Semua Bab The Enigmatic Mafia Boss: Bab 21 - Bab 30

Beatrice’s POVSierra is putting on another layer of mascara on my lashes when the doorbell rings loudly through the house. I decided to let her glam me up for old times' sake. I’m in a black dress that fits snugly on top but flows and is sheer at the bottom. It looks great and is comfy, which makes us both happy. “Sounds like someone’s arrived.” She examines my face. “Just one more coat.” “I’ll wake up looking like a raccoon.” “No way, because you’re going to take off your makeup like a good girl.” “You know I usually don’t wear much makeup. I’ll need a crowbar to get this off.” I gesture to my face with a smirk. “I’ve barely put anything on you. I wish I had skin like yours.” She flicks the mascara wand and leans back on her heel, checking me out one last time. “You look perfect.” Standing up, I smooth out my dress. “Do you think the people Nolan invited are here because of you?” “It’s the only thing that makes sense. He said he’d make it worth my while. I told

Beatrice’s POVFlint downs his shot and pours another. “That’s a ridiculous question.” “I need you to tell me what happened.” “After all these years, you never asked anyone?” His intense gaze scans her face. “I was so close to dying. Just a hair’s breadth away.” She touches her chest again. “Why would I want to go through that again?” I’m chugging my beer, feeling a bit out of place while they dive into this heavy stuff. Their conversation feels personal, and it catches me off guard. “Didn’t you ever wonder why I didn’t come back?” “Every single day.” Her voice is thick, tears welling up in her eyes. Flint’s tough facade cracks a bit. He pours another shot, as if trying to drown whatever tension lingers between them. “Don’t cry.” “I’m drunk. Of course, I’m going to cry.” She wipes her tears and holds out her glass for a refill. “I should probably head out.” I glance between them. Finishing my beer, I set the bottle down. If I stick around, I’m just intrudin

Beatrice’s POVThe building is just one story and looks more like a big, overgrown bungalow than a hospital or a long-term care place. One perk of my job is that I could find a nice spot for my mom, even if she doesn’t realize it’s the best option out there. “You’ll wait here?” I ask. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come in?” Nolan replies softly, his eyes full of sincerity. “I’ve got these broad shoulders you can lean on if you need.” Without thinking, I run my fingers down his arm. “Maybe later.” He takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “You’re armed?” “Always.” “If anything feels off, I’m coming in.” “It’s an old-age home. It’s not exactly a high-stakes situation.” He doesn’t laugh at my joke. Instead, his gaze sharpens. “I protect my own.” “It’ll be fine.” I stroke his cheek with my thumb. “Promise.” This place isn’t part of my cover story. If he steps inside, he’ll find out more than he should. He nods toward the building. “Text me if you n

Beatrice’s POVWe’re in Flint’s office for the first time, and it’s quite a change from Nolan’s place. While Nolan’s space is all about those gray tones, Flint’s vibe leans towards deep blacks and blood reds. It’s not as spacious, either—no gym area here, but there’s a massive wooden table covered in city maps.Looking at their makeshift war table, I totally get why Flint wanted Nolan on his team. Their thought processes are like night and day. The strategies Nolan’s coming up with on the spot are pretty impressive. I can’t help but wonder if I could sway him to my side. Having someone like him backing me would definitely up my safety game.Flint’s rubbing his chin, focused on the main map while Nolan points out some weak spots in the Zhang organization. “I like that,” Flint says, then his gaze shifts to me. “You’re awfully quiet, Beatrice. It’s a bit unsettling. You usually have something to say.”I can’t help but smile a little as I walk around the table, my shoulder brushing agains

Beatrice’s POVThe ride to The Corral is dead quiet. Every breath I take feels like it’s fueled by anger. I’m mad at them, but honestly, I’m more upset with myself. I’ve been so twisted in my thinking that I thought we were doing something noble by going to war with the Zhangs. We were supposed to be breaking the cycle, giving those women and kids a shot at a better life. But really, Nolan and Flint are just cashing in while those vulnerable people suffer.“So far,” Flint shifts in the backseat, and I brace myself for a comment I know I won’t like, “this is turning out to be a fantastic night. Thanks a lot for inviting me and Nolan, Beatrice. So generous of you.”“Shut up, Flint.” I stare out the front passenger window as the city lights dim. “You invited yourself.”“At some point, you’ll be grateful I did that.”“Not a chance.”“Leave her alone, Flint.”I catch Flint pointing at me from the corner of my eye. “She’s all worked up because she had some Robin Hood fantasy in her head. It