwi
l
lwakeupsoon"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Atleast
,theyshoul
denjoyt
hismomentbef
orethatt
imecomes"Landonsai
d,hav
inghi
sgaze
f
ixedonVignett
ewho'scurr
entl
ydanci
ngwi
ththegir
ls.

"
Whyar
eyoust
ari
ngatt
hatsol
dier
'sdaught
er?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

"
Ionl
i
keher
"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"
Nobodyi
ssayingyouli
keher
,thef
actt
haty
ousai
dyoudon'
tl
ikeherwhenIdi
dn'
tev
enaski
s
mor
esuspi
cious"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Shuty
ourt
rap"Landongl
aredanddr
ankf
rom hi
scup.

Agi
rlcameov
er.

"Iwannast
ageast
ri
pshowf
ory
ouboss"shesai
dandPr
incet
onj
ustkeptqui
et,
hedr
ankf
rom
hiscup.

Thegi
rlst
art
edwi
thhert
op,
shet
ooki
tof
fandt
hrewi
tov
erherhead.
"
Looksf
un,
I'
ll
wai
tti
l
lyourpant
sgoof
f"Landonsmi
l
ed,
looki
ngather
.

Tani
shai
slostdanci
ngwi
tht
hegi
rl
sint
hecr
owd.

"
Tani
sha,
ShayorBr
entwho'
smor
ehandsome?
"Li
asuddenl
yaski
ng.

"
Mys*
xyal
pha"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"
Stopt
hecr
azi
nessandj
ustanswermyquest
ion,
ShayorBr
ent
?"Li
asai
d.

"
Brent
"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"
Thanks,
Brenti
sobv
iousl
ymor
ehandsome,
hisey
esandl
i
ps.
..
f*ck"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
Shayi
smor
ehandsome!
"Si
err
aandLi
asai
datat
imeandl
ookedateachot
her
.

Vi
gnet
tewasaboutt
otal
kwhenagi
rlcamer
ushi
ng.

"
Tani
sha.
..Ki
kii
sst
agi
ngast
ri
pshowf
oral
pha"shesai
d.

"
Howdar
eyoucomeher
etoj
oke"Tani
shasai
d.

"
I'
m notj
oki
ngTani
sha,
Kiki
isov
ert
her
e,st
ri
ppi
ngf
orhi
m"sher
epl
i
ed.
Tani
shadr
ankal
lthebeerl
efti
nhercupandgav
ethecupt
oVi
gnet
tebef
orel
eav
ingwi
tht
he
gi
rl
.

Shegott
her
eandt
rul
yther
e'saski
nnygi
rlst
ri
ppi
ng.

Hercl
othesareof
falreadyandshe'
sabouttot
akeoffherpant
snext
,ri
ghti
nfr
ontofPr
incet
on
t
houghhe'snotwatchingbutt
hefactt
hatit
'si
nfr
ontofhim..
..
shebl
ewup.

Sher
ushedt
othesceneandt
appedt
heKi
kigi
rl

Kikif
acedherandTani
shasmi
l
edshor
tl
ybef
orer
aisi
ngherl
egatt
hespeedofl
i
ghtt
oKi
ki
's
face.

Sheki
ckedherf
aceandKi
kif
lewback,
landi
ngont
hecount
er.

Thecr
ashi
ngsoundmadeev
ery
onet
urnedt
othem.

Tani
shawentf
orheragai
nandgr
abbedherhai
r,pul
l
ingherup.

"
Gost
ri
pforsat
ani
nhel
l
,b*
tch!
"Shey
ell
edatherf
aceandpunchedherf
ace.

Shebl
edmassi
vel
yandTani
shaki
ckedhert
ummy
.

Shef
lewt
othebackoft
hecount
er.

"
Tani
sha!
"
"
Tani
sha!
"

Ev
ery
onest
art
edchant
inghername.

Shemadet
ogot
othegi
rlagai
nbutPr
incet
ongr
abbedher
.

"Leav
emeal one!shewasstri
ppinginf
rontofy
ouandy
ety
oucoul
dn'
ttel
lherof
f!
,Ihat
eyou!
!"
Shescreamedstubbornl
y,st
ruggli
ngwit
hhim.

WhenPr
incet
onf
eltshe'
sgonnakeepbei
ngst
ubbor
n,heheapedheronhi
sshoul
der
.

"
Putmedown!
"Sheshout
edashewal
kedoutoft
hecl
ubhouse.

"
Makeme"her
epl
i
ed.

"
We'renotf*cki
ngtoni
ghtIswear!
,Thankful
l
yI '
m onmymenst
ruat
iony
ouf
*cki
ngsonofa
wi
tch!"Sheconti
nuedshouti
ng,
throwingherlegsint
heai
r.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:12AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER56&57
 ★★★★★

Tani
shakeptst
ruggl
i
ngt
il
lPr
incet
ongotbackt
othesui
te.

Heent
eredt
her
oom anddr
oppedheront
hebed.

"
Idon'
tl
ikei
twhent
hathappens,
Ihat
eit
!"Shesai
d,br
eat
hingheav
il
y.

"
Idi
dn'
tl
ookather
,Icl
ear
lydi
dn'
t"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Thef
actt
hatshewasi
nfr
ontofy
oui
sannoy
ing!
"sher
epl
i
ed.

Pr
incet
onsi
ghedandwentf
orast
ickofci
gar
ett
e.

Hel
i
ght
enedi
tandst
art
edsmoki
ng,
tur
ninghi
sbackonher
.

Tani
shaheapedt
hesheet
sonher
sel
f,cov
eri
ngher
sel
fcompl
etel
y.

Pri
ncet
onl
ookedbackatherandwhenhesawhert
hatway
,hedr
oppedt
hesmokeandcamet
o
her
.

Her
emov
edt
heduv
etf
rom herbutshepul
l
edi
tback.

Heremov
edi
tagai
nandshemadet
opul
li
tbackbuthehel
dherhandsandpi
nnedt
hem t
othe
bed.
"
LetmegoIhat
eyou"shesai
d.

"
Stopbei
ngst
ubbor
n"hesai
d,smi
l
ingseduct
ivel
y.

"St
opsmi
l
ingatmyf
acei
twon'
twor
k!"Shesnapped.

"
Sor
ryi
fitmadey
ouj
eal
ousbut
..
.

"
Who' sj
eal
ous?
,I'
l
l j
ustst
opmyf eeli
ngsandqui
tlov
ingy
ouandj
ustl
oveanot
herguy
,ther
ear
e
alotofguy
sinhereanyways"sherepl
ied.

"Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?"Hesai
d,l
ooki
ngi
ntent
lyather
.

"Ij
ustsai
dI'
m gonnast
opl
ovi
ngy
ouand.
..
.

Heat
tachedhi
sli
pst
oher
sbef
oreshecoul
dfi
nish.

Heki
ssedhersohar
dandal
lthewal
l
sofdef
enseshebui
l
droundher
sel
fcr
umbl
edi
mmedi
atel
y.

Sher
espondedi
mmedi
atel
ywhi
l
ehepi
nnedherhandsev
enmor
eti
ght
lyt
othebed.

Hebr
okei
tsl
owl
yandhi
sey
esl
ookedi
ntoher
s,t
heusual
bur
ningone.

"
Youcan'
tst
opl
ovi
ngme"hewhi
sper
ed.
"
Why
?'sheasked.

"You'
redeadi
fyoul
ookatanyguyi
nthi
spal
ace,
andt
hatpar
ti
cul
arguywi
l
ldi
etoo"hesai
d.

Tani
shakeptqui
et,
looki
ngathi
m.

"Noonecant
ouchyout
hewayIdo,
youbel
ongt
ome"hesai
dsof
tl
ybutt
hesof
tnessmadei
t
soundl
i
keadanger
ouswar
ning.

"Then.
..
.doy
oul
oveme?
"Sheaskedexpect
ant
ly,
hopi
ngt
hathe'
l
ltel
lherwhatshewant
sto
hear
.

Heonl
ylayont
hebedt
hent
ossedheront
opofhi
msel
f,maki
ngherst
ayt
her
e.

Conv
ersat
ionended.

Shesl
eptonhi
schestwhi
l
ehehel
dhert
ohi
msel
fpossessi
vel
y.

"
Tel
lmey
oul
oveme"shewhi
sper
ed.

Hecl
osedhi
sey
esandsheheav
ed.

"IloveyouPr
incy"shewhi
sper
edagai
n,l
ooki
ngathi
sli
psandexpect
ingi
ttomov
eandt
ell
her
therepl
ybuti
tdidn't
.

Sher
elent
edanddeci
dedt
ojustsl
eep.
Shecl
osedherey
esandsl
eptof
ffast
ert
hansheexpect
ed.

Pr
incet
onopenedhi
sey
esandpl
acedherbackont
hebedgent
ly.

Hepul
l
edof
fhershoesandsatbesi
deher
,taki
ngt
hepi
eceofhai
rthat
'sonherf
aceaway
.

"I
fIt
ell
yout hat,ar
eyousur eyouwon'
tl
eav
emel i
keAvadid?,Itol
dherIlov
ehercount
less
ti
mesbutstill
,shelef
t.
..
.Ican'
tmakesamemist
aketwi
ce,Idon'twantyoutoleav
eme..
.Nisha"
hesai
d,lay
ingbesideher .

Shei
mmedi
atel
ytur
nedsl
eepi
l
ytohi
m andhuggedhi
m bef
oresl
eepi
ngof
fagai
n.

Heki
ssedherey
esandcl
osedhi
sey
est
oo,
thi
nki
ngaboutwhatgodmot
hermi
ghtbekeepi
ng.

Hi
smi
ndwentbackt
ohi
sencount
erwi
thOzzi
e.

FLASHBACK*
*

"
Goodby
e"Ozzi
esai
d,poi
nti
ngt
hegundi
rect
lyatPr
incet
on'
sfor
ehead.

Pr
incet
oncl
osedhi
sey
es,
count
ingt
her
emai
ningseconds.

Hehasact
ual
l
yunt
iedt
her
opehi
shandswer
eti
edbackwi
th.

Hewasaboutt
ost
andandj
ustendOzzi
e'
sli
fewhenOzzi
esuddenl
ydr
oppedhi
sgun.
"
ButIsomehowpi
tyy
ou"hesai
dandPr
incet
onopenedhi
sey
es.

Ozzi
esmi
l
edsl
owl
y.

"You'
rej
ustat
ool
,you'
l
lbet
hrownawayI
mmedi
atel
yyoul
osey
ourusef
ulness"hesai
d.

"Whatdoy
oumean?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Ki
ll
i
ngyounowwil
lbeawast
e,Il
ovewast
ingl
i
vesoft
hosewhodeser
vei
tbutwhydon'
twe
pl
ayagame?"Hesai
d.

"Whatgame?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"I'
l
lscareZarawit
hy ourdeat
h,youj
usthav
etoplaydead,
wehav eenoughbl
oodtospr
inkleon
yout omakeyoulookdead,IwannaseeZaraangr
yandshocked,
shockingt
hatdev
ilwi
l
l bean
achievement
"Ozziesaid.

"Af
tert
hat
,whathappens?
"Heasked.

"I
'
lll
etyougobutononecondi
ti
on,
findoutZar
a'ssecr
etsandki
l
lhery
our
sel
f"Ozzi
esai
dand
Pr
incet
onsmil
ed.

"Ki
l
lZar
a?,
Whycan'
tyoudot
haty
our
sel
f?"Hesai
d.

"Ever
yoneknowsthatwomanisal
mostani
mmor t
al,
she'
sdi
ffi
cul
ttoki
l
l,onl
ytwopeopl
ear
e
capableofki
l
li
ngher.
..
.You,
andoneot
herper
son"Ozzi
esai
d.
"Who'
sthatoneot
herper
son?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Li
a'
stwi
nsi
s"Ozzi
erepl
i
ed.

"Whatnonsensear
eyout
alki
ngabout
?,Li
acamet
othewor
ldal
one"Pr
incet
ongl
ared.

"Andt hat'
swhyIsaidyouknownot hi
ngabouther!
,Youknownothi
ngaboutyour
selft
oo!,
You
knownot hingaboutt
hatpalace!
,You'
rej
ustl
ivi
ngtherel
i
keanalphawhoknowsnot hi
ngabout
hispack,Ialr
eadysai
dy ou'
reatoolwho'
l
lbethrownawaywheny oulosey
ouruseful
ness!
,You
don'tbeli
eveme?"Ozziesaid.

Pr
incet
onst
aredspeechl
essl
y.

"Meetl
adyMacbet
h,butshewon'
ttal
keasi
l
y,Zar
ahassomet
hingshe'
shol
dingherwi
th"Ozzi
e
sai
d.

"Youev
enknowl
adyMacbet
h?"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Iknowmorethanyouthi
nkaboutthatpal
ace,
IguessZar
atol
dyouguy
sthatG-
Dragon'
sdad
ki
ll
edgodf
atherFar
ri
s"Ozzi
esaid.

Pr
incet
onswal
l
owedhar
d.

"G-
Dragon'
sdad,
Venom i
sdead,
hedi
edsamedayy
ourFar
ri
sdi
edt
haty
ear
"Ozzi
esai
d

Pr
incet
on'
sey
eswi
dened.
"
Enoughoft
hest
oryt
hatt
ouchest
hehear
t"Ozzi
esai
d.

Someofhi
sguy
scamei
nwi
thpai
l
sofani
mal
bloodwhi
chwaspour
edont
hegr
ound

Pr
incet
onsl
eptoni
tandi
twasspr
inkl
edonhi
mtoo.

Hepr
etendedt
ober
eal
l
ydeadandhi
spi
ctur
eswer
esnapped.

"
Thi
sshoul
dbeenought
oscar
etheal
might
yZar
a"Ozzi
esmi
l
edandf
acedPr
incet
on.

"Avengemydaught
er'
sdeat
hbyki
l
li
ngZar
awi
thi
ntwomont
hs!
,I
fyouf
ail
,I
'm comi
ngbackt
o
kil
lyou"hesai
d.

Hel
eftt
hepl
aceandhi
sguy
sfol
l
owedhi
m.

Pri
ncet
oni
nhal
edl
oudl
y,t
hinki
ngaboutwhathej
usthear
d,i
t'
sal
lsoconf
usi
ngandi
t'
sshocki
ng
too

Acarsuddenl
ybr
oket
hewal
l
sandcr
ashedi
ntot
hepl
ace.

Tammycameoutofi
tandr
ushedt
ohi
m

"Bossar
ey ouok?,
Igotsuspi
ciouswhenIsawthoseguy
srushi
ngsomeoneint
othecar,
pret
endi
ngl i
ket
hey'
retaki
nghimtothehospi
tal
,Iknewi
t'
syouwhenIsawyourfi
ngert
attoos,
I
hadtofol
low"shequickl
ysai
d.

"I
'
mfi
ne,
thanks"her
epl
i
eddr
yly
,st
andi
ngup.
"What
'sup?
,Whydi
dtheyt
akey
ou?
,Thosear
ekaf
fyf
ather
'sgangr
ight
?"Sheasked.

"Yeah,
west
uckadeal
"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Deal
?'

"
Youdon'
thavet
oworryaboutt
hat,
Ineedtogobackt
oSi
ngapor
etoday
,Icanst
il
lcat
chup
wi
thmyfl
ight
"hesai
d,goi
ngint
othecar.

Shehoppedi
ntooandhezoomedr
oughl
youtoft
hepl
ace.

"
Canmyj
uni
orsi
scomet
oSi
ngapor
e?"Shesuddenl
yasked.

"
Why
?"

"
Sheneedst
ochangeenv
ironment
,I'
l
lst
aywi
thmum"sher
epl
i
ed.

Pr
incet
on'
smi
ndwentt
oNanaandhesi
ghed.

"May
bey
ouaskedatt
her
ightt
ime"hesai
d.

ENDOFFLASHBACK*
*

Pr
incet
onsi
ghedandcl
osedhi
sey
es.
"
Wakeupf
astZar
a,y
ouhav
eal
ott
otal
kabout
"het
hought
.

*
***
**

BACKI
NTHECLUBHOUSE*
*

"Tani
shai
scr
azy
"Si
err
alaughed,
set
tl
ingdownonat
abl
ewi
thLi
aandVi
gnet
te.

"
Iknowr
ight
?,Butany
oneel
sewoul
dbej
eal
ousbutPr
incet
oni
scr
azyt
oo"Li
agi
ggl
ed.

"Heknowi
ngl
ydi
dn'
tchaseKi
kiawaysohecoul
dseet
hissi
deofTani
shaIguess"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"It
hinksot
oo,
andhegotwhathewant
ed"Si
err
arepl
i
edandRei
nacameov
ert
othei
rtabl
e.

"
Heygi
rl
s"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Bounce"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
Ijustwannahav
efunwi
thy
'al
l
,ist
hatanabomi
nat
ion?
"Rei
nasai
d.

"I
t'
snotanabominati
ontohav
efunwi
thagi
rlbuthav
ingf
unwi
thab*
tchl
i
key
ouwon'
tbef
un
don'
tyout
hink?
"Sier
rarepl
i
ed.

"Youseem t
ohat
emef
ornogoodr
eason"Rei
nasai
d.

"Don'
tyouhat
emet
oo?
"Si
err
asai
d.
"
It
'smut
ual
"Rei
nasmi
l
ed.

"
Thenf
*ckof
fandst
opt
ryi
ngt
ofool
your
sel
f!
"Li
ayel
l
ed.

"Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Vi
visai
d,appear
ingf
rom behi
nd.

"Justt
ryi
ngtosayhitot
hedogsbuttoobaddogsdon'
tli
kehiagai
nthesedays,
theywer
eal
l
bei
ngcranky
"Reinasai
dandVignet
tegrabbedt
hecupofbeeri
nfrontofher
.

Shest
oodandpour
edi
tonRei
na'
sfacebef
orepunchi
ngherf
ace.

Rei
nawi
pedherf
acewi
thherhandandf
acedher
.

"Youj
ustmadeamistake"shesai
dandmadet
opunchVi
gnet
tebutVi
gnet
tebentback,
the
punchfl
yi
ngacr
ossinfrontofher
.

Reinakepthersecondhandl
owandI
mmedi
atel
yVi
gnet
test
oodupr
ight
,shepunchedheron
thenose.

Vi
gnet
tebl
edf
rom t
henoseandwhenshet
ouchedhernoseandsawt
hebl
ood,
shef
acedRei
na.

"
I'
m st
art
ingf
orr
eal
rightnow"shesai
dandwentf
orRei
na.

Ev
ery
onesur
roundedt
hem t
owat
ch,
thecl
ubhouset
urnedt
oaf
ight
ingangl
e.

Rei
na'
str
aini
ngsseemst
ohav
ehel
ped,
shei
mpr
ovedal
otandwasabl
etor
etur
nal
otof
Vi
gnet
te'
shi
ts.

Theybeateachot
hert
il
ltheybot
hbl
edal
l
-ov
ert
hef
ace.

Landonf
oldedhi
sfi
stf
rom wher
ehe'
ssi
tt
ingat
,wat
chi
nguncomf
ort
abl
y.

"B*
tch!
,Youthi
nkeveryonewil
lbeyourdogbecauseyou'r
easol di
er'
sdaughter
?,Yourdadwas
aspyinThai
land,
hewassni t
chingonhisowncountr
y,isn'
tthatwhyheleftThai
landwit
hyou
andrantohi
dehere?"Reinar
anhermout hnonst
op.

"Thi
sist
hehei
ghtofi
t"Li
asai
d.

Vi
gnet
tebecameweakandst
aredatRei
napower
lessl
y.

Rei
nal
aughedl
oudl
y.

"
Oh,
sonowy
ou'
respeechl
ess?
"Rei
namocked.

"
Mydadi
snotaspy
!,Hewatsabot
aged!
"Vi
gnet
tesai
ddef
ensi
vel
y.

"Thenwhydidher unt
oSi
ngapor
ewhenhewasn'taspywhosnit
chedonhisowncountr
y?,And
nemesiscaughtupwit
hhi
m,hediedoff
*cki
ngcancer
!Goodr
iddance"Rei
nal
aughedbutthe
l
aughterdi
dn'tl
ast
.

Si
err
awasaboutt
ost
epi
nwhenLandonst
eppedi
n.

Hegr
abbedRei
na'
shai
randpushedhert
othet
abl
e.
Shecr
ashedononeoft
hechai
rsandLandonpunchedherf
aceheav
il
y.

Shespitbl
oodimmediat
elyandwasunabl
etof
ightback,
notwhenPr
incet
onwar
nedev
ery
one
tot
reatLandonwi
threspectt
oo.

"
Howdar
eyousaywhaty
ouknownot
hingabouti
nthatmanner
"hedemanded.

Rei
nal
ookedathi
m wi
thoutspeaki
ng.

Vi
gnet
ter
ushedoutoft
hepl
acewhi
l
eSi
err
aandLi
arushedaf
terher
.

"
Any
timey
ou'
recaughtsay
ingsuch,
you'
l
lbedead.
..
.dead"Landonsai
d.

"I
'
m sor
ry.
..
.mast
er"Rei
nasai
dsl
owl
y.

Landonl
ethergoandl
eftt
hecl
ubhouset
oo.

"
Iknowt
hatf
eel
i
ng,
she'
l
lbesohur
t"Br
entsai
d.

"Rei
nai
sab*
tch,
abi
gone"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

Theyl
eftt
hehouset
ooandVi
vipul
l
edRei
naupf
rom t
hechai
r.

"
Itol
dyouthetr
aini
ngwil
lgowell
,you'
recl
oset
obeati
ngVignet
te,
andnowy ouhavetof
inda
waytopr
ovokeTanishat
oo,Iwannaseewho'
sthebossbet
weenyoutwo"shesaid.
Rei
nasmi
l
edatVi
viandVi
vil
eftwi
thher
.

*
***
***

NEXTDAY,
PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Tani
shawokeupt
ofi
ndanempt
yspacebesi
deher
sel
f.

Shesear
chedwi
thherhandbutcoul
dn'
tfi
ndPr
incet
on.

Sheopenedherey
esandsawhe'
str
ulygone.

"
Wher
edi
dhego?
"Shewonder
ed,
sit
ti
ngup.

Shecheckedt
het
imeonherphoneandherey
eswi
denedwhenshesawi
t'
ssomemi
nut
esaf
ter
8.

"
Theki
ds!
"Shegaspedandgotof
fbedasf
astaspossi
ble.

Sher
ushedoutoft
her
oom andmetPr
incet
onatt
hedi
nni
ng,
mixi
ngsomet
hingi
nacup.

Shemadet
orushi
ntot
heki
dsr
oom .
..

"
They
'r
eont
hei
rwayt
oschool
alr
eady
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandshest
opped.
"Oh.
..
.Isee"sher
epl
i
edandst
oodst
il
l.

Pr
incet
onst
oppedwhathe'
smi
xi
ngandcamet
oher
.

Hepul
l
edhert
othedi
nni
ngr
oom andmadehersi
t.

Hewasact
ual
l
ymi
xi
ngacupofcof
fee.

Hehandedt
hecupt
oherandshet
ooki
tgent
ly.

"
Whatshoul
dIdowi
thi
t?"Sheasked.

"
Wety
ourf
acewi
thi
t"her
epl
i
edsar
cast
ical
l
yandshesmi
l
edbef
oredr
inki
ngf
rom i
t.

"
Lookatme"hesai
dandshef
acedhi
m.

Hel
eanedi
nandki
ssedherl
i
ght
ly.

"
I'
m sor
ryaboutl
astni
ght
,nogi
rlwi
l
ldot
hati
nfr
ontofmeany
mor
e,Ipr
omi
se"hewhi
sper
ed.

"Il
ovey
ouPr
incy
"sher
epl
i
edandher
eat
tachedt
hei
rli
pst
oeachot
her
.

Theyki
sseddeepl
yandwhenhebr
okei
t,hesmi
l
ed.

"
Ilov
eyoursmi
l
e,butl
eti
tbef
oronl
yme"shesai
d.
"
Ionl
ysmi
l
efory
ou"her
epl
i
edandshehuggedhi
m.

"Dr
inkt
hecof
feeandl
et'
sgoy
ourt
rai
ning"hesai
d.

Shebr
oket
hehugandpour
edt
hecof
feedownhert
hroat
.

"Done"shesai
d.

"
Come"hesai
dandt
ookherhand,
leadi
ngherbacki
ntot
her
oom.

Heopenedt
hedr
aweront
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
eandgotahai
rband.

Het
urnedherbackt
ohi
msel
fandheapedherhai
rupi
ntohi
spal
m bef
orebandi
ngi
t.

"
Done,
let
'sgo"hesai
d.

"
Shoul
dIbr
aidy
ourhai
rfory
ou?
"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Nextt
ime,
notnow"hesai
d,dr
awi
ngheroutoft
her
oom.

Theyl
eftt
hesui
tef
ort
het
rai
ninggr
ound.

ANHOURLATER,
TRAI
NINGGROUND*
*
"
Shoot
!"Pr
incet
onor
der
edandTani
shashott
wel
vebot
tl
esr
ound,
notmi
ssi
ngone.

"
Shoot
!"Heor
der
edagai
nandshewentf
ort
hehangedappl
es.

Sheshott
het
wel
vewi
thoutmi
ssi
ngany
.

"
Shoot
!"Heor
der
edagai
nandsheshott
hegr
apesal
lround.

Shef
acedhi
m af
tershoot
ingi
tal
l
.

Het
hrewherakni
feandshecaughti
t.

"
Got
oKy
le"heor
der
edandshewal
kedt
othemachi
ne.

Shepr
essedt
her
emot
ebyher
sel
fandi
tcameon.

"
Ify
ou'
reabl
etost
abhi
m wi
thi
nthr
eemi
nut
es,
you'
l
lgett
enmor
epoi
nts"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

Tani
shaswi
ft
lyst
art
edt
hef
ightwi
tht
hemachi
ne,
blocki
nganddef
endi
ng.

Hi
tt
ing,
punchi
ngandki
cki
ng.

ThoughKy
lehi
thert
oobutTani
shagott
heupperhand.

Shesweat
edl
i
kecr
azyandherbr
eat
hingkeptescal
ati
ng,
Kyl
eissur
elynotasof
ti
etoo.
"
Fif
tysecondsl
eft
"Pr
incet
onsai
d,l
ooki
ngatt
het
imer
.

Tani
shabr
acedup,
thr
owi
ngf
astpuncheswhi
l
etr
yingt
oshov
ethekni
fei
ntoKy
le'
sbody
.

Ky
leav
oidedi
tal
landatapoi
nt,
ithi
tthekni
feawayf
rom her
.

"
Twent
ysecondsl
eft
"Pr
incet
onsai
dandshequi
ckl
ywentf
ort
hekni
fe.

Shecamebackt
oKy
leandr
esumedcombat
.

"
Tensecondsl
eft
".

Tani
shaswi
ft
lygr
abbedKy
le'
sar
m andf
li
ppedi
tov
erhershoul
der
s.

Ky
lel
andedont
hegr
oundandi
t'
shandf
lewof
f.

"
Fiv
esecondsl
eft
"

Tani
shafl
i
ppedthekni
feinherhandstyl
i
shl
ybef
oresi
tt
ingonKy
le,
shedi
vedi
tint
oit
'schest
andi
tbeepedr
edfrom t
hestabbedarea.

"
Hel
p!,
Hel
p!"Ky
leshout
edandTani
shal
ookedatPr
incet
onasshegotupf
rom i
t.

"
Thr
eemi
nut
esgone"hesai
dandshesmi
l
edathi
m.
Hewal
kedt
oherandgr
abbedherwai
stt
ohi
msel
f.

"
Yourt
enpoi
nts"hesai
dandsl
ammedhi
sli
psonher
sri
ghtt
her
e,maki
ngev
ery
onehai
l
.

Landonsmi
l
edshor
tl
y.

"
He'
ssomet
hingel
se"het
hought
,tur
ningt
ogo.

HesawVi
gnet
tecomi
ngwi
thLi
aandSi
err
a.

Hedeci
dedt
oignor
eherandj
ustgobutshebl
ockedhi
m.

"
What
?"Heasked.

"
Don'
ti
nter
fer
einany
thi
ngconcer
ningmeany
mor
e,Icanf
ightf
ormy
sel
f"shesai
dser
iousl
y.

Landonkeptqui
et.

"Beat
ingRei
nacosofmel
astni
ght
,Ihat
eit
"shesai
dandst
eppedcl
oser
.

"Ihat
eyou,
anddoi
ngt
hingsIdon'
tl
ikewi
l
lonl
ymakemehat
eyoumor
e"shesai
dandmadet
o
go.

Landonpul
l
edherbackandsher
eleasedher
sel
ffr
om hi
m.

"
Don'
tev
ert
ouchmeany
mor
e!,
Don'
tcomenearme!
"Shesnappedandl
eft
.
Landonwal
kedoutoft
hepl
acesl
owl
y.

Si
err
arushedaf
terherandLi
amadet
orushaf
terLandont
oo.
..

Shest
umpedonast
oneandal
mostf
ell
butanhandgui
dedherbackt
oherf
eet
.

"
Car
eful
"Br
entsai
d,l
ett
inghergo.

"
Thanks"Li
asmi
l
edandwentt
oLandon.

Shebl
ockedhi
m.

"
Don'
ttakeherwor
dst
ohear
t,she'
sst
il
lagi
tat
ed"shesai
d.

Landont
ookt
heot
herwayandl
eftqui
etl
y.

*
***

THREEDAYSLATER(THREEWEEKSSI
NCEZARAWENTI
NTOCOMA)

MATI
LDASPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TAL*
*

Zar
a'sf
inger
smov
edf
ir
st.
Foranot
hermi
nut
e,not
hinghappenedagai
n.

I
nthenextmi
nut
e,herey
eli
dsmov
ed.

I
tmov
edagai
nandagai
nandherf
inger
smov
edagai
ntoo.

Het
oesshookandherbr
owsshi
ft
edsl
i
ght
ly.

Herl
i
dsmov
edagai
nandherey
esswi
ft
lyopened.

Shest
aredatherenv
ironmentf
orawhi
l
eandwhenshegott
hei
deaofwher
eshei
s,she
spr
angedup.

Spar
kmov
edcl
oseri
mmedi
atel
y.

"
godmot
her
"hesai
dsur
pri
singl
y.

Zar
alookedupathi
m wi
thr
edr
esent
ful
eyes.

Hequi
ckl
ybowedwi
tht
heot
herguar
ds.

"
Wel
comebackgodmot
her
"theychor
used.

Zar
ast
oodandwal
kedr
oundt
hewar
d,l
ooki
ngar
ound.

Shest
oppedatapoi
ntandf
acedt
heguar
dswhoar
est
il
lbowi
ng.
"
Yeah,
I'
m back"shesmi
l
ed,
rol
l
ingherey
es.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:12AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER58&59

★★★★★

"
Yeah,
I'
m back"Zar
arol
l
edherr
edey
es.

"
Andthat'
swhyIbroughty
ourwel
comi
nggi
ft
"Mat
il
da'
svoi
cesai
dfr
om t
hedoorandZar
a
f
acedthedoorqui
ckly
.

Mat
il
dai
shol
dingagi
ftboxi
nherr
ighthand,
she'
shol
dingasmi
l
eonherf
acet
oo.

"
You?
"Zar
asai
d.

"
Yesi
t'
sme,
don'
tbet
oosur
pri
sed.
..Zar
a"Mat
il
dar
epl
i
ed,
poi
nti
ngt
hegi
ftboxather
.
"Takei
t,y
ourwel
comi
nggi
ft
,Ispeci
all
ypr
epar
edi
t"shesai
d.

Thei
rey
esbor
edI
ntoeachot
herasZar
atookt
hegi
ftbox.

Shesl
owl
yopenedi
tandsawanhandker
chi
ef.

Shel
ookedatMat
il
daandMat
il
dasmi
l
edwi
thaney
e.

"
Youfor
gotiti
nthewhit
ebust
haty
ear
,mustbeasar
esul
tofhowy
ouwer
erushi
ngawaywi
th
mybaby"Mati
l
dasaid.

Zar
asi
ghed,
asi
fshej
usthear
dat
ouchi
ngst
ory
.

"Howt
ouchi
ng"shesai
dandt
ookacl
oserl
ookatt
hehandker
chi
ef.

Al
i
onwasdr
awni
nsi
dei
t,al
i
ont
hat
'sl
eadi
ngmanyot
her
s.

"
Thi
swast
hesi
gnofMCFpal
acesomey
ear
sago"shesai
d.

"
AndIfoundyouwi
tht
hat
,I'
vef
oundy
ousi
ncel
ongago,
Ijustdeci
dedt
owai
tfort
her
ightt
ime"
Mat
il
dasaid.

"Andnowy
out
hinkt
hisi
sther
ightt
ime?
"Shesai
d.

"Wecansettl
ethisami
cabl
yify
ouj
usthandov
ermysont
omebutIknowy
ou,
youhat
e
ami
cabi
li
ty"Mati
ldasai
d.
"He'snowmine!,t
hemomenty
ouhandedhi
m ov
ert
omei
nthewhi
tebust
haty
ear
,hebecame
mine!"Zar
asnapped.

"Don'tgi
vemethatt
hatcr
ap!
,Di
dyouf
orgetwhatr
eal
l
yhappenedt
hatday
?"Mat
il
dasai
d,
l
ookingatZar
aangri
ly.

FLASHBACK,
NINETEENYEARSAGO.
..SI
NGAPORE*
*

Awhi
tebuspul
l
edupatt
hebusst
ati
onandev
ery
oneatt
hest
ati
ongoti
n.

Par
toft
hosewhogoti
nwasZar
a.

Shecamei
nwi
thawal
kerbedwhi
chcont
ainst
wosl
eepi
ngbabygi
rl
s.

She'
swear
ingaf
acecapandherhai
riscov
eri
ngpar
tofherf
ace.

Shelookedf
orwher
etosi
tandsawaspacebesi
deawomanl
i
keherwhohasababyboywi
th
her

Shewentt
oherandsatont
hespacebesi
deher

"
Whoa!
,Cut
ebabi
es,
aret
heyt
wins?
"ThewomanaskedandZar
alookedather
.

"Obv
iousl
y"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
They
'r
esocut
e"t
hewomansai
d,st
ari
ngadmi
ri
ngl
yatt
hebabi
es.
Zar
alookedatt
hebabyboybesi
det
hewomanandherey
est
wit
ched.

Theboyl
ookedherwayandZar
asmi
l
edathi
m buthenev
ersmi
l
edback,
her
emai
nedbl
ank.

*
JustwhatI
'
mlooki
ngf
or*Zar
athought
.

"
Byt
hewayI
'
m Mat
il
da"t
hewomansai
d.

"
Oh,
cool
"Zar
arepl
i
ed.

"
Andt
hisi
smyson"Mat
il
dasai
d,st
roki
ngt
hehai
roft
hecut
eboy
.

"Il
i
kehi
m"Zar
asai
dfl
atl
y.

"Thanks,
he'ssocut
eri
ght?,
Hetookaft
erhi
sdadbuttoobadweseparat
edthreeyearsago
si
nceIgavebirt
htohi
m,I'
m adoct
orandhecompl
ainsalotabouthowbusyIalwaysget"
Mati
ldasaid.

"OhIsee"Zar
asai
d,st
il
ll
ooki
ngatt
heboy
.

Mat
il
dasuddenl
ygotpr
essedandZar
anot
iced.

"
Arey
ouok?
"Sheasked.

"
Ineedt
oeasemy
sel
f"Mat
il
dar
epl
i
ed.
"Hear
dbusescar
rymobi
l
etoi
l
etst
heseday
s,checki
toutatt
heback"Zar
arepl
i
ed.

"Ineedtoreal
l
ydot
hatbef
oreIbur
st,
pleasehel
pmel
ookaf
termycut
eboy
"Mat
il
dasai
d,
standi
ngup.

"Sur
e"Zar
arepl
i
ed.

"Mum i
scomi
ngbackal
ri
ght
?"Mat
il
daki
ssedt
heboy
'scheekbef
orel
eav
ing.

Bef
oreshecameout
,thebusst
oppedatast
ati
on.

Shecameoutsomemi
nut
esl
aterandal
mostwentcr
azywhenshecoul
dn'
tfi
ndherson
anymor
e.

Shewal
kerbedi
sst
il
lther
ebutt
her
e'sonl
yonebabygi
rli
nsi
dei
t.

"
Madam,
didy
ouseeaboyher
e?"Sheaskedawoman.

"
Ient
eredt
hebusj
ustnowsoIdunno"t
hemadam r
epl
i
ed.

"Ohnomybaby
!,Myboyi
smi
ssi
ng!
"Mat
il
dascr
eamed.

Ev
ery
onei
nthebust
urnedt
hei
rat
tent
iont
oherandsher
anupanddownt
hebusmadl
y.

"
Mybaby
!!
"Shescr
eamedagai
nandhermi
ndr
emember
edt
hewoman.
"Ishoul
dhaveknown, shewasacti
ngst
rangeandIwasbei
ngachatt
erbox,
shet
ookmybaby
andleftoneofherbabies,
someonehel
p!,Mybaby
!!
"Sheshout
ed.

Tear
str
ickl
eddownherf
acei
mmedi
atel
y.

Shesawanhandker
chi
efont
hewoman'
sseat
.

Shet
ooki
tandhert
ear
sdr
oppedoni
t.

"
Mybabyboy
!!
!!
"Sheshout
edt
ear
ful
l
yagai
n.

ENDOFFLASHBACK*
**

"Youtookmyboyawayf
rom meandlef
toneofy
ourt
winbabi
es,
you'
veal
way
sbeenadev
il
Zara"Mati
l
dasai
dandZaral
aughed.

"Isear
chedforyoul
ikecrazy
,Icoul
dn'tfi
ndy
ou,
Ifoundoutl
asty
eart
haty
ou'
ret
hegodmot
her
ofadarnedgangst
ergroup"Mati
ldasaid.

"Thesonisnowmi
neany
way
s,hedoesn'
tev
enknowy
ouandI
'
llmakesur
ehenev
erdoes"
Zaral
aughed.

"
You'
rej
oki
ngZar
a"Mat
il
daspat
.

"I
'
drat
herki
l
lthanj
oke.
..Mat
il
da"Zar
asmi
l
edandMat
il
dar
ushedt
oher
.

Shepl
annedt
ohi
tZar
aont
hest
omachbutZar
alef
therspotandMat
il
dacol
l
idedwi
tht
hebed.
Zar
aat
tempt
edt
oki
ckherbutMat
il
dasomer
saul
tedandl
andedont
heot
hersi
deoft
hebed.

"
You'
repl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
e"Mat
il
dasai
d.

"
Fir
ecan'
tbur
naper
sonwho'
sfi
reher
sel
f"Zar
asmi
rked.

"
I'
ll
bri
ngy
ourdaught
ert
othatpal
aceandt
hatsameday
,I'
l
ltakemyson"Mat
il
dasai
d.

"Il
oveyourspi
ri
t,t
rycomingi
ntomypalace,y
ou'
dbel
uckytocomeouti
npi
eces"Zar
agl
ared
andst
ormedoutoft hewardwhi
leherguar
dsfol
l
owedher
.

*
***
**

MCFPALACE*
*

Sincenoneoft
hegroupi
seat
ingi
nthegeneral
dinni
nganymore,i
t'
sei
therTani
shaorVignet
te
whocooksforever
yoneandt
oday
,it
'sTani
sha'
sturnsoev
eryonewenttoPri
nceton'
ssuit
eto
eat.

"
Wher
e'sDon?
"Pr
incet
onaskedi
mmedi
atel
yhecameout
.

"
I'
m notsur
eifhe'
l
lcome,
Vignet
temadehi
m emot
ional
agai
n"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"
Idi
dnot
hing,
all
Idi
dwast
ell
him mymi
nd"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"Sayy
ourmi
ndi
nar
udeandhur
tful
way
?,Comeonbabe,
itwasn'
tki
nd"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.
"Iwi
tnessedi
ttoo,
itwasawf
ul"Br
entsai
d.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatVi
gnet
teandshest
ood.

"I
'
m sor
rymast
er,
Iwasj
ust
..
.

"Doni
solderthanev
ery
oneofyouguy
sanditol
dev
ery
onet
otr
eathi
m wi
thr
espectbuty
ou
dar
etr
eathim wit
hcont
empt
?"Pri
ncet
onsai
d.

"I
'
m sor
ry.
..
itwon'
thappenagai
n"Vi
gnet
tesai
dsl
owl
y.

"
He'
syourboss!
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"I
'
m sor
ry"Vi
gnet
tesai
dagai
n.

Pr
incet
oni
nhal
edandl
eftt
hesui
te.

*
***
**

LANDON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Pr
incet
onwenti
nsi
ncet
hedoori
snotl
ocked.

HemetLandonpaci
ngar
oundt
hel
i
vingr
oom.
"
Dude,
youokay
?"Heasked.

"
DoIl
ookl
i
keI
'
m not
?"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"
For
getaboutwhathappenedandVi
gnet
te.
.."

"Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouther
"Landoni
nter
rupt
ed.

"
DonIt
hinkLi
aisat
win"Pr
incet
onsai
dandLandonI
mmedi
atel
ywal
kedt
ohi
m.

"Twi
n?"

"Ozzi
et ol
dmet hat
,heknowsalotaboutt
hispl
ace,al
otthatwedon'
tknow,hel
etmegoont he
condi
tionthatImustki
l
lZara,
hesaidshecanonlybeki
ll
edbymeorLia'stwi
n"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Li
aisat
win?
,Howcome?
"Landonsai
d.

"Het
oldmeLadyMacbet
hknowsev
ery
thi
ng"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Butt
hatwomani
sn'
tsay
ingany
thi
ng!
"Landonsnapped.

"
Buty
ou.
..
.youwer
esi
xyear
sol
dwhenLi
awasbor
n,y
oushoul
dknowabouti
t"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Ispentmychil
dhooddaysatourlatefather'
ssuit
e,Iwasnev eral
lowedt
ocomeoutf r
om ther
e
andthat'
swhyIneverwentt
oschool ,Ididn'
tevenseemot herthr
oughout
,Ionl
ysawmot her
whenIwasf r
eedfrom t
hesuit
eafterfatherdied,andthatwaswheny ouandli
tt
leLi
awer e
i
ntroducedt
omeasmyj uni
orones"Landonsai d.
"So.
..
.Youspental
lyourchi
l
dhoodi
nsi
def
ather
'ssui
teal
one?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Theonlyonewhoalwayscamet
ov i
sitmei
sladyMacbet
h,shehasal
waysbeenmyguar
dian
andthat
'swhyIcanevengi
vemyli
fetomakesureshe'
sfi
ne"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"We'
ll
dot
hisbuty
ouhav
etoeatf
ir
stt
heny
oucanescor
tmet
oMat
il
dahospi
tal
s"Pr
incet
on
sai
d.

"ToseeZar
a?,
F*cki
tI'
m notcomi
ng"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"
Zar
awasadmi
tt
edi
nthathospi
tal
?"Pr
incet
onsai
dsur
pri
singl
y.

"Yeah,
arey
our
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
her
etoseeher
?"Landonasked.

"No,
Igotsomet
hingonNi
shaandIneedt
ochecki
tout
"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

Thel
oudupr
oarf
rom out
sidest
oppedLandonf
rom aski
ngt
henextquest
ion.

Theyexchangedgl
ancesbef
orel
eav
ingt
hesui
te.

Theygotoutandsawwhatt
henumer
ousmember
sar
eact
ual
l
yshout
ingabout
.

Thewi
tchi
sback.

She'
sjustcomi
ngdownfrom hercaranddespit
ethef
actthatshe'
sjustcomingf
rom t
he
hospi
tal
,shest
il
ll
ooksasdangerousandmer ci
l
essasever,shehasn'
tchangedabi
t.
Shewalkedr
egall
yint
ohersui
teandev
ery
onekeptshout
inghername,
bowi
ngdownt
il
lshe
wenti
ncompletel
y.

LandonandPr
incet
onl
ookedateachot
herbef
oreheadi
ngf
orPr
incet
on'
ssui
tet
oget
her
.

"
Dony
oucamel
ate"Br
entsai
d.

"
Zar
aisback"Pr
incet
onsai
dandev
ery
onechoked.

Theyst
art
edcoughi
ngexceptVi
gnet
teandTani
sha.

"
Whyi
sev
ery
oneshocked?
,She'
snott
heal
might
yany
way
s"Tani
shasai
dandVi
gnet
tesmi
l
ed.

"That
'st
hespi
ri
tbabe"shesai
d.

"True,
she'
snott
heomni
pot
ent
,not
hingt
obescar
edaboutsi
nceev
ery
onei
sst
rai
ghtal
ready
"
Landonsai
d.

"Whoa,
Landoni
stal
ki
ngdi
ff
erent
"Li
awi
nked.

"Butthefactt
hatwedeci
dednottofearthedevil
doesn'
tmeanshewon'
twreckhavocsobe
preparedever
yone,
don'
tlaxanddon'
tloseguard,l
et'
sal
wayshel
peachotherandworkasa
team"Pr i
ncet
onsai
d,poi
nti
nganhandf orwar
d.

Tani
shapl
acedher
soni
tnextandev
ery
onedi
dthesame.
Theyal
lfacedLandonwhohasn'
t.

"
Whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

Hesl
owl
ypl
acedhi
shandoni
t.

Theyal
lsmi
l
edateachot
her
.

*
***
**

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Zar
acameoutofherr
oom,
dressedi
nal
ongbl
ackgown.

Herhai
risbackt
otheusual
l
yshi
nnybl
ackandherear
ri
ngsar
ebl
ackt
oo.

She'
sweari
ngasmallf
lathatandpai
ntedhernai
l
sbl
ackal
ready
,herl
i
psi
sdar
kbl
ack,
giv
ing
hert
hetr
ueappear
anceofwhosher eal
lyi
s.

Shet
ookt
hegl
assofchampagnef
rom t
heguar
dwhoser
vedi
t.

Shesi
ppedf
rom i
tandsmi
l
ed.

"
It
'sgoodt
obebackaf
tert
hreel
ongweeks"shesai
d.

Spar
kcamei
nandt
ookabow.
"Feedmei
naboutev
ery
thi
ngt
hathappeneddur
ingmyabsence"Zar
aor
der
ed.

"Al
phaandTani
shagotcl
oser
,heshowedaf
fect
ionf
orherpubl
i
clysomehour
sago"hesai
d.

"That
'l
lendsoon,
justl
i
keAv
a"Zar
asai
d.

"
AlphaandLandongotcl
ose,
li
ker
eal
brot
her
s".

"
Real
l
y?,
Howi
nter
est
ing,
they
'l
lspl
i
tsof
arI
'
m back"Zar
asai
d.

"Tani
shaandVi
gnet
test
art
edt
rai
ningandt
hey
'r
equi
etgood"
.

"Aslavewi
ll
alwaysbeasl
ave,
Imi
ghtdeci
det
orecr
uitVi
gnet
tebutTani
shawi
l
lei
therdi
eor
l
eave"Zar
asaid.

"Al
phar
eleasedal
lthesl
aves".

Thegl
assofchampagnef
ell
from Zar
aandshef
acedSpar
k.

"
Hedi
dwhat
?"

"
Freedal
lthesl
aves"her
epl
i
edandZar
asl
appedhi
m soundl
y.

"
Andy
oual
l
owedhi
m?,
Ithoughty
ou'
reusef
ul?
,Ov
erf
ort
ysl
aves!
"Shey
ell
ed.
Spar
kbowedi
nfear
.

Zar
abr
eat
hedheav
il
yandangr
il
ybef
oret
urni
ngherback.

"Vignet
te,Si
err
a,Li
a,Shay
,Tani
sha,
Brent
,Landonandy
oural
phaar
enowwor
kingt
oget
her
"
Sparksaid.

Zar
agr
unt
edangr
il
y.

"Al
phat
ookTani
sha'
sNanat
oanot
herhouse,
she'
sli
vi
ngwi
thTammy
'sj
uni
orsi
s,Kr
is"Spar
k
sai
d.

"I
sthatal
l
?"Zar
asai
d.

"
Yesgodmot
her
"her
epl
i
edandZar
awal
kedi
n.

Sheshutt
hedoorheav
il
yandopenedhersecr
ett
rapwi
thherey
es.

Shewenti
nandent
eredt
hef
ir
str
oom wher
eTi
naandChl
oear
e.

Sur
pri
singl
y,Chl
oei
ssi
tt
ingont
hegr
ound,
hol
dingherbl
oodyt
ummywhi
l
egaspi
ngf
orbr
eat
h.

Ti
nai
sst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofher
,hol
dingabl
oodykni
fewhi
l
est
ari
ngatChl
oeangr
il
y.

"
Ohmy
,what
'shappeni
ngher
e"Zar
asai
d.
Ti
naf
acedherandZar
asmi
l
ed.

Somehow,
themer
cil
essl
ookonherf
aceexci
tesher
.

"It
oldherIwannawatchonemor
ecombatbutsher
efused,
Ist
abbedherwhenIgotangr
y"Ti
na
sai
d,thr
owingdowntheknif
e.

Zar
alaughedsol
oudt
hati
techoed.

"
Chl
oesomeaccol
adesf
ory
ou,
justt
hewayIwanti
t"shesai
d,st
roki
ngl
i
ttl
eTi
na'
shai
rfondl
y.

Chl
oecont
inuedgr
oani
ngi
npai
ns.

"I
'
lldot
hef
avoroft
reat
ingt
hewound,
youcan'
tdi
eyet
,youst
il
lhav
etot
rai
nhermor
e"Zar
a
sai
d.

Somemi
nut
esl
ater
,shecameoutoft
her
oom andent
eredt
hesecondr
oom.

Herar
mswentbehi
ndherasshewenti
n,l
ooki
ngatt
hemanont
hebed,
shet
ouchedhi
sface.

"Ifonl
yyouagr
eedwit
hme, i
fonl
yyoudi
dn'tbel
i
ttl
eme,
youwoul
dn'
tbei
nthi
scondi
ti
onr
ight
now"shesai
dandtookherhandof
fhi
sface.

"You'l
lbewaki
ngupf
rom comasoon,
Imi
ghtj
usthav
etoki
l
lyoucompl
etel
ybyt
hen"shesai
d,
l
ookingupfr
om hi
m.

*
***
Mat
il
dacameoutofNana'
sfor
merhouse,
looki
ngv
erywor
ri
ed.

Nanai
sn'
tther
eany
mor
e.

Shegotherphoneanddi
all
edherl
i
nebuti
t'
sof
f.

"
Thi
sshoul
dn'
tbehappeni
ngnow,
wher
ecoul
dshemov
eto"shewonder
ed.

Al
adycameoutoft
hesecondhouseandsher
ushedt
oher
.

"
Miss,
doy
ouper
hapsknowagr
andmawhousedt
oli
veher
e?"

"GrandmaNana?,Shemovedoutsomeweeksago,
hear
dshe'
sget
ti
nghel
pfr
om someone
fr
om MCFpalace"thel
adyr
epl
iedandwal
kedaway.

"MCFpal
ace?Coul
dthatbeZar
a?,
IsZar
apl
ayi
nggameswi
thme?
"

*
***
**

MCFPALACE,
ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

"Wel
comebackgodmot
her
"Vi
visai
dhappi
l
ywhenZar
acameout
.

"Wel
comeback"Rei
nasai
d.
"
Youar
en'
tdead?Youhav
east
rongl
i
fe"Zar
asat
.

"Youbothshoul
dst
artworki
nginher
etommor
ow,
asmyf
emal
eguar
ds"shesai
dand
Pri
ncet
oncameinwithLandonandLi
a.

Vi
viandRei
nal
eft
.

"
Howdar
eyouf
reet
hesl
avesj
ustbecauseIwasabsent
!"Zar
aspat
.

"CosIwant
edt
o"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Iwantedy
outodi
ebutatt
hesamet
imeIwant
edy
out
oli
vesoy
oucoul
dtel
luswhaty
ou'
re
keepi
ng"Li
asai
d.

"IsLi
areal
lyatwi
n?,I
fthat
'sthecasewhere'
shertwi
n?,WhatareyoukeepingaboutPr
incet
on
andme!,Whydidyouli
etoust hati
twasVenom whokill
edourdadwher easyouweret
heone
whokil
ledVenom?,Wheredidyouburyf
atherat
?"Landonaskedal
l atonce.

Zar
asmi
l
ed.

"Myki
dsgr
ewup,
youf
oundoutal
ot"shesai
d,t
ouchi
ngPr
incet
on'
sshoul
der
.

Pr
incet
ongr
abbedherandt
urnedherbackt
ohi
msel
f,t
rappi
ngher
.

Hepoi
ntedhi
sgunt
oherhead.

"
Wej
ustaskedquest
ions"hesai
d.
"
Doyouexpectmetot
alkt
hisway
?Wi
l
lyouki
l
lmeandst
andachanceofnotget
ti
nganswer
s
f
orev
er?
"Zarasai
d.

Pr
incet
onpushedherawayandsheechoedal
aught
er.

"Secr
etsaboutFar
ris,
aboutyouthr
ee,aboutMi
naandSana..
..
.ar
eall
inmyhead,i
fyoureal
ly
wantmetospeak,thenPri
ncetonwil
lhavetoki
l
lTani
shafi
rst
"Zarasaidandwal
kedinswif
tl
y.

*
***
**

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Pr
incet
onwal
kedi
nsl
owl
y,t
hinki
ngaboutwhatt
hewi
tchj
ustsai
d.

Thefactt
hatZar
aact
edt
hatwayi
sanev
idenceandshe'
sreal
l
ykeepi
ngsomet
hingbi
gfr
om
them.

Tani
shacameoutoft
heki
dsr
oom .

"
You'
reback,
whatdi
dthewi
tchsay
?"Sheasked,
comi
ngt
ohi
m.

I
mmedi
atel
yshegott
ohi
m,heengul
fedheri
nhi
sar
ms,
huggi
nghert
ight
ly.

"
Pri
ncywhat
'swr
ong?
"Sheasked,
huggi
nghi
m backsl
owl
y.

"Ni
sha"hewhi
sper
ed.
"Huh?
"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"I
'
m sor
ry"hesai
dandbef
oreshecoul
dfor
m anot
herwor
d,hedi
vedakni
fei
ntoherst
omach
andshegasped.

Herey
esbecamebi
ggerasheshov
edt
hekni
fei
ntoherst
omachagai
n.

Bl
oodgushedoutofhermout
hasher
eleasedher
.

Shel
ookedathi
m wi
thhur
tful
eyes,
hol
dingherst
abbedst
omach.

"
Pr.
..pr
in.
..Pr
incy
..
..
wh..
.whh.
..
why
?"Shest
utt
ered,
herbl
oodst
aini
ngt
hegr
oundbadl
yast
ear
s
r
ushedoutofhereyes.

"
Ican'
ttaket
hesuspenseany
more,Idi
dwhatIneedt
odosoIcannowknowwhatgodmot
her
i
skeepi
ng"Pri
ncet
onsaidemoti
onl
essl
y.

Tani
shav
omi
tedbl
oodagai
nandt
ri
edhol
dinghi
m buthest
eppedback.

Mor
etear
srusheddownherey
esasherbl
ooddr
ained.

Shewentonherkneesi
nfr
ontofhi
m andai
rranoutofherl
ungs.

Shef
ell
event
ual
l
yandherey
eswentshut
.

Pr
incet
onsnappedoutofi
tandhuggedTani
shat
ight
er.
I
twasact
ual
l
yani
magi
nat
ion.

"
Heyy
ou'
rehuggi
ngmesot
ightI
'
m suf
focat
ing"shesai
d.

Hebr
oket
hehugsl
owl
yandhel
dherf
ace.

"I
'
dratherki
l
lmy
sel
fthanl
etascr
atchappearony
ourbodyagai
n..
..Ni
sha"hesai
d,l
ooki
ngat
her.

Tani
shacont
inuedst
ari
ngathi
m ashecont
inuedcar
essi
ngherf
ace.

Heleanedi
nandherey
eswentshutwhenhecl
aimedherl
i
psi
nthesof
testki
sst
hey
'veev
er
shar
ed.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:12AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER60&61
 ★★★★★

Tani
shadi
dn'
tunder
standwhyhesuddenl
yki
ssedhert
hatwaybutal
lthesame,
sher
esponded.

Pr
incet
oncar
ri
edheri
nhi
sar
mswhi
l
est
il
lfeast
inggent
lyonherl
i
ps.

Herl
egst
rav
ell
edt
ohi
swai
standshesentherf
inger
sint
ohi
shai
r.

Thesof
tnessandgent
lenessgotsomucht
hatshest
art
edcr
avi
ngf
ormor
e.

Shehardenedither
selfandPr
incet
ont
ookov
eri
mmedi
atel
y,bot
hfor
get
ti
ngt
hatt
hey
'r
e
act
ual
lystil
li
nt hel
i
vingroom.

Tani
shast
art
edmoani
ngshar
plyashi
spal
msr
ubbedpossessi
vel
yonherass.

Hermoansmadehi
m har
dandhemadet
opul
lof
fhert
opbutherhandst
oppedhi
m,shebr
oke
t
hekiss.

"
We'
rei
nthel
i
vingr
oom"shewhi
sper
ed.

Pr
incet
onst
art
edt
aki
ngheri
nbutt
heki
dsappear
ed.

"
Dadmum,
wef
oundt
his"Sanasai
d,showi
ngt
hem api
ctur
eoft
hreecut
ebabi
es.

"Theylooksomuchali
ke,It
hinkt
hey'
retri
plet
s,doyouknowthem?
"Mi
naaskedandPr
incet
on
quickl
ydroppedTani
sha,
hesnatchedthepict
urefr
om Sana.
"
Yougi
rl
sneedt
ogot
obed"hesai
d.

"
Butdadt
het
ri
plet
sar
esocut
e,whoar
ethey
?"Sanaasked.

"Notnow,
got
obedy
oubot
h"Hesai
d.

"
Okdad,
butwe'
l
lst
il
lpl
aywi
thSweetal
i
ttl
ebi
tbef
oresl
eepi
ng"Mi
nasai
d,r
unni
ngi
nfi
rst
.

"Don'
tworr
ydad,I'
ll
makesureshesleepsear
lyandI
'
llsl
eepear
lyt
oo"Sanasai
dandPr
incet
on
smil
edshor
tlyassherushedi
ntoo.

Pr
incet
onent
eredhi
sroom i
mmedi
atel
yandTani
shaf
oll
owed.

Hest
oodi
nfr
ontoft
hemi
rr
orandshest
oodbehi
ndhi
m.

"I
'
vebeenl
ooki
ngf
ort
hispi
ctur
eforl
ong,
nev
erknewi
twasl
osti
nthei
rroom"hesai
d,l
ooki
ng
atit
.

"Don'
ttel
lmeMi
naandSanaar
eint
hispi
ctur
e"Tani
shasai
dandhef
acedher
.

"Theyar
e"hesai
dsadl
y.

"Idon'
tunder
stand"Tani
shasai
d.

"
Avagav
ebi
rt
htot
ri
plet
sfi
vey
ear
sago"hesai
dandherey
eswi
dened.
"Mi
na,
Sana,
.
..
.andYuna"hesai
dandTani
shagasped.

"Wher
e'sYuna?
"Sheaskedshocki
ngl
y.

Pr
incet
onsi
ghedandl
ookedatt
hepi
ctur
eagai
n.

FLASHBACK,
FIVEYEARSAGO*
*

MCFCLI
NIC*
*

Pr
incet
onbr
oughtt
hecart
oast
opi
nfr
ontoft
hecl
i
nic.

Hehopedoutqui
ckl
yandr
ant
othebackdoor
.

Heopenedi
t,r
eveal
i
ngAv
awho'
sinl
aborpai
ns.

"You'l
lbefi
neAva,pl
easejustendur
ewe'
real
readyher
e,Il
ovey
ouv
erymuch,
endur
eforme
please"hesai
d,hel
pingherout.

"Il
oveyoumor
ePr
ince,
butt
hepai
nsi
smuch.
..
.ver
ymuch.
..I
'
m dy
ing!
,Ohmyback!
,My
thi
ghs!
"

"Andwher
ethehel
li
sDar
rel
landhi
snur
ses!
"Pr
incet
ony
ell
ed.

Thenur
sesr
ushedoutwi
thast
ret
cherwhi
chAv
awasmadet
olayon.

"
Pri
ncehol
dmyhand.
..
hol
dmet
ightdon'
tl
eav
eme!
"Av
acr
iedast
hest
ret
cherwaspushedi
n.
Pr
incet
onhel
dheral
thr
oughandwhent
heygott
othedooroft
hewar
dmeantf
orher
,hehadt
o
l
ethergo.

"
Pri
ncedon'
tl
eav
e..
.don'
tl
eav
eme"shegasped,
looki
ngathi
m.

"
Avahecan'
tfol
l
owy
oui
n,y
ouhav
etodot
hisal
oneok?
"doct
orDar
rel
assur
ed.

"
Justtryy
ourbestf
ormeandourbaby
,Il
ovey
ouAv
a,v
erymuch"Pr
incet
onsai
dandki
ssedher
f
orehead.

"Pr
ince.
..
.Pr
ince.
..
."Shekeptcal
l
ingt
il
lshewast
akeni
ncompl
etel
y.

Pr
incet
onpacedt
hehal
l
wayal
one,
almostt
ent
imespersec.

Hedabbedhi
sfacewi
thhi
spal
m wor
ri
edl
yfr
om t
imet
oti
me.

Hekeptl
ooki
ngatt
hedooroft
hewar
dandhekepthi
sear
satal
ertf
ort
hecr
yofababy
.

Anhourwentbyandhi
spat
ienceshr
unk.

Hekeptwai
ti
ngwi
tht
hel
i
ttl
ebi
tofpat
iencei
nhi
m.

Anhourandt
hir
tymi
nut
eswentbyandhel
osti
tcompl
etel
y.

Hewasaboutt
obar
gei
ntot
hewar
dwhenDar
rel
lhi
msel
fcameout
.
"
How'
sit
?,How'
sAv
adoi
ng?
"Heaskedhast
il
y.

"Pri
ncet
onseri
ousl
yit
'scri
ti
cal
,she'
slosi
ngal
otofbl
oodandshehasn'
tdel
i
ver
ed,
shej
ust
keptbl
eedi
ng"Dar
rel
lrepl
i
ed.

"Whatshoul
dIdo?,Not
hingmusthappent
oAv
aandourbaby
,not
hingDar
rel
lpl
easedo
somet
hing!
"Pri
ncet
onsaiddesper
atel
y.

"Ri
ghtnowwe'
rei
nneedofbl
ood,
youknowherbl
oodt
ypesoy
oushoul
dgosour
cef
ori
t"
Dar
rel
lsai
d.

"YouknowI
'
m auni
ver
sal
donor
,Icandonat
eforher
"her
epl
i
edqui
ckl
y.

"Pri
ncet
onareyoucrazy?
,You'
venotrecover
edfr
om youril
l
ness,f
ull
y,y
oudon'
tevenhav
e
enoughbl
oodinyourbodyandy ouwannadonat
e?,Youneedbloodyour
sel
fsodonat
ingf
orher
wil
lmeandeathfory
ou"Darrel
repli
ed.

"Idon'
tcar
e!,
Sof
arshel
i
vesandourbabyl
i
ves,
Dar
rel
l
...
.

"Youdon'
thav eenoughbloodtodonatel i
stent
ome!,Weneedmuchbl ood,bl
ood!,
Oneofmy
nurseswil
lfoll
owy ou,
youhav etogetitherewi
thi
nthi
rtyminut
eselset
heunimaginabl
emi ght
happen"Darrelsai
dandPr i
ncetondashedoutofthehospi
talwi
thoutwai
ti
ngforthenurse.

Hest
art
edgoi
ngr
oundhospi
tal
sandmostoft
hem decl
i
ned.

Notunt
ilhegott
othef
if
thone.
..Mat
il
dahospi
tal
s.
Theheaddoct
orMat
il
dawaski
ndenought
osel
lenoughbl
oodf
orher
.

Her
ushedbackt
othepal
acecl
i
nicwi
thi
tbutsur
pri
singl
y,Av
agav
ebi
rt
hal
ready
.

Ont
hebedar
ethr
eebabygi
rl
s.

"
Congr
atul
ati
onsPr
incet
on,
shegav
ebi
rt
htot
ri
plet
smi
racul
ousl
yaf
tery
oul
eft
"Dar
rel
smi
l
ed.

"
Wher
e'smyAv
a?"Heaskedhast
il
y.

"Thenursesar
etaki
ngcareofher,
we'l
lstar
tthetransf
usi
ononceshehasbeencl
eanedup"
Darr
ell
repli
edandPr
incet
onwalkedtothethreecutebabi
es.

"
I'
m af
ather
,af
atheratei
ght
een"hesai
d,admi
ri
nghi
sthr
eebabi
es.

"Yeah,
afat
heroff
our
..
.Imeant
hreecut
ebabi
es,
agr
eatachi
evement
"Dar
rel
sai
dawkwar
dly
.

"Mycamer
a"Pr
incet
onsai
dandqui
ckl
ygoti
t.

Hesnappedt
hei
rpi
ctur
eshappi
l
yandwon'
tst
opt
alki
ngabouthowl
uckyhei
s.

"
I'
ll
gocheckont
henur
sest
aki
ngcar
eofAv
a"Dar
rel
lsai
dandl
eftt
hewar
d.

"Yougir
lsl
ooksoident
icalandIdon'tevenknowwho' swhobut..
..
okyourhairi
smorecurl
y
thant
heothers,
you'
reMina,yourf
acei smoreround,you'
reSana,andyouhavethel
ongest
l
ashes,y
ou'r
eYuna"hesaidandkissedt hem al
laf
terhefi
nishednamingthem.
"Mycut
ies"hesmi
l
ed,
car
ryi
ngYuna.

Hepl
acedheronhi
slapsandhi
sphoner
ang.

Hedi
dn'
twantt
opi
ckbutwhenhesawi
t'
sAv
a,hecur
iousl
ypi
cked.

"
Ava?
,Dar
rel
lsai
dyou'
reget
ti
ngcl
eanedupbyt
henur
ses,
wher
ear
eyou?
"Heasked.

Av
alaughedhy
ster
ical
l
y,sol
oudt
hathegotscar
ed.

"Av
a?"Hesai
d

"Fool,
your eall
ythinkI'
ll
loveaboyI'
m oldert
han?
,I'
mtwentyandyou'
rejusteighteen,f*
cking
ei
ghteen,twoy earsolderthany
ou..
.Inev
erlovedy
ouPri
nce"shesaidandPrincetonf el
this
worl
dcr umbling.

"
Wh.
..wha.
..whatar
e..
.y
ousay
ing?
"

"
Istol
ethegoldthatwaskepti
nyoursui
tebygodmot her
,Ist
oleal
otofyourcasht
oo,
Igot
whatIcameforsoI'm onmywaytowherever
..
..
takecareoft
hosebabi
es,they
'r
emygif
tfor
you.
..
.by
efool
!"Shesaidandhungup.

Thephonef
ell
from Pr
incet
on'
sshakyhandandhest
ood,
for
get
ti
nghehasYunaonhi
slaps.

Yunaf
ell
andhersof
theadcr
ackedont
het
il
e.

Hi
sey
eswi
denedandhi
stear
srushed.
"
Yuna!
!!
!"

ENDOFFLASHBACK*
*

Pr
incet
onal
readyhast
ear
sinhi
sey
esaf
terhef
ini
shedt
ell
i
ngt
hest
ory
.

"
Iki
l
ledYuna,
Iki
l
ledher
"hecr
ied,
want
ingt
osquatbutTani
shahuggedhi
m bef
orehecoul
ddo
t
hat
.

Hecr
iedonhershoul
derandshest
art
edpat
ti
nghi
sbackwhi
l
est
roki
nghi
shai
r.

"
I'
m sor
ryy
ouhadt
owi
tnessandpasst
hroughsuch,
I'
m sor
rybaby
"shewhi
sper
ed.

Heonl
ycr
iedmor
e.

"Il
oveyousomuchPrincy
,Idon'
tcar
ewhathappensbutI'
l
lneverl
eaveyou,
Iwanttost
aywith
youti
l
ltheendandev
endiewithyoui
fther
e'sanyneedf
orthat
"shesaid,
sni
ffi
ngandtr
yingnot
tocr
ytoo.

"AndaboutYuna,
it'
sdefi
nit
elynotyourfaul
t,i
t'
sAv
a'sf
aul
tsodon'
tbl
amey
our
sel
fbaby
,don'
t
blameyoursel
fpl
ease"shesaidsoothi
ngly.

"Ij
ust
..
..
.Ihat
emy
sel
ffordoi
ngt
hatNi
sha"hecr
ied.

"Don'
tsayt
hatany
mor
e,hugmebackandmakemey
ourcomf
ort
"shesai
dandhedi
dthat
.
"
It
'sok"sheconsol
ed.

*
***
*

NEXTMORNI
NG,
GENERALKI
TCHEN*
*

LadyMacbet
hwasbusysl
i
cingoni
onsf
ort
hebr
eakf
astshe'
smaki
ngwhenshef
eltt
hir
sty
.

"
Thi
sear
lymor
ning,
gosh"shecompl
ainedandwentt
othef
reezer
.

Shegotabot
tl
eofwat
erandwasaboutt
oopent
hel
i
dwhenakni
feappear
edonherneck.

Shef
rozeandst
oodst
il
l,
sei
zi
ngherbr
eat
h.

Nooneneedst
otel
lherwhoi
tis,
thesmel
lofchampagnemi
xedwi
thsandal
woodf
il
ledher
nose.

"
godmot
her
"shesai
dfear
ful
l
y,t
rembl
i
ngi
npani
c.

"Macbeth,
doyouknowwhyIkeptpost
poni
ngy
ourdeat
h?"Zar
a'sv
oicesai
d,herr
edl
i
ps
l
inger
ingbehi
ndMacbet
h'sneck.

"
BecauseIchangedmymi nd"shecont
inuedandlethergot
hought
heshar
pkni
fegav
e
Macbethamarkalreadyandherbl
oodbledli
ght
ly.

Zar
afacedherandMacbet
htr
embl
edmor
e.
"Ichangedmymi
nd,
kil
l
ingy
ouwon'
tbef
un,
butmaki
ngy
oursondot
hatwi
l
lbemor
efun"she
smi l
ed.

"No.
..
nogodmot
her
"Macbet
hshi
ver
ed.

"No?,Youshoul
dhav
etur
nedFar
ri
sdownwhenhegav
eyout
heof
ferofgi
vi
nghi
m ababy
"Zar
a
glar
ed.

"Iwasr
aped,
godf
atherr
apedmeandy
ouknew"Macbet
hsai
dandZar
asl
appedher
.

"Thenaf
tert
haty ougotpr
egnantwi
thhischi
ld,y
oucar r
iedhisbast
ardwhichyoucouldhave
j
ustabor
tedbutFarri
sassuredyout
hatyou'
ll
befine,hefel
lheadoverheel
sforyouandyoufell
forhi
mtootomyannoy ance!,
Butwher
e'sFarr
istoday?,
He'sattheti
pofmyf i
nger.
..
ti
ngti
ng!"
Zarasmi
ledwickedly
.

"Younev
erwant
edt ogivebir
th,
youref
usedtogi
veFar
ri
sachi
l
dandt
hat
'swhyher
apedme
andmademecarryhischil
d"Macbet
hsaid.

"Shuty
ourcr
appyt
rap!
"Zar
ayel
l
ed,
kicki
ngherf
ace.

Macbet
hbl
edf
rom hermout
h.

"Youknowev er
ythi
ngaboutt
hispal
ace,butanydayyouopenyourmout
handt
ell
any
one,
your
sonwill
die"Zarasai
dandrol
ledhereyesasusualbef
orel
eavi
ng.

"Zar
awhathav
eIev
erdonet
oyou!
!!
"Macbet
hcr
iedl
oudl
y.

Tani
shar
ushedi
n.
"LadyMacbet
har
eyouok?
"Sheaskedwi
thconcer
n,squat
ti
ngbesi
deher
.

Macbet
hcont
inuedcr
ying.

"
Yourneck,
it'
sf*
cki
ngbl
eedi
ng"Tani
shasai
d.

Macbet
hlookedathert
ear
ful
l
yandr
etur
nedherf
acet
othegr
oundi
mmedi
atel
y,cr
yingso
much.

"
Aren'
tyougonnat
alkt
ome?
*Tani
shasai
d.

Macbet
hsuddenl
ysawTani
sha'
sankl
e,herey
eswi
denedwhenshesawt
heankl
et.

Shest
oppedcr
yingandsni
ff
ed,
bri
ngi
ngherhandt
oit

"
Thi
s"shesai
dsuspi
ciousl
y.

"
Myankl
et?
,Igr
ewupwi
thi
tandIl
ovei
t"Tani
shasai
d,pul
l
ingherup.

Shet
ookhert
oast
ool
andmadehersi
t.

"
I'
ll
gett
heki
t,y
ourneckneedst
obepat
ched"shesai
dandent
eredMacbet
h'sr
oom

LadyMacbet
hhel
dthehem ofhergownt
ight
ly.
"
Mysuspi
cionswer
eri
ght
,Iwasr
ight
"shewhi
sper
edt
oher
sel
f.

*
***
**

MATI
LDASPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TAL,
12PM*
*

Pri
ncetonenter
edthehospi
tal
wit
hLandon,
looki
ngar
oundf
orwhot
oaskwher
ethehead
doctor
'sof
ficei
s.

Lucki
l
ytheysawani
nter
n.

"
Heywher
e'st
heheaddoct
or'
sof
fi
ce?
"Landonasked.

"Thatway
"shepoi
nted.

Theybot
hwentt
hatwayandsawanof
fi
cedownt
hel
ane.

Pr
incet
onknockedandaf
emal
evoi
cet
oldt
hem t
ocomei
n.

Theywenti
nandmetMat
il
dahangi
nghercoat
,she'
sjustcomi
ngf
rom asur
ger
y.

"
Goodday
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
HowmayIhel
pyoubot
h?"Sheasked,
taki
ngherseat
.

"Can'
tbel
i
eveI
'
vemety
oubef
ore"Pr
incet
onsai
dfr
eel
y.
"
Whenwast
hat
?"Sheasked.

"Fi
veyear
sago,t
heyoungguywhowasdesper
atef
orbl
oodf
orhi
sgi
rl
fr
iend"her
epl
i
edand
Mati
ldal
ookssur
pri
sed.

"MG, can'
tbel
i
evei
t'
syou,
thewor
ldi
sindeedsmal
l
,ar
eyouher
eforbl
oodagai
n?"Mat
il
da
asked.

"Whydi
dyouabandony
ourdaught
erf
orhergr
andmot
her
?"Landonaskedst
rai
ght
.

Mat
il
dast
ood.

"Howdi
dyou.
..

"Howcouldyoubesohear
tl
ess,
don'
ttel
lmey
ourpr
ofessi
oni
smor
eimpor
tantt
hany
our
daught
er"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

Mat
il
dast
art
edwal
ki
ngsl
owl
ytot
hem,
nott
aki
ngherey
esof
fthem.

"
Doy
ouknowher
?,Doy
ouknowNana?
,Whoar
eyouguy
s?"Sheasked.

"We'
ref
rom MCFpal
ace,
andy
ourdaught
eri
swi
thusi
nthepal
ace"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Herdadwasn'tabl
etopayhi
sdebtt
ogodmot
herbef
orehi
sdeat
hsogodmot
hert
ookheri
nas
aslav
e"Landonsaid.
"Thoughshe'
snotasl
aveany
mor
ebutshehast
hisbur
ningdesi
ret
oknowwhoherr
eal
mot
her
i
s"Pri
ncetonsai
d.

"I
sther
e..
.Anal
phabet
weeny
oubot
h?"Sheaskedcar
eful
l
y.

"
Why
?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Ij
ust
..
.Wantt
oknow"Mat
il
dar
epl
i
edi
mpat
ient
ly.

"
He'
stheal
pha"Landongest
uredatPr
incet
on.

Mat
il
da'
stear
sfel
li
mmedi
atel
y,maki
ngt
hem wonderi
fshe'
sst
abl
e.

Sher
aisedherhandst
oPr
incet
on'
sfaceandr
ubbedi
tfondl
y,smi
l
ingandcr
yingatt
hesame
ti
me.

"
Mybabyboy
"shecr
ied,
huggi
nghi
mimmedi
atel
y.

"
Isshei
nsane?"Landonsai
d,pushi
ngMat
il
daawayf
rom Pr
incet
on.

"
He'
smybr
other
,whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"Hesai
d

Mat
il
dacont
inuedcr
ying.

"Docometot
hepal
acet
oseey
ourdaught
erev
eni
fit
'sj
ustonce"Pr
incet
onsai
dandl
eftwi
th
Landon.
Mat
il
dasatont
hegr
oundandcr
iedmor
e.

"
Mybabyboygrewsomuchwi
thoutme,
hedoesn'
tev
enknowme.
..
.Imi
ssedy
ouKi
ngst
onI
missedy
ou"shecr
ied.

"Ar
eyougonnahur
tTani
sha?"Landonaskedashegoti
nthecarwi
thPr
incet
on.

"I
'
dratherdie,
anddon'
ttel
lmey
oudunnot
hatev
eni
fIki
l
lNi
sha,
Zar
awi
l
lst
il
lremai
nobst
inat
e"
Pri
ncetonrepl
ied.

"She'
sgi
vi
ngmeheadache"Landonsi
ghed.

"I
'
m goi
ngt
oNana'
spl
ace,
wil
lyouf
oll
owme?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

Landongl
aredathi
m andhesmi
l
ed.

"
OkI
'
llj
ustdr
opy
ouatt
hemai
nroad,
I'
ll
goal
one"Pr
incet
onsai
danddr
ove.

*
***
**

MCFPALACE,
ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Af
terst
ari
ngatt
heankl
etwi
thherf
orawhi
l
e,shet
hrewi
tint
hebur
nerandi
tbur
nedup.

"Ev
eniftheot
herbabysti
l
l hastheanklet
,sof
arLia'
sowni
sgone,
nomeansofi
dent
if
icat
ion
anymore,t
hey
'r
enotident
icalanyways"shesmil
ed.
"Mat
il
da.
..
.What
'st
hatcr
azywomanpl
anni
ng"shewonder
edandSpar
kcamei
n.

"He'
scur
rent
lyonhi
swayt
oNana'
smansi
on"her
epor
ted.

"Di
dyouor
dert
heguy
stodowhatIsai
dal
ready
?"Sheaskedwi
thherbackonhi
m.

"Yesgodmot
her
"her
epl
i
ed.

"
SummonTani
sha,
timet
ospl
i
therandherPr
incechar
ming"Zar
asmi
l
ed.

Spar
klef
tandt
enmi
nut
esl
ater
,Tani
shacamei
nfear
lessl
y.

"
Iseey
ougr
ewbol
d"Zar
asmi
l
ed.

"Whydi
dyousummonme?
"Tani
shaaskedwi
thoutbl
i
nki
ng.

"
Wow!
,Mysl
avei
squest
ioni
ngme,
justwow!
"Shel
aughedl
oudl
y.

"
Ify
ouhav
enot
hingt
osayt
henI
'
mleav
ing"Tani
shat
urnedt
ogo.

"Imadeadeal
wit
hyourpr
incechar
ming"Zar
asai
dandTani
shast
opped.

"Ifhewantst
oknowthesecret
she'
sdyi
ngt
oknow,Itol
dhimtokilly
ourNanaf
ir
st,
I'
m sur
e
he'sonhi
swaytoherri
ghtnow"Zar
asai
dandTani
shalookedatherswi
ft
ly.

"
Youcan'
tfool
me,
Itr
ustmyPr
incy
"shesai
d.
"
Howr i
ch,y
oujustsoundedli
keanot
herv
ersi
onofJul
i
etf
rom Wi
l
li
amsShakespear
e"Zar
a
l
aughedandtur
nedserious.

"I
nthenextt
enmi
nut
es,
she'
l
lbedead"Zar
asai
d,mi
micki
ngPr
incet
on

Shewal
kedi
n,l
aughi
ngl
oudl
y.

ThoughTani
shadi
dn'
twantt
obel
i
evebutt
hechi
l
lyai
rwhi
chbl
ewi
mmedi
atel
ygav
eheran
i
ntui
ti
on.

Shest
art
edspr
int
ing,
thi
nki
ngaboutwhatsheshoul
dreal
l
ybel
i
eve

Ami
nut
elat
er,
shest
art
edr
unni
ngt
il
lshegott
othepar
k.

Shest
art
edherdr
ivi
ngl
essonsj
usty
est
erdayt
hankf
ull
y.

Shegoti
ntooneofPr
incet
on'
scar
sanddr
oveoutoft
hepal
acer
oughl
y.

*
***

NANA'
SMANSI
ON*
*

WhenPr
incet
ongott
her
eandf
eltwei
rd,
heknewsomet
hingi
snotr
ighti
mmedi
atel
y.

Her
ushedi
nandbeadsofsweatcov
eredhi
sbr
owsatwhathe'
sseei
ng.
Nanai
sly
ingi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
hel
i
vingr
oom,
she'
sinbl
ood.

Akni
fei
sst
ucki
nhert
ummy
.

"
Nana"hesai
d,r
ushi
ngt
oher
.

Heknel
tbesi
deher
,hi
sey
esst
il
lwi
de.

"
Nana!
'hecal
l
edagai
n.

Hel
ookedar
oundwi
thr
edshockedey
esbef
orel
ooki
ngatheragai
n.

Het
ouchedt
hekni
feandwhenhesawi
tdi
dn'
tgodeep,
her
emov
edi
t.

Thati
nst
ant
,Tani
shacamei
n.

"
Nana!
"Shescr
eamed,
rushi
ngt
othescene.

"
Nana!
,Nana!
!"Shecal
l
edl
oudl
y,shaki
ngherbodydesper
atel
y.

"
Nanapl
ease!
!,
Don'
tdot
hist
omeNana!
!"Shescr
eamed,
cry
ingal
ready
.

Pr
incet
onf
oldedhi
sfi
stashewat
chedhercr
y,v
owi
ngt
oki
l
lev
ery
onei
nvol
vedi
nthi
s.
Tani
shal
ookedathi
m wi
thr
edt
ear
yey
esandhest
aredback.

Shel
ookedatt
hekni
fewi
thhi
m andhi
sbl
oodyhands.

"
Whydi
dyoudoi
t?"Shesai
d,st
andi
ngupsl
owl
y.

Pr
incet
ondeci
dedt
okeepmut
eashest
oodt
oo.

"
Whydi
dyoubet
rayme!
"Shey
ell
edhur
tful
l
y.

Pr
incet
onkeptl
ooki
ngatherandbef
oreawi
nk,
shedr
ewouthergunf
rom herbel
tst
rap.

Sheai
meddi
rect
lyathi
sfor
ehead.

Pr
incet
onnev
ermov
ed.

"
Youshoul
dfol
l
owhert
hen"shesai
dandpul
l
edt
het
ri
gger
.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:17AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER62&63
 ★★★★★

"
Youshoul
dfol
l
owhert
hen"shesai
dandpul
l
edt
het
ri
gger
.

Shechangedherai
mtot
hewal
landt
hebul
l
ethi
tthewal
l
.

Pr
incet
onst
oodst
il
l,
looki
ngatherandwonder
ingwhysheact
ual
l
ydi
dthat
.

"Whydi
dn'
tyoushootme?
"Heaskedcal
mly
.

"
Youact
ual
lythi
nkI'
mthatdaf
t?,
I'm notafool
Pri
ncy,Iknowhowt r
ickygodmothercanbeand
I
'
m awar
ethatshecangoanyextenttogetwhatshewants,It
rusty
ouPr i
ncy"sherepl
i
ed.

"Igother
eandmett
hekni
fei
nherst
omach"hesai
d.

Tani
shabentbesi
deNanaandt
ouchedherneckwi
tht
wof
inger
s,f
eel
i
ngherj
ugul
ar.

"
She'
sst
il
lbr
eat
hing,
she'
sal
i
ve"shesai
d.

"
Kri
s"Pr
incet
onsai
dasKr
iscamedownst
air
s,dr
aggi
ngaguywi
thher
.

Theguyi
sbl
eedi
ngandunconsci
ous.
"
Whatexact
lyhappened?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

"TheysuddenlybrokeinwhenIwasi nmyr oom,

Iheardthei
rsoundsfr
om t hereandIhadt o
peepf r
om therai
ls,Isawt hatthey'
vestabbedNanaandIgotreall
yscared,oneofthem sighted
meandIr anbacktomyr oom, Il
ockedthedoorandhekeptbangingoni t,
tell
i
ngmet ocome
out,Igotthefl
owerv aseonmybedst andandopenedthedoorcareful
ly
, Iwasabletocrashit
onhi sheadbefor
eher eal
ized"sheexplai
nedandrushedtoNana.

"Nana"shel
ament
edf
ear
ful
l
y.

"
She'
l
lbef
ine.
..
.Andt
hisguy
"Pr
incet
onsai
d,l
ooki
ngatt
hedeadguy
.

"
She'
soneofZar
a'shi
tmen"hesai
d.

"
Shedar
ehur
tmyNana?"Tani
shasai
d.

"Let
'sgetNanat
othehospi
tal
fir
st,
andy
oumi
ghtgett
oseey
ourmot
her
"Pr
incet
onsai
dand
Tani
shafacedhi
m.

"My
..
..Mymot
her
?'

"Yes,
Imanagedt
ofi
ndhersomehow"her
epl
i
edandsheswal
l
owednot
hing.

Pr
incet
oncar
ri
edNanaoutoft
hehouseandt
heydr
ovehert
othehospi
tal
.

Shewasqui
ckl
ytakeni
nandat
tendedt
o.
"
Ist
heheaddoct
orar
ound?
"Pr
incet
onaskedt
hedoct
ort
heymet
.

"No,
shel
eftt
hehospi
tal
awhi
l
eago"her
epl
i
ed.

"
Theheaddoct
or?
"Tani
shaasked.

"Yes,doct
orMat i
lda,she'
sthemothery
ou'v
eal
way
swant
edt
osee"Pr
incet
onsai
dandTani
sha
st
aredon, notknowingwhattosaynext.

"
She'
sbackt
ost
abl
e,she'
l
lbef
ine"t
hedoct
orconf
ir
med.

"
Thankf
ull
y"Kr
issmi
l
ed.

"Kr
isy
ou'
l
lhav
etost
ayher
ewi
thNanaf
ort
hemeant
ime"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Sur
e"Kr
issmi
l
ed.

"Ni
shal
et'
sgo,
we'
l
lcomeback"Pr
incet
onsai
dandpul
l
edheroutoft
hehospi
tal
.

Theydr
ovebackt
othepal
aceandwentst
rai
ghtt
oZar
a'ssui
te.

Zar
alooksi
ndi
ff
erentasshesawt
hem t
oget
herbutdeepi
nsi
deher
,she'
shi
dinghershock.

"
We'
reback,
sti
l
ltoget
her
"Pr
incet
onsai
d,r
aisi
ngt
hei
rint
erl
ockedhands.
"Congr
atul
ati
ons,
sheseemst
otr
usty
oumor
ethanIt
hink"Zar
asmi
l
ed.

"YeahIdo,sostopyourdi
rt
ytri
cks,i
t'
l
lonl
ymakemel ov
ehi
m mor
eandf
orhur
ti
ngmyNana,
you'
ll
getyourpaybackIpr
omise"Tani
shasai
dbol
dly
.

"Whatwi
l
lyoupossi
blydot
ome"Zar
asai
d.

"
I'
ll
kil
lyou,
Ipr
omi
se.
..
.I'
l
lki
l
lyou!
!"Tani
shashout
ed.

"Manyot
her
sshout
edsamet
hingbuty
ouknowwhat
?,Theyal
lendedupdi
eingi
nmyhands"
Zar
asmil
ed.

"I'
m notmanyot hers,
I'
m Tani
shaLeBron,
andI'
m sayi
ngforhur
ti
ngmygrandma,I'
l
lkil
lyouand
i
fy outouchmyPr incy
,ify
outryt
ohurthimI'
l
lhurtyout
wiceasmuch!
"Tanishar
epli
edboldl
y,
takingZaraaback.

Zar
ast
art
edwal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hem

"
Howdar
eyout
hreat
enme!You'
remysl
ave!
"Shegl
areddanger
ousl
y.

Tani
shamadet
orepl
ybutPr
incet
onst
eppedi
n.

"
She'
snoty
oursl
ave,
she'
smi
ne!
,Mygi
rl
"hesai
dandZar
agr
inned.

"
Wai
tti
l
lshel
eav
esy
oul
i
keAv
adi
d,y
ou'
l
lknowt
her
e'snot
hingl
i
kef
eel
i
ngs"shesai
d.

"I
'
llpr
ovey
ouwr
ong"Pr
incet
onsai
dandf
acedTani
sha.
Hegr
abbedherwai
standki
ssedherl
i
psr
ightt
her
e.

Zaraf
rozeonherspot
,looki
ngatthem angri
l
ywhil
eal
lthev
einsonherneckst
oodout
,herey
es
tur
nedredi
nminutesastheyki
ssedinfrontofher
.

"
Pri
ncet
on!
!!
!"Shey
ell
ed.

Pr
incet
onhar
denedt
heki
ssandst
art
edcar
essi
ngTani
sha.

Tani
shar
eleasedbadassmoansandZar
a'sey
esbecamer
edder
,shef
oldedherhandsasher
whol
ebodyshookinanger.

Pr
incet
onbr
oket
heki
ssandf
acedher
.

"
Youcandi
ewi
tht
hesecr
ets,
I'
ll
findoutmy
sel
f"hesai
d.

"
We'
l
lfi
ndout
"Tani
shasmi
l
edandt
heybot
hlef
thersui
te.

Zar
atookt
hebot
tl
eofchampagneont
het
rayandt
hrewi
tont
hewal
l
.

I
tsmashedoni
tandbr
oke,
spl
ashi
ngi
t'
scont
entar
ound.

Shewentf
ort
heshat
ter
edpi
ecesandt
ookoneofi
t.

Shef
oldedherpal
msoni
tti
ght
ly,
woundi
ngher
sel
fknowi
ngl
y.
Herbl
ooddr
ippeddownasshegl
aredatnoonei
npar
ti
cul
ar.

*
***
**

ABOUTI
QUE*
*

"
Ilov
ethi
sleat
hert
rouser
s"Li
asai
d,admi
ri
ngi
tont
hehanger
.

Sheact
ual
l
ycamet
oshopf
orcl
otheswi
thSi
err
aandVi
gnet
te.

"Thent
akei
t"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
Ihat
eleat
her
"Li
aret
ort
ed.

"
Yourl
oss"Si
err
asai
dandt
ooki
t.

"I
t'
sbeenl
ongsi
nceIcamef
orshoppi
ng,
Ifi
ndnot
hingat
tract
ive"Li
acompl
ained.

"Thencany
oupl
easesi
tont
hatchai
randl
etmeshopwi
thSi
err
ainpeace?
'Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
Nast
ygi
rl
"Li
asai
dandVi
gnet
tesqui
ntedpl
ayf
ull
y.

"
Let
'sgetawayf
rom herSi
err
a"Vi
gnet
tesai
d,pul
l
ingSi
err
aaway
.
"
Middl
efi
ngerf
ory
oubot
h!"Li
ashout
edaf
tert
hem.

"
I'
ll
justshopal
one"shesmi
l
edandst
art
edpi
cki
ngbum shor
ts,
thi
nki
ngofShay
.

"
Ishoul
dwearbum shor
tsf
requent
lyt
heseday
s"shesai
d,pi
cki
ngmor
eofi
t.

"Hey.
..l
it
tl
eLi
a"af
ami
l
iarv
oicesai
dbehi
ndherandshel
ookedbackt
oseeG-
Dragon'
s
gi
rl
fr
iend.

"
Sephor
a?"Shesai
d.

*
***
**

Er
oti
csceneahead

EVENI
NG,
VIVI
'
SAPARTMENT*
*

"F*
ck!
,ToyIl
ov ey
ourd*ck,
.
..
..gi
vei
ttomehar
der
,..
..
har
der
..
.chokeme!
"Rei
nascr
eamedas
Toy'
srodcr
uisedherp*
ssy.

"I
'
llmakesureyourp*
ssyget
saddictedt
omyd*
ckb*
tch!
,Scr
eam mynamel
ouder
!,Scr
eam i
t!
"
Toysaid,
spanki
ngherassharshl
y.

She'
sact
ual
l
yonal
lfour
sandhe'
sf*
cki
ngherf
rom t
heback.

"
Ohj
eez!
"
Toy
!,Mor
epl
ease.
..
.Iwantmor
e,deeper
!.
..
.Justmakemei
nsane!
"Rei
nascr
eamedagai
n.

Toyhel
dherasscheekst
ight
ly,
rammi
ngmor
eroughl
yint
oher
.

Sheheldthesheet
swithhert
eet
hashehi
theront
her
ightspot
,nodoubthi
snamef
it
shi
m,
he'
sindeedas*xtoy.

Toypull
edoutofherandshef
acedhim,kneel
ingi
nfr
ontofhi
m af
tert
heygotdownf
rom t
he
bed,
taki
nghisbleedi
ngmonst
erinherhands.

Sherubbedthet
ipexper
tl
yandherel
easedmassi
vel
y,shet
ookhi
mint
ohermout
handal
most
gotchokedassheli
ckedhi
m,sucki
ngfast
.

"
Damn"Toygr
oaned,
hol
dingherbyherheadandpushi
ngi
tmor
ecl
osel
ytohi
smember
.

"Iwanty
outochokeoni
tb*
tch,
choke!
"Heor
der
edandshesuckedf
ast
er,
bumpi
ngherheadup
anddown.

Sher
eal
l
ychokedandToyl
aughed.

"
Ilov
eitwhent
hishappens"hesai
d.

Rei
nal
ookedupathi
m asher
eleasedherhead.

Shest
oodandsatont
hebed,
wideni
ngherl
egs.

"
Lickmecl
ean"shesai
d.
Toysmi
rkedpr
oudl
yandcamet
oher
,hesuckedherb*
*bsshor
tl
yandsmi
l
ed.

"
Shoul
dn'
tweshi
ftt
hist
il
lsomeot
hert
ime?
,Vi
viwi
l
lsoonbeback"hesai
d.

Rei
naki
ssedhi
m har
d.

"Let
'smeetatt
hecont
ainer
sspott
ommor
ow,
7pm"shewhi
sper
ed.

"Sur
e"hesmi
l
ednaught
il
yandst
ood.

Hedr
essedupandRei
naf
ingerf
*ckedher
sel
fashedi
d.

Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.

Her
emov
edherf
inger
sfr
om hernet
herr
egi
onandl
i
ckedi
t.

"
Sweet
"hesmi
l
edandst
oodupr
ight
.

"
Seey
out
ommor
ow"hesai
dandl
eft
.

Rei
nal
ookedather
sel
f.

"
Ineedmor
ef*
ck,
damni
t!
"
*
***
**

VI
GNETTE'
SAPARTMENT*
*

I
t'
shert
urnt
ocookt
odaysot
hegangar
eal
li
nherhouseal
ready
.

Ev
ery
oneexceptTani
shaandPr
incet
on.

"
Someoneshoul
dtakeMi
naandSana'
sfoodt
othem"Vi
gnet
tesai
daf
tershef
ini
shedset
ti
ng
t
hefoodonthet
able.

"
I'
ll
dot
hat
"Li
asai
dandt
ookt
hewar
mercont
aini
ngt
hef
ood.

Shest
oodandBr
ent
'sey
eswi
dened,
star
ingather
.

She'
sweari
ngoneofthebum shor
tsanddespi
tet
hef
actt
hatherb*
tti
snotwel
lendowed,
her
fr
eshthi
ghsist
ooseduct
ive.

Normal
lyshewear
sbum shor
tsbutnotwi
thoutnetbodysocks,
butnowshe'
swear
ingi
t
or
dinar
il
yfort
hefi
rstt
ime.

"
Damn"hemut
ter
ed.

"
What
?"Shayaskedbesi
dehi
m.

"
Not
hing"her
epl
i
edasLi
awal
kedoutoft
heapar
tment
.
Landoncamei
nandVi
gnet
tesi
ghedashesat
.

"
Dony
oucamet
othi
sapar
tmentdespi
teknowi
ngt
hatVi
gnet
tei
sher
e?"Br
entasked.

"Notl
i
keshebui
l
dit
"Landonr
epl
i
edandVi
gnet
tesneer
ed.

Sheser
vedandt
heyst
art
edeat
ing.

"
Tast
esbet
ter
"Landonsai
d.

"
Whoa,
Landoncompl
ement
ed"Si
err
asmi
l
ed.

"
HasLi
atol
dyouguy
sthatshemi
ghtbeat
win?Landonasked.

"
Twi
n?"Br
entsai
d.

"
How'
sthatpossi
ble?
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
Idunnot
oo,
ithasn'
tbeenconf
ir
medt
hough"Landonr
epl
i
ed.

"Anot
herf
rust
rat
ingsecr
et"Br
entsai
d.

"Whenar
ewegoi
ngonanot
hermi
ssi
on?
"Br
entasked.

Theyal
lgotmai
l
simmedi
atel
yandev
ery
onecheckedt
hei
rphones.
I
t'
sfr
om Zar
a.

*
*EVERYONEWILLGOONMISSI
ONSINDIVI
DUALLYFROM NOW ON,
ANDSOMETI
MES,I
MIGHTCHOOSETWOPEOPLEFROM THEGANG,BRACEUP,F*
CKINGUPMEANSDEATH**

Ev
ery
onel
ookedateachot
heraf
terr
eadi
ng.

"
What
'sshepl
anni
ngagai
n"Landonwonder
edl
oudl
y.

*
***
**

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Mi
naandSanaar
eal
readyeat
ingt
hemeal
broughtbyLi
a.

Pr
incet
onandTani
shaar
eint
hel
i
vingr
oom wi
thLi
a.

Theyal
lfi
nishedr
eadi
ngt
hemai
lsentbyZar
aandLi
asi
ghed.

"
Iknowshe'
spl
anni
ngsomet
hingwi
tht
his"shesai
d.

"Idon'
tcar
e,Ij
ustf
eel
li
keki
l
li
ngher
"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"How'
syourNanaf
ari
ng?
"Li
aasked.
"Kr
issai
dshe'
sbet
ter
,I'
l
lgoseehert
ommor
owmor
ning"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Weneedtolocatef
ather
'ssui
tei
nthi
spal
ace,
it'
shi
ddensomewher
eandev
enLandoncan'
t
l
ocat
eitany
mor e"Pr
incet
onsaid.

"
Ist
her
esomet
hingweneedt
oknowi
nhi
ssui
te?
"Li
aasked.

"
Probabl
y"Li
arepl
i
edandPr
incet
onl
ookedather
.

"Youl
ookhotwi
thoutt
hebodysocks"hesai
dandTani
shacur
vedherl
i
p.

"Pri
ncetonjustcomplement
edmewhoa!"Li
agushedandmadet
ohughi
m butTani
shasaton
Pri
ncetonlapsbefor
eshecoulddot
hat
.

"
Yourj
eal
ousyi
sreachi
ngt
heheav
ens"Li
asmi
rked.

"
Thanks"Tani
shasai
d,huggi
ngherf
acet
ohi
schest
.

"
Cut
iesI
'
mleav
ing!
"Li
awav
edt
othet
winsandl
eft
.

Shegotoutandhermi
ndwentt
oherencount
erwi
thSephor
aear
li
er.

"Idi
dther
ightt
hing,
Ijustwantt
hispal
acet
ocr
umbl
e,Iwanti
ttoend"shemut
ter
edandwal
ked
away

Tani
shal
ookedupatPr
incet
onandhesi
ghed.
"
Youl
ooksad,
why
?"Sheasked.

"
There'
salottobesadfor
,yourNanai
sunconsci
ousi
nthehospi
tal
,Zar
aandl
adyMacbet
h
won'
ttal
k,andyourmum..
.

"
Youdon'tneedt
otal
kaboutmymum agai
n,It
hinkIdon'
twannameetherany
mor
e"Tani
sha
i
nter
rupt
ed.

"Why
?"Pr
incet
onaskedsur
pri
singl
y.

"
Ichangedmymi
nd"shesai
d.

"
Youwant
edt
oreal
l
ymeether
"hesai
d.

"Notanymor
e,Idon'
tthi
nkshedeser
vest
oseemeaf
terabandoni
ngme"sher
epl
i
ed,
scoot
ing
closert
oPri
ncet
onont hecouch.

Pr
incet
onsi
ghedandhel
dhert
ight
.

"
Ithi
nki
t'
l
lrai
ntoni
ght
"hesai
d,f
eel
i
ngt
hechi
l
lyai
r.

"I'
m notscar
edany
more,ev
eni fheavyt
hunder
stor
mshappens,sofaryou'
rewi
thmeI '
m safe"
shesaidandhesmil
edshor
tlybeforeki
ssi
ngherhai
r,r
ubbi
ngitwi
thhispalmsaft
erwards.

"
Ilov
eyouPr
incy
"shewhi
sper
ed,
kissi
nghi
schest
.

*
***
*
MATI
LDASPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TAL*
*

"Thefi
rstpat
ientwasi
nv ol
vedi
nanaccident,
doct
orDaniel
isi
nsur
gerywi
thhi
m al
ready,
assi
stedbydoctorPai
sley"ani
nter
nreport
edtoMati
ldaasshewal
kedthr
ought
hehallway.

Shehasbeencryi
ngathomesincebutshesuddenl
ydeci
dedt hatmaybet
ear
swon'
tsol
ve
anyt
hingsoshecameafteri
gnor
ingmanycall
sfrom t
heotherdoctor
s.

"
Thesecondone?
"Sheasked.

"Thecancerpat
ientwhoref
usedt
ogetsurger
y,hesuddenlyagr
eedwhenhi
sli
fewasaboutt
o
sli
pof
f,hehasaf i
ft
yfi
ft
ychanceofsur
viv
al"t
heint
ernreport
ed.

"Pr
epar
ethesecondt
heat
erf
orsur
ger
yandi
nfor
mthesur
geonBi
m,he'
sassi
sti
ngme"Mat
il
da
sai
d

"Yesdoct
or"t
hei
nter
nrepl
i
edandl
eft
.

Mati
l
daent
eredherof
fi
ceandhunghercoat
,shechangedi
ntot
het
heat
eruni
for
m bef
ore
comi
ngout
.

Sheent
eredt
het
heat
erandshewasdr
essedup.

"
Scal
pel
"shesai
dandi
twashandedt
oher
.

Shest
art
edsur
ger
yimmedi
atel
y.
I
ttookj
ustanhourandwhatl
ookedi
mpossi
blewasdonebyher
.

Shef
ini
shedsur
ger
yandl
eftt
het
heat
er.

"
Howmanynewpat
ient
sdur
ingmyabsence?
"Sheaskedaf
tercl
eani
ngup.

"Twel
ve,
onewasbr
oughtbyagangst
ert
hough"t
hei
nter
nrepl
i
edandshest
opped.

"Whi
chwar
d?"Sheasked,
thi
nki
ngi
t'
sZar
aagai
n.

"Fi
ft
een,
VIP"t
hei
nter
nrepl
i
edandMat
il
dawentt
othewar
d.

Sheopenedt
hedoorr
oughl
ybutwassur
pri
sedt
oseeNanaont
hebed.

Kr
isi
sbesi
deher
.

"
Headdoct
or?
"Kr
isst
ood.

"
Nana!
"Mat
il
dasai
d,r
ushi
ngt
oher
.

Nanaopenedherey
essl
owl
y.

"
Nanay
ou'
reawake"Kr
issai
d,goi
ngcl
oser
.
"
Til
da"Nanasai
dweakl
y.

"
Yeahi
t'
sme,
wher
ehav
eyoubeenandhowdi
dyoul
andher
e"Mat
il
daasked.

Kr
isst
aredatt
hem i
nconf
usi
on.

"Ishoul
dbeaskingt
hat
,wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
,Howcoul
dyoubesocr
uel
Til
da?
"Nanasai
d
di
sappoint
edl
y.

"Nanai
twasn'
tmyf
aul
t"Mat
il
dawentonherknees.

"Theni
si tmine?
,Yougavebirtht
oababyboyandaf t
erannul
li
ngy ourmarr
iagewit
hmyson,
youlef
twi t
hthebabyaccordingt
othecourt'
sdeci
sionbutfouryearslat
eryoulef
tababygi
rlat
ourdoorstepwit
hanot et
hatweshouldtakeherasoursonandt akecareofher,wher
edidy
ou
keepmysonMat il
da,
where'smygrandson"Nanasaidandcoughed.

Mat
il
dast
art
edcr
yingpr
ofusel
y.

"
Nanai
promi
set
ogety
ourbabyback,
I.
..
.

"Itookcareofthebabygir
lyoudroppedl
i
kemyown,Er
osy ourlat
ehusbandtr
easur
edheral ot
butsti
ll
,helamentsabouthi
sbabyboyevery
day
,Imi
ssKingston,bri
nghi
m backMati
lda"Nana
sai
dandt urnedherbackonher.

"Nana.
..
.

"Anyt
imeyoubringhi
m back,
thenI'
l
l bereadytotalkt
oy ou.
..YoucanhiKwesi
on+233554737287tobeaddedtostoryreadersroom f
ormor estor
ies.
heart
lesswoman"Nana
i
nterr
uptedandMatil
dasatontheground,hiccupi
ngandsniffi
nginhertear
s.
*
***
*

MCFPALACE,
SIERRA'
SAPARTMENT*
*

"
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen,
I'
vebeenwai
ti
ng"Shaysai
dimmedi
atel
ySi
err
acamei
n.

Hehasbeenwai
ti
ngsi
ncesomemi
nut
esago.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?,
Wher
e'sVi
gnet
te?
"Sheasked.

"
Shewentf
orni
ghtt
rai
ning"her
epl
i
ed.

"SheandTani
shashouldn'
twoundt
hemsel
veswi
tht
rai
nings,
it'
sget
ti
ngt
oomuch"Si
err
asai
d,
standi
ngi
nfrontofhi
m.

"Tani
shadoesni
ghtt
rai
ningt
oo?
"Shayasked.

"
Yeah,
they
'r
ebot
hreal
l
ytr
ying"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"Thengoodt
hingIcame,
I'
ll
keepy
oucompanyt
il
lshear
ri
ves"Shaysai
d.

"What
ever
,I'
m comi
ngfr
om Li
a'
ssuitebutshe'
snotar
ound,
it'
ssor
arenott
ofi
ndherar
oundat
ni
ght
,Iwonderwher
eshewent
"Sier
rasaid.

Shayst
oodandst
art
edwal
ki
ngar
ound.
"
Whatshoul
dwedo?
"Si
err
aaskedandshayf
acedher
.

"
Shoul
dwef
*ck?
"Hesai
d.

"
D*ck"shesmi
rkedandhecamecl
oser
.

"
Getaway
"shegl
ared.

Hegr
abbedhersuddenl
yandshegaspedshocki
ngl
yasherchestsl
ammedonhi
sown.

Herey
esmetwi
thhi
sownandsheshi
ft
edi
ttohi
sli
ps.

"Sweari
tthaty
oudon'
tfeel
thewayIdo"Shaysai
d,l
ett
inghi
sli
pspl
aydanger
ousl
yinf
rontof
hers.

Si
err
afel
therkneesbecomi
ngsof
t,may
bet
hecapgotr
emov
ed.

"Tel
lmey
oudon'
tfeel
samef
orme"hesai
dandshef
oldedherf
istasherey
esf
ell
onhi
sli
ps
agai
n.

Thesceneoft
heni
ghtt
heyki
sseddr
unkenl
yfl
ashedbackandshel
ookedathi
sey
es.

Shehasbeent
ryi
ngt
olayl
owcosofLi
abutnowi
tseemsshegotcaught.
..Byhi
m.

"
Ilov
eyou.
.f*
cki
ngmuch,
tel
lmey
oudon'
tl
oveme"Shaymut
ter
ed.
Si
err
atr
iednott
olookathi
sli
psagai
nbuti
twast
hehar
destt
hingshehasev
ert
ri
ed.

Shel
ookedathi
sli
psagai
nandwentf
ori
timmedi
atel
y.

Thei
rli
psmetandShaysmi
l
edI
ntot
heki
ss.

Si
err
atangl
edher
sel
ftohi
m andhi
shandswentst
rai
ghtunderhert
opwi
thouti
nter
rupt
ion.

Hegrabbedhert
wof
ull
grownappl
esi
nhi
spal
msandcar
essedt
hem i
nthemostseduct
ive
wayever.

Sier
ramoanedl
oudl
yint
ohi
smout
handhesqueezedherev
enmor
east
heybot
hpr
oceededt
o
thecouch.

Shef
li
ppedhi
sshi
rtof
fhi
sheadandhedi
dsame

Thei
rli
psgotreatt
achedagai
nandwhileSier
radrov
ehim cr
azybycar
essi
nghi
stat
tooedbody
,
hesl
idoffherbrastr
apandgotaccesstoherful
lbr
*ast
s.

Hef
ondl
edwi
thherpi
nkn*
ppl
esandwet
nessst
art
edf
ormi
ngbet
weenherl
egs.

"
Shay
..
."Shewhi
sper
edi
ntot
heki
ss.

Hebr
okei
t,br
eat
hingi
mpat
ient
ly.

"
Babe.
..
"Hewhi
sper
ed,
sti
l
lsqueezi
ngherbr
*astgent
ly.
"
Let
sf*
ck,
Ilov
eyou"shewhi
sper
edandShaysmi
l
ed.

Het
ookherr
ightn*
ppl
eint
ohi
smout
handt
hedooropenedi
mmedi
atel
y.
..
.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:17AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER64&65

★★★★★

Thedooropenedi
mmedi
atel
y,Vi
gnet
tecamei
n.

Si
err
aandShaydi
sengagedi
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Oops!
,Wr
onghouse"shesai
dandt
urnedback.

Shel
efti
mmedi
atel
y.
"
Moodspoi
l
er"Shaymumbl
ed.

Si
err
agothert
opandsl
i
ppedi
tonhast
il
y.

"Youneedt
ogonow"shesai
d,l
ooki
ngatShay
.

Shayst
oodandcamet
oher
.

Hel
eanedi
nandshebl
i
nked.

"
We'
redat
ingnow,
right
?"Heasked.

"
Idunno"sher
epl
i
ed,
looki
ngaway
.

Het
urnedherf
acet
ohi
msel
f.

"
Ilov
eyou,
Imeani
t"hesai
d,notr
eleasi
ngherf
ace.

"
Ifeel
thesame"Si
err
asai
dsl
owl
yandhesmi
l
ed.

Hegav
eherashor
thar
dki
ssandwhenhebr
okei
t,shel
i
ckedherl
i
ps

"
I'
ll
cal
lyou"hesai
dandshenoddedashel
eft
.

Si
err
afel
lont
hecouchandwhenshesawherbr
aoni
t,shequi
ckl
ytooki
t.
Vi
gnet
tecamei
nandshest
ood.

"Vi
gnet
te.
..

"I
'
m of
fended"Vi
gnet
tei
nter
rupt
ed.

"I
'
m..
.sor
ryIj
ustcoul
dn'
thel
pit
..

"SobecauseIsuddenl
yent
ered,
youguy
sdeci
dednott
of*
ckany
mor
e?"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"Youar
en'
tannoy
edwi
thme?
"Si
err
aasked.

"WhywouldIbe?,
BecauseofLi
a?,Comeon.
..notli
keLi
acanf
orcehi
m onher
sel
fany
way
s,Li
a
wi
ll
havetomov eon"Vi
gnet
tesai
dandSier
rasighed.

ShesatbackdownandVi
gnet
tesmi
l
edwhenshesawt
hebr
awi
thher
.

"BadboyShay,
hewasalmosttherebutIr
uinedever
ythi
ng,
I'
m soangrywi
thmy
sel
f,Ishoul
d
havespentmoret
imeatt
hetraini
ngground"shesai
dandSierr
agiggl
ed.

"You'
reunser
ious"

"Byt
hewaywhyi
sLi
anoti
nhersui
te?
,Icheckedi
toutbutcoul
dn'
tfi
ndher
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"Idunnot
oo,
andherl
i
newasof
fwhenIt
ri
edi
t"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.
"Tani
sha"Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
ed.

"
Whatabouther
?"Si
err
aasked.

"Iguessshe'
sreal
lydet
ermi
nedtobecomethest
rongesthere,shehasbeent
rai
ningher
sel
f
sincethr
eehoursagoandshe'
snotevenr
eadytostopyet"Vignet
tesai
d.

"Whatwerey
ouexpecti
ngfr
om al
pha'
sbaby
,shehast
heal
pha'
sbl
oodandsper
minher
"Si
err
a
repl
i
edandVignet
tegi
ggl
ed.
.

*
***
*

SHAY'
SAPARTMENT*
*

"
Whythesmi
l
esi
ncey
oucameback?
,It
'ssuspi
cious"Br
entsai
d,smoki
ngashecameoutof
t
hebedr
oom.

"Igotagi
rl
fr
iend"Shaysmi
l
ed.

"Ar
eyouf
*cki
ngwi
thy
our
sel
fri
ghtnow?
"Br
entsai
d.

"
I'
m notki
ddi
ng,
it'
sSi
err
a"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"Oh"Br
entr
epl
i
edsl
owl
y.

"Youar
en'
thappyf
ormet
hatIf
inal
l
ygotmycr
ush?
"Shayasked.
"Ishoul
dbef l
ari
ngupandtell
i
ngy ouhowmuchIhat
eyour
ightnowf
orget
ti
ngheri
nst
eadof
me,butI'
m surpr
isi
ngl
yfi
ne"Brentsai
d.

"That
'swhatf
ri
endsdo"Shaywi
nked.

"Badboy
,so.
..
aki
ss?
"Br
entasked.

"
Itwasmor
ethanaki
ss,
weal
mostdi
ditbutVi
gnet
tei
nter
rupt
ed"Shayr
epl
i
ed.

"Dudey
ou'
recr
azy
,s*
xont
hef
ir
stdayofdat
ing?
"Br
entsai
d.

"What
?,Wel
oveeachot
her
,isn'
tthatwhatmat
ter
s?"Shaysai
d.

"
Iknow"Br
entr
epl
i
ed.

"Thenwhyar
eyoucompl
aini
ng"Shaysai
d.

"Okf
ine,
youwi
n"Br
entsai
dandShaysmi
l
ed.

"
WasTani
shast
il
latt
het
rai
ninggr
oundwheny
ouwer
ecomi
ng?
"Br
entasked.

"Yes,
you'
reamusedt
oor
ight
?"Shaysai
d.

"
Yes,butshe'
stheal
pha'
sbabyandIt
hinkshe'
sgonnabef
aci
ngev
ery
thi
ngwi
thhi
m,i
t'
swor
th
i
t"Br
entsighed.
*
***
**

TRAI
NINGGROUND*
*

"
Aar
rgh!
!"Tani
shashout
edasshel
i
ftedt
heheav
iestwei
gh.

Herl
egsareshaki
ngonthegroundandherv
einsar
erev
eal
i
ng,
herski
ntur
nedr
edasar
esul
tof
t
heexcessstr
essoft
rai
ning.

She'
ssweat
ingpr
ofusel
yal
readyandherar
msshookont
hemet
alassher
aisedi
tmor
ehi
gher
.

Shet
ight
enedherl
i
psoneachot
hersoai
rwon'
tbeabl
etopenet
rat
e.

Herear
sbecamesohotandherchestal
mostst
if
fenedassher
aisedi
tupf
inal
l
y.

Shest
oodwi
tht
hemet
alf
oral
mostt
hreemi
nut
esbef
oret
hrowi
ngi
tdown.

Sher
est
edherpal
msonherknees,
breat
hingheav
il
yashersweatdr
ippeddown.

Shesuddenl
yst
oodst
rai
ghtandwal
kedt
othepunchi
ngbag,
she

madet
ost
artpunchi
ngi
tbutsomeonehel
dherhands.

Shef
acedhi
m andbr
eat
hedhar
d,seei
ngt
hati
t'
sPr
incet
on.

"
Pri
ncy
"shemut
ter
edt
ir
edl
y.
"Ar
eyouplanni
ngtogetyour
selfki
ll
ed?
,It
'ssomemi
nutesaft
er10fors*xsake,
andy ou'
vebeen
her
esince6andyoutrai
nedforthr
eehoursint
hemor
ningtoo,st
opNisha"hesaid.

"Ij
ustneedt
otr
ainwel
l
...
.Ineedi
tandy
ouknow"shesai
dsl
owl
y.

Hepul
l
edheri
ntoanhug,
notmi
ndi
nghersweat
ybody
.

"
Stopr
ightnow,
it'
sanor
der
"hesai
d.

Shesmi
l
ed,
huggi
nghi
m back.

"I
'
mti
red"shemut
ter
ed.

"Youshoul
dbe"her
epl
i
edandcar
ri
edheri
nhi
sar
ms.

Shehangedherar
msonhi sneckandmadeani
nter
lockwi
thherf
inger
s,r
est
ingonhi
m ashe
car
ri
edherbacktothesui
te.

"
Iwi
shI
'
mtheonei
nhi
sar
ms"Rei
nasai
ddr
eami
l
y,l
ooki
ngatt
hem wi
thVi
vi
.

"
Youshoul
dbef
astwi
thpr
ovoki
ngheri
ntoaduel
"Vi
vir
epl
i
ed.

Pr
incet
ongott
ohi
ssui
teandt
ookTani
shai
ntot
her
oom.

"Ineedashower
"shesai
d.
"
Iknow,
youcan'
tpossi
blysl
eepwi
tht
hesweat
"her
epl
i
ed.

Hecar
ri
edheri
ntot
hebat
hroom anddr
oppedherundert
heshower
.

"
Thekidsmissy
outhesedays,youleavebefor
e7f
ort
rai
ningandy
our
etur
nlat
ebecauseof
t
rai
ningt
oo"hesai
d,t
akingoffhersingl
et.

"Imissspendi
ngti
mewitht
hem t
oo,butIhopeal
lthesewi
l
lendsoon,
Ican'
twai
ttol
i
vea
nor
mal l
if
ewi t
hyouandt
hem"shesai
d.

Het
urnedherbackt
ohi
msel
fandunhookedherbr
a.

Her
emov
edt
hest
rapaf
ter
war
dsandt
ooki
tof
f.

Hesl
i
ddownhershor
tst
oo,
leav
ingherwi
thonl
yherpant
ies.

"
I'
ll
wai
tint
her
oom"hesai
dandmadet
oleav
ebutshepul
l
edhi
m back.

Hegav
eheraquest
ioni
ngl
ook

"
Showerf
orme"shesai
d.

"
You'
renotababy
"hesai
d.

"ButI
'
myourbaby
"sher
epl
i
edandhesmi
l
edshor
tl
y.
Hecamebackanddr
ewdownherpant
ies.

Shest
oodnakedundert
heshowerandheputi
toni
nst
ant
ly.

"
Howcol
d"shesai
d.

"
Youwanti
twar
m?"Heasked.

"
Noi
t'
sfi
nel
i
ket
his"sher
epl
i
edandhest
art
edr
unni
nghi
spal
mst
hroughherbody
.

I
t'
sthegr
eat
estt
empt
ati
onhehasev
erencount
ered.

Hergr
andmai
sint
hehospi
tal
,thi
sissur
elynott
her
ightt
imet
of*
ck.

Hef
ini
shedshower
ingf
orherandcar
ri
edherbackt
othebedr
oom.

Hewipedf
orhert
ooanddr
iedherhai
r,shegotoneofhi
sbi
gwool
ensweat
ersandputonj
ust
t
hat
.

Theygotont
hebedt
oget
herandhest
art
edst
roki
ngherhai
rasshepl
acedherheadonhi
s
chest
.

"
Pri
ncy
"shewhi
sper
ed.

"
What
?"Heasked.
"
Whent
het
imecomesandIr
eal
l
ygett
heoppor
tuni
tyt
oki
l
lZar
a,wi
l
lyoust
opme?
"Sheasked.

"I
'
dsuppl
ymor
ebul
l
etsi
fyouneedi
t"her
epl
i
edandshesmi
l
ed.

"Whatar
eyourdr
eams?
"Heasked.

"I'
vealwaysdreamedofl i
vinginabi
gpent
housewit
hmyfuturehusband,
Idream ofhavi
ngt
he
fanci
estproposaleveranddoingani
ghtweddi
ngonacrui
seshipwherefi
reworkswil
lbeon
displ
ayeveryminute,wherethemoonandstar
swil
lbet
hewitnessofourvows"shesaid.

Pr
incet
onbr
ushedherhai
rwi
thhi
sfi
nger
sfondl
y.

"
Let
'sseewhatt
hef
utur
ehol
dsf
ir
st"hesai
d.

"
Let
'sseeaboutt
hat
"shesmi
l
ed,
looki
ngupt
ogi
vehi
m al
i
ghtki
ss.

*
***
**

NEXTDAY,
KITCHEN*
*

"
Landon"l
adyMacbet
hsai
dhappi
l
ywhenhecamei
n.

Shemadet
otouchhi
m buthest
eppedback.

"
Don'
ttouchme"hesai
d.
"
Don.
..

"Whywon'tyout
alk?
,Whyar
eyouaf
rai
doft
alki
ng?
,What
'sZar
ahol
dingy
oudownwi
th?
"He
askedst
ernl
y.

"You"Macbet
hrepl
i
edf
lat
ly.

"Me?
,Cr
azyt
hingsagai
nhuh?Whathav
eIgott
odowi
tht
his"her
epl
i
ed.

"You'
re.
..
.y
ou'
regodf
atherFar
ri
s'
sfi
rstandonl
ysonand.
..

"Fi
rstandonl
yson?
,Idon'
tget
?,WhataboutPr
incet
on?
,He'
smybr
other
"her
epl
i
ed.

"Inev
ersai
dyou'
ret
heonl
yson"shesai
d.

"
Yousai
dthatj
ustnowMacbet
h!"Hey
ell
ed.

LadyMacbet
hlookedathi
m hur
tful
l
y.

"Landon,
ifpossi
ble.
..Runawayf
rom her
e,r
unpl
ease.
..
run"shesai
d.

"
Run?
,Iseenol
i
onchasi
ngme"her
epl
i
ed.

"I
t'
saser
pent
,adev
il
"shesai
dfear
ful
l
y.
"Andwhatt hehellar
ey ousaying!
,Allt
hesewhil
eyou'v
ebeenkeepi
ngusinsuspense!
,
Refusi
ngt otel
lusanything!
,You'r
ekeepingqui
etandZarai
squiett
oo!
,I
t'
sf*cki
ngcrazyso
mucht hatI'
m att
hev ergeofgoinginsane!
,Whyareyoudoi
ngthist
ouswhy!"Heyell
ed.

"I
'm sorryLandon,butI'
m doingthisfory
ouri
nsaf
ety
,Ican'
tl
osey
ou,
you'
ret
heonl
yoneIhav
e
i
nher e"shesaid,abouttostartcr
ying.

"You'
l
llosemeIswear
"Landonsai
dandgr
abbedakni
fef
rom t
het
abl
e.

Hepl
acedi
tonhi
sneck.

"
Landonpl
ease!
"Macbet
hshout
ed.

"I
fyoudon'
ttel
lmewhaty
ou'
rehi
ding,
thenI
'
m gonnasl
i
tmyt
hroatr
ighther
eandnow!
"Hesai
d
seri
ousl
y.

"Taket
hatkni
feof
fyourneckpl
ease,
taket
hekni
feof
fyourneckj
ustpl
ease!
"Shey
ell
ed.

"Youst
il
lwon'
ttal
k?,
ThenI'
l
lsaybye"hesai
dandmadet oreal
l
ydoitbutVi
gnet
teappear
ed
andqui
ckl
ydidanhandst
andonthecounter
,rai
singherl
egstothekni
fe.

Shehi
titof
fhi
shandandi
tfel
l
.

Vi
gnet
tel
andedbackont
hegr
ound,
breat
hingheav
il
y.

"
Howdar
eyou"Landonsai
d.
"
Howdar
eyout
ryt
oki
l
lyour
sel
f"shegl
ared.

"I
t'
smyl
i
fenoty
our
s!"

"Yoursi
bli
ngsneedy
ou!
"Shey
ell
ed.

Landonst
ormedoutoft
hepl
aceandshef
oll
owed.

"
Youneedt
oli
vet
il
ltheend!
"Shesai
dloudl
y.

"Andwhydoy
oucar
e!"Hey
ell
edback.

"
CosZar
aneedst
obedef
eat
ed!
"sher
epl
i
edandhest
opped.

Hef
acedher
.

"Don'
tbesi
l
lyDon,
you'
remaki
ngi
thar
dtor
especty
oucosy
ou'
real
way
sbei
ngachi
l
d"she
sai
d.

Hesi
ghedandl
ookedathersneaker
s,t
hekni
fecuti
ntoi
tandt
her
e'sbl
oodoni
t.

"
You'
rehur
t"hesai
d,bendi
ngdownandt
aki
ngherl
eg.

Thekni
feact
ual
l
ycuthermi
ddl
etoe.

Shewi
thdr
ewherl
eg.
"
I'
mfi
ne"shesai
dandl
eft
.

Landonst
ood,
looki
ngathert
il
lshel
efthi
ssi
ght
.

*
***
*

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

"
Byemummy
!"Mi
naandSanawav
edast
heygoti
ntot
hei
rcar

"
Byecut
ies!
"shewav
edt
ooasBr
entgoti
nwi
tht
hem anddr
oveof
f.

Shef
eltar
msar
oundherf
rom behi
ndandsmi
l
edasPr
incet
onki
ssedherhai
r.

"
Goodmor
ningbaby
,youwokeupl
ate"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Didy
ougosomewher
eal
ready
?"Heasked.

"Yes,
tov
isi
tNana,
Iwentear
ly"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Youshoul
dhav
ewokemeup"hesai
d,t
urni
nghert
ohi
msel
f.

"
Sor
ryIj
ustdi
dn'
twantt
owakey
ouup,
andIneedt
otel
lyousomet
hing"shesai
d.
"What
?"Heasked

"Igotami
ssi
ont
oel
i
minat
esomeoneatapr
ivat
erest
aur
ant
,SENS"shesai
d.

"Fr
om godmot
her
?"Heasked.

"Yeah"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Don'
tgo"her
epl
i
ed.

"Iwi
l
l,Ineedt
ocheckwhati
tlooksl
i
ke,
togoonami
ssi
onal
one"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Don'
tgo"hesai
dagai
n.

"Iwannago"sher
epl
i
edst
ubbor
nly
.

"
Nisha.
..

"I
t'
snotabigdeal
,I'
l
lbebacki
naj
i
ffy
,Ineedt
oleav
eby10andpl
easet
rustme,
Icant
akecar
e
ofmysel
f"shesai
d.

Hehel
dherf
aceandki
ssedherl
i
psl
i
ght
ly.

"Becar
eful
"hesai
d.

"Sur
e"shesmi
l
ed.
"I
'
llgov
isi
tNanat
oodur
ingy
ourabsence"hesai
d.

"She'
sawakeal
readyandshe'
srecuper
ati
ngwel
l
"

"I
'
llseef
ormy
sel
f"hesai
d.

*
***
*

TRAI
NINGGROUND*
*

"Wher
ewer
eyoul
astni
ght
?"Si
err
aaskedi
mmedi
atel
yLi
ashowedup.

"Somewher
eper
sonal
"Li
arepl
i
ed

"
Sincewhendi
dyoust
artgoi
ngt
oper
sonal
places"Si
err
asai
d.

"Don'
twor
ryy
ou'
resaf
e"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"
Soundssuspi
cious"Vi
gnet
temut
ter
ed.

Shayappear
edandwi
thoutaski
ng,
hepeckedSi
err
aonherl
i
pscor
ner
.

"
Hey
"Si
err
asai
d.
"
Let
'swor
koutt
oget
her
"Shaysmi
l
ed,
grabbi
ngherhand.

Bef
oreshecoul
dpr
otest
,het
ookheraway
.

"
Shoul
dwewor
koutt
oget
hert
oo?
"Vi
gnet
teasked.

"
NoIt
hinkI
'
m notgonnawor
koutt
oday
"Li
arepl
i
ed,
looki
ngatSi
err
aandShay
.

"
That
'sonef
*cki
ngl
i
e".Br
entappear
edandpul
l
edLi
aawayt
oo.

"
Ohf
inal
l
yI'
m al
one"Vi
gnet
tesai
d,l
ooki
ngatt
hem hur
tful
l
y.

"
How'
syourt
oef
ari
ng?
"Landonaskedbehi
ndherandshef
acedhi
m.

"
Youdon'
thav
etobewor
ri
ed"shesai
d.

"
Why
?,Yougothur
tbecauseofme"her
epl
i
ed.

"No,
Igothur
tcosIwant
edt
o"shesai
d.

"Whydoy
ouhat
emet
hismuch?
"Landonasked.

Shel
ookedathi
m andwal
kedaway
.

*
***
*
MATI
LDASPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TAL*
*

"
She'
sreal
l
yreal
l
ydoi
ngwel
l
"Kr
issai
daf
terf
eedi
ngNanaherbr
eakf
ast
.

"Isee"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Thanksf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofmeandmygr
anddaught
er"Nanasai
d.

"Justr
estl
i
ket
hedoct
orsai
d"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Thedoct
ori
sthemot
herIt
alkedabout
,doct
orMat
il
da"Nanasai
d.

"If
oundoutt
oo"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"Butshe'
snotherr
eal
..
..

Ai
nter
ncamei
n.

"She'
snotsupposedt
obet
alki
ngl
i
ket
his,
sheshoul
drest
"shei
nter
rupt
ed.

"Sor
ry"Pr
incet
onsai
dasshecheckedt
hev
ital
s

"
Byt
hewaywher
e'st
heheaddoct
or?
"Heasked.
"
Shewentoutt
omeetsomeoneatapr
ivat
erest
aur
ant
"thei
nter
nrepl
i
ed.

"Oh"Pr
incet
onsai
dandst
ood.

"Kr
is,
I'
ll
comebackl
ater
,don'
tl
eav
eherf
orasec"hesai
d.

"Sur
e"Kr
issmi
l
ed.

Hel
ookedatNanaagai
nandl
eftt
hewar
d.

Hegottot
hehal
l
wayandstoppedwhenher
emember
edwhatTani
shasai
daboutel
i
minat
ing
someonei
napri
vat
erest
aurant
.

Thent
hei
nter
njustsai
dMat
il
dawentt
oapr
ivat
erest
aur
ant
.

Somehowt
het
wosoundssuspi
ciousl
ysamebutwhatbussi
nesscoul
dZar
apossi
blehav
ewi
th
Mati
l
da.

Hemadet
owal
kagai
nbuthest
opped,
hisey
eswi
dened.

"Mati
l
dai
sTani
sha'
smot
her
,whati
fZar
afoundoutandi
str
yingt
ohur
therbymaki
ngherki
l
l
herownmot
her
?"

Pr
incet
onr
anmadl
youtoft
hehal
l
way
.

*
***
**
MCFPALACE,
ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

Zar
asmokedhappi
l
yanddr
ankchampagnet
owashhert
hroatev
erymi
nut
e.

Shesmi
l
edandsi
ghedbef
orest
andi
ng.

"Thecruel
estel
iminat
ion,
kil
l
ingt
her
eal
mot
herofherpr
incechar
ming.
..
.howi
nter
est
ing"she
saidanddrankagain.

"Let
'sseewhathappensaf
tersheki
l
lsMat
il
da"

*
***
*

SENSRESTAURANT*
*

Mat
il
dacheckedt
het
imeagai
n,i
t'
ssomemi
nut
esbef
oret
en,
Zar
awi
l
lsoonbeher
e.

Zar
aact
ual
l
yinv
itedhert
otal
kher
e.

Shebr
oughtouthergunandcheckedi
tout
.

Shebr
oughti
tal
ongcosZar
aisn'
ttobet
rust
ed,
atal
l
.

Shekeptt
hegunagai
nandcont
inuedwai
ti
ng.

Tani
shawal
kedi
ntot
her
est
aur
ant
,dr
essedl
i
kear
ichl
adyt
oav
oidsuspi
cions.
Hershoest
ookheri
ntot
her
oom shewasmeantt
oent
er.

Tr
uly
,awomani
sst
andi
ngt
her
e,backi
ngher
.

"
Thet
arget
"shet
houghtandr
aisedhergownf
rom herl
egs.

Sher
emov
edhergunf
rom t
hest
rapandai
medf
ort
hewoman.

Mat
il
dagotsuspi
cioussuddenl
yandl
ookedbacksl
owl
ytoseeTani
shapoi
nti
ngagunather
.

Tani
sha'
sey
eswi
denedi
mmedi
atel
yshesawher
.

Mat
il
dadr
ewherownguni
mmedi
atel
y,hersuspi
cionswer
etr
ue

Zar
aisab*
tch!

Sheai
medf
orTani
shat
oo.

Tani
shaact
ual
l
ycaughtagl
i
mpseofheratt
hehospi
tal
whenshewentt
oseeNanat
hat
morni
ng.

Doct
orMat
il
da!
,Herownmot
her
!

Theshockmadeherar
msweaken.
Mat
il
dawast
ednoti
meinpull
ingthet
ri
gger
,thebul
l
ethi
tTani
shaont
het
ummyandshebl
ed
f
rom t
hemout
himmedi
atel
y,goi
ngonherknees.

Shekeptl
ooki
ngatMat
il
da,
hermot
herj
ustshother
.

Hergunf
ell
from herandshef
ell
down.

Pr
incet
oncamei
nandal
mostl
ostconsci
ousnesswhenhesawherl
yi
ngont
hef
loor
.

"
Kingst
on"Mat
il
damut
ter
edasher
ant
oTani
sha.

Pr
incet
onhel
dTani
sha'
sfacef
ear
ful
l
y,hi
swhol
ebodyi
sshaki
ngashesawhershutt
ummy
.

"
Nisha!
,Ni
sha!
!"Hecal
l
ed,
shaki
ngher
.

Sheopenedherey
essl
i
ght
ly.

"
Pri
..
.cy
"shewhi
sper
ed,
vomi
ti
ngbl
oodagai
n.

"
Stopdoi
ngt
hispl
ease!
!,
Stopv
omi
ti
ngy
ourbl
ood!
!"Hesai
d,hi
sey
esar
egl
assyal
ready
.

"Tel
lMi
naandSanat
hatIl
ovet
hem ok?
"Shesai
d.

"St
opalready
!,Justst
opt
hef
*cki
ngcr
ap!
"Hecr
iedwi
thoutr
eal
i
zing,
hist
ear
srol
l
ingdownhi
s
cheeks.
"Il
ovey
ou"shesai
d,herey
escl
osi
ng.

"Il
ovey ouf*
ckingmuchNisha!
,Il
ovey
oucr
azi
l
y!,
If*
cki
ngf
ell
headov
erheel
sfory
ou!
!"He
shouted,cr
yingsomuch.

Tani
shasmi
l
edf
aint
lyandherey
esst
art
edcl
osi
ng.

"
Don'
tcloset
hoseey
es!
,Don'
tf*
cki
ngcl
osei
tNisha!,
Cont
inuelooki
ngatme! ,Youpromi
sedt
o
t
akecareofmeandmykidsr
emember?
,Yousai
dy ou'
dpr
otectmepl easedon'tgo!
"He
l
amented.

Herey
esf
inal
l
ycl
osedcompl
etel
y.

"
Nisha!
!,
NishaIpr
omi
set
omakey
oual
otofmeatwhenwegethome,
wakeup!
!!

Tear
sar
est
il
lrunni
ngdownhi
scheeksashecar
ri
edherl
i
mpbodyi
nhi
sar
ms.

"
NishaIl
ovey
ou"hewhi
sper
edasher
anoutoft
hepl
ace.

"
Ilov
eyou"

TBC.

[
6/17,
6:17AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER66&67
 ★★★★★

Pri
ncet
ondrovet
oMat i
l
dahospi
tal
sandwhent
hest
ret
cherwasbr
oughtoutI
mmedi
atel
y,he
ref
usedtopl
aceheronit
.

Her
ani
nwi
thherandhewasdi
rect
edt
oawar
dimmedi
atel
y.

Heent
eredandpl
acedheront
hebed.

"
Sav
eher
,br
ingherbackt
oli
ve,
doev
ery
thi
ngi
ttakes!
,Justdoi
t!
"Hey
ell
edatt
henur
ses.

"Where'
stheheaddoct
or?,Weneedt
opr
epar
eforsur
ger
y"oneoft
hedoct
orssai
daf
ter
checki
ngTani
sha'
svit
als.

"Can'
tyoucar
ryoutthesurgerywi
thoutt
heheaddoctor?
,St
artal
ready
!,I
fIl
oseherI
'
m ki
l
li
ng
ever
yonei
nhere!
,I'
l
lkil
levery
one"Pri
ncet
onsaid,
drawinghi
sgun.

Ev
ery
onef
rozei
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Int
ernDebby
,cal
ldoct
orDani
elandl
et'
sdoi
t"doct
orBi
m sai
dfear
ful
l
y.
Thei
nter
nlef
tthewar
dimmedi
atel
yandt
womi
nut
esl
ater
,shecamebackwi
tht
hedoct
or.

"Shif
thertothet
heater,
fast
!"Heor
deredandPri
ncetoncar
ri
edTanisha,
heplacedheronthe
stret
cherandpusheditoutbyhi
mself
,thenur
sesdir
ectedhi
mtil
ltheygott
othetheater
.

Shewast
akenf
rom hi
m.

Hepul
l
edoneoft
hedoct
ors.

"
Shemust
n'tst
opbr
eat
hing"hemut
ter
edser
iousl
y.

"We'
l
ltr
yourbest
"her
epl
i
edandwenti
n.

Thet
heat
erdoorcl
osed.

Pr
incet
onsatont
hebar
egr
ound,
star
ingi
ntospacewhi
l
ehopi
ngt
hatshe'
dbeok.

Het
ouchedhi
sface,
ther
ear
est
il
ltr
acesoft
ear
sther
e.

Hewi
pedt
hem andsni
ff
edl
i
ght
ly.

Herbl
oodst
ainedhi
sshi
rtandpal
msbal
dy.

Thesoundofheel
sont
hegr
oundmadehi
mlookupt
oseeMat
il
da.
Shest
oppedi
nfr
ontofhi
m andhest
ood.

Hesmi
l
eddr
ylyandMat
il
damadet
otouchhi
m buthest
eppedback.

"
Howdar
eyoushooty
ourowndaught
er"hesai
dandherey
eswi
dened.

"
Huh?
"

"Thedaught
erIwastal
ki
ngabout
,thedaught
ery
ouabandonedf
orNanani
net
eeny
ear
sago,
she'
stheone"Pri
ncet
onsai
dandshestagger
ed.

"
That
's.
..
that
'sher
?,I
t'
sreal
l
yher
?"

"
Tani
shai
syourdaught
er"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
She'
snotmydaught
er"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"Hedemanded.

"
Kingst
ony
ouar
e..
.

"
Kingst
on?
,Whot
hehel
lhi
sKi
ngst
on?
"Pr
incet
onsai
dconf
usedl
y.

Thet
heat
erdooropenedandani
nter
nrushedout
.

"
Goodt
hingy
ou'
reher
echi
ef,
thegi
rli
sbl
eedi
ngsomuchanddoct
orDani
eli
slosi
nghope"she
r
epor
ted.

"What
!"Pr
incet
onsai
dshocki
ngl
y.

Mat
il
day
ankedof
fhercoatandr
ushedi
ntot
het
heat
er.

"
I'
ll
takeov
er"shesai
d.

Shewasqui
ckl
ydr
essedf
orandshest
oppedt
hebl
eedi
ngwi
thi
nashor
tti
me.

Sher
esumedst
it
chi
ngf
rom wher
etheyst
oppedf
rom andwasabl
etof
ini
shupsuccessf
ull
y.

*
***
*

NANA'
SWARD,
THI
RTYMI
NUTESLATER*
*

"
MyNi
shagotshot
?,Shegot
..
.what
?"Nanasai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"
Theysai
dshe'
sokal
ready
,Isawheri
nthewar
dnextt
oyour
s"Kr
issai
dandNanasatup,
try
ing
t
ogetofft
hebed.

Kr
ishel
dher
.

"
NoNana,
youcan'
tdoi
t"shesai
d.

"
It
'sTani
shawe'
ret
alki
ngabout
!"Sheshout
edandst
art
edcoughi
ng.
"It
oldy
ouNana,
don'
thur
tyour
sel
f"Kr
issai
d.

"What
'shappeni
ng!
,Whyi
sshecoughi
ng?
"Mat
il
daasked,
rushi
ngi
n.

ShecheckedNana'
svi
tal
sandsi
ghed.

"
Youneedt
olaybackdownNana,
str
essi
slet
hal
toy
ourheal
th"shesai
d.

"How'
sTani
shadoi
ng?
,Howdi
dshegetshot
?"Nanaasked.

Mat
il
daswal
l
owedhar
dbef
oret
alki
ng.

"I
..
..
.Ishother
"shesai
d.

Kr
is'
sey
eswi
dened.

"What
!,You.
..
did.
..
didwhat
?"Nanasai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"She'
sfr
om theMCFpalaceandshewasai
mingforme,
IthoughtZar
asenthert
oel
i
minat
eme
soIshotatherbef
oreshe'
ddo"shesai
dsl
owly
.

"Whatbussi
nessdoy
ouhav
ewi
thZar
a!,
Thatdev
il
ishwoman!
"Nanademanded.

"Zar
a..
..Zar
atookmybabyf
rom me"Mat
il
dasai
dsor
rowf
ull
y.
"Youdon'
tmean.
..
..Ki
ngst
on?
,Mygr
andson?
"

"Yeshe.
..

Nanal
ostconsci
ousnessbef
oreMat
il
dacoul
dfi
nish.

"
Nana!
,Nana!
"Kr
isshout
ed

Mat
il
darushedtoherandhadt
ouset
hedef
ibr
il
lat
orsbef
oreshecoul
dber
evi
vedt
houghshe
r
emainedunconsci
ous.

*
***
***

MCFPALACE,
ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

"
Shedi
dwhat
!"Zar
abar
ked,
faci
ngspar
k.

"
SheshotTani
shai
nst
ead,
Idunnohowi
ttur
nedoutt
obet
hatway
"her
epl
i
ed.

"Shewastr
ainingdayandni
ght
!,Shel
ookedi
nvi
nci
bleandsmar
t!
,Howdar
eshemarmypl
ans!
,
Howdareshe!"Zar
ay el
l
edangr
il
y.

Shewal
kedar
oundt
hepl
ace,
breat
hingheav
il
y.

"Sonowshe'si
nthatsamehospi
tal
?,AndPrincet
oniswit
hher ?
,Matil
dai
sinthatsame
hospi
tal
?,Whati
fthatpsy
chot
icwomanr ui
nsmypl ansbyint
roduci
ngher
selft
ohim...
.jeez!
!"
Shebreat
hed.
Shef
acedSpar
kswi
ft
ly.

"Surr
oundthehospit
al wi
thspi
es,
theyshoul
dtel
lmeal
lthei
rmov
ement
swi
thi
nandout
side
thehospi
tal
"sheordered.

"Yesgodmot
her
"Spar
kbowedandl
eft
.

"Mat i
l
da,It
hinkIshoul
dn'
tbel
i
ttl
eyou,
you'
l
ldi
einmyhandssoon,
youcan'
trui
nmypl
ans"she
thought.

Shesuddenl
yrol
l
edey
es.

"WhereisshekeepingLia'
stwin?
,IwishIcoul
dseeherandki
l
lhersoshewon'
thav
eany
thi
ng
toexchangef
orPrincet
on,thatb*t
ch!
"

"Any
onet
her
e?"Shesai
d.

Vi
vir
ushedi
nwi
thf
iveot
herguy
s.

"
Wher
e'sRei
na?
"Zar
aasked.

"
Noi
deaofwher
eshewent
"Vi
vir
epl
i
ed.

"
Whyam Iget
ti
ngsuspi
ciousofhert
heseday
s"Zar
awonder
edl
oudl
y.

"Pr
epar
eformysecr
etmeet
ingwi
thDonJake,
we'
rel
eav
ingt
hroughmysecr
etr
out
e..
.Thi
rt
y
mi
nut
esf
rom now"sheor
der
ed.

*
***
*

Af
tersever
alroundsofs*xi
nthecont
ainer
,Rei
naj
umpedoutwi
thToyandhel
eftwi
thout
ut
ter
inganotherwordtoher
.

Rei
naadj
ust
edherbel
tandVi
gnet
tepassedby
.

"
F*cki
ngi
nacont
aineri
ssur
elyawhol
enewst
yle,
whatnamef
it
sthat
?,Cont
is*
x"shel
aughed.

"I
onhav
eyourf
*cki
ngt
ime"Rei
nasai
d.

"Ofcourse,Iwasn'
texpecti
ngyoutohav
emyt
imesi
nceI
'
m notaguywhohasar
odt
ochoke
yourf
*ckingp*ssywit
h"Vignet
terepl
i
ed.

Rei
nast
art
edadv
anci
ngt
owar
dshet
..
..Vi
gnet
ter
aisedast
onewi
thherboot
handdi
rect
edi
tto
her

Rei
nasawi
tlat
esoi
thi
therheadandshebl
edi
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Ouch!
"

"
I'
m notsor
ry.
..
.pussy
cat
"Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
edandwal
kedaway.

Shebumpedi
ntoLandonf
ort
heupt
ent
hti
met
oday
.
They
'vebeenbumpi
ngi
ntoeachot
herf
requent
ly.

"
Don'
ttr
ytot
alkt
omet
hist
ime"shesai
d,wal
ki
ngpasthi
m.

"Will
youhel
pmewi t
hsomethi
ng?
,Iknowy
ouhat
emebutcanwedosomet
hingt
oget
her
?"He
suddenl
ysai
dandshefacedhi
m.

"Whatsomet
hing?
"Sheasked.

"Wi
l
lyouhel
p?"Heasked.

"
Tel
lmewhatt
hisi
sal
laboutf
ir
st"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Toni
ght
,Iwannasear
chf
orf
ather
'ssui
te"hesai
d..

"Youshoul
daskf
ort
hehel
pofy
oursi
bli
ngs.
..
youhav
eLi
aandt
heal
pha"sher
epl
i
ed.

"I
'mtheonewhowaslockedi
nthesui
tetil
lIwassi
x,Iknowt
hesui
tei
fIseei
tbutIhav
eno
i
deaofwherei
tisl
ocat
edagai
n"herepl
ied.

"Youwer
elockedi
nti
l
lyout
urnedsi
x?,
Whatt
he.
..
."
Vignet
tesai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"That
'snoti
mport
antri
ghtnow,
Ifeel
li
ket
her
e'sacl
ueIneedt
ofi
ndi
nthesui
te,
toni
ght
..
.
pl
ease"hesai
dsoft
ly

Vi
gnet
tesi
ghedandf
acedhi
m.
"What
'l
lbet
hepr
ice"sheasked.

"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"Heasked.

Shecamecl
oserandt
ouchedhi
sfor
eheadwi
thherpoi
nterf
inger
.

"
Stopbehav
ingl
i
keaki
d"shesai
dandhesmi
l
ed.

"
Andwhyar
eyousmi
l
ingwhenI
'
m act
ual
l
ysay
ingsomet
hingser
iousher
e"shescowl
ed.

"You'
re.
..
cut
e"hesmi
l
ed.

"Cut
emyf
oot
"shesmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly.

"Yousmi
l
ed"hesai
d.

"Wel
l
...
luckyy
ou,
wher
ear
ewemeet
ingat
?"Sheasked.

"Thi
ssamepl
ace"her
epl
i
ed

"
Ok.
..
.by
e!"Shewi
nkedandski
ppedof
f.

Landonsmi
l
ed,
touchi
nghi
sfor
ehead.

*
***
*.
LI
A'SSUI
TE*
*

Li
adr
oppedt
hecal
landr
ancr
azi
l
youtofhersui
te,
bumpi
ngi
ntoSi
err
a.

"
Heybabewhat
'sup?
,Whyt
her
ace?
,Shoul
dIr
unt
oo?
"Si
err
asai
d.

"Tani
sha.
..
.shegotshoti
nthemi
ssi
on"sher
epl
i
ed.

"WhatThe.
..
f*ck!
"Si
err
asai
d.

"Ineedt
ogo,
tot
hehospi
tal
"Li
asai
d.

"Di
dIj
usthearaboutTani
shaget
ti
ngshot
?"Vi
gnet
teappear
ed.

Li
aandSi
err
arushedof
fandshet
aggedal
ong.

Theydr
ovet
othehospi
tal
andl
ucki
l
ylocat
edt
hewar
deasi
l
y.

Pr
incet
oni
ssi
tt
ingbesi
deTani
sha,
hol
dingherhandandwhi
sper
ingIl
ovey
ouev
erymi
nut
e.

"
Pri
ncet
on!
"Li
arushedi
nwi
tht
heot
her
s.

"
Ont
het
ummy
?,I
ssheok?
,Wi
l
lshebeok?
"Li
aqui
ckl
yasked,
touchi
ngTani
shaal
l
over
.
"Heyst
opt
ouchi
ngher
"Pr
incet
ont
ookLi
a'
shandaway
.

"
Wil
lshebef
ine?
,I'
mjustwor
ri
edhowdi
dithappen?
"Sheasked.

"Thewomanshewassenttoeli
minat
eist
hedoct
orofthi
shospit
al,
and.
..
.she'
shermot
her
,
shegotdi
str
act
edandsheshother
"hesai
dandal
leyeswidened.

"Shi
t!
,Howdi
dyouknow"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
HerNanai
sint
hishospi
tal
too,
shet
oldmeabouthermum andIt
rackedherdown"her
epl
i
ed.

"F*
ck"Si
err
amut
ter
ed.

"Wher
e'st
hewoman?
"Li
aasked.

"Idunnowher
eshei
s"her
epl
i
ed.

Li
amadet
otal
kagai
nbutshesawt
hecov
eri
ngcl
othl
eftoutsomepar
tsofTani
sha'
sleg.

Shewasaboutt
ocov
eri
twel
lwhenshesawt
heankl
etonherankl
e.

"
Thi
s"shesai
dsur
pri
singl
y.

"
Whatabouti
t?"Pr
incet
on,
cov
eri
ngherwel
l
.

"
YouknowIhav
ethi
sexactt
ype,
Itol
dyoumum t
ooki
tfr
om mel
asty
ear
,thi
sexactt
ypeSi
err
a,
don'
tyour
emembert
heankl
et?
"Li
asai
d.

"Ido,
it'
sf*
cki
ngsame"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"Thi
ngsl
ookal
i
keatt
imes"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
NoIknowwhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutI
..
.

"
Let
'snott
alkaboutt
hisr
ightnow"Pr
incet
onsai
d,ki
ssi
ngt
hebackofTani
sha'
shand.

"
But
..
..godmot
hermusthav
eknownshe'
shermot
her
..
.t
hat
'swhyshesenther
"Si
err
asai
d.

"Shehasalwayswant
edt
omeethermot
herbutnowshemetherandgotshot
?,Cr
azy
*
Vignet
tesai
d.

Pr
incet
ongotat
extonhi
sphoneandchecked,
it'
sfr
om anunknownnumber
.

*
Tryt
olet
'sseebef
oret
heendoft
oday
,Ineedt
otel
lyousomet
hingabouty
our
sel
f.
..MATI
LDA*

*
***
**

Zara'sconv
oymov edpeacef
ull
yandsmoot
hly
,shehasasmi
l
eonherf
ace,
thi
nki
ngaboutwhat
she'sgonnadi
scusswithDonJake.

DonJakeisadanger
ousdrugLor
d,he'
sint
oallki
ndsofill
egal
drugsandi
fany
oneconnect
s
wit
hhim andshowsi
nter
esti
nthebussi
ness,
it'
sjackpot
.
MCFpal
acedrugbussi
nesscr
ashedwhenshespentt
hreeweeksi
ncomaandshe'
spl
anni
ngt
o
r
evi
vei
tthr
oughDonJake.

I
t'
snoteasyt
omeethi
m andshedi
dal
otbef
oreshewasabl
etoar
ranget
hismeet
ing.

Thesmi
l
eonherf
acecl
ear
edof
fwhenacarcr
ossedhercar
.

"
Whatt
hehel
l
!,Thi
sjour
neywassupposedt
obesecr
et"Vi
visai
d,st
oppi
ngt
hecart
oo

G-
DragonandSephor
acameoutoft
heot
hercarwi
thmember
sfr
om t
hei
rcl
an.

"
Whosni
tchedonme"Zar
aseet
hed.

Viv
iledoutal
ltheguy
sandahotcombatt
ookpl
acebet
weent
hegol
denbul
l
etscl
anandMCF
pal
ace

Sephor
aandVi
vif
oughtv
ici
ousl
y.

G-
Dragonbr
oughtdownmanyoft
heMCFgangbuthel
ostmember
sofhi
sgangt
oo.

Wi
thi
nat
winkl
e,deadbodi
esandt
hei
rbl
ooddomi
nat
edt
her
oad.

G-
Dragonj
umpedonhi
scarandj
umpeddowni
nfr
ontofZar
a's.

Hest
art
edshoot
ingt
hewi
ndowbutt
hankf
ull
y,i
t'
sbul
l
etpr
oof
.
Zar
akeptl
ooki
ngathi
m,Smi
l
ingasheshotatt
hewi
ndowr
epeat
edl
y.

Shegothergunandopenedt
hedoor
.

"
Cov
ergodmot
her
!"Vi
visai
dfr
om wher
eshe'
sfi
ght
ingSephor
afr
om.

Zar
aandG-
Dragonst
art
edshoot
ingateachot
herwhi
l
etheyduck.

Zar
aret
urnedhergunandr
emov
edt
hebel
tfr
om herl
eat
hert
rouser
s.

Sher
ant
oG-
Dragonandt
heymetr
oughl
y,hol
dingshoul
der
s.

"
Youki
l
ledmyf
ather
!"G-
Dragonseet
hed.

"
Doy
ouwannaseehi
m?,
I'
ll
hel
pyou"shesmi
l
edandst
yli
shl
ysl
i
ppedt
hebel
tInt
ohi
sneck.

Sher
oll
edi
tti
ght
lyandpul
l
edi
t.

G-
Dragon'
sgunf
ell
from hi
m andhi
sey
est
urned,
rol
l
ingup.

"
Aar
rgggh!
!"Hegr
oaned.

"You'
l
ljustfol
lowyourf
*cki
ngf
atherift
hat
'sal
li
ttakest
okeepy
oushut
,Ihat
eloudenemi
es"
shesaid,pull
i
ngthebel
tmoret
ightl
y.

G-
Dragonv
omi
tedbl
oodandZar
asmi
l
ed.
"
Immedi
atel
yyoudi
e,whoev
eri
ssni
tchi
ngonmypal
acef
ory
ouwi
l
lfol
l
owy
ou"Zar
asai
d.

G-Dr
agonkeptt
ryi
ngt
ofr
eehi
msel
fbutwher
evert
hisdev
ilgotherpower
sfr
om mustbe
somewher
einhell

She'
sst
rong!

Sephor
asawt
hesceneandpushedVi
viawayf
rom her
sel
f.

"
Gunner
!!
!"Shescr
eamed,
bri
ngi
ngouthergun.

ShetargetedZaraassher
anbutwhensheshot
,Zar
acov
eredher
sel
fwi
thG-
Dragonandt
he
bul
lethithishear
tst
rai
ght
.

"
Urr
hh!
!"Hegr
oaned.

Sephor
ast
oppedonhert
racksshocki
ngl
y.

Vi
vishotagai
nandi
thi
tG-
Dragon'
sfor
ehead.

Zar
alethi
m goandhef
ell
.

Zar
agoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
fwi
thhi
sremai
ningcr
ew.

Sephor
arant
oG-
Dragonandhel
dhi
m,hi
sbl
ooddr
aini
ngal
ready
.
"
GunnerDr
agon!
!!
!!
"Shescr
eamed.

*
***
*

MCFPALACE,
7PM*
*

Landonj
umpeddownt
hef
encedsui
tef
ir
stbef
oreVi
gnet
tet
ri
ed.

Herj
acketgotst
uckandshef
oundi
tdi
ff
icul
t.

"
Takei
tof
f"Landonsai
d.

Vi
gnet
teobey
edandshewasabl
etoj
umpdown.

Thi
sist
het
ent
hsui
tet
hey
'l
lbechecki
ngoutsi
ncet
heyst
art
ed.

Landonwon'
ttakehi
sey
esof
fher
,she'
shoti
nonl
ythesi
ngl
et.

Shewav
edherhandi
nfr
ontofhi
m andhebl
i
nked.

Hegotbackt
ohi
ssensesandt
heyt
urnedt
othesui
te.

Sur
pri
singl
y,i
thasnotev
enasi
ngl
edoororwi
ndow.
"
Fat
her
'ssui
tewaspai
ntedbl
ue"hesai
d,l
ooki
ngatt
hecol
our
.

I
t'
sgr
eenbutt
hef
actt
hati
tdoesn'
thav
eadoororwi
ndowl
ookssuspi
cious.

"
Whatdowedo?
"Shesai
d.

"
I'
ll
checki
tout
"her
epl
i
edandsomeonesuddenl
ythr
ewdownabi
ghammer
.

Li
ajumpeddownaf
ter
war
ds.

"
Lia?
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
Yeahme.
..howcoul
dyoubot
hdot
hiswi
thoutme"shesai
d.

"
Thoughty
ou'
dst
il
lbeatt
hehospi
tal
"Landonsai
d.

"No,
thet
winsandPr
incet
onwi
l
lst
ay,
Pri
ncet
oni
nsi
sted"Li
arepl
i
ed.

Landont
ookt
hehammerandwal
kedt
othedoor
lesshouse.

"
G-Dr
agoni
sdead"Li
aannounced.

"
Zar
a'shandi
wor
k"Landonsai
d.

"
Whot
hehel
li
sG-
Dragon?
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.
"
LeaderofGol
denbul
l
ets,
agangst
ercl
an"Li
arepl
i
ed.

Landonst
art
edbr
eaki
ngt
hewal
l
swi
tht
hehammerandt
heywer
eabl
etobr
eaki
naf
terawhi
l
e.

"
Thi
sisi
t"Landonsai
dImmedi
atel
ytheyent
ered.

"
Thedev
ilbl
ockedt
hedoor
sandchangedt
hepai
nt"hemut
ter
ed.

"I
'
venev
erent
eredt
hispl
ace"Li
asai
d.

Landonwenti
ntoFar
ri
s'
sroom andhi
sey
escaughtsomet
hingont
hebedst
and.

Api
ctur
efr
amewhi
chwaspl
acedupsi
dedown.

Hewentf
ori
tandt
ooki
t.

I
t'
sthepi
ctur
eofl
ateFar
ri
sandl
adyMacbet
hwi
thababybet
weent
hem.

Basedont
hechi
l
dhoodpi
ctur
ehesaw,
thi
sisdef
ini
tel
yhi
m.

Vi
gnet
teandLi
ajoi
nedhi
m andbef
oret
heycoul
daskany
thi
ng,
her
anoutoft
hepl
ace.

*
***
ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

"Someoneisdefi
nit
elysni
tchi
ngonmeinthi
spalace,t
hejourneywasunknowntoeven
Princet
onorLandonorLia!
,Whocoul
dthatbe"Zarawondered,r
acki
ngherbrai
nforanswer
s.

"
SummonRei
na"shesuddenl
ysai
dandaguar
dlef
ttodot
hat
.

Spar
kcamei
n.

"
godmot
her
,Landonf
oundt
hehi
ddensui
te"

"What
!"

*
***
**

GENERALKI
TCHEN*
*

Landonr
ushedi
nwi
tht
hef
rame,
meet
ingMacbet
hbyt
hedoor
.

Her
aisedupt
hef
rame.

"
Wil
lyouexpl
aint
his?
"Hesai
d.

Shesmi
l
edsadl
y.

"
Landon.
..
"Expl
ainnow!
"Hey
ell
ed.

"It
'sj
ustli
key
ou'v
esuspected,
I'
myourmot
her
"shesai
dandt
hef
ramef
ell
from Landon,
shatt
eri
ngontheground.

"
Huh?
"

Macbet
hgrabbedakni
fef
rom t
hecount
erandbef
orehecoul
dst
opher
,shest
abbedher
sel
fin
t
hestomach.

"
Macbet
h!!
"Heshout
ed,
rushi
ngt
ohol
dherasshef
ell
.

Tear
srushedoutofherey
esasshel
ookedathi
m.

"
Whydi
dyou.
..
.whydi
dyoust
aby
our
sel
f"Landonhi
ccuped,
hi
shandsshaki
ng.

"I'
m sor
ryforkeepi
ngitfr
om youallt
hesewhi
l
e,t
hedev
ilsai
dshe'
dki
l
lmei
fIdi
dthat
"she
gasped,
bleedi
ngf r
om themouthtoo.

"I'
vebeenamai dforthi
spal acefory ears,Zaranev erwant edtogivebi r
thtoachi l
dbutFar r
is
wantedit
, herapedmet houghi twaspai nfulbutafterheshowedaf fecti
on,Ifel
l f
orhim,Zara
tr
iedtomakemeabor tyoubutFar risprotectedmet i
llIputtobed, Farri
stooky ouint
ohi ssuite
andIdof ortheretotakecareofy ouev eryday,Iknowinglydidn'ti
ntroducemy selfasyour
mothercos...
.Farri
stoldmenott o,youwer elockedinbecauseofZar a'
swickedness,then
Farr
issuddenlydiedandwheny ouf i
nallycameoutoft hesui t
e,Zaraintroducedherselfasy our
mum andIcoul ddonot hing..
..t
hej ealousyt hatIgavebirthtoaboyf orFarri
smadeheragr ee
togivebi
rthtoowhenFar ri
swasst i
llali
ve,shegotpr egnantwi thFarris'
sbabies,shegav ebirt
h
totwogirl
s..
.twins..and. .
.and...
.
Shest
art
edgaspi
ngf
orbr
eat
handsmi
l
ed.

"Thefactthatyougott
oknowmeasy ourmotherbefor
eI'
lldi
eiswort
hit
,Il
ovey
oual
ot
Landon..
..motherl
ovesyou"shesmi
l
edandraisedherhandtohisf
ace.

Landon'
stear
sfel
lonherf
aceandherhandssl
i
ppeddownf
rom hi
sface.

Herey
eswentshut
..
.

"
Mot
her
!!
!!
*Landonscr
eamedt
ear
ful
l
y.

TBC.

[
6/17,
6:17AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER68&69

★★★★★

SAMENI
GHT,
10MI
NUTESLATER*
*

Vi
gnet
teandLi
arushedi
ntot
hegener
alki
tchenbutcoul
dn'
tfi
ndany
one.
NotLandonorl
adyMacbet
hher
sel
f.

Theki
tcheni
sassi
l
entasagr
avey
ard.

"
What'
shappeni
ng?
,I'
m surehecameher
ewi
tht
hef
ramecosi
twasl
adyMacbet
handf
atheri
n
t
hatpi
ctur
e"Li
asai
dwor r
iedl
y.

Vi
gnet
tesuddenl
ysi
ght
edt
hebr
okenpi
ctur
efr
ame.

"
Heyl
ook"shesai
d,wal
ki
ngt
othepi
eces.

Li
arushedpastherandwentt
her
e.

Thepi
ecesar
ely
ingar
oundandt
her
ear
etr
acesofbl
oodt
oo.

"
Whatf
*cki
nghappened!
,Whosebl
oodi
sthi
s?,
It'
snotLandon'
sri
ght
?"Li
asai
d.

"Wecan'tknowt
il
lwef
indbot
hoft
hem"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
edandt
heybot
hrushedoutoft
he
ki
tchen.

*
***
***

MATI
LDASPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TAL*
*

Pr
incet
onent
eredMat
il
da'
sof
fi
cewi
thoutknocki
ng.
Hemetherst
andi
ngi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heof
fi
ce,
star
ingi
ntospace

"Whydoweneedtotalkandwhatdoyouhavetosayt
ome,
andwhatshi
tar
eyousay
ingabout
Tani
shanotbei
ngyourdaught
er"hedemanded.

"Ki
ngst
on.
..
Imean.
..Pr
incet
on.
..

"Whydoy
oukeepsay
ingKi
ngst
on,
whot
hehel
li
she"hesai
dcur
iousl
y.

"Ineedt
otel
lyousomet
hingabouty
our
sel
f,whatZar
adi
dtoy
ouand.
..

Pr
incet
on'
sphoner
angandwhenhesawLi
aont
hescr
een,
hepi
cked.

"
Pri
ncet
on,
Landoni
smi
ssi
ngt
oget
herwi
thl
adyMacbet
h"shesai
dinar
ush.

"
Whatt
hehel
lhappened"hesai
d.

"Wesear
chedf
orf
ather
'ssui
teandwef
oundi
t,we.
..

"
Youguy
sfoundf
ather
'ssui
te?
"Hi
sey
eswi
dened.

"Yes,webrokeinandhef oundapictur
eframecontai
ningthepi
ctur
eoff ather
,ladyMacbet
h
andababybet ween,
het ookitandrantot
hekitchenbutwhenwegott here,weonlyfoundt
he
brokenpi
ecesoftheframeandbl oodtr
aces,LandonandladyMacbetharenowher etobe
found"Li
asaid.

Pr
incet
onhungupandst
art
edr
ushi
ngout
.
"
Canwemeetatt
hebr
idgedownt
her
oadt
ommor
owni
ghtt
hen?
,8pm"Mat
il
daqui
ckl
ysai
d.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedathercur
sor
il
ybef
orel
eav
ing.

Mat
il
dasatbackonherchai
r,si
ghi
ngheav
il
y.

"IhopeIdon'
tdi
ewhil
edoi
ngt
his,
thewal
lofbol
dnessIbui
l
tar
oundmy
sel
fcr
ashedal
ready
,I'
m
scared"shemut
ter
ed.

*
***
**

MCFPALACE,
ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

"LadyMacbet
hisdead,
Landonl
eftt
hesui
tewi
thherdeadbodyt
hir
tymi
nut
esago"Spar
k
repor
ted.

"So..
.t
hedaf
tsonf
inal
l
ygott
oknowhi
sreal
mot
her
,butt
oobadi
tdi
dn'
tl
ast
,howpat
het
ic"
Zarasmil
ed.

Shef
acedSpar
k.

"Fi
ndthespyint
hispal
acewi
thi
naf
ewday
s,I
'
llmakesur
eIcutof
ftheheadofwhoev
eri
tis"
shesneer
ed.

Spar
kbowed.
Rei
nacamei
nandt
ookabow

"Wher
ewer
eyoudur
ingmyj
our
neyear
li
er?
"

Rei
nal
ookedupandav
oidedherey
es.

"Iwas.
..
.i
nthepal
ace"shesai
d.

"Ofcourseyouwereint
hepal
ace!,Wasn'
tsay
ingyouwereinhel
l!
,Iaskedwher
eexact
lyi
nthi
s
palacewereyouduri
ngmytri
p!"Zar
ayell
edandReinaf
li
nched.

"Iwas.
.wi
thToy
"sher
epl
i
edf
ear
ful
l
y.

"
SummonToy
"Zar
aor
der
edandSpar
klef
ttogethi
m.

Hecamewi
thhi
m somemi
nut
esl
ater
.

"
Wer
eyout
rul
ywi
thhery
est
erday
?"Sheasked

"Yesgodmot
her
"her
epl
i
ed.

"Wher
eex
act
ly?
,Doi
ngwhat
?"Sheasked.

"I
nthecont
ainer
,wewer
ef*
cki
ng"her
epl
i
edf
lat
ly.

Zar
agr
abbedherchampagnebot
tl
eandpour
edt
her
emai
ningoneonRei
na'
shead.
Shehi
tthebot
tl
eont
hewal
landi
tbr
oke,
leav
ingt
heshar
pedgedpi
ecewi
thher
.

Sheshov
edi
tint
oRei
na'
sar
m.

"
Aar
r!
"Rei
nagaspedpai
nful
l
y.

Zar
atur
nedt
hepi
ecer
oundi
nherar
m andherbl
oodst
ainedt
hegr
ound.

"
Ipl
eadf
orf
orgi
venessgodmot
her
!!
!"Shey
ell
ed.

Zar
asmi
rkedandpul
l
edt
hepi
eceoutofherar
m.

Rei
na'
sbl
ooddr
ippedf
rom i
tandmor
edr
ippedf
rom herar
m.

"
Iwasonaj
our
neyandy
ouwer
ef*
cki
ng?
,Howdar
eyou!
"Zar
abar
ked.

Rei
nashr
unkonherspot
.

"Getyourassout
!"Zar
ayel
l
edandshest
ood,
hol
dingherbl
eedi
ngar
m asshescur
ri
edoutof
thepl
ace.

Toysmi
l
edandf
oll
owedher
.

"
Anewsj
ustcamef
rom t
hehospi
tal
"Spar
ksai
d.
"
And?
"

"Mat
il
daandal
phaar
emeet
ingatt
hebr
idget
ommor
ow,
8pm"

Zar
asmi
l
ed.

*
***
***

Pri
ncetondrov
eint
othepal
acer
oughl
yandI
mmedi
atel
yhecamedownf
rom t
hecar
,Landon'
s
cardrovei
n.

Landoncameoutofi
tandher
ushedt
ohi
m.

"
Don.
..wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
,Wher
e'sl
adyMacbet
h?"Heaskedqui
ckl
y.

Landonl
ookedathi
m wi
thcol
dbuthur
tful
eyes.

"She'
smy
..
.mot
her
"hesai
dsl
owl
y.

"
Mot
her
?"Pr
incet
onsai
d,hol
dinghi
sshoul
der
s.

"Yes,I'
m apr
oductofr
ape,
shewasamai
dandf
atherr
apedhercosZar
aref
usedt
ogi
vebi
rt
h,
therapeledt
ome"Landonsai
d.

"Whatt
he.
..
"
Iwasl
ockedi
nfat
her
'ssui
tecosZar
awashel
lbentonki
l
li
ngme"

"Wher
e'sl
adyMacbet
hri
ghtnow?
"

Landonl
ookedathi
m hur
tful
l
y.

"She'
s..
dead"hesai
d.

"
Howcoul
dshedi
ejustl
i
ket
hat
,Imean.
..
arey
ouf
*cki
ngj
oki
ng?
"Pr
incet
onsai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"Shest
abbedher
sel
f"Landonsai
d.

"
Andt
hat
'swhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
,howcoul
dshedi
ebyor
dinar
yst
abbi
ng"

"AndIsai
dshe'
sdead!,She'
smymother
,notyourssostopthi
sf*
cki
ngbori
ngquesti
ons!
,Iwi
l
l
bur
yherbymysel
f,Idon'
tneedany
one'
shelp"Landonsaidhar
shl
yandst
ormedoff.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatZar
a'ssui
teandwi
thoutwai
ti
ngt
othi
nkt
wiceagai
n,heent
ered.

Noonei
sint
hel
i
vingr
oom,
notev
ent
heguar
ds.

"
Zar
a"hecal
l
ed.

"
Alpha,
goodt
oseey
ou"shel
aughedf
rom nowher
e.

"Ar
eyouscar
edofshowi
ngy
ourf
il
thyf
acenow?
"Her
epl
i
ed,
looki
ngar
oundf
oranysi
gnofher
buthecoul
dn'
tfi
ndher
.

Wher
evershe'
stal
ki
ngf
rom mustbehi
dden.

"
Iki
l
ledVenom,
andIki
l
ledhi
ssonG-
Dragon,
I'
m wor
thsomeaccol
ades"Zar
alaughed.

"Oneofyoursecr
etsi
soutal
ready
,howmanyday
sdoy
out
hinki
t'
l
ltaket
oknowt
heot
her
s?"
Pri
ncet
onsaid.

"One?
,Two?
,Four
?,Si
x?"Zar
alaughedmocki
ngl
yagai
n.

"I
ntheend,
yourendi
swai
ti
ng"hesai
d.

"Myendi
swait
ingintheend?
,Whenisthatendcoming?
,I'
l
lkil
ltheendcost
her
e'snoendt
o
Zar
aMaster
son!"Shesai
dwithaut
hor
it
yandPr i
ncet
onlaughed.

"Let
'sseewhoget
sthel
astl
augh,
we'
veonl
yjustbegan"hesai
dandwal
kedout
.

"Br
ingi
ton.
..
.y
ourf
ier
cenessi
swhatIl
i
keabouty
ou,
let
'sgetst
art
edPr
incet
on!
"Zar
ayel
l
ed
aft
erhi
m.

*
***
***
*

GOLDENBULLETSARENA*
*

G-
Dragon'
sbodyhasjustbeensetonf
ir
e,i
t'
sbur
ningv
ici
ousl
yandSephor
aisst
andi
ngbesi
de
t
hefir
e,st
ari
ngangr
il
yatit.
Halfoft
heclanmember
swer
eki
l
ledbyMCFgangdur
ingt
hef
ightear
li
erandnowshe'
slef
t
wit
hami nornumber
.

She'
snotpl
anni
ngt
ogi
veupany
way
s,notaf
terZar
aki
l
ledherboy
fri
end.

Shesuddenl
yhear
dmov
ement
sbehi
ndandswi
ft
lydr
ewherkni
fe.

Shet
hrewi
tsoi
t'
l
lhi
twhoev
eri
tisbutLi
acaughti
t.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Sephor
aasked.

"
Youandy
ourdar
nedG-
Dragonar
en'
tev
ent
hatst
rong,
Zar
aki
l
ledhi
m!'
Liay
ell
ed.

"
What
'sy
ourpoi
nt?
"Sephor
asai
d,l
i
ght
eni
ngasmoke.

"Iconniv
edwi t
hy oucosy ouandyourboyfr
iendtoldmeyoubothwil
lbri
ngZaradown,Igav
e
yout hei
nformationaboutZara'
sjour
neysoy oucouldat
tackherandbri
ngherdownbutshe
kil
ledG-Dragoninstead,
shekill
edhim soeasil
y,howist
hatmakingsense!
"Li
asaid.

Sephor
apuf
fedonhersmokeandsi
ghed.

"Sonowwhatdoy
ouwant
?"Shesai
d.

"Youguysonlypr ovedthaty
oubot
haref*cki
ngweak, I
'
m outoft
hisgame,
I'
ll
justt
akecar
eof
Zarabymy self
..
losers"Li
asmir
kedandcoveredherheadwit
hthehoodbef
orestar
ti
ngtowal
k
outoftheplace.
"I
'
llhavemyr ev
enge,Idon'
tmi
ndwhoev
eri
t'
sgonnabe,
butI
'
mtaki
ngapr
eci
ousl
i
fei
nthat
palace"Sephor
asaid.

Li
adi
dn'
tbot
hert
olookbackt
il
lshel
eftt
hepl
ace.

Sephor
afacedG-
Dragon'
sfi
reagai
nandpuf
fed.

"
I'
ll
sendy
ouacompani
onv
erysoon"shesmi
l
ed.

*
***
**

MATI
LDASPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TAL*
*

Pr
incet
ongotbackandmett
het
winsasl
eepont
hebedbesi
deTani
shaal
ready
.

Sweeti
ssl
eepi
ngwi
tht
hem

Theguar
dsheor
der
edt
ost
ayar
est
il
lonst
andby
.

Hesi
ghedandsatbesi
det
hem.

Kr
iscamei
n

"If
edthem t
hefoodyouboughtf
orthem ear
li
er,
theydi
dn'
twantt
oeatcosofTani
sha'
s
condi
ti
onbutIhadtofor
cethem"shesai
d.
"I
t'
sfi
ne,
sof
art
heyat
esomet
hing,
how'
sNanadoi
ng?
"Heasked.

"
She'
sfi
ne,
doct
orMat
il
dasai
dshe'
l
lgetbet
terwhenshewakes"Kr
isr
epl
i
ed.

"Wher
e'sMat
il
daher
sel
f?"
.

"Shel
eftawhi
l
eago"Kr
isr
epl
i
edandherey
eswi
dened.

"Tani
sha"shewhi
sper
edandPr
incet
onqui
ckl
ylookedather
.

Herey
esar
esl
i
ght
lyopened.

Hest
oodandf
elthert
emper
atur
e,i
t'
snor
mal
.

Hehel
dherhandandf
elthi
scheekwi
thi
t.

"
You'
reback"hesmi
l
ed.

"
DidIev
ersayIwasl
eav
ing?
"Shesai
dwi
thaf
aintsmi
l
e

"Youscaredmeandyoulostal
otofbl
ood,
youcanseey
ou'
rest
il
lget
ti
ngt
ransf
usedwi
th
blood"hesai
d,l
ooki
ngupatthebl
oodbag.

"If
eel
li
kenot
hinghappened"shesai
dandt
ri
edsi
tt
ingup.
"
Ou!
"Shewi
nced.

"Don'
thurty
ourself
,it
'sthefi
rstt
imeyougotshotsoi
t'
ll
sur
elyhur
tlikehell
,I
'm gl
adyouwoke
upearl
y,y
ourbabiesmi ssedyouandMinacri
edalotwhenyouwouldn'topenyourey
es"hesai
d
andshesmiled.

"Ineverplannedtodi
enow,it
'l
lbeabi
gf*
ckifIdo..
..
Isti
l
lhavet
oki
l
lZar
acosIpromisedtoki
l
l
herforyou,Isti
l
lhavetot
akecareofy
ouandmybabi escosIpr
omi
sedt
odothattoo,Ist
il
l
havetocont i
nueheari
ngt
hethreewor
dsfr
om you"shesaid.

Hest
rokedherhai
randsheki
ssedhi
shand.

"Ipr
omi
set
oli
stent
oyouf
rom nowon,
thi
swoul
dn'
thav
ehappenedi
fIhad"shesai
d.

"It
oldy
oubuty
ouwer
ebei
ngst
ubbor
n"hesmi
l
ed.

"
I'
m sor
ry"shesai
dsl
owl
y.

"I
t'
sok,j
ustgetwel
lsoonok?
,Wehav
eal
otofcr
apst
odi
scar
d..
.l
adyMacbet
hdi
edt
hisni
ght
"
hesai
dandshegasped.

"Hol
yshi
t,whatt
heheck.
..

"Sheki
l
ledher
sel
faf
teri
twasf
oundoutt
hatLandoni
sherchi
l
d"her
epl
i
ed.

"Hel
l
...
howcoul
d..
.
"Anysaneper
sonwil
lbeshocked,t
hesecr
etsarej
ustst
art
ingt
ogetl
eaked,
meani
ngwe'
rej
ust
star
ti
ngandZarai
sn'
treadytostopyet
"hesai
d.

"How'
sLandondoi
ng?
"Sheasked.

"Hewasbei
nghar
sh,
butIunder
stand"her
epl
i
ed.

"WhataboutMat
il
da?
"Sheasked.

Princet
onr
emember
edhowshesai
dTani
shai
snotherdaught
erear
li
erbutdeci
dedt
okeep
that.

"
Shel
eftal
ready
,butI
'
m meet
ingwi
thhert
ommor
owni
ght
"her
epl
i
ed.

Shesi
ghedandst
aredi
ntospace.

"I
'
llr
ecuper
ateear
lysoIcanj
oint
hef
ightIpr
omi
se"shesai
d.

"It
rusty
oubaby
"hesai
dandshesmi
l
ed.

I
tfel
tsur
real
toheart
hatf
rom hi
m buti
t'
sact
ual
l
yreal
.

Shesmi
l
edathi
m andheki
ssedherf
orehead.

"
Ilov
eyou"hewhi
sper
edandshesmi
l
edwi
der
.
*
***
**

MCFPALACE,
NEXTMORNI
NG*
*

Vi
gnet
teknockedLandon'
sdoort
wicebutgotnoanswer
.

"
DonJar
gons!
"Shecal
l
edout,
knocki
ngagai
n.

"
DonJargons!
,Openupareyouplanni
ngtodi
eint
her
e?,
Opent
hisdoorandshowy
ourst
inky
f
ace!
!"Sheshout
ed,st
il
lpoundi
ngonit.

"Yousti
l
lwon'
topen?,Icancal
lSier
rat
ohackiti
fthat
'swhatyouwant
"shesai
dandt
urnedt
o
st
artl
eavi
ngbutLandonopenedthedoorandpul
l
edherin,heshutt
hedoor
.

Br
eat
hingheav
il
y,shepushedhi
m away
.

"
Iwasworr
iedandIgotangrywit
hmysel
fforget
ti
ngwor
ri
edaboutsomeonel
i
key
ou,
wher
e
wer
eyousi
ncelastni
ght"shesai
d.

"Ihadt
obur
ymot
her
"her
epl
i
ed,
notl
ooki
ngather
.

"Al
lbyy
our
sel
f?"

"
Iwant
edt
hatcosshe'
smymot
her
"her
epl
i
ed.

"
She'
sdeart
oust
oo"sher
epl
i
ed.
"Leav
e,Iwannabeal
one"hesai
dcur
tl
y.

"Iknewi
t,y
ouar
en'
tgonnast
opbei
ngad*
ckhead,
f*cky
ou!
"Shespatandst
art
edl
eav
ing.

Shet
ookt
het
hir
dst
epandf
eltar
msar
oundher
sel
f.

Landonhuggedherf
rom behi
ndandshest
oodst
il
l.

"
Sor
ryIwasj
ust
..
..
fr
ust
rat
ed,
pleasedon'
tl
eav
e,st
aywi
thme"hesai
dpl
eadi
ngl
y.

"Letmego"shesai
d.

Het
ight
enedhi
shol
d.

"
LetmegoDon"shesai
dagai
n.

"
Vignet
te"hecal
l
ed.

I
t'
sthef
ir
stt
imehe'
l
lbecal
l
inghernameandsomehowi
tsoundsdi
ff
erent
.

"
Itol
dyout
o..
.

Het
urnedhert
ohi
msel
fandhuggedhert
ight
ly.

Nomat
terhowmuchshet
ri
edt
obr
eakf
ree,
shewasn'
tabl
eto.
"
Please.
..
"Hewhi
sper
ed.

*
***
*

SI
ERRA'
SAPARTMENT*
*

"SoladyMacbethi
sreall
ydeadandLandonhasr
efusedt
oshowhercor
pset
oany
oneorsee
anyonehimsel
f"Shaysai
d.

"I
ttur
nedoutt
hatway
,I'
m sad,
ladyMacbet
hwasaf
*cki
ngsweetsoul
"Br
entsai
d.

"Isweari
t,ev
enwi
thwhatshedi
dtoLi
a,Ist
il
ll
ovedher
"Si
err
asai
d.

"Met
oo"Li
asai
d.

"Thi
spl
acei
sget
ti
ngmor
eandmor
escar
y,It
hinkt
hedr
eadedt
imei
sfi
nal
l
yher
e"Br
entsai
d.

"Youmeant
heend?
,Idoubti
fyou'
rer
ight
,it
'sj
ustget
ti
ngst
art
ed"Li
asai
d.

"Whenpeoplestar
tdyinginact
ionmovies,
thenitmeanswe'
reapproachi
ngtheend,what'
s
happeni
nginthi
spalaceisanexampleofit
,ladyMacbet
hopenedthedeathstage,
who's
perf
ormingnext
?,Noidea"Si
err
asaid.

Li
asi
ghed.

"Imadeami
stake,
Ihopei
twon'
thauntme"shesai
d.
"What
?"Br
entasked.

"For
geti
t"sher
epl
i
ed.

*
***
**

7:
30PM,
MATI
LDA'
SRESI
DENCE*
*

Mat
il
daj
ustf
ini
sheddr
essi
ngupf
ort
hemeet
ingwi
thPr
incet
on.

Sheopenedhercl
osetandgotabox.

Sheopenedi
tandsmi
l
ed,
itcont
ainsKi
ngst
on'
spi
ctur
esasaki
d.

Theonet
heysnappedt
oget
herwi
thhi
sdadandNana

Al
sohi
spl
ayi
ngt
oysandt
hef
lut
eNanaboughtf
orhi
m athi
sfour
thbi
rt
hday
.

Shesmi
l
edasshecheckedt
hem outandr
etur
nedt
hem i
ntot
hebox.

Shecar
ri
edt
heboxandl
eftt
her
oom.

Sher
usheddownst
air
sbutshocki
ngl
y,Zar
aissi
tt
ingi
nherl
i
vingr
oom al
ready
.
She'
ssi
tt
ingont
hecouch,
smoki
ngr
egal
l
y.

Herl
egswer
epl
acedoneachot
herandherr
edpal
azzot
rouser
smadeherl
ookmor
edev
il
ish.

Mat
il
dahel
dtheboxt
ight
lyandcl
i
mbeddownt
her
emai
ningst
air
s.

"
Sur
pri
sed?
"Zar
asmi
l
ed.

"
Howdi
dyou.
..
.howdi
dyougeti
n"Mat
il
dast
utt
eredf
ear
ful
l
y.

"OhMati
l
da,whyar
ey ousodaft
,youexpectmenottohav
eanhackeri
nmygang?
"Zar
asmi
l
ed
andSi
err
acamein,l
ookingatMati
ldaexpr
essi
onl
essl
y.

Mat
il
daqui
ckl
ybr
oughtouthergunbutbef
oreshecoul
dshoot
,Spar
kent
eredandshotherl
eg.

"
Ahhhhhh!
!!
!"Shescr
eamed,
fal
l
ingdownI
mmedi
atel
y.

Theboxf
ell
andshesatont
hegr
ound,
hol
dingherbl
eedi
ngl
eg.

Zar
ast
oodandcamet
oher
.

Shebenti
nfr
ontofherandhel
dherf
ace,
pressi
ngherf
inger
soni
thar
shl
y.

"
Yout
hinky
oucanr
uinmypl
ans?
,noti
nthi
sli
fet
imeandnoti
nanot
herl
i
fe"shesmi
rked.

Tear
scameoutofMat
il
da'
sfacei
mmedi
atel
y.
Zar
aopenedt
heboxandsmi
l
edmocki
ngl
y.

"Thechi
ldhoodmemor
iesofmyal
pha?
,It
'ssosadt
hathe'
snotgonnabeseei
ngt
hem f
orev
er.
..
andyou"shesai
d.

"Whathav
eIev
erdonet
oyouZar
a,whyar
eyousowi
cked!
!"Mat
il
dacr
iedandZar
alaughed.

"Whathappenedt
othest
rongdet
ermi
nedMat
il
da?
,Wher
edi
dal
lyourbol
dnessf
lyt
o?,
Huh?
"
Shemocked.

"
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome!
!!
"

"Cosyoucameatt hewrongti
meMati
lda,
ify
oucameatthet
imeI'vefi
nishedusi
nghim,then
I
'l
lgl
adl
yreleasehim butyoucamewhenmyneedforhi
misatit
'speak,andthat'
swhyI'
l
lhave
toel
i
minatey ou"Zarar
epli
ed.

"Huh?
"Mat
il
dal
ookedupwi
tht
ear
yey
es.

Herl
egi
sst
il
lbl
eedi
ng.

Zar
ast
oodandf
acedSpar
k.

"
Didy
ouspr
inkl
ethef
uel
aroundal
ready
?"Sheasked.

"Yesgodmot
her
"her
epl
i
ed.
"Zar
ano..
..
youcan'
tdothi
s..
..
noyoucan'
t.
..
youcan'
tdoi
t!
"Mat
il
dasai
dfear
ful
l
y,t
ryi
ngt
ost
and
buti
t'
sImpossi
blewi
thhershotl
eg.

Zar
aledt
hewayoutwhi
l
etheot
her
sfol
l
owed.

"
Zar
a!!
!!
"Mat
il
dascr
eamed.

Zar
agotoutandl
ookedatherci
gar
ett
est
ick.

Shesi
ghedandcur
vedherr
edl
i
ps.

"ByeMatil
da,
I'
ll
sendy
oursont
oyouonceI
'
m doneusi
nghi
m"shesmi
l
edandt
hrewdownt
he
cigar
ett
e.

Fi
reer
upt
edandst
art
edbur
ningr
ound,
fol
l
owi
ngt
het
racesoff
uel
.

Zar
alef
twi
thhergangandt
hehousecont
inuedbur
ning.

"
No.
..
.someonehel
p!!
!!
,Hel
p!!
!!
!!
"Mat
il
dascr
eamed,
crawl
i
ngonherbut
tast
hef
ir
espr
ead
mor
e.

Shekeptshi
ft
ingbackasi
tbur
ntcl
oserandcl
oser
.

*
Ist
hisr
eal
l
ytheend?
,Forme?
*

Mor
etear
str
ickl
eddownhercheeksasPr
incet
on'
sfaceappear
edi
nherhead.
"
Hel
p!!
!!
!!
!!
"Shescr
eamedast
hef
ir
est
art
edr
eachi
ngher
.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:18AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER70&71

★★★★★

Pr
incet
onspentcl
oset
oanhouront
hebr
idge,
wai
ti
ngf
orMat
il
dabutshenev
ershowedup.

Het
ri
edherl
i
nebutshe'
snotpi
cki
ng.

"
What
'shappeni
ng"hewonder
ed.

Thenhesawf
ir
efi
ght
ersdr
iveacr
osst
her
oad.

They
'r
espeedi
ngsomuch,
may
bet
hey
'r
eonami
ssi
on.

Thenanewscameonthecit
yTV, newsofabur
ninghousewhi
chwasr
epor
tedt
obet
hehouse
ofMati
l
daTyl
er,
thechi
efdoctorofMati
l
dahospit
als.
Pr
incet
on'
sey
eswi
denedandal
mosti
mmedi
atel
y,copscardr
ovedownt
her
oad.

Wit
ht hebel
i
evethatt
hey
'r
egoi
ngt
othehouse,
hedr
ovebehi
ndt
hei
rcart
il
ltheygott
othe
bur
ninghouse.

Thef
ir
efi
ght
ershassucceededi
nput
ti
ngoutt
hef
ir
ethoughi
t'
sst
il
lbur
ningsl
owl
y.

Thecopsrushedi
ntot
hehouseandPr
incet
onst
oodwi
tht
hecr
owdi
nfr
ontoft
hehouse,
wai
ti
ngforanynews.

Af
tersev
eral
minut
esofsear
chi
ngt
hebur
nthouse,
thecopsf
oundnobody
.

Thecr
owdst
art
edmur
mur
ingpossi
bil
i
ties.

Shemusthav
ebeenbur
ntt
oashes.

Thef
ir
ewasmuch,
itmusthav
econsumedhercompl
etel
y.

Thebeaut
if
uldoct
or

Hear
dshe'
ski
nd-
hear
ted

Whocoul
dhav
esett
hef
ir
e.

Pr
incet
onwal
kedbackt
ohi
scarsl
owl
y.
Hesatandhel
dthest
eer
ing,
try
ingt
owr
aphi
sheadar
oundwhatj
usthappened.

*
Isi
tmaki
ngsense?
*

*
Absol
utel
yno*

Howcouldshetel
lhi
m shewant
stomeett
hensomeonei
ntensi
onal
l
yoruni
ntent
ional
l
ysether
houseonfi
re?

Her
uff
ledhi
shai
r,r
emember
ingherf
ace.

Howshehuggedhi
m whent
heymet
,cal
l
inghi
m herbabywhi
chact
ual
l
ysoundedwei
rd.

HowTani
shawassentbyZar
atoel
i
minat
eherandhowsheshotNi
shai
nst
ead.

Howhet
oldhert
hatshe'
sherdaught
erandhowshesai
dshe'
snotherdaught
er.

Howshetext
edhi
m aboutmeet
ingandhowshemetheri
nherof
fi
ce,
howLi
a'
scal
lmadehi
m
l
eaveandhowshesuggest
edmeeti
ngonthebr
idge.

Andnowshe'
ssuddenl
ydead?
,Bur
ntwi
thherhouse?

Somehow,
itseemshe'
smi
ssi
ngsomet
hingbi
g.

Forthi
stohappenwhenshehadsomet
hingt
otel
lher
,itmeansI
t'
sani
mpor
tantt
hingshehad
tosay.
Her
emember
edhermeet
ingwi
thTani
sha.

"Whydi
dshecomet otherest
aurant
?,Shedefi
nit
elycametotherest
aur
anttomeetsomeone
cosshewastheonlyonether
ebesidesTani
shaont hedaysheshother
,shedef
ini
tel
ycameto
meetsomeone.
..
.who?"Heaskedhimself
.

Andf
inal
l
yhegotwhathe'
smi
ssi
ng.
..
.Zar
a.

She'
sther
easonbehi
ndt
his.

Youcanreadmor
eofthesest
oryfr
om,unl
imitedst
orypl
atf
orm,freshst
orieski
ngdom,
house
ofst
oryr
oom,sweetandni
cestor
yroom t
hroughKwesion+233554737287.

Butdi
dshedot
hiscosMat
il
dai
sTani
sha'
smot
her
?.

WhatdoesMat
il
dameanbysay
ingshe'
snotTani
sha'
smum?

Whatwasshet
ryi
ngt
otel
lhi
m?

Al
lthet
hought
sfl
yi
ngt
hroughhi
sheadal
mostr
esul
tedi
nheadache.

Hecl
osedhi
sey
esandwhenheopenedi
tagai
n,hepr
essedt
hei
gni
ti
onanddr
oveof
f.

*
***
*

MATI
LDASPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TAL*
*.

Thehospi
tal
isi
nsor
rowwhenPr
incet
ongott
her
e.
Al
lthei
nter
nshemetwer
eint
ear
s.

Herdoct
orshast
racesoft
ear
sint
hei
rey
esashepassedbyev
ery
onei
nthehal
l
way
.

Heent
eredTani
sha'
swar
dandmetNanat
her
eal
ready
,herbedi
sjustbesi
deTani
sha'
s.

"
Imov
edherher
esoIcoul
dwat
cht
hem t
oget
her
"Kr
isexpl
ained.

"Pri
ncyist
henewsr
eal
l
ytr
ue?
,She'
s.
..She'
sdead?
"Tani
shasai
dImpat
ient
ly.She'
ssi
tt
ingup
al
ready.

"
Mat
il
dai
sreal
l
ydead?
"Nanaasked.

"
Yes,
Ilef
tthebur
ninghousesomemi
nut
esago"her
epl
i
edsl
owl
y.

"Noi
tcan'
tbetr
ue,
Mati
ldacan'
tjustdiewhenshehasn'
tshownmemyr
eal
son!
,Shecan'
tdi
e
j
usty
etIneedt
oseeKi
ngstonfi
rst.
..
..
.Mati
lda!
!!
"Nanacr
ied.

"Ki
ngst
on?
"Pr
incet
onwonder
edsuspi
ciousl
y.

"Real
..
..
son?
"Tani
shasai
d,f
aci
ngNana.

"Tani
sha.
.I'
m sosor
ryI
..
.Ihadt
okeepi
tfr
om y
oucosI.
..Idi
dn'
twanty
out
ogethur
t"shesai
d.

Tani
shal
i
stenedi
mpat
ient
ly.
"You'
re.
..y
ou'
renotmyr
eal
granddaught
er"Nanasai
dandTani
shagaspedshocki
ngl
y.

Pr
incet
onst
aredatNanaconf
usedl
y.

"Mat i
l
daandEr osannul l
edtheirmar r
iageaf terMat i
ldagav ebi r
thtoKi ngst
on...
Imeana
boy .
..
.sheleftwithhim cosshewasst il
lbr eastfeedi
nghi mt houghIst i
ll
sendhim presentsand
Erosst i
ll
visit
shi m..
..butfouryearsaf t
er,Mat i
ldadroppedy oui nfrontofourhouse, Isawy ou
fi
rstthatearlymor ning,shedroppedy oui nabasketwi thanot ethatIandEr osshouldtakecare
ofy ouandt akey ouasourson, t
henMat i
ldadi sappearedaf terthat,IandEroshasbeent aki
ng
careofy ousi ncethenandEr osdecidedt obey ourf
ather,Ideci dedtobey ourgrandmot hertoo
sincewedi dn'twantt ohurtyou,pleasef orgivemeTani sha"Nanacr ied.

Tani
shal
ookedatPr
incet
ont
henatKr
is,
thenshel
ookedatNana.

"Mylat
efat
her
..
.i
snotmybi
ologi
cal
fat
her
?,You'
re.
..y
ou'
renotmygr
andmot
her
?"Shest
utt
ered
shocki
ngl
y.

"I
'
m sor
ryTani
sha,
I'
m sor
ryIkepti
tforsol
ong"Nanasai
dgui
l
til
y.

Tani
shal
etoutsmal
ltearf
rom herey
esbutshewi
pedi
timmedi
atel
y.

"
So,
Mat
il
dai
snotev
enhermum"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Yes,
butshemustknowt
hewher
eabout
sofherr
eal
par
ent
s"Nanar
epl
i
ed.

"Andnowshe'
sdead?
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Ineedhert
otel
lmewher
emyKi
ngst
oni
stoo"Nanacr
ied.
"Getmeadoctor
,Ineedtobedi
schargedri
ghtnow,t
hispl
acei
ssuf
focat
ing"Tani
shasai
d,
tr
yingt
ogetdownbutPri
ncet
onheldhertothebed.

"
Youcan'
t,
youhav
etospendt
hreeday
satl
east
,wai
tti
l
ltomor
row"hesai
d.

"Iwannagetoutofher
eIdon'
tl
ikei
ther
ePri
ncy!
!!
,Idon'
tevenknowmyroot
s!,
Idunnowher
eI
camefrom,t
heonlyonewhoknowsiti
sdead,
she'
sdead!"Sheshout
ed.

"Ni
sha!
"Pr
incet
oncaut
ionedandshel
ookedathi
m wi
thhur
tful
eyes.

"St
aycal
m,y
oupr
omi
sedt
oal
way
sli
stent
ome"hesai
d.

Tani
sha'
sar
msdr
oppedandshesni
ff
edsadl
y.

Pr
incet
onsatbesi
deherandhuggedhert
ight
ly.
.

"
We'
reget
ti
ngt
other
ootoft
hissoon,
Ipr
omi
se"hesai
d.

"
Mum!
"Thet
winsr
ushedi
n.

"Nowactnor
mal
please,
they
'l
lst
artcr
yingi
ftheyseey
oursadf
ace"hewhi
sper
edi
ntoherear
s.

Hebr
oket
hehugandt
het
winscl
i
mbedherbed,
huggi
ngheratonce,
toget
herwi
thSweet
.

"
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngmum?
,Doesi
tst
il
lhur
tal
ot?
"Sanaasked.
"No,
I'
m cl
oset
ofi
ne,
I'
ll
bedi
schar
gedt
omor
row"shesmi
l
ed.

"Wemissyouhome,
Pleasegetdi
schar
gedt
ommor
owsoy
ou'
l
lcookf
orus"Mi
nasai
dand
Tani
shasmil
ed.

"Momma,Idr
ewus..
..
.Imeany
ou,
me,
Mina,
dadandSweet
,I'
l
lshowy
ouonceI
'
m donewi
thi
t
tommor
ow"Sanasai
d.

"Ican'
twai
t"Tani
shasmi
l
ed,
str
oki
ngherhai
r.

Theybot
hsl
eptonherl
apsandLi
acamei
n.

She'
sact
ual
l
ytheonewhobr
oughtt
hem.

Shedr
oppedaf
oodf
laski
nfr
ontofTani
sha.

"
It
'sf
ory
ouandPr
incet
on,
Vignet
tecookedandt
het
winsat
eal
ready
"shesai
dsl
owl
y

"Li
aar
eyouf
ine?
"Tani
shaasked.

"Ofcour
se,j
ustgett
ingt
ir
edofeveryt
hingthat'
shappeni
ngi
nthepal
acet
heseday
s,andst
il
li
n
shockaboutdoct
orMatil
da'
sdeath"sherepl
ied.

Pr
incet
onhel
dherhandandt
ookherout
.

"Zar
alef
tthepal
acebef
oreMat
il
da'
sdeat
h..
..r
ight
?"Heasked.
"Yes,shesummonedSi
erraforami
ssi
onandSi
err
ataggedal
ong,
Inev
erknewshewasgonna
ki
llTani
sha'
smum"sherepli
ed.

"She'
snothermum"her
epl
i
ed.

"Huh?
"

"I
ttur
nedoutt
hatway
,Mat
il
daact
ual
l
ygav
ebi
rt
htoaboy
,Nanaconf
ir
medi
t"

"Anot
hershock,
andwhydoesi
tfeel
li
keTani
sha'
scasei
spar
toft
hepal
ace"sher
epl
i
ed.

"If
eelsamet oo,butit
'ssohardtofi
gur
eoutandifwewaitf
orthesecret
stokeepget
ti
ngout
bythemselv
es,thingswi l
lgof
rom badt
oworse,
Zaraisnotr
eadytostopandnooneknows
who'sdyi
ngnext"hesai d.

Li
asi
ghed.

"Yousai
dSi
err
afol
l
owedher
?"Heasked.

"
Yeah"sher
epl
i
ed.

*
***
**

MCFPALACE*
*

Si
err
afel
lont
hecouchi
nherapar
tmentheav
il
y,cl
osi
ngherey
es.
"godmot
herar
ri
vedwi
tht
heot
her
sawhi
l
eago,
whyar
eyouj
ustcomi
ng?
"Vi
gnet
teasked,
sit
ti
ngbesi
deher
.

"Idunno"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"Doy
our
eal
i
zeshe'
sTani
sha'
smot
her
?"Vi
gnet
teasked.

"Ididn'
treal
izeti
ll
wegotthere,
andthere'
snowayIcoul
dsav
eher
,godmot
herhast
hef
inal
say
yunno"Sierr
asighedandopenedhereyes.

Shaycamei
nimmedi
atel
yandVi
gnet
teent
eredt
hebedr
oom.

"
Babe"hesai
d,squat
ti
ngi
nfr
ontofSi
err
a.

"
What
?"Sheaskedt
ir
edl
y.

"
Arey
ouf
eel
i
nggui
l
ty?
"Heasked,
touchi
ngherf
acegent
ly

"May
be"sher
epl
i
edsl
owl
y.

"Sofary
oudi
dn'
tki
l
lher
,Iseenor
easonwhyy
oushoul
dfeel
gui
l
ty"hesai
d,car
essi
ngher
j
awli
nes.

"She'
sact
ual
l
ynotTani
sha'
smum"Li
asai
d,ent
eri
ngwi
thPr
incet
on.

ShayandSi
err
ast
ood.
"
Real
l
y?"Shaysai
d.

Si
err
adoesn'
tl
ooksur
pri
sed,
she'
sjustst
ari
ngbl
ankl
y.

"
Yeah,
Mat
il
dabi
rt
hedaboybutnooneknowswher
ehei
s"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"St
il
l.
..
.If
eel
badf
orhav
ingt
ohackherdoorf
orgodmot
her
"Si
err
asai
d.

"Wast
her
eanyconv
ersat
ionbet
weent
hem bef
oreshesett
hehouseonf
ir
e?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Yes,butgodmothertal
kedinwhi
sper
stohersoIdi
dn'
thear
"Si
err
arepl
i
edsadl
y,l
ooki
ngat
Pri
ncetonstr
aighti
ntheeyes.

Shef
oldedherf
istandVi
gnet
tewho'
sjustcomi
ngoutoft
her
oom sawi
t.

Thei
rey
esmetandSi
err
aqui
ckl
ylookedaway
.

Br
entcamei
nwi
thLandon.

"
Whatar
ewegonnadoal pha?
, Weneedapl
anImean.
..
Iwant
edt
obol
dupbutI
'
m scar
ed,
I
r
eal
l
ydon'twannadi
edude"Brentsai
d.

"Icanl
etyouleav
ethispal
acei
fyouwishtogo,any
onewhowi
shest
oleav
eshoul
dleav
ewhen
thi
ngsar
estil
lmanageabl
enow"Pri
ncetonsai
d.

"That
'st
rue,
ifany
onei
sleav
ing,
we'
l
llethi
m orhergo"Landonsai
d.
"Noonei
sleav
ing"Shaysai
d.

"
Yeah,
noone"Br
entsai
d.

"
Thenbebr
ave,
ify
oucower
,theni
t'
l
lki
l
lyoubef
oret
her
eal
deat
hcomes"Li
asai
d.

Pr
incet
onl
eftt
hesui
teandLandonf
oll
owed.

Shayf
acedSi
err
a.

"
Youcanst
opf
eel
i
nggui
l
ty"hesai
dandsheonl
ysi
ghed.

Hecar
essedhercheeksl
i
ght
lyandsmi
l
edshor
tl
ybef
orel
eav
ing.

Li
alookedatSi
err
aandshr
uggedbef
orel
eav
ing,
Brentf
oll
owed.

"
Heyar
eyouok?
"Heaskedwhent
heygotout
.

"
Obv
iousl
y"sher
epl
i
edandhesmi
l
ed.

"
Let
'swor
koutt
oget
hert
ommor
owagai
n"hesai
d.

"Sure"shesmi
ledshor
tl
yandhest
eppedi
n,hel
eanedi
nsl
owl
ybutbef
orehi
sli
pscoul
dmeet
hers,shemovedaway.
"
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
rowmor
ning"shesai
dandl
eft
.

"
Whatar
eyouhi
ding?
"Vi
gnet
teaskedi
mmedi
atel
ySi
err
acamei
ntot
hebedr
oom.

"Not
hing"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Don'
ttr
ynaf
ool
meSi
err
a,Iknowy
oupr
ett
ywel
l
"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed.

"Whatdoy
oumean?
"Si
err
aasked.

Vi
gnet
test
eppedi
nandhel
dSi
err
a'sshoul
der
s.

"Don'
tl
iet
ome,
whatr
eal
l
yhappenedi
nMat
il
da'
spl
ace?
,Issher
eal
l
ydead?
"Shedemanded.

Si
err
ashookherhandsof
ffr
om hershoul
der
s.

"
Stopspr
out
ingnonsense"shesai
dandl
eftt
her
oom.

Vi
gnet
tedi
ppedherf
inger
sint
oherhai
rfr
ust
rat
edl
y.

Somethingi
sjustt
ell
i
nghert
hatshe'
shi
dingsomet
hing,
samet
hingi
sgi
vi
nghert
hei
ntui
ti
on
thatLi
aishi
dingsomethi
ngt
oo.

"
Whatcoul
dthatbe?
"

*
***
**
Pr
incet
oncaughtupwi
thLandoni
nfr
ontofhi
ssui
teandt
heybot
hsati
nfr
ontofi
t.

Landoni
ssmoki
ngsl
owl
ywhi
l
ePr
incet
onst
aredi
ntospace.

"
How'
sshedoi
ng?
"Landonasked.

"
She'
srecov
eri
ng,
she'
l
lbedi
schar
gedt
ommor
ow"her
epl
i
ed.

"So.
..
.Mat
il
da'
schi
l
dwasason?
,Who'
sit
?"Landonr
epl
i
ed,
looki
ngatPr
incet
oni
ntent
ly.

"Honest
lyMati
l
dacal
l
edmeKi
ngst
ont
wice,
hear
dthat
'st
henameofherbabyboy
,Idunno
why"Pri
ncet
onsai
d

Landonst
oppedsmoki
ngf
orawhi
l
eandl
ookedatPr
incet
on.

"
Yourey
es.
..
.andMat
il
da'
s"hesai
d,l
ooki
ngathi
sey
ebal
l
s.

"What
'swr
ongwi
tht
hem?
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

Landonr
esumedsmoki
ngwi
thoutanswer
ing.

*
***
*

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*
Ent
eri
nghersecr
ett
rap,
Zar
asmi
l
edwhenshesawFar
ri
s'
smoni
torbeepi
ngmor
enor
mal
l
y.

Shewal
kedcl
osert
ohi
sbedandj
ustl
i
keshesuspect
ed,
he'
sawake.

Hi
sey
esar
esl
i
ght
lyopenedt
houghhel
ooksweakandt
ir
ed.

"
Ohmy
,you'
reawake"shesai
d,smi
l
ingdev
il
ishl
y.

Far
ri
swant
stot
alkbutt
heoxy
genmaski
spr
event
inghi
mfr
om doi
ngt
hat
.

Hi
shandsst
art
edshaki
ng.

"Howpiti
ful
,thepalaceyouwantedtoendbadl
yisnowmi ne,t
heMacbethyoucher
ishsomuch
i
snowdead, Ikil
ledanotherpestwhotr
iedtor
uinmypl
ansandnowt hatyouwokeup,isn'
ti
t
ti
met oki
ssby etothewor l
dtoo?,Ir
eal
l
ywannacloset
hisroom,i
t'
str
oublesometocomehere
ever
yday"shesaid,looki
ngatthemonit
or.

Far
ri
s'
shandsshookmor
easshest
art
edbr
ingi
ngherhandt
otheoxy
genmask.

Hi
sey
eswi
denedwhenshef
inal
l
ytouchedi
t.

Shet
ookitof
fandFarri
sstart
edgaspi
ngf
orbr
eat
h,hi
schestcont
ract
ingandr
elaxi
ngast
he
moni
tormadeir
regul
arsounds

Zar
asmi
l
edandl
eftt
her
oom.

Far
ri
skeptgaspi
ng,
hishandsst
il
lshaki
ngandhi
sey
eswi
deast
heagoni
zi
ngf
angsofdeat
h
st
art
eddi
ggi
ngi
ntohi
m.

Someoneent
eredt
her
oom suddenl
yandt
heoxy
genmaskwasr
epl
acedbackonhi
snose.

Theper
sonshi
ft
edhi
mtoast
ret
cherwhi
chshepushedoutoft
her
oom.

Zar
agott
otheot
herr
oom andmetonl
yTi
na,
she'
ssl
eepi
ngonherbed.

Chl
oei
snowher
etobef
ound.

"
Wher
e'sChl
oe!
"Shedemandedl
oudl
y.

"
Noi
dea"Ti
nasai
d,r
etur
ningt
osl
eep.

Zar
aranoutoft
her
oom andwentbackt
oFar
ri
s'
sroom buthe'
snott
her
eany
mor
e.

Shewentt
othebedandt
ookt
hebedspr
ead,
hol
dingi
tti
ght
ly.

Herv
einsr
eveal
edandherhandsshookasshest
ood,
rol
l
ingherey
es.

Shedr
oppedt
hespr
eadsuddenl
yandr
ushedoutoft
her
oom.

"
Chl
oe!
!!
!!
"Shescr
eamed.

*
***
***
NEXTDAY,
BERTRANDKI
DDI
ESSCHOOL*
*

"
Ineedt
opee"Sanasai
daf
tert
hesecondcl
ass.

"Ar
eyoudonewi
tht
hedr
awi
ng?
"Mi
naasked,
try
ingt
otakeal
ookati
tbutSanahi
dit
.

"
I'
m donebutmum wi
l
lbet
heonet
oseei
tfi
rst
"shesai
dandMi
napout
ed.

"Iwannapee"Sanasai
dtooneoft
hesi
xguar
dssur
roundi
ngt
hem.

"
Wil
lyouf
oll
owme?
"SheaskedMi
na.

"
No,
your
efusedt
oshowmet
hedr
awi
ng"Mi
nasai
d.

"Si
l
lygi
rl
"Sanasmi
l
edast
hreeguar
dsf
oll
owedheroutoft
hecl
ass.

Shewasl
edt
other
est
room andt
heguar
dsst
oodout
sidewhi
l
eshewenti
ntopee.

Af
terf
ivemi
nut
esofwai
ti
ng,
theguar
dsst
art
edget
ti
ngsuspi
cious.

"
Shesai
dpee,
notpoo,
sowhat
'st
aki
nghersol
ong"oneoft
hem sai
d.

Thesecondoneopenedt
hedoorbutt
othei
rshock,
she'
snott
her
e.
"
Her
e"t
het
hir
donesai
d,poi
nti
ngup.

Thecei
l
ingi
sbr
oken.

Theyr
ushedoutoft
her
est
room andMi
nawasqui
ckl
ytakent
othecar
.

Somest
ayedwi
thherwhi
l
etheot
her
ssear
chedf
orSana.

*
***
**

MATI
LDA'
SSPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TAL*
*

"
It
'spast2al
ready
,tel
lthedoct
ort
ocomeanddi
schar
geme"Tani
shasai
d.

Nanahasbeendi
schargedint
hemor ni
ngandhasbeent
akenhomebyKr
ist
hought
hist
ime,
Pr
incet
onhir
edbouncerstowatchov
erherint
hehouse.

"
Waittil
l3,Mi
naandSanawi
l
lbedoneatschool
byt
hen,
they
'l
lmeetusher
esowe'
l
lgohome
t
ogether"her
epl
i
ed.

Tani
shar
elent
edandPr
incet
ongotacal
l
.

Hepi
ckedandhi
sey
eswi
dened.

"
Sanawaswhat
?"
Tani
shaspr
angedupi
mmedi
atel
y.

"Whathappenedt
oSana!
"

*
***
***

SEPHORA'
SHI
DEOUT*
*

Sanawashel
dinpl
acebyt
wost
rongguy
sbutshe'
sst
il
lst
ruggl
i
ngwi
tht
hem st
ubbor
nly
.

Sephor
asmi
l
ed,
wal
ki
ngar
oundi
nfr
ontofher
.

"
Final
l
y..
.Gunnerwi
l
lhav
eacompani
ont
oheav
en"shesai
d,bendi
ngi
nfr
ontofher
.

"Letmego!Doy ouknowwhatyou'r
edoing?,
Mydadi
sgonnaki
l
lyou!Mymum i
sgonnamake
youstopbr
eat
hing!"Sanasai
dtoherface.

Sephor
asl
appedherandshegasped.

"
B*t
ch!
"Shesai
dloudl
yandspatonSephor
a'sf
ace.

Sephor
awi
pedt
hespi
tandst
ood.

"
Iwasn'
texpecti
nglessfr
om theal
pha'
sdaughter
,youhavehi
sbl
oodi
nyoubutt
hatwon'
tst
op
y
oufrom dy
ing"shesaid,
brandi
shi
ngherguninfr
ontofher.
"
Letmego!
!"Sanashout
ed.

Herl
i
psi
sbl
eedi
ngasar
esul
toft
hesl
apear
li
er.

"
Iknowinglydidn'
tuseourar
enacosI'm sureyourdadwill
bether
ebynow,
you'
l
ldi
eher
eandI
'
ll
makeitfast,
yourli
fewil
lpayforG-
Dragon'sli
fe"Sephor
asaid.

"Iwannagohome!
!!
,Letmego!
!!
"Sanascr
eamed.

"Lethergo"Sephor
aor
der
edandt
het
woguy
slethergo.

Sanast
art
edwal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hedoorandSephor
asmi
l
ed.

"
It
'sapr
ivi
l
eget
oki
l
ltheal
pha'
sdaught
er"shesai
d.

Sanast
oppedwhenshehear
dthat
.

Shef
acedSephor
aandSephor
aai
medf
orher
.

"
Bang"shesai
d,pul
l
ingt
het
ri
gger
.

Thebul
l
etf
lewoutandmetSanawi
thoutmi
ssi
ngi
t'
sway
.

I
thi
therchestandhur
tful
tear
sfl
owedoutofherey
esasbl
oodr
ushedoutofhermout
hand
t
heshotarea.
"
Daddy
!!
!!
,Mummy
!"Shescr
eamedoutbef
oref
all
i
ngonherf
ace.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:21AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER72&73

★★★★★

GOLDENBULLETSARENA*
*

Ev
erysi
ngl
esoul
int
hepl
acei
sal
readydeadandbl
oodst
ainsar
eev
ery
wher
e.

Pr
incet
onandTani
shaatwor
k.

"
Sephor
a!"Tani
shascr
eamedoutl
oudl
y.

Sher
ani
ntoev
eryr
oom shecomesacr
ossl
i
kewi
sePr
incet
on.
"
Sana!
"

"Isweari
tifany
thi
nghappenstoSanaI
'
m gonnamakeSephor
aregr
etcomi
ngal
i
ve,
Isweari
t!
"
Tanishasai
d,br
eathi
ngheavi
l
y.

Shest
oppedwhenPr
incet
on'
sphoner
ang.

I
t'
sShaycal
l
ing.

"
Anynews?
"Pr
incet
onasked.

"
Pri
ncet
ony
ouneedt
ocomebackt
othepal
acer
ightnow"Shaysai
d.

"Justt
ell
mewhathappenedal
ready
!"Pr
incet
ony
ell
ed.

"Apackagear
ri
vedjustnow,ALPHA'
STEARSwasprint
edonit,
it'
sforyouIthi
nk,
may
be
somethi
ngconcer
ningSana"Shaysai
dandPr
incet
onrushedoutoftheplace.

Tani
shawentaf
terhi
m andt
heybot
hgoti
ntohi
scarqui
ckl
y.

"
What
'shappeni
ng?
"Sheasked.

"
Apackagear
ri
ved"her
epl
i
edandshegr
it
tedhert
eet
hasPr
incet
ondr
ovet
hecardownt
he
r
oad.

Theygott
othepal
aceandmetacr
owdi
nfr
ontofhi
ssui
te,
sur
roundi
ngabi
gpackage.
Pr
incet
onwal
kedsl
owl
ytoi
tandt
ouchedi
t.

ALPHA'
STEARSwasr
eal
l
ybr
andedoni
tandt
hesoundoft
hati
sev
enscar
y.

Her
emov
edt
het
apet
hatwasusedt
ohol
dthecov
ert
oget
herandTani
shahel
dherbr
eat
h.

Pr
incet
onopenedt
hepackageandhi
sey
est
urnedr
edwi
thi
nasecond.

Tani
shast
eppedcl
oserandwentonherkneesi
mmedi
atel
y.

Sana'
sbodyi
sint
hepackageandshel
ooksl
i
fel
ess.

Bl
oodi
sonherl
i
psandchi
n,downt
oherchest
.

Li
acov
eredhermout
hwi
thherpal
ms,
looki
ngatt
hescenei
nfr
ontofher
.

"
Sana!
!!
!"Tani
shascr
eamed.

Pr
incet
onst
eppedbackf
rom t
hebodyasTani
shacar
ri
edi
toutoft
hepackage.

Sanaisreal
l
yli
fel
essal
ready
,nobr
eat
hinherany
mor
e,herbodychangedcol
orcompl
etel
y
al
readyandshe'
salr
eadycol
dli
keacor
pse.

Tani
shasatont
hegr
ound,
huggi
ngherl
i
mpbodyt
oher
sel
f.
"
Sana!
!!
"Shescr
eamedagai
n,cr
yingsomuch.

Herey
esr
eddenedandhert
ear
sfor
medast
ream downherf
ace.

Pr
incet
onwat
chedt
hesceneasi
fhe'
snott
her
e,hi
sfi
stswer
efol
dedandt
heyshookbesi
de
hi
m.

Li
ar ushedoutoft
heplaceandwhenshegott
ohersui
te,
shepl
ungedher
sel
fdown,
let
ti
ngout
al
lthet ear
sshewaskeeping.

*
It'
sal
lmyf
aul
t*

*I
fIhadn'
tconniv
edwi t
hSephora,Zar
awouldn'
thaveki
ll
edG-DragonandSephor
ainturn
wouldn'
thavehadanyreasontoseekforr
evengebykil
l
ingSana,wil
lPr
incet
oneverf
orgi
veme?
,
Wil
lhe?"Shecri
edinregret
s.

"So.
..t
hisi
sit
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d,comi
ngoutoft
her
oom

Li
aspr
angedup,
hert
ear
sst
il
lfl
owi
ng.

"
YoucausedSana'
sdeat
h,t
hatsweetl
i
ttl
egi
rlhadt
odi
ecosofy
ouhowcoul
dyou!
"

"Idi
dn'tknowit'
l
ltur
noutli
kethi
s,Ij
ustwantedtogetri
dofZarainanypossi
bleway,t
hat
desi
reblindedmesomucht hatIdi
dn'tt
hink,
Vignet
tewhatdoIdo?"Shecri
ed,tr
yingt
oenter
theki
tchenbutVignet
tepul
ledherback.

"St
opbeingajackass,i
t'
snotenti
relyyourf
ault
,allt
hesestar
tedf
rom Zar
aandIthi
nksi
nce
suddendeat
hsar ealr
eadyhappening,
we'reapproachi
ngtheenddon'
tyouthi
nk?
"Shesai
d.
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"

"Sier
rai
skeepi
ngsomethi
ngbig,myhunchesarealwaysri
ghtsowejusthavetopull
itoutof
hermouth,
li
kewi
seLandon,he'
skeepi
ngthefactt
hatladyMacbet
hisali
ve"Vignet
terepl
ied.

"LadyMacbet
h?"

"Ifshereal
l
ydi
edthatday
,I'
m sureLandonwillst
il
lbesulki
ngli
keakid,Iknowhi
mv erywellso
beli
evemewhenIsayshe'ssti
l
lali
vebuthe'skeepinghersomewher
e, sheknowsthesecret
sof
thi
splaceandunl
esswehearit,wewon'tknowwher etostar
tfr
om t
rustme"Vignett
esaid.

"So.
..
what
'
sSi
err
akeepi
ng?
"Li
asni
ff
ed.

"May
bet
hef
actt
hatdoct
orMat
il
dai
sst
il
lal
i
ve.
..
"Vi
gnet
tesmi
rkedwi
tht
hecor
nerofherl
i
ps.

"Huh?
"

"Yeah,newshadi tt
hatshegotcompletel
yburntwiththehousebutI sn'
tthatsounbel ievable?
,
OkIbelievethef
ir
ewasv er
yhugethati
tcoulddestroythegl obebutcomet othinkofit,herbody
wasn'tmadeofwood, shehasbonesinther
eandev enifthefir
ecompletelydestroyedher ,
her
bonesshouldsti
llbefound.
..
..andSi
err
acamebackl atethatdaytoo,anotherclue,nowputi t
al
ltogetherandconnectthedots.
"Vi
gnetteexpl
ained.

Li
ahi
ccuped.

"Iknowy oufeelgui
l
ty,andyoushouldreal
lyfeelguil
tycosyouactedstupi
d,al
phaisthe
str
ongestinherebutyethecoul
dn'tdestr
oyordef eatgodmother
,butyoudumblyconnivedwit
h
G-DragonandSephora?,Thoset
wot ogetherwiththemember softhei
rgangwillgetki
l
ledby
Pr
incet
onwi
thi
nami
nut
e..
.goshIcan'
tbel
i
evey
ou"Vi
gnet
tesneer
ed.

"HeandTani
shawi
pedal
lthesoul
sint
hei
rar
enaal
ready
"Li
asai
d.

"Nowl
ookwhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
..
.y
ouact
eddumb"Vi
gnet
tesi
ghed.

"Iknow"Li
asai
dsadl
y.

"
Wehav
etohel
pPr
incet
on,
let
'sdr
agwor
dsoutofSi
err
aandLandon'
smout
h"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

*
***
**

NEXTDAY*
*

Sana'
sburi
ali
sjustendi
ng,Minahasbeensicksi
nceherdeat
handnomat
terhowmucht
he
tr
eatment
,herbodytemper
aturer
efusedtocomebacktonormal
.

Shewon'
teatnort
alkt
oany
one,
shej
ustl
ayonherbed,
inherr
oom,
hol
dingSana'
steddyt
o
her
sel
f.

Sephor
ai snowher
etobefound,
nomatt
erhowmucht
heysear
ch,
it'
sli
keshemi
ssedwi
tht
he
dustal
readyormaybedi
sappear
edwi
ththeai
r.

Pr
incet
onent
eredt
her
oom andsatbesi
deSanaont
hebed.

"
I'
ll
feedy
ou,
youneedt
oeat
"hesai
d,st
roki
ngherhai
r.
Sheonl
ynoddednegat
ivel
y.

"
Why
?,Youwon'
tev
ent
alkt
ome?
,Pl
ease"her
epl
i
ed.

Sheonl
ycont
inuedst
ari
ngathi
m andbef
oreheknewi
t,shest
art
edcr
ying.

"
Heynotagai
n,notagai
npl
ease,
pleaseMi
na"hebegged,
til
ti
ngherupt
ohugher
.

Sanai
sthesweet
estgi
rlany
onecoul
dev
eraskbut
..
.butshe'
sgone,
justl
i
ket
hat
.

Andt
hef
actt
hatSephor
adi
sappear
edi
ntot
het
hinai
risal
sosomet
hingt
obesadabout
.

I
tmadehi
mlookpower
lesswhi
chhe'
scur
singhi
msel
fabout
.

Hekepthuggi
ngMi
na,
thi
nki
ngaboutwhat
'sgonnahappennextt
il
lMi
nasl
eptof
finhi
sar
ms.

Heputhert
osl
eepandki
ssedherf
oreheadbef
orest
andi
ngst
rai
ght
.

Hesi
ght
edapaperont
hebedandt
ooki
t.

Heopenedi
tandi
ttur
nedoutt
obet
hedr
awi
ngSanat
alkedabout
.

Shehasf
ini
sheddr
awi
ngi
tbuti
t'
ssosadt
hatshecoul
dn'
tshowi
tof
fbef
oredy
ing.

Shedrewhersel
fonTani
sha'sl
apswhil
eshedr
ewMi
naonhi
slaps,
shedr
ewSweetont
he
ground,
hisheadi
sonTanisha'
sfeet
.
Pr
incet
on'
stear
sfel
lont
hepaperandhequi
ckl
ywi
pedi
tasher
ushedoutoft
her
oom.

Zar
a'sv
icesdi
eddownt
heseday
sbutmay
bei
t'
sthesi
l
encebef
oreast
orm.

Thepal
acehasbeensi
l
ent
.

Tani
shai
sinherr
oom,
play
ingt
hei
magesofSanaonherhead.

She'
ssmili
ngsadl
yassheI
magi
nedev
ery
thi
ngr
ightf
rom whenshej
ustst
art
edcl
eani
ngher
e
asaslav
e.

Sanai
sf*
cki
ngsweetbutshe'
sgonef
orev
er.

Tear
sescapedherey
esbutal
mosti
mmedi
atel
y,herphoner
ang.

Thefactt
hati
t'
sanunknownnumbermadeheri
gnor
eitatf
ir
stbutwheni
tkeptr
ingi
ng,
she
tooki
t.

Shepi
ckedandanhuskyv
oiceboomed.

"
Doy
oucar
etoknowSephor
a'swher
eabout
s?"

Shespr
angedupi
mmedi
atel
y.

"Youhav
etomakeadeal
wit
hme.
..t
hatt
hreeday
sfr
om now.
..
.you'
l
lki
l
lZar
a"t
hev
oicesai
d
agai
n.
"Wher
ethehel
li
sSephor
ahi
ding!
"Shedemanded.

"
OhIcal
l
edt
her
ightper
son,
byt
hewayy
ou'
respeaki
ngwi
thFl
akes"t
hev
oicesai
d.

"BLACKMAMBA?
"Sheasked.

"
Sur
e,soar
eweonadeal
?"

"
Iwaspl
anni
ngt
oki
l
lZar
abef
oresoj
ustt
ell
meSephor
a'swher
eabout
sal
ready
!"Shebar
ked.

"Thecot
tagebesi
det
hegamehouse.
..
.att
her
ivershor
e"her
epl
i
edandTani
shahungup.

Shedi
dn'
ttakehergun,
sheonl
ybr
oughtdownaswor
dfr
om t
hehangerandl
eftt
hehouse.

Pri
ncet
oncameouti
mmedi
atel
yandst
art
edcal
l
ingaf
terherbutshedi
dn'
tl
ookbackt
il
lshe
ent
eredthecar
.

Shedr
oveof
fandhewentaf
terher
.

*
***
**

VI
VI'
SAPARTMENT*
*

Vi
vi
'sey
eswi
denedwhensheent
eredandst
art
edhear
ingmoansf
rom t
hebedr
oom.
Loudonesatt
hat
.

Shesmi
l
edandgotherkni
fef
rom herbel
tst
rap.

Shewal
kedsl
owl
ytot
hedoor
stepandbar
gedi
n.

I
t'
sjustassheguessed.

Rei
nai
sri
ghtunderToy
,he'
sf*
cki
ngher.

Theysepar
atedi
mmedi
atel
ysheent
ered.

Toyt
hrewhi
str
ouser
sonandsmi
l
ed.

"
Sor
ry,
notsor
ry"hesai
dandl
eftt
her
oom.

Vi
vigothergunandf
acedhi
m.

"
Toy
"shecal
l
edandhef
acedherbutbef
orehecoul
dtal
k,sheshotathi
m.

I
tgothi
schestandhef
ell
dead.

Shef
acedRei
nabutRei
nai
snoti
nther
oom any
mor
e.

Somet
hingshov
edi
ntoherheadandherey
eswentwi
dei
nshockasbl
oodcov
eredherhead.
Rei
naact
ual
l
yst
abbedherheadwi
thakni
fe.

Vi
vif
ell
downdeadt
ooandRei
naqui
ckl
ygat
her
edhercl
othes.

Sher
anoutoft
her
oom.

*
***
**

ZARA'
SSUI
TE*
*

"
AnynewsaboutChl
oe?
"Zar
aasked,
droppi
nghercupofchampagne.

"Nogodmot
her
,butt
her
e'snor
ecor
dofherf
li
ghti
ntheai
rpor
t,she'
sst
il
li
nSi
ngapor
e"Spar
k
repl
i
ed.

"Myplansarenowmarredcosoft
hatb*t
ch!
,Howdidsheopenthebackdoort
othesecr
et
rout
e?,Someonedef
ini
tel
yhel
pedheramongtheguar
ds"Zar
asaid.

"
Onl
yyourf
inger
pri
ntscandoi
t"Spar
ksai
d.

"
Right
,Idotouchthi
ngsanyti
meIvi
sitTi
na,meani
ngshemadeaf
ool
outofme,
shegotmy
f
inger
pri
ntsthr
oughthethi
ngsIt
ouched"sher
epli
ed.

"Yesgodmot
her
"

"But
..
..wher
e'st
hatl
owl
i
fehi
ding.
..
Ishoul
dn'
tunder
est
imat
ehert
hough,
she'
shi
ssi
ster
"she
si
ghed.

"What
'supwi
tht
heal
pha'
sgang"sheasked.

"Pr
incet
onandTani
shal
eftthepal
aceawhil
eago,
..
andther
est.
..
.somearei
nSier
ra'
ssuite
whi
lesomearei
nLandon'
s,Idunnowhatt
hey'
repl
anni
ngbutI
'l
lfi
ndoutpr
ett
ysoon"herepli
ed.

"Keepaney
eont
hem"sheor
der
edandhebowedbef
orel
eav
ing.

"Shoul
dIchangemypl
ans?
,Ican'
tgodowneasi
l
y,notwhenFar
ri
sisst
il
lal
i
ve"sher
oll
edey
es.

*
***
**

COTTAGE*
*

Tani
sha'
scarst
oppedsomemet
ersawayf
rom i
t.

Shecameoutofi
tandr
ant
owar
dst
hecot
tage.

Shebr
oket
hef
ir
stwi
ndowshesawandwenti
n.

Shej
umpeddownandf
oundher
sel
final
arger
oom.

Shewal
keddownt
her
oom andandmetanot
herr
oom.

Sheent
eredandt
her
oom l
edt
oanot
her
.
Shekeptf
indi
ngr
oomsi
nroomst
il
lshegott
omay
bet
het
ent
hone

Shest
oodandf
eltst
range,
shehel
dherswor
dti
ght
erandst
oodonaspot
.

Ashar
pai
rbr
ushedpastt
hebackofherneckandherski
nfel
tuncomf
ort
abl
e.

Sheswal
l
owedhar
dandt
heshar
psoundt
hatcamef
rom akni
femadeherbenddownswi
ft
ly.

Sher
oll
eddownt
hepl
acebef
orest
andi
ng.

Sephor
agr
innedl
oudl
y.

"
You'
resmar
tert
hanIt
hought
"shesai
dinmocker
y.

Wi
thoutsay
ingawor
d,Tani
shar
emov
edherswor
dfr
om t
hesheat
handwi
eldi
tswi
ft
ly.

Shel
ookedatSephor
adanger
ousl
yandSephor
ast
art
edst
eppi
ngback.

Tani
sharant
owar
dsheratonceandt
ri
edcut
ti
ngherbutsheescapedandt
heyswi
tched
posi
ti
ons.

"
Trymor
e"Sephor
alaughed.

Tanishadroppedt
heswordandwentcl
oser
,theyl
ockedhandsandt
ookt
urnst
osl
am each
other'
sbacksonthewal
l.
Tani
shaf
inal
l
ysucceededi
npushi
nghert
othegr
oundandcameont
opofher
.

Shest
art
edt
hrowi
ngpunchesatSephor
a'sj
awl
i
nest
il
lshebl
edf
rom t
hemout
h.

Sephor
asuddenl
yhel
dherf
istandsqueezedi
t.

Tani
shawr
iggl
edf
reeandpunchedheragai
n.

Shenev
erst
oppedt
hepunchest
il
lSephor
abecamebr
eat
hless.

Shest
oodanddr
aggedSephor
a'sheadup.

Shehi
therheadont
hegr
oundandi
tbouncedup.

Shegr
abbedherheadagai
nandhi
titont
hegr
ound.

Shecont
inuedt
hatt
il
lSephor
a'sheadal
mostbr
oke.

Shepul
l
edherupandSephor
alaughed.

"Iki
ll
edheral
ready
,ev
eni
fyouki
l
lme,
you'
l
lfor
everbegui
l
tyt
haty
ouwer
en'
tabl
etopr
otect
her"shemocked.

"Shutup!
!"Tani
shascr
eamed,
hit
ti
ngSephor
a'sheadont
hewal
l
.
Mor
ebl
oodcov
eredheral
readybl
oodyf
aceasTani
shacont
inuedhi
tt
ingherheadont
hewal
l
.

Sephor
asuddenl
ypunchedTani
shaandshehel
dherst
omach.

Sheact
ual
l
ypunchedt
hewoundedar
eacoshergunshotwoundi
snotf
ull
yheal
edy
et.

WhenSephor
adet
ect
edt
hatshef
eltpai
nsf
rom t
hepunch,
shepunchedheragai
nandt
hespot
bl
ed.

Sephor
agr
abbedherhai
randst
art
edt
ryi
ngt
ohi
therheadont
hewal
ltoobutTani
shar
esi
sted.

Shecl
i
mbedt
hewal
landbackf
li
pped.

Sheki
ckedSephor
a'sf
aceandi
thi
tthewal
l
.

Sephor
a'snosebl
edandTani
shapunchedherey
esr
epeat
edl
yinanger
,imagi
ningSana'
sface
asshepunched.

Sephor
a'sey
esal
mostpoppedoutasar
esul
toft
hepunches.

Shekeptscr
eami
ngi
nagony
.

Tani
shaf
ini
shedupwi
tht
hef
ir
stey
eandmov
edt
othesecondone,
shest
art
edpunchi
ngt
hat
too.

Sephor
a'sbl
oodspl
ashedonherf
aceasi
tgushedout
.
Herscr
eamsf
il
ledupt
hewhol
epl
aceasTani
shadeal
twi
thhershi
t.

WhenSephor
a'sey
esar
eal
readyi
nbl
ood,
Tani
shal
ethergoandshef
ell
ont
hegr
oundal
most
l
if
elessl
y.

Tani
shawentf
ort
heswor
dandgoti
t.

Shecamebackt
oSephor
aandsmi
l
edemot
ionl
essl
y.

"
ForSana"shesai
dandr
aisedupt
heswor
d.

Shebr
oughti
tdownonSephor
a'sneckanddecapi
tat
edher
.

Shecutherheadof
fherbodyandmor
eofherbl
oodspl
ashedonherf
ace.

Pr
incet
onj
umpedi
nandwhenhesawt
hescene,
hel
ooksshocked.

Shewal
kedt
ohi
m andhekeptst
ari
ngatherbl
oodyf
ace.

"
Nisha"hewhi
sper
ed.

"I
'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'tt
ellyou,Iwasj
ustt
oofur
ious,
Ist
uckadeal
wit
hFl
akest
ogetherl
ocat
ion,
I'
ll
havet
okil
lZarawithi
nt hr
eeday
s"shesai
d.

Pr
incet
onpul
l
edhert
oanhugi
mmedi
atel
y.
"Thanks"hesai
d.

"
Itol
dyouI'
dkil
lal
lyourenemi
esandpr
otecty
ouandourki
ds,
I'
m sor
ryIcoul
dn'
tpr
otectSana,
I
'
m sorr
y"shesai
d.

"I
t'
sok"hepat
tedher
.

Hi
sphoner
angandhehadt
obr
eakt
hehugandpi
ck,
it'
sLandoncal
l
ing.

"
Comet
othei
nter
sect
ionatt
hemout
hofChamppar
kri
ghtnow"hesai
d.

"Why
?"

"Youneedtomeetyourreal
mother
,andTani
shaneedst
oknowt
het
rut
habouther
sel
ftoo,
ever
yonei
swait
ing"Landonrepl
i
edandhungup.

Pr
incet
ont
ookof
fhi
sjacketandwi
pedt
hebl
oodonTani
sha'
sfacewi
thi
t.

"
Let
'sgo"hesai
dtheyl
eftt
hepl
ace.

*
***
*

Champpar
k**

Theybot
hgott
othei
nter
sect
ionandmetLandonandLi
awai
ti
ng.
"
Doct
orMat
il
dai
sal
i
ve"Li
asai
d.

"
What
!"

"
Yeah,
Sierr
asavedhersomehowthoughshewassl
i
ght
lyaf
fect
edbyt
hef
ir
e,and.
..
.my
mum..
.she'
sal
iv
e"Landonconti
nued.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatTani
shaasLandonl
edt
heway
,theyf
oll
owedhi
m.

Thewal
ktookal
mostt
hir
tymi
nut
est
il
ltheygott
oanhouse.

Theygoti
nandt
rul
y,Mat
il
dai
sonabedbutherf
acei
ssl
i
ght
lybur
nt.

Si
err
aandt
her
estar
ewi
thher
.

"
Mybaby
"Mat
il
dasai
d,get
ti
ngdownf
rom t
hebed.

ShehuggedPr
incet
onsot
ightandhesur
pri
singl
yhuggedhi
m back.

"
I'
m gl
ady
oudi
dn'
tdi
e"hesai
d.

Shespentsomucht
imei
nhi
sar
msbef
oredi
sengagi
ng.

Shehel
dhi
sfacedear
ly.

"
Kingst
on.
..
that
'sy
ourname"shesai
dint
ear
s.
"
Mysuspi
cionsar
eri
ght
?"Hesai
d.

"You'remysonKingst
on,Zarast
oleyoufrom meinabusninet
eenyear
sagoandreplacedyou
withoneofhert
winbabies,i
twasthetwinbabyIdroppedf
orNanaandEros,
Idi
dn'tabandon
you,youwerest
olenfr
om me"shecried.

"Wai
t.
..
..
so.
..
thet
winsi
ster
..
..
"Tani
shasai
dshocki
ngl
y.

"You'
remyt
winsi
sterTani
sha"Li
asai
d.

"Huh?
'

"Yeah,tur
nsouthe'snott
hesonofawi
tch,
we'
ret
her
eal
daught
ersoft
hewi
tchoft
hewest
"Li
a
said,smil
ingsadl
y.

Tani
sha'
stear
srushedoutuncont
rol
l
abl
y.

"
Yourbr
acel
et"l
adyMacbet
hsai
d,comi
ngi
n.

"
It
'ssamewi t
hLia'
s,shehast
hesamebr
acel
etbutt
hewi
tcht
ooki
tfr
om hermay
bet
okeept
he
t
ruth"shesai
d.

Tani
shasquat
tedandbl
ockedherear
swi
thherpal
ms.

"
No!
!!
!!
"Shescr
eamedt
ear
ful
l
y.
Mat
il
dahuggedPr
incet
onagai
n,t
oohappyt
hatatl
ast
..
..
shegothi
m

Pr
incet
onshedsl
owt
ear
sinherar
ms.

"
Weshoul
dpl
anonwhatnext
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d"

"We'
rebei
ngwat
ched,
Ibel
i
evei
t,Zar
ahasey
esev
ery
wher
e"Shaysai
d.

"Thatshoul
dn'
tst
opusf
rom ki
l
li
ngher
"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"Bef
oret
hen,
Pri
ncet
ont
her
e'sanot
hert
hingy
ouneedt
oknow"Landonsai
d.

Pr
incet
onbr
oket
hehugwi
thMat
il
da.

Doct
orDar
rel
lcamei
n,l
ooki
nggui
l
ty.

"
Dar
rel
l
?'Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Avadidn'
tbet
rayyou,i
twasal
lZara'
sdoi
ng..
..andal
so.
..
..Av
agav
ebi
rt
htoquadr
upl
ets.
..
.t
he
for
thone..
.Ti
naiswithgodmot
her"hesai
d.

"Hel
l"Si
err
asai
dshocki
ngl
y.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:21AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER
(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER74&75

★★★★★

Pr
incet
on'
sear
sbehav
edl
i
ket
heyar
en'
thi
sown.

Hi
sey
esexudesshockandhi
shear
tsl
ammedhar
donhi
schest
.

Acol
dchi
l
lyai
rbr
ushedpasthi
m andheshi
ver
edsl
i
ght
lyatwhathej
usthear
d.

Hi
sear
sar
est
il
lwor
kingr
ight
,he'
ssosur
eaboutt
hat
.

"I
'm sor
ryPr i
nceton,butIwasthreatenedt oo,Zar
athreat
enedmewi t
hmyonl ysis,Ijust
couldn'
tdisobey,wheny ouwentt ogett hebloodwhichwasact ual
lyaplantomakey ouleave
forawhile,Zaracameandwhenshef oundoutAv agavebirt
ht oquadr upl
ets,
shet ookoneand
alsolef
twi t
hAv a,I
'm sureshethreatenedAv atosaythosethingst oyouonphone, andyour
stol
enthings,itwasgodmot herwhost olethem t
omakel ooklikeitwasAv a,I
'm sorryPr
inceton,
Iknownoamountofsor rywil
latonef ormysi nsbut
..
..

"
Ahhh!
!!
!!
"Pr
incet
onscr
eamed,
hol
dingt
hebedr
ail
sast
ear
sfel
lfr
om hi
sredey
es.
Tani
shai
sst
il
lcr
yingi
nhersquat
ti
ngposi
ti
on,
Liai
sbusypat
ti
ngher
.

"
Hear
dAv
adi
edj
ustl
asty
ear
,shedi
edofhear
tat
tack"Shaysai
dsadl
y.

Pr
incet
ononl
ycr
iedmor
eandMat
il
dahadnochoi
cebutt
ojoi
nhi
stear
stoo.

Thesadnessi
ntheai
risj
ustt
oomuch.

Zar
adest
roy
edev
ery
thi
ng.
..
.ev
ery
thi
ng!

"Farr
is'
sjuni
orsi
susedtoli
vei
nthepalacebackthent
oo,shedi
sappear
edwhenFar
ri
sdi
edand
sincethenI'
venothear
dfr
om her
,she'
sChloe"l
adyMacbethsai
d.

"
AndIt
hinkZar
aki
l
ledFar
ri
s..
.Imean.
..
I'
mjustt
hinki
ngbutt
her
e'sapossi
bil
i
tysheki
l
ledhi
m..
.

Pr
incet
onst
art
edst
ormi
ngoutoft
her
oom butLandonhel
dhi
m back.

"
Angerdest
roy
s,t
aket
hingseasy
"hesai
d.

"
I'
veal
readybeendest
royed,I
'v
ebeendi
smant
ledt
her
e'snot
hingl
eft
!"Pr
incet
onsnapped,
his
f
aceshimmeringwi
thtears.

"Youst
il
lhav
eMi natoprot
ect,youhaveyourmum t
opr
otect
,youhav
eTani
shat
opr
otectt
oo
andyouhavetogetTinaback"Landonsaid.

"That
'swhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
,Zar
aisdy
ingt
oday
,it
'
snonsenset
hatshe'
sbr
eat
hing"Pr
incet
on
sai
dandwasaboutt
odashoutwhenTani
shar
anpasthi
m.

Sher
anoutoft
hehouseasf
astast
hebr
eeze.

Ther
estl
ookedateachot
herbef
orer
unni
ngaf
terher
.

Pr
incet
onl
ookedatMat
il
daandshesmi
l
ed.

"
Ibel
i
evey
ou'
l
ldoi
t"shesai
d.

LandonhuggedMacbet
h.

"
Endher
,shehasdoneenough.
..
butpl
easebesaf
e"shesai
d.

Landonsi
ghedbef
orel
eav
ingt
hepl
acewi
thPr
incet
on.

*
***
*

MCFPALACE*
*

Tani
shagott
her
efi
rst
.

Shegothergunandr
ani
ntoZar
a'ssui
tebutnotev
enasi
ngl
esoul
isi
n,nosoundnomat
ter
howsmall.

"
Zar
a!!
!"Shescr
eamed.
Theechoofherv
oicecameback.

Shesawanopendoorshenev
erknewexi
sted.

Shest
eppedi
nthr
ought
hedoorandst
art
edseei
ngr
ooms,
shest
art
edchecki
ngoutt
her
ooms.

Shehascheckedf
ourwhent
her
estpour
edi
n.

"
Inev
erknewadoorl
i
ket
hisexi
stedser
iousl
y,Zar
aisashe-
dev
il
"Br
entsai
d.

Theycheckedoutal
lther
oomst
il
lthel
astonebutcoul
dn'
tfi
ndher
.

"
Isi
twhatI
'
mthi
nki
ng?
,Sheescaped?
"Shaysai
dloudl
y.

Tani
shasawadooratt
heendoft
het
hincor
ri
dorandr
ant
oit
.

Sheopenedi
twi
thherl
egandbehel
daf
orest
.

Acarj
ustspedof
fatadi
stance.

"
Ther
eshei
s!"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

Si
err
aqui
ckl
ygotadev
icewhi
chshet
hrewt
othecar
I
tgotst
uckont
hecar
'sbodyandshet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

"
That
'l
ltel
lusev
ery
wher
etheygo"shesai
d

Tani
shal
edt
hewayoutbutshesuddenl
yst
opped,
feel
i
ngsuddennauseaandt
ir
edness.

Shehel
dthewal
landLi
ahel
dherar
m.

"
Arey
ouok?
"Sheasked.

"
YeahI
'
mfi
ne"sher
epl
i
edandt
heyr
esumedt
hei
rraceoutoft
hepl
ace.

Theygotoutt
omeetPr
incet
onandLandonwhoar
ejustcomi
ng.

Theygoti
ntwodi
ff
erentcar
sandr
acedoutoft
hepal
ace.

"Isai
ditt
hatwe'
rebei
ngwatched,
howelsecany
ouexpl
ainwhysher
anf
orherl
i
fei
fnott
hat
shehaspeoplewat
chi
ngus"Shaysai
d.

"I
t'
sokdude,
weknow"Li
arepl
i
edst
ernl
y.

Si
err
aconnect
edherphonet
othecar
'sGPSandi
tst
art
edshowi
ngt
hem wher
etogo.

Zar
a'scari
sdef
ini
tel
yspeedi
ngcost
hey
'r
enowher
eneari
tdespi
tet
hei
rownspeed.

"
Spar
kmustbet
heonedr
ivi
ng,
he'
sacr
azydr
iver
"Si
err
asai
d.
"Thatdog,
Ishoul
dhav
eki
l
ledhi
m backt
hen"Landonseet
hed.

"He'
l
lst
opspar
kingt
oday
,andhe'
l
lcr
azi
l
ydr
ivehi
msel
ftoheav
en"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

Thechasewentont
il
lZar
aent
eredt
hedeepwoods,
theyf
oll
owedandPr
incet
ondoubl
edt
hei
r
pace.

Thecar
skeptbumpi
ngi
ntot
reesandshr
ubs,
almostev
ery
onegothur
twi
tht
hedr
ive.

Mi
nut
est
urnedi
ntohour
sandaf
tert
wohour
soff
rui
tl
esschase,
thel
ocat
ionst
oppedshowi
ng.

"
Shi
t!
,What
'sal
lthese?
"Si
err
aspat
,hi
tt
ingherhandont
heGPS.

"Ther
e'snonet
wor
kher
eIt
hink"Landonsai
d.

"
Arewej
ustgonnawai
ther
e?,
She'
l
lescape!
"Li
asai
d.

"Calm downgir
l,she'
sgoi
ngnowher
etr
ustme,
notwhent
heendi
sher
e,al
lthesei
sendi
ng
today
"Vignet
tesaid.

"I
fsheseest
hedawnoft
omor
row,
thenI
'
m notTani
sha"Tani
shasai
dcal
mly
,looki
ngoutoft
he
wi
ndow.

Pr
incet
onhel
dherhandandshel
ookedathi
m expr
essi
onl
essl
y.

"
Arewegonnawai
t?"Br
entasked.
"
Sur
e,t
il
li
tcomesback"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

*
***
*

ANOTHERPARTOFTHEFOREST*
*

"
Howmanymi
nut
esl
eftbef
orewe'
l
lgett
othesea?
"Zar
aaskedSpar
kwho'
sdr
ivi
ngcr
azi
l
y.

"
Twohour
s"her
epl
i
ed.

"
Twohour
s?,
It'
s5pm al
ready
,meani
ngwe'
regonnagett
her
eatni
ght
?,Shi
t!
,Dr
ivef
ast
er!
!"She
y
ell
ed.

Shebr
eat
hedheav
il
y,herneckexpandi
ngandshr
inki
ngl
i
keanangr
ycobr
a.

"Iwon'
tacceptdef
eat,
Zaraneversurr
ender
s,t
hepal
acei
smi
neandI
'
m st
il
lcomi
ngback!
,I
'l
l
comeback!"Sheshoutedf
uri
ously.

Shel
ookedatTi
nawho'
ssi
tt
ingatt
hebackseatandsmi
l
ed.

"
Myweaponisal
mostr
eady
,I'
m comi
ngbackwi
thf
ull
for
ce,
trustme,
Ican'
tbedef
eat
edl
i
ke
t
his!
"Shey
ell
ed.

"Wher
ethehel
lar
ewel
eav
ingf
or?
"Ti
naaskedl
i
keanadul
t.

"Somewher
esaf
e"Zar
asmi
l
edandsher
oll
edey
es.
"Di
dtheshi
pgett
othewat
eral
ready
?"Sheasked.

"Yes,
it'
swai
ti
ng"Rei
nar
epl
i
ed.

Zar
asmi
l
ed.

*
***
**

7PM*
*

Alpha'
steam ar
est
il
lwai
ti
ngi
nthef
orest
,si
tt
ingar
oundandhopi
ngnet
wor
kwi
l
lbeback
anyti
mesoon.

"
Ist
hisr
eal
l
ywor
king?
,We'
vebeensi
tt
ingf
ort
wodamnhour
s!"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"cal
m babe,
shoutatt
henet
wor
kinst
ead"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.

"I
'
vel
ostmypat
ience,
ifZar
aescapest
henIwon'
tfor
giv
emy
sel
f"Li
asai
d.

"Yourmot
her
"Shayt
eased.

"I
t'
snotf
unny
"Li
arol
l
edey
es.

"
It
'sback!
"Si
err
asai
d,j
umpi
ngi
ntot
hecar
.
"
Thesea?
,Whatt
hehel
lthat
'sl
i
ket
woort
hreehour
sjour
neyf
rom her
e"Br
entsai
d.

"Ther
e'sashor
tcut
"Pr
incet
onsai
d,st
art
ingt
hedr
ive.

Vignettedrov
ethesecondcarandt
heyst
art
edt
hei
rjour
neyagai
n,goi
ngt
hrought
her
ough
shortcut.

*
***
*

THESEA*
*

Zar
ajumpeddownf
rom t
hecarwi
thhergang.

Rei
nacar
ri
edTi
naandt
hesai
l
orar
ri
ved.

"
Wehav
eal
i
ttl
ebi
tofpr
obl
em wi
tht
heshi
pri
ghtnowso.
..

"
Sowe'
l
lhav
etowai
t?"Zar
aint
err
upt
ed.

"Yes"

Zar
apunchedt
heol
dmanandhef
ell
.

"It
oldyouaboutt
hissincetwohoursagoandnowy
ou'
recompl
aini
ngaboutadamnpr
obl
em!
,
Whatthehel
larey
out alki
ngabout
!"
"I
twaswor
kingv
erywel
lti
l
ltenmi
nut
esago,
oneoft
heengi
nesgotst
rangel
ydamaged"

"Thenr
emov
ethecarengi
neandusei
t!"Zar
abar
ked.

"She'
ssodumb,
whousescarengi
nef
orashi
p"Ti
namut
ter
ed.

"That
'snotpossi
ble,
wecan'
tfi
xcarengi
nei
nashi
p"t
hesai
l
orr
epl
i
ed.

"Thenwhatt
heheckar
eyougonnado"Zar
asai
d.

"Justsomemi
nut
esandI
'
llbedone"hesai
dandr
ushedbackt
othebi
gshi
p.

"Bigshit
,Idon'
twantPr
incet
onoranyofhi
steam t
omeetusher
e,Idi
dn'
tsi
gnf
orwart
oday
,
nottoday!
!!
!!
"Shescr
eamedcrazi
l
y.

Ov
ert
hir
tymi
nut
es,
ther
epai
risst
il
longoi
ngt
oherannoy
ance.

"
Aren'
tyoudoney
et?
"Sheaskedwi
tht
her
emai
ningcal
mnessi
nher
.

"Justal
i
ttl
ebi
tma'
am"her
epl
i
edandZar
aroar
edangr
il
y.

Shegothergunandwasaboutt
oshootathi
m whent
wocar
szoomeddanger
ousl
yint
othe
shor
e.

Thet
eam shehasbeendr
eadi
ngcameoutofi
t.
Rei
naandSpar
kst
oodar
oundherwi
tht
heot
hert
enguar
ds.

"
Wel
come,
myal
pha"shesmi
l
ed,
hidi
ngt
hener
vousnessunderi
t.

"
I'
ll
hav
etopl
antabul
l
eti
nyourskul
l
,today
"Landonsai
d.

"
Itookcar
eofy
out
il
lyoubecamewhaty
ouar
etoday
,di
dyouf
orgett
hat
?"Zar
asai
d.

"Ir
eal
l
ydon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
hisshi
tyou'
ret
rynapul
l
"Li
asai
dandshot
.

Thatoneshotwasr
epl
i
edwi
thmanyot
her
sfr
om Rei
naandt
heot
her
s.

Theshoot
outgotmor
eandmor
edanger
ousandt
heyal
lkeptducki
ngandav
oidi
ng.

Zar
agr
abbedTi
naandent
eredt
heshi
pwi
thher
.

Shekeptheri
nar
oom andgav
eheragun.

"Chl
oet
aughty
ouhowt
ousei
t,y
ouknowwhatt
odowhent
het
imecomes"shesmi
l
edandl
eft
her.

Shecameoutoft
her
oom andcamef
acet
ofacewi
thTani
sha.
.

Meanwhi
l
e,Vi
gnet
tegotst
uckwi
thRei
naout
sidet
heshi
p.

"
Wemetagai
n,andt
hist
imey
ou'
reki
ssi
ngby
etoear
th"shesmi
l
ed.
"Let
'sseeaboutt
hat
"Rei
nasmi
l
edandr
ushedt
owar
dsVi
gnet
te

Vi
gnet
test
oodhergr
oundbutj
ustasRei
nawasaboutt
oreachher
,agunshotsounded.

Thebul
l
etr
ammedI
ntoRei
na'
sskul
landherbl
oodspl
ashedbef
oreshef
ell
.

I
twasact
ual
l
yLandonwhoshot
.

"
Iwant
edt
ogi
vehert
hebeat
ingofherl
i
fe"Vi
gnet
tegr
imaced.

"Sorry,Ij
ustwannaendev er
ythingsnappi
l
y,ever
yoneoft
hem deser
vesasl
owdeat
h
but.
..
.deathisdeath,
theyshouldjustdi
eal
ready,
Iwannal
iveanormall
if
e,I
'
mti
redofbei
nga
f*
ckinggangster"herepl
iedsadly.

Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
ed.

Pr
incet
ongotst
uckwi
thspar
kandt
houghhe'
sst
rong,
he'
sper
fect
lyt
aki
ngcar
eofhi
m.

He'
sdef
ini
tel
ynothi
smat
ch.

Si
err
a,Li
aShayandBr
entar
ebusyt
aki
ngcar
eoft
het
enot
herguar
ds.

BACKI
NTHESHI
P**

Zar
ahasabi
gsmi
l
eonherf
aceandshekeptshi
ft
ingbackasTani
shacamecl
oserandcl
oser
.
"Todayi
sthesaddestdayofmyli
fe,
thedayIgott
oknowt
hatt
hedev
ilImustki
l
lisact
ual
l
ymy
ownmot her
"shesaidandZarast
opped.

Herey
eswi
denedonherspot
.

"Thechi
l
dyouexchangedPr
incetonwi
thni
net
eeny
ear
sago,
it'
sme,
Lia'
stwi
n"shesai
d,
poi
nti
ngatt
heankl
etonherankle.

"I
t'
sImpossi
ble!
"Zar
ayel
l
ed.

"
Iwasn'
thopingy
ou'dbeli
eve,cosIdon'
twanttobeli
evei
ttoo,you'
redy
ingr
ightnowany
way
s,
t
urnsoutal
lmytrai
ningsweremeanttokil
lyou"Tani
sharepl
ied.

Zar
asmi
l
edandst
eppedcl
oser
.

"Don'
tyouwannagowi thmet osomewherefar?,We'
ll
li
vefi
neasmot heranddaught
erand
you'
l
lrecei
vemotherl
ylovef
rom meev er
yday?,Youdon'
twantthat
?,Growupdaughter
,I'
myour
motherandIknowthebestforyou"shesai
d,touchi
nghercheek.

Tani
shasmi
l
ed,
herr
edey
esbecomi
ngmer
cil
ess.

"Youreall
ythi
nkI
'
m afool
?,Themont
hsIspenti
nthepal
acetaughtmethatpeopl
eli
keyou
don'tdeser
vetol
i
ve!
"Sheyell
edandt
ri
edshovi
ngaknif
eInt
oZar a'
shear
tbutZaraobst
ruct
ed
withherpalm

Thekni
fepenet
rat
edandcameoutont
heot
hersi
de.
Zar
agr
innedheav
il
yandst
art
edpushi
ngher
.

Tani
shat
ri
edst
andi
nghergr
oundbutt
heb*
tchpushi
ngherwassost
rong.

Shegotpushedt
il
ltheygott
otheshi
pwal
l
.

Herbackhi
thar
shl
yoni
tandZar
ast
art
edt
ryi
ngt
opushheri
ntot
hesea.

"
Dieal
ready
!!
,Di
e!!
!!
"Zar
ascr
eamed.

"
Notev
eni
nyourdr
eams"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

Zar
aremov
edt hekni
fef
rom herpal
m andst
art
edbr
ingi
ngi
tdownt
oTani
sha'
schestandatt
he
sameti
me,she'
spushi
ngher

Tanishagat
heredstrengt
handgr
abbedZar
a'ssecondhandatt
hebase,
shehel
ditt
ight
ly,
pressi
ngherveins.

Zar
agr
oanedandhersecondhandl
etgooft
hekni
fe.

Tani
shacaughti
tandwi
thoutt
hinki
ngt
wice,
sheshov
edi
tint
oZar
a'sey
e.

Zar
a'sagoni
zi
ngscr
eam f
il
ledupt
heshi
passhel
etgoofher
.

Thekni
fei
sst
il
li
nherey
esandbl
oodi
srushi
ngoutofi
t.
Tani
shal
eftt
heshi
pwal
landcamef
orher
.

Sheki
ckedherj
awandshef
ell
heav
il
y.

Zar
aremov
edtheknif
efr
om herey
eandherey
ebal
laccompani
edt
hekni
feout
,leav
ingabi
g
hol
eint
heeyesocket
.

Shel
ookedatherey
ebal
lont
hekni
fewi
thhersecondey
eandt
hunder
edal
aught
er.

Tani
shast
oodonherspot
.

"
I'
ll
makesur
eyouscr
eam ofmyev
il
nessonemor
eti
me"Zar
asai
dandt
hrewdownt
hekni
fe.

Shebr
oughtoutagunandsmi
l
edasshel
ookedati
twi
thheroneey
e.

"Nai
lgun,butt
hispoi
sonisdi
ff
erentf
rom t
heoneyouwereshotwi
tht
heot
hert
ime,
thi
shasno
anti
dot
e,onceIgetyou,
you'
regone"shesmil
edandshot
.

Tani
shaduckedandst
art
edhi
dingassheshot
.

Zar
alaughedl
oudl
y,chasi
ngaf
terher
.

Tani
shahi
dandshel
ostt
rackofher
.

Zar
ast
ood,
looki
ngar
oundf
oranysi
gnofher
.
Tani
shat
arget
edherfr
om wher
eshe'
shidingandj
ustwhenZarawasaboutt
ofaceher
,she
j
umpedoutandsnat
chedthegunbef
oreroll
i
ngdownthesli
pper
yground.

Sheshott
hri
cei
mmedi
atel
y.

Thef
ir
stbul
l
ethi
tZar
a'sr
ightl
eg,
thesecondonehi
therhear
tandt
het
hir
dhi
therst
omach.

Zar
afel
lonherbut
t,herbackl
andi
ngont
heshi
pwal
lasshebl
edmassi
vel
yfr
om t
hemout
h.

Tani
shabr
oughtdownt
hegunandbr
eat
hed,
wal
ki
ngt
oher
.

Zar
acont
inuedv
omi
ti
ngbl
oodf
rom al
ltheshotar
easandherbl
eedi
ngey
esocket
.

Tani
shast
oodi
nfr
ontofherandt
ear
sescapedherey
es.

"
Iregr
ethav
ingy
ouasmymot
her
"shesai
d,poi
nti
ngt
hegunather
.

Zar
ast
art
edgaspi
ngf
orbr
eat
h.

"
Die!
!!
!,
I'
mti
redofseei
ngy
oual
i
ve!
!!
,Leav
e!!
!"Tani
shashout
ed.

Zar
aopenedhermout
htot
alkbutTani
shashotati
t.

Thebul
l
etf
lewi
ntoZar
a'smout
handcameoutatt
hebackofherhead.

Thegunf
ell
from Tani
shaandt
henauseousnesscameagai
nImmedi
atel
y.
Shest
art
edl
osi
ngconsci
ousnessandshewasaboutt
ofal
lwhenPr
incet
onr
ushedi
n.

Seeingbloodev
erywher
escar
edhi
m atf
ir
stbutwhenshesawTani
sha,
her
ant
ocat
chher
beforeshecoul
dfall
.

Shef
ell
unconsci
ousl
yinhi
sar
ms.

"Tani
sha!
!"Heshout
edf
earf
ull
y,t
hinki
ngshegotshotbutwhenhedet
ect
ednogunshotwound
onherbody,hecal
meddown.

Sheactual
l
ymadehi
m pr
omi
senott
ost
epi
ntot
hef
ightandt
hat
'swhyhedi
dn'
tcomei
ndur
ing
thef
ight

Hel
ookedatZar
aandi
nhal
edadeepbr
eat
h.

Li
arushedi
nnextandwhenshesawZar
a'sbody
,shesmi
l
edv
ict
ori
ousl
y.

Shewal
kedt
oPr
incet
onwho'
sst
il
lhol
dingTani
sha.

"
Issheok?
"Sheasked.

"
Iguessso,
she'
snotwounded"her
epl
i
ed.

"
Sheseemedsi
ckear
li
er,
herey
ebal
l
schangedcol
ourt
oo"shesai
d.

Theyhear
dfoot
stepsbehi
ndt
hem andt
heyl
ookedbackt
oseeanot
herMi
na'
srepl
i
ca,
her
handsar
ebehi
ndher
.

Nodi
ff
erenceatal
lj
ustl
i
keMi
naandSana.

"
Tina"Li
asai
dshocki
ngl
y.

Pr
incet
onst
oodshocki
ngl
ytoo,
gent
lypl
aci
ngTani
shaont
hegr
ound.

"
It
'st
rue"hewhi
sper
ed,
goi
ngcl
osert
othegi
rlwhol
ooksf
ear
lessandemot
ionl
ess.

"
Tina"hemut
ter
ed.

Ti
nar
eveal
edherhandsandLi
agaspedwhenshesawt
hegunTi
nai
shol
ding.

Sheai
medatPri
ncet
onst
rai
ghtandPr
incet
onst
oppedwi
thwi
deey
es,
tooshockedabout
what
'sgoi
ngon.

Itdoesn'tl
ookl
ikeatoygunbutthef
actt
hatshe'
shol
dingagun,
aimi
ngf
orhi
m madehi
m
speechlessandmoreshocked.

Ti
nat
ight
enedhersmal
lhandsar
oundt
hegun.
.

"
No!
!!
"Li
ashout
ed,
rushi
ngt
ocov
erPr
incet
on.

Ti
nashoti
mmedi at
elyandi
thi
tLi
a'
sback,
bloodshotoutofhermout
handspl
ashedon
Pr
incet
on'
sface.
Pr
incet
on'
shandsshookonherbodyashehel
dher.

Landoncamei
ntot
heshi
pimmedi
atel
yandhi
sey
eswi
denedatt
hescene.

"
Lia!
!!
!"Hescr
eamed,
runni
ngt
othescene.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:21AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER76&77

★★★★★

ONEMONTHLATER,
MATI
LDASPECI
ALI
STSHOSPI
TAL★★

Pr
incet
on'
scarst
oppedi
nfr
ontoft
hehospi
tal
andhest
eppedout
,looki
ngdi
ff
erent
.

Heopenedt
heseconddoorandTani
shast
eppedout
.
"
I'
m sot
ir
ed"shesai
d,i
nhal
i
ngdeepl
y.

"
Thet
winsar
esot
roubl
esomey
oudon'
texpectl
ess"hesmi
l
edandcl
osedt
hecardoor
.

Hehel
dherf
aceandki
ssedherf
orehead.

"
Let
'shopeshe'
dhav
egot
tenbet
ter
"hesai
d.

"
Ihopesot
oo"sher
epl
i
edandt
heywenti
ntoget
her
.

Theywentst
rai
ghtt
oMat
il
da'
sof
fi
ceandshesmi
l
edi
mmedi
atel
yshesawt
hem.

"
Cut
ies"shest
ood,
li
mpi
ngt
othem.

Hershotl
egi
sst
il
lnotbal
ancedsoshest
il
ll
impsbuthersl
i
ght
lybur
ntf
acei
sget
ti
ngbet
ter
.

"
Mum"Pr
incet
onsmi
l
edandt
heyhuggedt
ight
ly.

"
Tani
sha"Mat
il
daf
acedherandgav
eheral
ongerhug.

Shef
eltherst
omachaf
ter
war
ds.

"
Aret
heyt
roubl
esomel
i
keI
'
veguessed?
"Sheasked.
"Ver
yverytr
oublesome, t
heyescapedabull
etshotsoIguesst
hey
'r
est
rongl
i
kear
ockand
st
ubbor
nlikeIcan'tsay
"sherepli
edandtheyalll
aughed.

"Ki
ngst
onwhatdi
dIt
ell
yout
oal
way
sdo?
"Mat
il
daasked.

"Ser
veherf
ruit
sev er
ymor
ning,makesureIwor
koutwithher
,al
way
sst
aybesi
deherand.
..
..
F*ckher
"herepli
edandMati
ldahi
thim wit
hashor
tlaught
er.

"Si
l
lyy
ou,
how'
sev
ery
oneatt
hepal
ace?
"Sheasked.

"
Ever
yonei
sfi
net
rustme,
it'
saf
ull
houseofhappi
nessr
ightnow"her
epl
i
edandMat
il
dasmi
l
ed.

"How'
sTi
nadoi
ng?"Tani
shaaskedandMat
il
dasi
ghed.

"Noi mprovementy et,

notev enone,Zaradest
royedherbeyondwhaty ouguy
scouldimagine,
she'salwayscravi
ngt ohurtsomeoneandwhenshef i
ndsnot hingt
ohurti
nheri
solati
onroom,
shehurtsherself
,lastnightshehitherheadonthewalloft
her oom andal
mostbrokeherhead,
shewasbl eedi
ngwhenIgott her
eandwehadt ot i
eherdown, shegavemeabit
ei nt
he
process"Matil
dasai d,
showi ngthewoundonherar m.

Pr
incet
onsi
ghedandf
acedTani
sha.

"
Canweseeheratl
east
?"Sheasked.

Mat
il
dal
edt
hem outoft
heof
fi
ceandt
ookt
hem t
oTi
na'
sroom

Sheopenedt
hedoorandTani
shast
art
edcr
yingi
mmedi
atel
yshesawTi
na.
Herf
acei
sal
lwounded,
obv
iousl
yasar
esul
tofhowshehi
titont
hewal
lrepeat
edl
ylastni
ght
.

Shewasti
edt
oachai
randshe'
slooki
ngatt
hem angr
il
y,t
hatusual
mer
cil
essdev
il
ishl
ook,
just
l
ikeZar
a.

"
What
'sgonnahappent
oher
,Mi
naneedsher
,shecan'
tcont
inuel
i
ket
his"Tani
shasai
dtear
ful
l
y.

Pr
incet
onhel
dherdear
ly.

"I
'
m afrai
dit
'l
ltakemorethansomeyearst
obringhercl
osetonor
mal
,shewasr
aisedt
obe
cruel
andit'
l
lbediff
icul
ttobri
ngherbackt
olaneexcept
..
."

"Exceptwhat
?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Excepti
fwewi
pehermemor
ies,
compl
etel
y"Mat
il
dasai
d.

Tani
sha'
sphoner
angi
mmedi
atel
y,i
t'
sLandon.

"
Bigbr
o"shesai
d,wi
pinghert
ear
s.

"
You'
recr
ying.
..def
ini
tel
y"hesai
d.

"
Tina.
..Ti
nakeptget
ti
ngwor
se"shesni
ff
ed.

"
Iknewi
t,shegr
ewupwi
tht
hedev
ilsoIwasn'
texpect
ingl
ess"her
epl
i
ed.
"MummyMat
il
dasai
dwe'
dhav
etowi
pehermemor
ies"shesai
d.

"
Theny
es,
Imean.
..
bigy
esi
fthat
'st
heonl
ywayf
orhert
oli
veanor
mal
li
fe"Landonsai
d

"Whydi
dyoucal
lthough?
"

"Youneedtocomebackassoonaspossi
ble,
prepar
eyourmi
ndf
orshockt
hough,
bigshock"
Landonrepl
i
ed.

"Bi
gshock?
"

"Yes,
af*
cki
ngbi
gonebabysi
s"her
epl
i
edandhungup.

*
***
*

MHFPALACE*
*

That
'st
henewname.

NotMASTERSONCRI
MEFAMI
LYany
mor
e,i
t'
snowMASTERSONHAPPYFAMI
LY.

Pr
incet
ondr
ovei
nwi
thTani
shaandt
heymetev
ery
onei
nfr
ontofhi
ssui
te.

Li
ket
heyconv
ergedt
owat
chsomet
hing.

Theybot
hgotoutoft
hecarandwal
kedsl
owl
ytot
hescene,
bot
hwonder
ingwhati
tmi
ghtbe.
"
Wel
comebackwi
l
dcat
"Shaywi
nked.

"
Alpha'
sbaby
,you'
rei
nforabi
gsur
pri
set
rustme"Si
err
asmi
l
ed.

Landonl
efthi
sspotandr
eveal
edwhathe'
scov
eri
ng.

Amani
nhi
sear
lysi
xti
es,
hehasabi
gsmi
l
eonhi
ssl
i
ght
lywr
inkl
edf
ace.

Accor
dingt
othepi
ctur
esTani
shahasseensof
ar,
that
'sdef
ini
tel
y.
..
.t
hedeadFar
ri
s..
.

Herdad!

"
godf
ather
"Pr
incet
onmut
ter
ed,
notbel
i
evi
nghi
sey
es.

Hewassupposedt
obedeadandnowhe'
sinf
ront
..
oft
hem?

"
D..
..Da.
.dad"Tani
shast
ammer
edshocki
ngl
y.

Hesmi
l
edwi
der
.

"Il
i
ved,
thankst
oChl
oe"hesai
dandChl
oeappear
ed,
smi
l
ingt
oo.

"Zaraactual
lyinjectedhi
sdri
nkingwaterthatf
atef
ulday,hedr
ankandsli
ppedint
ocomainher
sui
te,Icamet ocheckonhi m whenIcouldn'
tfi
ndhiminhissui
te,
Zaracaptur
edmeand
tr
appedme, givingmeababyt otr
ainaft
erfour
teenyear
sofmycapture,t
hatbabyisTi
na,
your
chi
ldPrincet
on"Chl oesai
d.
"Hear
dyou'
ll
hav et
oerasehermemor i
es,
Ihopei
twor
kscos,
Iwasf
orcedt
otur
nheri
ntoa
l
ivi
ngdev
il
,I
'm sosorr
y"shecont
inued.

"Ilucki
l
yescapedaft
erIwasabletogetZara'
sfi
ngerpri
ntsfr
om t
hemet alsshetouched,ij
ust
couldn'
ttakei
tanymore,
Iwaslockedupforni
neteenyear
s,shewastednineteenyearsofmy
l
ifeandI...
.If
eelsomuchpit
yformy sel
fandmybr ot
herher
e"shesaid,
facingFarri
s.

"Iwantedt oendt hi
spalacebackthenwhenIgott i
redofbeingagangst er
,butshewasagai nst
i
t,shebecameobsessedwi thpowersandaut horit
y,whenshecoul dn'
tuseLandonf orher
wishes,t
hat'swhysheagr eedtogivemeachi ldandl ucki
lyshegav ebir
thtotwins,Ihaven'
t
evennamedt hem whensheleftthepalacewiththem secretl
y,shecamebackwi t
haboyand
oneofthet winsinst
ead,guessshefiguredoutsheneedsaboyt osucceedher ,Ichall
engedher
, t
ell
i
nghert otellmewhatshedi dwiththeotherbabybut ..
..
shet oldmet odri
nksomewat er
andcalm downsoshe' dexplain,
Iwasj ustt
oot ensed,Isenselesslydrankandthat'sallI
remember "Farri
ssaid.

Ev
ery
wher
ewentsi
l
entaf
tert
hat
.

Tani
shast
art
edwal
ki
ngsl
owl
ytohi
m andwhenshegott
ohi
m,shehuggedhi
mti
ght
ly.

Shest
art
edcr
yingonhi
sshoul
derandshest
rokedherhai
rfondl
y.

"
Mygi
rlgr
ewupsowel
l
"Far
ri
ssai
d,cr
yingsl
owl
ytoo.

Hegest
uredf
orLandont
ocomeandhehuggedbot
hoft
hem t
oget
her
.

Vi
gnet
tesuddenl
yrani
ntot
heci
rcl
e.
Li
aappear
edbehi
ndherandwhenshesawFar
ri
s,sheobv
iousl
ycoul
dn'
tcont
ainherj
oy.

"
Dad!'
sheshout
ed,
rushi
ngt
ohughi
m.

"Mysecondgi
rl
?"Hesai
d.

"Yesdad,
yourLi
a"

"
Happyr
euni
oni
sit
?"Br
entsmi
l
ed.

"
Ofcour
se"Shaysmi
l
ed.

Whent
heyf
inal
l
ybr
oket
hel
onghug,
Macbet
happear
ed.

"
It
'st
rue"shegasped,
cov
eri
nghermout
hwi
thherpal
m.

"
Macbet
h"Far
ri
ssmi
l
ed.

"
Ijusthadt
hehunch,
Ihadt
hehunch,
Iknewi
t!
"Shesai
d,r
unni
ngt
ohi
m.

Theyhuggedeachot
hersot
ightandLandonsmi
l
ed.

"
Shoul
dwear
rangeaweddi
ngf
ort
hisol
dcoupl
ethatj
ustr
euni
ted?
"Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
ed.

"Wecan,
weshoul
d,Ican'
twai
t"Si
err
arepl
i
ed.
"
Aft
eral
ongt
ime,
wehav
eourpeace,
thel
ovewewant
ed"Br
entsai
d.

*
***
**

THREEDAYSLATER,
PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

Tani
sha'
slegsar
eonPr
incet
on'
slaps,
he'
sbusygi
vi
ngheraf
ootmassage.

Mi
nai
sonherl
aps,
touchi
ngherst
omachf
rom t
imet
oti
me.

"
It
'l
lbet
wogi
rl
sri
ght
?"Sheasked,
sti
l
ltouchi
ngTani
sha'
sst
omach.

"
It
'sagi
rlandaboy
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Nodad,
boy
sar
etoot
roubl
esome,
Iwantal
lgi
rl
s"Mi
napout
ed.

"
I'
ll
giv
eyout
wogi
rl
sIpr
omi
se"Tani
shasai
dandPr
incet
onscof
fed.

"Aboyandagir
l,Idi
dthej
ob,
If*
ckedhersoIshoul
dhav
ethef
inal
say
"hesai
dandTani
sha
pinchedhi
m.

"Dadi
sbei
ngst
ubbor
n"Mi
nal
aughed.

"
Don'
tmi
ndhi
m,I
'
lldoasy
ouwi
sh"Tani
shawi
nked.
"
Ilov
eyoumomma!
"

"
Ilov
eyoumor
edaught
er,
gimmeapeck"Tani
shar
epl
i
edandMi
napeckedher
.

Pr
incet
onsmi
rked.

"
He'
sjeal
ous!
"Mi
nagi
ggl
ed.

"
Iknowr
ight
?"Tani
shal
aughed.

"
I'
ll
justwai
tti
l
lmybabi
esar
ri
ve,
youbot
hshoul
ddowhaty
oul
i
ket
il
lthen"hesai
dandst
ood.

Thegi
rl
slaughedashewal
kedt
othef
reezerandgotappl
esf
orbot
h.

Mi
nal
atersl
eptof
fonTani
sha'
slapsandhet
ookheri
n.

"
Ical
l
edmum,
Tinai
sst
il
lasl
eep"hesai
dashecameback.

Shehasact
ual
l
ybeeni
nject
edsi
ncet
woday
sago.

"Forhowl
ongwi
l
lshesl
eep?
"Tani
shaasked.

"
Wedunno,wejusthav
etowai
tti
l
lshewakesandbyt
henshe'
dhav
elostal
lhermemor
ies,
I
j
usthopei
twor
ks"herepl
i
ed.

"Met
oo.
..Chl
oei
sleav
ingf
orLasVegast
ommor
ow"shesai
d.
Heknel
tinf
rontofher
.

"Sheneedst
ochangeenv
ironment
,sheneedsi
t"her
epl
i
edandr
aisedhert
opbef
oreki
ssi
ng
herbel
l
ybutt
on.

"
Whenwi
l
litst
artpr
otr
udi
ng?
"Heasked.

"
Nextmont
h"sher
epl
i
edt
oheki
ssedhert
ummyagai
n.

Shechuckl
edandher
aisedhi
sheadf
rom hert
ummy
.

Hef
acedher
.

"
Kingst
on"shesai
d

"
What
?"

"
Ser
iousl
yIdof
eel
gui
l
ty"shesai
d.

"
Overwhat
?"

"
Iknowshedeser
vesdeat
hbutt
hef
actt
hatIki
l
ledmyownmot
her
"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Ni
sha"
"Yes?
"Sher
epl
i
edsadl
y.

"Il
ovey
ou"hesai
dandshegi
ggl
ed.

"Anyt
imeyouf
eel
thegui
l
ty,
justr
emembert
hat
..
.y
ourKi
ngl
ovesy
ouok?
"Hesai
dandshe
nodded.

Hekissedherl
ight
lyandshedeepenedi
timmedi
atel
y,r
ecapt
uri
nghi
sli
psashehov
eredabov
e
her
,resti
nghi
spalmsont hechai
rarms.

Nanacamei
n,accompani
edwi
thKr
is.

Pr
incet
onbr
okei
tqui
ckl
y.

"
Ohwei
nter
rupt
edsomet
hing"Kr
issai
d.

"
Isee"Nanasmi
l
ed.

"
Nana!
"Theybot
hsai
datat
ime.

"
Heyhouse!
"Tammycamei
n.

"
Tammy
!"Tani
shast
ood.

Tammyr
ushedt
ogi
veherahugwhi
l
eNanahuggedPr
incet
onf
ir
st.
"
Hear
dyou'
recar
ryi
ngal
pha'
stwi
ns"shesai
d,l
ooki
ngatherbel
l
y.

"Sur
e,t
wogi
rl
s"Tani
shawi
nked.

"
No,
twoboy
s"Tammyr
epl
i
edandt
heyl
aughed.

"
Whendi
dyour
etur
nfr
om I
tal
y?"Tani
shaasked.

"
Justy
est
erday
,mum i
sal
mostf
ine"sher
epl
i
ed.

"I
'
m gl
ad"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Thanksf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofKr
is,
andcongr
atsont
hebat
tl
eyouwon,
andaboutSana.
..
."Tammy
sai
dsadly
.

"Wesadl
ylostmybr
avebaby
"Tani
shar
epl
i
edsadl
y.

Tammyhuggedheragai
n.

"She'
scomi
ngbackasoneofy
ourt
wins,
let
'snotpani
c"shesai
d.

"Sur
e"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Comeher
emot
heroft
wo"Nanasai
d,pul
l
ingTani
shai
ntoahugt
oo.

"I
t'
saboyandagi
rl
"shesai
d.
"
Itol
dher
"Pr
incet
onsuppor
ted.

"
Not
wogi
rl
s"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"
Nana!
!"Mi
nascr
eamed,
rushi
ngout
.

"
Youwer
easl
eepy
ouwhi
nnybr
at!
"Pr
incet
onsai
dassher
ani
ntoNana'
sar
ms.

"
Wher
ear
etheot
her
s?"Kr
isasked.

"
Theymustbeatt
hepal
acepool
hav
ingf
un"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

*
***
***

POOL*
*

"Geez!
,I
t'
sbeenl
ongsi
nceIswam i
nthi
spool
"Si
err
ascr
eamedaf
terj
umpi
ngi
n.

"I
t'
sbeenlongsi
nceev
ery
onedi
d,noonewi
l
ldot
hatdur
ingt
hef
ightagai
nstt
hewi
tchoft
he
west
"Liar
epli
ed.

"Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
evey
ousur
viv
edt
hegunshot
,Iwasal
readycr
ying"Br
entsai
d.

"I
'
mmast
rongb*
tch"shewi
nked.
"Whoopee!
"Vi
gnet
tej
umpedi
ntoo.

"
Howr
efr
eshi
ng!
"Shesai
d,sweepi
ngbackherhai
rwi
thherpal
m.

"Ar
en'
tyouswi
mmi
ng?
"Si
err
aaskedLi
a.

"
No,
I'
ll
justwat
chf
rom her
e"Li
arepl
i
ed.

Landonappear
ed,
smi
l
ingbr
ight
ly.

"
Bigbr
o"Li
asmi
l
ed.

"
Wat
ssupst
rongwoman"hewi
nkedandj
umpedi
ntot
hepool
too.

Kr
iscameov
er.

"
Heyev
ery
one!
"Shewav
ed.

"
Wat
ssup"Br
entsmi
l
edather
.

"
Thepal
acei
sdr
y,noonebesi
desy
ouguy
s"shesai
d.

"Yeah,
thi
sisn'
tagangst
erpal
aceany
mor
e,t
heyal
ll
eft
,it
'snowMHF"Li
arepl
i
ed.

"Iwi
shIhadabi
ki
ni,
I'
dhav
eswam"Kr
issai
d.
"Goi
nsi
det
hatbui
l
ding,
you'
l
lfi
ndy
oursi
ze"Li
apoi
nted.

"
Yay
!"Kr
issai
d.

"I
'
llf
oll
owy
ou"Br
entr
epl
i
edandmadet
ost
andbutLi
apul
l
edhi
m back.

"
I'
m notsay
ingy
oushoul
dn'
tgo.
.any
way
s..
.go"shesai
dawkwar
dly
,rel
easi
nghi
sar
m.

Hesmi
l
edandsat
.

"
Arey
ouJeal
ous?
'heasked,
leani
ngi
n.

"Jeal
ousmyf
oot
,whywoul
dIbe.
..y
ou'
resof
ull
ofy
our
sel
f"shescof
fedandst
ood.

Shequi
ckl
yranoutoft
hepl
aceandBr
entl
aughed.

"
It
'sobv
ious"

"Heygetoffme"Sier
rasai
dwhenShaysuddenl
yhuggedherf
rom behi
nd,
hisd*
ckr
ubbi
ngon
herbuttunder
water.

"
Whati
fIdon'
t"her
epl
i
ed,
kissi
ngherneck.

"
Hey
..
.heygetof
f"shemoaned.
"Thatsoundsl
i
keki
ssme"her
epl
i
edandshechuckl
ed,
faci
nghi
m.

"Ar
eyouknowi
ngl
ydoi
ngt
his?
"

"
Ofcour
se"hesmi
l
ed,
looki
ngatherb*
*bs.

Shebi
therl
i
pandt
heywentunder
wat
ert
oget
her
.

"
DonJar
gons"Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
edwhenheshowedupbehi
ndher
.

"
Stopcal
l
ingmet
hat
"her
epl
i
ed.

"
Why
?,Youdon'
tl
ikei
t?"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"Who'
dli
kej
argons?
"Her
epl
i
ed.

"
DonJar
gons"sher
epl
i
edt
easi
ngl
y.

"Onemor
eti
meandI
'
lldowhatIcameher
etodo"her
epl
i
ed.

"DonJar
gons"shesai
ddar
ingl
yandhecr
ashedhi
sli
psonher
s.

Shei
mmedi
atel
ypushedhi
m awayandhesmi
l
ed.

"
Whatdoy
out
hinky
ou'
redoi
ng"shesai
d,al
mosti
naudi
ble.
"
Sor
ry,
cosI
'
m st
il
lgonnadoi
t"her
epl
i
edandst
art
edst
eppi
ngcl
oser
.

Shest
eppedbacki
nthepool
til
lherbacki
sont
hepool
wal
l
.

Hegott
oherandgr
abbedherwai
st.

"
Sor
rybutIt
hinkI
'
m st
uckwi
thy
ou"hewhi
sper
edandl
eanedi
nsl
owl
y.

Sheshi
ft
edhergazef
rom hi
sey
est
ohi
sli
psashemadet
hei
rli
psmeet
.

Sur
pri
singl
y,shedi
dn'
tfi
ghti
t,herey
eswentshutandshest
art
edki
ssi
nghi
m back.

"
It
'snotf
unny
..
.ser
iousl
y"Br
entsai
dandst
ood.

Her
ushedoutoft
hepl
ace.

*
***
**

AMONTHLATER*
*

Pr
incet
onent
eredLandon'
ssui
teandmethi
m ov
erVi
gnet
te,
they
'r
ecuddl
i
ngont
hecouch.

"
Heymi
sspr
eggy
'sman"Landonsai
dandVi
gnet
tel
aughed,
str
oki
nghi
shai
r.
"Youj
ustcal
l
edmet
her
ightname,
it'
ssomuchwor
k"hebr
eat
hed,
sit
ti
ngdown.

"Wheny
ouwer
ef*
cki
ng,
youdi
dn'
tknow"Vi
gnet
tesai
d.

"
Shutup"Pr
incet
onsai
dandLandonl
aughed.

"
DonIcamet
oasky
ousomet
hing"hesai
d.

"
Somet
hing?
"

"Yes,
Vignet
tepl
easey
ouneedt
o..
..

"Excuse?
,She'
snotl
eav
ing,
.
..
."Landoni
nter
rupt
ed.

"
It
'sper
sonal
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"I
'
m hi
sper
sonal
gir
l,any
thi
nghehear
s,Idot
oo"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed,
kissi
ngLandonl
i
ght
ly.

"Okbef
oreIr
unoutofpat
ience,
li
stenLandon"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Ok"Landonsai
d.

"I
t'
sreal
l
yimpor
tant
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"
Tal
kal
ready
"
"
Imean.
..
f*cki
ngI
mpor
tant
"

"
I'
mli
steni
ngdude"Landonsai
dser
iousl
y.

"Okok.
..
..
I.
.

"Justt
alkal
ready"Landonsai
d.

"HowdoIpr
oposet
oal
ady
?"Heaskedshy
ly.

Vi
gnet
teexchangedgl
anceswi
thLandonandt
heybot
hlaughedoutl
oud.

TBC

[
6/17,
6:21AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)

CHAPTER78&79
 ★★★★★

Vi
gnet
teandLandonl
aughedoutsol
oudandPr
incet
onst
ood.

"
Ihadawei
rdf
eel
i
ngaboutaski
ngy
ou,
nowIknowIshoul
dhav
eli
stenedt
omyhunch"hesai
d.

"NoKi
ngst
oni
t'
s.
..
Imean.
..
f*ck!
"Landoncont
inuedl
aughi
ng.

"
It
'snotf
unnyguy
s"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"Say
swho? ,
Thi
sisl
it
eral
l
ythebestj
okeI'
veev
erl
i
stenedto,youknowhowt ofini
shoff
bastar
ds,
youknowhowtof*ckl
ikecr
azybuty
oucan'
tpropose?,
I'
m dy
ing"Vignett
elaughed.

"I
'
m out
taher
e"Pr
incet
onsai
dandst
art
edl
eav
ing.

"Wai
t.
..
yousai
dsomet
hingwor
thl
aughi
ngatsoy
oushoul
dexpectt
hismuch"Landongi
ggl
ed.

"Sheoncet
oldmeshehasal
way
swant
edaf
ancypr
oposal
"Pr
incet
onsai
d.

"I
'
m sohappy!,
Weddingbel
l
sringi
ng!
,She'
ssol
ucky
!,Al
pha'
sbabywi
l
lbeget
ti
ngmar
ri
edat
ni
neteengosh!
"Vi
gnett
egushed.

"Okt
hat
'senough,
arey
ouguy
steachi
ngmeornot
?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Fancyproposal
?,Waitwewatchedapr
oposal
videot
oget
herl
astni
ght
,what
'st
hei
rname
again?'
Landonsaid,f
acingVi
gnett
e.
"
RissandQuan"Vi
gnet
ter
epl
i
ed,
picki
ngherphone.

"Thankf
ull
yIsav
edi
t"shesai
d,pl
ayi
ngt
hev
ideo.

Shegav
ethephonet
oPr
incet
onwhowat
chedwi
thi
nter
est
.

"
Notbad,butIwantsomet
hingmor
efancy
,mor
emor
efancy
,Iwantt
ogi
vehert
heshockofher
l
i
fe"herepl
ied

"Mor
efancy
?,Whenar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
opr
opose?
"Landonasked.

"Tommor
ow"Pr
incet
onr
epl
i
ed.

"
Whydon'
twest
artpl
anni
ngr
ightaway
?"Vi
gnet
tesmi
l
ed.

*
***
*

LATERSAMEDAY,
FARRI
S'SSUI
TE*
*

"
Her
edar
li
ng"Macbet
hsmi
l
ed,
set
tl
inghi
smeal
ont
het
abl
einf
rontofhi
m.

Hesmi
l
edbr
ight
lyashepi
ckedhi
sfor
k.

"
You'
rest
il
lthebestchefI
'
veev
ercomeacr
oss"hesai
d.
"Iknowr
ight
?"Sher
epl
i
ed,
sit
ti
ngbesi
dehi
m.

Het
ast
edt
hemeal
andnodded.

"
Asusual
"hesmi
l
ed.

Macbet
hleanedi
nandgav
ehi
m apeck.

"
I'
mjustsohappy
,Iwi
shI
t'
dlastf
orev
er"shesai
d.

Far
ri
stookherhandandr
ubbedi
tgent
ly

"I
twil
l,
Zarai
sgone,
she'
stheonl
ydev
ilweal
lknowof
,nomor
etr
oubl
est
rustme"hesai
d
assur
edly
.

"Doy
ouwantmet
otel
lyouasecr
et?
"Shewhi
sper
ed.

"
What
'st
hat
?"

"
Kingst
on'
spent
housewi
l
lber
eadynextweekbef
oret
heweddi
ng"shesai
d.

"Weddi
ng?
"

"Ohy
ouar
en'
tawar
e?,
Kingst
oni
spr
oposi
ngt
ommor
owni
ghtIr
eal
l
ycan'
twai
t"shesmi
l
ed.

"MyTani
shai
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
,I'
l
lfi
nal
l
ybeaf
ulf
il
leddad"hesmi
l
ed.
"Everyoneint
hepal
aceknowsexceptTani
shahersel
f,Ij
ustcan'
twaitt
oseeKingst
on'
s
proposal,
hear
dhegrowsshywhenthingsl
iket
hisareinvol
ved"Macbet
hgiggl
ed.

"Ofcour
seheshoul
d,al
lhi
sli
fehehasbeenagangst
er,
afi
ght
er,
theal
pha,
soi
t'
l
lbenew"he
repl
i
ed.

"Eatupeatupandl
et'
sgocheckonTi
na"Macbet
hsai
d.

"Hopey
ouwon'
tsayanot
hert
hingt
odi
str
actmet
hist
ime"hesai
d.

"No,
enj
oy"shegav
ehi
m apeckagai
nbef
orer
ushi
ngout
.

Far
ri
ssmi
l
ed.

"
I'
m happy
"

*
***
**

PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

"
Dadhasbeenbusysi
nceday
break,
Idunnowhathe'
sdoi
ng"Mi
nacompl
ained.

"Ever
yoneinthepalaceseemsbusyexceptme,
why
?,BecauseI
'
m pr
egnant
?"Tani
shasai
dand
Minalaughed,
looki
ngatherbabybump.

Ev
enf
ort
hef
actt
hatshe'
spr
egnant
,hert
ummyi
snott
hatbi
g,atal
l
,it
'saf
it
ti
ngpr
egnancy
.
"
Arey
ouj
eal
ousr
ightnow?
"Mi
nat
eased.

"Ij
ustwanthim ar
oundever
ytimesoI
'l
lgett
ostareathi
m everyminut
ebuthe'
swi
tht
heot
her
s,
aretheydoi
ngsomet hi
ngwit
houtme?
,Whatcoulditbe?
"Tanishawonder
ed.

Mi
nagotherpi
l
lsandgav
eitt
oher
,shegotwat
erandsheswal
l
owedt
hem.

"
Iact
ual
l
yknowwhatt
hey
'r
eal
lpl
anni
ng"Mi
nasai
d.

Tani
shaf
acedher.

"Real
l
y?,
What
?"

"I
'
m notal
l
owedt
osayi
tbuti
t'
sonehel
lofasur
pri
set
rustme"shewi
nked.

"It
houghtwe'
rebuddi
esMi
na,
tel
lmeal
ready
"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed.

"Nomum,
notnow"shewi
nkedagai
nandsmi
l
edwhenshesawTi
na.

She'
sjustcomi
ngoutofherr
oom.

"
Tina!
"Sheexcl
aimed,
rushi
ngt
omeether
.

Shepul
l
edhert
othel
i
vingr
oom andmadehersi
t.
Shegotdi
schargedaweekagoandl
ucki
l
ythememor
ywi
pingwor
kedbutsi
ncei
thappened,
shehasnevert
alkedt
oanyone.

Shehasnev
erspokenasi
ngl
ewor
d,shej
ustst
aresatev
ery
onel
i
keani
nnocentbaby
.

Shehast
obeont
hei
nject
ionf
ort
her
estofherl
i
fet
hough,
she'
l
ltakeashotev
eryt
woy
ear
s.

"
Heycut
ie,
you'
ref
inal
l
yawake"Tani
shasmi
l
ed,
bendi
ngi
nfr
ontofher
.

Shest
aredi
nnocent
lyandTani
shapeckedhercheeks.

"
ComeI
'
llf
eedy
ou"shesai
d,car
ryi
ngheri
nherar
ms.

Shet
ookhert
othedi
nni
ngr
oom andsatherdown.

"
I'
ll
bri
ngherf
ood"Mi
nasai
d,r
ushi
ngi
ntot
heki
tchen.

Shecamebackwi
thi
taf
tersomemi
nut
esandpl
acedi
tont
het
abl
e.

Tani
shasati
nfr
ontofTi
naandgott
hespoon.

Shescoopedsomeoft
her
icei
ntoi
tandof
fer
edher
.

Ti
nal
ookedatherey
esf
ir
standTani
shasmi
l
ed.

"
Ilov
eyou"shesai
d,br
ingi
ngt
hespooncl
osert
oherl
i
ps.
Shesl
i
ght
lyopenedhermout
handTani
shaf
edhert
her
ice.

Shesl
owl
yst
art
edchewi
ngandTani
shasmi
l
ed.

"
Goodgi
rl
"shesai
d

Shewasst
il
lfeedi
ngherwhenFar
ri
scamei
nwi
thMacbet
h.

"
Grandpa!
"Mi
nashout
ed,
rushi
ngt
ohi
m.

Heembr
acedherbef
orecar
ryi
ngheri
nhi
sar
ms.

"
Yougott
hickergr
andpa"shesai
d,t
ouchi
nghi
scheek.

"
Thankst
oMacbet
h"hesmi
l
ed.

"MummyMacbet
h?"Shesai
d,f
aci
ngher

Macbet
htookherf
rom Far
ri
sandshehuggedher
.

"
Thanksf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofmygr
andpa"shewhi
sper
edandMacbet
hsmi
l
ed.

"How'
sshedoi
ng?
"Far
ri
saskedTani
sha.
"
She'
simpr
ovi
ng,
she'
seat
ingwel
ltheseday
stoo,
butshe'
sst
il
lnott
alki
ngy
et"sher
epl
i
ed.

Far
ri
srubbedTi
na'
shai
randshel
ookedathi
m.

"
Tal
ksoon,
Ican'
twai
ttoheary
ourv
oice"hesmi
l
ed.

Ti
naonl
ycont
inuedst
ari
ng.

"Butwhat'
sever
yonesooccupi
edwith?
,Ev
eryoneseemsbusy
,am Imi
ssi
ngsomet
hing?
,Ev
en
Kingisscar
cetoday
"Tani
shasaidandMacbethsmil
ed.

"Thatsmi
lej
ustgav
emet
hehuncht
hatsomet
hingi
sreal
l
yhappeni
ngt
hatI
'
m unawar
eof
"
Tani
shasai
d.

Far
ri
ssmi
l
edt
oo.

"Daaaad!
"Shepout
ed.

Mi
nachuckl
ed.

Far
ri
scamet
oTani
shaandst
rokedherhai
r,maki
nghersi
t.

"
Bepat
ient
,you'
l
lsoongett
oknow"hesai
d.

Sweetcameoutf
rom undert
het
abl
eandMi
nacar
ri
edi
t.
Shef
acedTi
na.

"
Wannapl
aywi
thi
t?"Sheasked.

Shewenttoherandpl
acedSweetonherar
msbuti
tsl
i
ppedof
fwhenshedi
dn'
tmakeanyef
for
t
tohol
dit
.

Mi
nacar
ri
edi
tagai
nandpl
acedi
tonherar
ms,
shet
ookherhandandcoi
l
edi
tar
oundt
hedog.

"
Youhav
etohol
dthi
ngssot
heywon'
tfal
l
,li
fewor
kst
hatwayok?
"Mi
nasmi
l
ed,
looki
ngather
.

"Wi
thMi
naar
ound,
she'
l
lbef
ine"Macbet
hsmi
l
ed.

*
***
*

PALACEGARDEN*
*

"I
tbel
ongst
odad"Landonsai
d,t
ouchi
ngt
hechr
ysant
hemum f
lower
s.

"Ineverknewthi
sgar
denexi
sted,
ther
ear
eawhol
elotoft
hingsIdunnoaboutIguess"
Pri
ncetonrepl
i
ed.

Thef
lowersi
nther
egrewwil
dal
readysi
ncenoonei
staki
ngcar
eofi
tbutwi
tht
het
ouchof
somework,i
t'
l
lcomebackt
oshape.

Vignett
eandtheot
hersj
ustfi
nishedbr
ushi
ngof
ftheusel
essbr
anchesandr
ightnowt
hey
'r
e
packingoutt
hecutof
fpart
s.
"
Soaf
tert
heymi
ghthav
efi
nished,
whatnext
?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Don'
tworr
yKing,l
eavei
tal
ltome,y
ou'
reproposi
ngtomybabysissoIshoul
ddoal ot,
infact
goawayfrom her
e,comebacki
ntheev
eningandyou'
ll
beshocked,
IandLiawil
ltakecareofi
t"
Landonsai
d

"Ishoul
dleav
e?"Pr
incet
onasked.

"Leavealready
,youneedt
ogomasterthel
inesforyourpr
oposal
,her
eIwr
oteoutsomecat
chy
l
ines"Landonsaid,
handi
nghi
m apaperinwhichtheli
neswerewri
tt
en.

*
***
*

ASHOP*
*

"
Areyousur
ewecanshopf
ordecor
ati
ngmat
eri
alsher
e?"Br
entasked,
comi
ngoutoft
hecar
wi
thLia.

"Tr
ustmei
t'
sspeci
all
yfordecor
ati
ngequi
pment
s"Li
arepl
i
ed.

Theyhoppedi
ntot
heshopandBr
entsi
ghed.

"
Wecamet
other
ightpl
aceaf
teral
l
"hesmi
l
ed.

Theyst
art
edpi
cki
ngoutt
het
hingst
heyneedf
ort
hegar
dendecor
ati
on.
Li
ast
art
edsnappi
ngsel
fi
esasshepi
ckedev
ery
thi
ng.

"
Ify
oukeept
hatupt
henwe'
l
lpr
obabl
ybesl
eepi
ngher
etoni
ght
"Br
entsai
d.

"I
t'
snotbadt
ospendani
ghtwi
thy
ou"sher
epl
i
ed,
showi
ngherapi
ctur
eofhi
m.

Shesnappedhi
m unawar
es.

"
Del
etet
hat
,Idon'
tl
ookhotenough"hesai
d,t
ryi
ngt
otaket
hephonef
rom herbutshehi
dit
.

"
Trustmenot
hingamazesmei
nthi
spi
ctur
ethany
ourl
i
ps,
yourpi
nkdev
il
ishl
i
ps"shewi
nked.

"Ar
eyouseduci
ngmenow?
"Heaskedwi
thasmi
l
e.

"
Isi
twor
king?
"Sher
epl
i
ed.

Hechuckl
ed.

"
I'
m post
ingt
hepi
ctur
esonI
nst
agr
am"shesai
d.

"
YouopenedanI
nst
agr
am accountal
ready
?,Howf
ast
"hesai
d.

"Iwannast
artbei
ngsoci
alf
rom nowon,
I'
mthi
nki
ngofgoi
ngi
ntoTi
kTokt
oo"sher
epl
i
ed.

"Goodf
ory
ou,
ionl
i
kesoci
almedi
a,I
'
m al
l
ergi
c"hesai
d,pi
cki
ngapi
nbox.
"Heyl
ookher
e"shesuddenl
ysai
dandhel
ookedathi
m

Shest
oleaki
ssf
rom hi
sli
psi
mmedi
atel
y.

"
They
'r
etoot
empt
ingt
oignor
e"shesmi
l
ed,
leav
inghi
m speechl
ess.

"Let
'spi
ckt
her
estoft
heequi
pment
s,Landonandt
her
estar
ewai
ti
ng"shesai
d.

Shet
ooktwost
epsawayf
rom hi
m butt
hest
epswer
eret
ract
edwhenhepul
l
edherbackt
o
hi
mself
.

Hesl
ammedherbackont
henear
estr
ackbef
oremaki
ngt
hei
rli
psmeeti
nadeepki
ss.

Li
asmi
l
ed,
hol
dinghi
mtoher
sel
fimmedi
atel
y.

Notmi
ndi
ngt
hepeopl
epassi
ngbyt
hatl
ane,
theyki
ssedaf
fect
ionat
elyont
hespot
.

Hebr
okei
tgent
lyandshel
ookedathi
sli
ps,
thepi
nkcol
ori
sreal
l
ydi
ff
icul
ttol
ookawayf
rom.

*
Whydi
dn'
tInot
icey
oual
lthesewhi
l
e*shet
hought
.

*
Bli
ndness?
,Hear
tbl
i
ndness*

"
Ilov
eyou"hesai
d.
Shel
ookedathi
sey
esi
mmedi
atel
y.

*
Didher
eal
l
yjustsayt
hosewor
ds?
,It
'
sthi
sfi
rstt
imeI
'
llbehear
ingi
t*

Shesmi
l
ed,
hol
dinghi
mti
ght
er.

"
Idot
oo"shesai
dandpul
l
edhi
mtoher
sel
fonceagai
n.

Thei
rli
psgotr
eat
tachedi
mmedi
atel
y.

*
***
***

MHFPALACE*
*

NI
GHT,
PRI
NCETON'
SSUI
TE*
*

"
MinaandTi
nasl
eptt
oget
her
"Pr
incet
onsai
d,ent
eri
ngt
her
oom.

"Gr
eati
mpr
ovement
"shesmi
l
ed.

"Youdi
dn'
teatmuchdur
ingdi
nner
"hesai
d.

"
Idon'
thav
east
rongappet
it
e"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Why
?"
"
May
becosIat
eheav
il
yatnoon"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Oh"her
epl
i
ed,
bendi
ngov
ert
oher
.

"Whatar
eyouguy
spl
anni
ngwi
thoutme?
"Shewhi
sper
ed.

"
Somet
hingbi
g"hewhi
sper
edbackwi
thasmi
l
e.

"Suspenseagain,you'
renott
hewi
tchoft
hewestsost
opbei
ngl
i
ket
hisandt
ell
mebef
oreIdi
e
ofcuriosi
ty"shesaid.

"Wai
tti
l
ltommor
ow"her
epl
i
edandki
ssedher
.

"Don'
tbr
ibewi
thy
ourl
i
ps"shesai
d.

"
Shoul
dIdoi
twi
thmyd*
ckt
hen?
"Her
epl
i
ed.

"
May
be"sher
epl
i
edandhel
aughed.

"
Ener
gizer
"shewi
nked.

Hel
eanedi
nagai
nandki
ssedhergent
ly.

Hesl
owl
ypul
l
edhershor
tfr
eegownof
fherbodyandbr
oket
hel
ongki
ss.

"
Gent
ly,
car
eful
l
y"shesai
d.
"
Ofcour
se,
butscr
eam myname"her
epl
i
ed,
pul
l
ingherup.

Sheknel
tont
hebedandhehel
dher@ssbef
orepenet
rat
ingi
ntohert
hrought
heback.

"
Handl
emewi
thcar
e"shewhi
sper
ed.

Hest
art
edmov
ingsl
owl
yinandoutofher
,hol
dingher@ssi
npl
ace.

"
I'
ll
getgent
let
il
lyouputt
obed,
I'
ll
endur
e"her
epl
i
edandshesmi
l
ed.

"
Soaf
terIgi
vebi
rt
h?"Sheasked,
herni
ppl
eshar
deni
ng.

"I
'
lldot
heFwor
dsomet
imesSv
eryhar
d,y
ou'
l
lfor
gety
ournamet
rustme"her
epl
i
ed.

"Ican'
twai
t"sher
epl
i
ed,
rel
easi
ngacut
esof
tmoan.

"
Youhav
enoi
deawhaty
ourmoansdot
ome"hewhi
sper
ed.

"Makesy
ourd*
ckhar
der
?"Sher
epl
i
ed.

"Makesmewannashi
fty
ourwomb"hesai
dandshegi
ggl
ed.

Hemadeonehar
dthr
ustandshegasped,
hol
dingt
hesheet
s.
"
Don'
thi
tyourmonst
eront
hebabi
esheadj
erk"shesai
dandhel
aughedshor
tl
y.

Hegr
abbedoneofherb*
*bsandf
ondl
edwi
thherer
ectn*
ppl
ewhi
l
esl
owl
yf*
cki
ngherc*
nt.

"
King"shemoaned,
looki
ngbackathi
m.

"
Yes?
"Hegr
oaned.

"
Whatmadey
ouf
all
forme?
"Sheasked.

"
Idunno,
Ihav
enoi
dea,
Ijustf
oundmy
sel
finl
ove"her
epl
i
edandshesmi
l
ed.

"
whydoy
oul
ovemybel
l
ybut
tonsomuch?
"Sheasked.

"
Ist
hisaquest
ions*
x?"Heasked.

"Answeral
ready
"

"Okl
i
ter
all
y.
..
Icandi
efory
ourbel
l
ybut
ton,
itdr
ivesmecr
azy
"her
epl
i
edandshegi
ggl
ed.

"Gohar
dersl
i
ght
ly"shesai
d.

Heobey
edandshecl
osedherey
esashemov
edsweet
lyi
nsi
deher
.

Hemov
edhi
spal
mtot
heot
herb*
*bandshegaspedagai
n.
"
Shoul
dwest
op?
"

"No,I
'mjustover
joy
ed.
..Don'
tst
opt
il
lIt
ell
you,
butgogent
lewhenIsayi
t,don'
thi
tourbabi
es
head"sherepl
i
ed.

*
***
**

NEXTDAY,
7PM*
*

"Hel
l
oher
e!"Kr
issai
dloudl
y,wal
ki
ngi
ntot
hesui
te.

"
Kri
s"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"
Iwast
oldt
odel
i
vert
hist
oyou"Kr
issai
d,handi
ngherabag.

"Who?
'

"
Yourki
ng"sher
epl
i
ed

"Mybaby
?,What
'si
t?"Tani
shasai
d,openi
ngt
hebag.

I
tcont
ainsadr
ess.

"Ar
ewegoi
ngf
orsomeone'
sweddi
ng?
"Sheasked.
Li
acamei
n.

"
Iwast
oldt
ohel
pyoudr
essupandbr
ingy
ousomewher
e"shesmi
l
ed.

"Whyi
sev
ery
thi
ngconf
usi
ngl
i
ket
hisandwher
e'smybabyhi
msel
f?"Tani
shasai
d.

Li
aandKr
ispul
l
edhert
other
oom andshewashel
pedI
ntot
hebl
uegown.

Theheel
swer
esl
i
ppedonherf
eett
hought
hey
'r
eofav
eragehei
ght
.

Herhai
rwaspackedi
naneatbunandherf
acewasdol
l
edup.

I
twasal
ldoneaf
teranhour
.

"
Wher
ear
eyouguy
staki
ngmet
o?"Sheaskedast
heyl
edheroutoft
hesui
te.

Theykepti
gnor
ingherquest
iont
il
ltheygott
othef
rontoft
hegar
den.

"
Geti
n"Li
awi
nked.

"
Huh?
"

"
Geti
nandgetr
idofy
ourconf
usi
on"Kr
issmi
l
ed.

Tani
shasl
owl
yst
art
edent
eri
ngt
hegar
den,
looki
ngar
ound.
Shesuddenl
yreal
i
zedt
hatshe'
swal
ki
ngonar
edcar
petandgasped.

Thegar
deni
sgl
i
mmer
ingwi
thbr
ightwhi
tel
i
ght
sandt
hef
lower
swer
edecor
atedwi
thcol
our
ed
l
ight
s.

Sheal
mostt
houghti
t'
sChr
ist
mas.

Shenev
erknewt
hiski
ndofpl
aceexi
stedi
nher
eandt
odayt
hatshef
oundout
,she'
sdwel
l
ingi
n
conf
usi
on.

Wel
l
,may
bet
hiswi
l
lbecl
earsoon.

Shekeptwal
ki
ngi
nti
l
lshegott
othemi
ddl
ewher
ethel
i
ght
sgotbr
ight
er.

Shest
art
edl
ooki
ngar
ound,
wonder
ingwhat
'l
lhappennext
.

Suddenl
y,anot
herl
i
ghtcameonbuti
twasact
ual
l
yawor
dli
ght
,usedt
owr
it
esomet
hing.

WI
LL.

"
Wil
l
?"Shesai
d,herey
esgr
owi
ngwi
de.

Shewai
tedf
oranot
hermi
nut
ebef
oreanot
herwor
dli
ghtcameon,
wri
ti
ngYOU.

"
You"shemut
ter
ed.
MARRYcameonnext
.

"
Mar
ry"shewhi
sper
edandgasped,
cov
eri
nghermout
h.

"Ni
sha"Pri
ncet
on'sdul
cetmasculi
nev
oicecal
l
edfr
om behi
ndandshel
ookedbackswi
ft
lyt
o
seePri
ncetoncomingt
oher,holdi
ngawordli
ghtt
hatr
eadME.

"
Kingst
on"shewhi
sper
edshocki
ngl
y.

Hehasabeaut
if
ulsmil
eonhisf
aceandt
houghi
t'
sthef
ir
stt
imeshe'
l
lbeseei
nghi
minsui
t,
he'
sdashi
ngi
nthebluesui
t.

Hegott
oherandwentonaknee

Hebr
oughtoutar
ect
angul
arshi
nnyboxandopenedi
t.

Shegaspedagai
n,behol
dingagl
i
tter
ingr
ing.

"
It
'sme.
..
.mar
rymeNi
sha,
let
'sachi
evey
ourdr
eamst
oget
her
"hesai
d.

Andaspl
anned,
ever
yoneel
ser
ushedi
ntot
hegar
den,
scr
eami
ngsol
oudespeci
all
yLi
a.

"
Yes!
,Don'
twast
eti
me!
"

Shel
ookedar
ound,
feel
i
ngl
i
kemay
bei
t'
sadr
eam
Thi
sisherdr
eam pr
oposal
,theki
ndofpr
oposal
shehasal
way
swi
shedf
or.
..Andnow.
..
.

Andnow.
..

Andnowi
tcamet
rue.
..
.Jesus!

Shef
acedPr
incet
onwho'
sst
il
lonhi
sknees.

"NishawhenIf
ir
stmety
ou,Idi
dn'
tknowyouwer egonnabet
hisi
mpor
tantt
ome,
notunt
ily
ou
start
edfi
ndi
ngpart
sofmeIneverknewexi
sted"hesaid.

Tani
shasmi
l
edshy
ly,
blushi
ngl
i
kef
*k

"Iwasonceascol
dasi
cebut
..
..
Imel
tedwhenI
..
..

Pr
incet
onst
opped.

"
Hef
orgott
hel
i
nesIt
hink,
Jeez!
,Notnowpl
ease"Landonsai
d.

"Imel
tedwhenI
..
whenIsawy
ourbel
l
ybut
ton"Pr
incet
onsai
dandev
ery
onel
aughed.

"Whatt
hehel
l
"Landongi
ggl
ed.

"He'
ssodr
amat
ic"Mat
il
dal
aughed.
"
He'
scut
e"Nanasmi
l
ed.

"Todayi
smyhappi
estday
"Macbet
hsai
d.

"
Herweddi
ngdaywi
l
lbemi
ne"Far
ri
ssmi
l
ed.

"I
ny ou,if
oundaloveInolongerbel
iev
edwasr
eal
..
..
Iwannabet
heonl
yhandy
ouev
erneedt
o
holdNisha,Iwannabeyourhusbandand.
..
.

"
Yes!
,Yes!
,Yesal
ready
!,Yes!
"Tani
shascr
eamed,
poi
nti
ngherf
inger
sfor
war
dimpat
ient
ly.

Pr
incet
onsl
i
ppedi
nther
ingandTani
shapul
l
edhi
m up.

"
Ilov
eyouKi
ngst
on"shesai
d.

"
Ilov
eyou.
..Ni
sha"her
epl
i
edwi
thashysmi
l
ebef
orecl
aimi
nghersof
tli
ps.

"
Yes!
,Pr
oposal
plannerwedi
dwel
l
!"Vi
gnet
tescr
eamed.

"
WHOOPPEE!
!!
!"

TBC

[
6/17,
6:21AM]+233554737287KWESI : S£XY

GANGSTER

(Smi
tt
enWi
thASl
ave.
..)
CHAPTER80

(
FINALE&EPI
LOGUE)

★★★★★

AWEEKLATER*
*

RI
VEROAK*
*

Abi
gcr
uiseshi
pissi
tt
ingmagni
fi
cent
lyont
her
iver
,col
ourwhi
te.

Expensi
vecarsofdif
fer
entbr
andskeptst
oppi
ngbesi
det
her
iverandr
ichper
sonal
i
tieskept
steppi
ngoutofthem.

I
t'
stheweddi
ngofTani
shaMast
ersonandKi
ngst
onLeBr
on.

Theshi
pisful
lofpeopl
eal
ready
,ev
ery
onei
shol
dinggl
assesofdr
inks,
cheer
ingt
othehappy
at
mosphere.

Tammycameoutoft
hebr
ide'
sdr
essi
ngr
oom andbumpedi
ntoKr
iswhocamewi
thaguy
.

"
Bigsi
s"shesmi
l
ed.
"
Hey
"Tammyr
epl
i
ed,
looki
ngatt
heguy
.

"Oh.
..
meetEr
is,
my.
..

"Herboy
fri
end"t
heguyi
nter
rupt
ed.

Tammyl
aughedathi
sfor
war
dness.

"Youdi
dn'
ttel
lme,
whyam Ij
usthear
ingnowt
hatmysi
shasaboy
fri
end"shesai
d.

"Sorr
yIwaspl
anni
ngt
osur
pri
sey
oubuthei
nsi
stedonf
oll
owi
ngmet
otheALPHA'
Sweddi
ng"
Kri
spout
ed.

"Si
l
ly,
I'
ll
seey
ouar
ound,
enj
oyy
our
sel
f"Tammysai
dandl
eft
.

Kr
isent
eredt
hedr
essi
ngr
oom andgaspedwhenshesawTani
sha.

Hercheeksgr
ewbi
gger
,rounderandmor
erosy
,shel
ookst
hickert
oo.

"
Gosh!
,Youl
ookf
at!
"Kr
isexcl
aimed.

"
I'
vebeeneat
ingl
i
kecr
azy
"Tani
shagi
ggl
ed.

"Butyou'
resopr
ett
y,I
'
mjeal
ous,
notev
ery
onecanbepr
ett
ywhi
l
epr
egnant
,Ki
ngst
oni
str
ying"
Kri
ssaid.
"Iknowr
ight
?"Tani
shachuckl
ed.

"Yourgown!
"Kr
isgaspedagai
n,l
ooki
ngatt
hewi
debal
lgown,
it'
sal
mostspr
eadi
ngacr
osst
he
room.

I
t'
shar
dtodet
ectt
hatshe'
spr
egnantwi
tht
hegown.

"I
t'
sbeaut
if
ulIwantt
hist
ypeonmyweddi
ng"Kr
issai
d.

"Yourweddi
nggowni
sonmeany
timey
ou'
rer
eady
"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

"Real
ly
?,Icanwai
t!
,Er
isshe'
l
lsponsormyweddi
nggown,
shoul
dwegetmar
ri
ednextweek?
"
Shesai
d.

Er
isgi
ggl
ed.

"Sor
ry,
mybad.
..
meetmyboy
fri
endEr
is"Kr
isi
ntr
oduced.

"
Congr
atul
ati
ons"Er
issai
d.

"
ThanksEr
is"Tani
shasmi
l
ed.

Minarushedi
n,hol
dingTi
na,
they
'r
ewear
ingsamegown,
usi
ngsameador
nment
sfr
om headt
o
t
heirt
oes.

"
Mummy
!"Mi
nascr
eamed,
rushi
ngt
oheronherheel
s.
"
Baby
!'Tani
shasmi
l
ed,
huggi
ngher
.

"Youl
ooksobeaut
if
ulmum"shesai
d,pecki
ngher
.

"Youl
ookpr
ett
ytoo"sher
epl
i
ed,
faci
ngTi
na.

Shecar
ri
edTi
naonherl
aps.

"You'
resopret
tyTi
na,
doy
ouknowt
hat
?"Shesai
d,t
ouchi
nghercheekandsur
pri
singl
y,Ti
na
smil
edli
ght
ly.

"
Shesmi
l
ed!
"Mi
nasai
d.

Tani
shahuggedher
.

"
Alpha'
sbaby
!!
!!
"Si
err
ascr
eamed,
comi
ngi
nwi
thShay
.

Tani
shacov
eredherear
s.

"Iwon'
tgodeafonmyweddi
ngday
"

"
Congr
atsNi
sha"Shaysai
dknowi
ngl
yandsomeonegav
ehi
m aknockf
rom behi
nd.

"
Ouch!
,Don!
"Hewi
nced.

"
LetKi
ngseey
oucal
l
inghert
hat
"Landonsmi
rkedandwentt
oTani
sha.
Hegav
eherawar
m hugandpecksont
hecheeks.

"
Congr
atul
ati
onsbabysi
s"hesmi
l
ed.

"
Thanksbi
gbr
o"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Her
e"Vi
gnet
tecamei
n,gi
vi
ngheraf
lower
.

"
Smel
l
sni
ce,
thanksbabe"Tani
shar
epl
i
ed,
huggi
nghert
oo.

"
Twi
nsi
s!"Li
acamei
n,wear
ingawhi
tef
lannel
gown.

"
Heycut
ie!
'Tani
shahuggedhert
oo.

Shehi
therknuckl
eonBr
ent
'sandSi
err
ast
rokedherhai
r.

"
Nana!
,Dad!
,mummyMat
il
da!
,LadyMacbet
h!"Shesai
datonceast
heyal
lent
ered.

Ther
oom soonbecamef
ull
.

Hugsandpecksf
lewar
oundandl
aught
erf
il
ledi
tup.

Meanwhi
l
e,Ki
ngst
oni
sbusyf
idget
ingi
nhi
sroom.
"Ial
mostf*
ckedupatthepr
oposal
,buther
ether
ear
emor
epeopl
e,hopeIwon'
tf*
ckupagai
n"
hesaid,
paci
ngaround.

"Wepr
act
icedl
astni
ght
,don'
ttel
lmey
ou'
rest
il
lfeel
i
ngscar
ed"Landonsai
d,comi
ngi
n.

"I
'
m not
,I'
mjust
..
.

"
Youcandoi
t,i
fyouf
*ckupt
heny
ou'
redead"Landoni
nter
rupt
ed.

Every
oner
ushedinatonceandKingst
onhadt
ohugandhug,
recei
vepecksandl
aughatj
okes
ti
l
litwast
imefortheweddi
ngproper.

THI
RTYMI
NUTESLATER*
*

Thepat
hhasal
readybeendecor
atedwi
thf
lower
s.

Guest
sar
eont
hei
rfeet
,cl
appi
ngasFar
ri
scamei
nwi
thTani
sha,
handi
nhand.

Ki
ngstonisal
readywai
ti
ngatt
heendoft
hel
ane,
impat
ient
lywi
shi
ngt
hatshe'
sonhi
ssi
de
al
ready.

Thought
hest
artwasr
oughandt
err
ibl
e,i
twasat
ri
alofhar
dshi
p,abedoft
hor
ns.
..
.f
ull
ofpai
ns.

Thedevi
lal
waystr
iedherbestt
opar
tthem,t
emptat
ionsdidit
'swor
se,t
ri
alsmadethem l
ook
power
less,
andpai
nsalmostshookt
hem of
fthest
rongbranch,t
heydi
dn'
tcowerorfear
.

Theywentt
hroughev
ery
thi
ngt
oget
herandt
oday
,they
'r
est
art
ingt
hei
rli
fet
oget
her
..
.for
ever
.
Far
ri
sfi
nal
l
ygott
othef
rontandhandedhert
ohi
m.

"
Cont
inuecher
ishi
ngherj
ustl
i
key
ou'
veal
way
sdone"hesai
d.

"Ofcour
se"Ki
ngst
onsmi
l
edandr
aisedt
hev
eil
from herf
ace.

Seei
ngherfacefeltnew,shelooksmor
ebeaut
if
ulandhert
hicknessi
ssomet
hinghecoul
ddi
e
for
..
.she'
spregnantbutsti
llhot
.

Tani
shat
ouchedhi
scheek,
amazedbyhi
sext
rahandsomeness.

He'
sst
il
lass*
xyasshemethi
m,ormay
bemor
e.

Nowthatsherememberst
hei
rfi
rstencount
erwhenhesav
edherf
rom Landon,
sheconcl
uded
t
hatLOVEisreal
lycr
azy
.

Whocoul
dhav
ethoughtt
hey
'dendupt
oget
her
.

Butt
heydi
d.

Ri
ngswer
eexchangedaf
tert
hev
ows.

"
Ilov
eyouNi
sha"hesai
d.

"
Ilov
eyoumor
emyKi
ng"sher
epl
i
edandhepl
acedhi
sli
psgent
lyonher
s.
Everyonescr
eamedandf
ir
ewor
ksbeaut
if
iedt
hemoonl
i
tskyi
mmedi
atel
y,t
hei
rbeaut
yref
lect
ing
i
nt hewater.

Tr
uly
,lov
eisr
eal
ify
ou'
rer
eal
.

THEEND*
*

★★★★★★

EPI
LOGUE*
**

6MONTHSLATER*
*

LandonandVi
gnet
tet
rav
ell
edoutofSi
ngapor
eal
ready
.

Theybot
hpl
ant
ost
udyi
nFl
ori
daandt
hey
'r
ecur
rent
lyt
her
e.

Ther
estar
est
il
li
nthepal
ace,
li
vi
ngi
nhar
monyandhappi
ness.

Wel
lexceptthesweetcoupl
es,
Tani
shanowl
i
vesi
napent
housewi
thKi
ngst
on,
toget
herwi
th
Mi
naandTi na.

Shepl
anst
ogot
ocol
l
egeaf
terput
ti
ngt
obedandnowi
t'
scomi
ngt
opasssoon.

Ki
ngst
oncanbeseenatt
hel
onghal
l
wayofMat
il
da'
shospi
tal
s,paci
ngar
ound.
Tani
shahasbeeni
nlaborsi
ncet
hir
tymi
nut
esagoandt
hatt
hir
tymi
nut
esseemsl
i
ket
wohour
s.

Mi
naandSanaar
ewi
thhi
m,i
ncl
udi
ngFar
ri
s,Macbet
handNana.

"
She'
l
lbef
ine,
Itol
dyout
otr
ustme"Nanasai
d.

"
Itr
usty
ou"her
epl
i
ed.

"I
tdoesn'
tseem l
i
kei
t,y
ou'
rer
est
less"Far
ri
ssai
d.

"I
t'
snormal
,she'
sint
her
e,doi
ngi
tal
lal
oneI
'
m scar
ed,
shoul
dIj
ustgoi
n?"Her
epl
i
edandFar
ri
s
heldhi
m.

"Chi
l
ldude"hesai
d.

"
I'
m chi
l
li
ng"Ki
ngst
onbr
eat
hed.

"Igr
eat
lybel
i
evemum i
sok,
she'
sgi
vi
ngmet
wogi
rl
s,
noqual
ms"Mi
nasai
d.

"Idon'
tmi
nd,
sheshoul
djustbef
inewi
tht
hebabi
es"her
epl
i
ed.

Mat
il
dacameoutaf
tert
enmor
emi
nut
es,
smi
l
ingwi
del
y.

"
What
'sup!
"Heaskedqui
ckl
y.
"
Twobeaut
ies"sher
epl
i
ed.

"
Iknewi
t!
,Iknewi
ttwogi
rl
s!"Mi
nashout
edf
orj
oy.

"Whatofmywi
fe?
"Heasked.

"She'
sfine,
shedeliver
edwit
houtprobl
em,t
hefastestt
winsdel
iv
eryI
'
veeverseen,
thankst
o
youthough,hercer
vixwashal
freadywhenshegothere"Mat
il
dasmil
ed.

"Yeah,
Idof
*ckheratl
eastt
wiceaweek"her
epl
i
edandev
ery
onel
aughed.

"Thankst
othat
,she'
l
lber
eadyi
nthenext
..
.sayonehour
"Mat
il
dasai
d.

ANHOURLATER*
*

"Baby
"Tani
shasmi
l
edwhenKi
ngst
oncamei
nwi
tht
heot
her
s.

She'
slay
ingt
ir
edl
yont
hebedwi
tht
hebabi
escotbesi
deher
.

"Il
ovey
ouNi
sha,
thanksf
ordoi
ngi
tsaf
ely
"Ki
ngst
onr
epl
i
ed,
kissi
ngherf
orehead.

"Thankst
oyout
oo,
thef
*cki
nghel
ped"sher
epl
i
edandheki
ssedherl
i
psl
i
ght
ly.

"
Iwon"shesai
d.

"
Yes,youwin.
..
.Isur
render
"her
epl
i
edandwentt
othet
winswhoar
eal
readyget
ti
ngcomment
s
f
rom ever
yone.
"
They
'r
etoocut
e"Macbet
hsai
d.

"
Fami
l
yofal
lgi
rl
s,y
ou'
l
lbel
onel
yast
heonl
yguy
"Far
ri
ssai
dandKi
ngst
onsmi
l
ed.

"OurYunaandSanacameback"hesai
d

"
Iknowr
ight
?"Tani
shasai
d.

"They
'r
esoadorable!
,Thi
sshoul
dbeSana,
shehasar
oundf
acel
i
keher
"Mi
nasai
d,poi
nti
ngat
oneofthebabi
es.

"Thi
swi
l
lbeYuna"Ti
nasuddenl
ysai
d,poi
nti
ngatt
hesecondone.

Ev
ery
onef
acedhershocki
ngl
y.

"
Didy
ouj
ustt
alk?
"Macbet
hsai
d.

Ki
ngst
onqui
ckl
yknel
tinf
rontofher
.

"Ti
na"hecal
l
ed.

"Dad"sher
epl
i
ed,
herv
oicei
sli
keababy
's

"
Damn"hesai
dandhuggedhersot
ight
.
"
Shef
inal
l
ytal
ked"Mi
nasmi
l
ed.

Ki
ngst
oncar
ri
edherandt
ookhert
oTani
sha'
sbed.

"
Whatwi
l
lyouaddr
essherf
rom now?
'heasked.

"Mom"shesai
d.

"Mybabyf
inal
l
yspoke"Tani
shasmi
l
edhappi
l
y.

"
He'
sgr
andpa"shesai
d,poi
nti
ngatFar
ri
s.

"
She'
s.
..mummyMacbet
h"shesai
d.

"
She'
s.
..
.Nana.
..

"Andshe'
s.
..mummyMat
il
da"

Shef
ini
shedpoi
nti
ngt
hem outandKi
ngst
onhuggedheragai
n.

"
Atl
ongl
ast
"hesmi
l
ed.

Far
ri
slat
ert
ookherf
rom hi
m andheknel
tbesi
deTani
sha'
sbed.

"
Todayi
sanot
herdaytobehappyabout
..
.thanksf
orcomi
ngi
ntomyl
i
feNi
sha"hesai
dandshe
r
epl
iedwi
thapret
tysmil
e.
THEEND*
*