Page 22 of Jig's Last Dance
Still, I bite my tongue to stem the tide. What my father wanted is irrelevant. I wanted my parents to be here when I graduate or marry. Look at what that got me.
“Alice, I know there is much unresolved about your parents’ death, but I was very aware of what your father’s wishes were. When you’re ready, I can do that with you.”
No one has ever admitted it out loud, but I suspect my dad’s career choice has a direct relation to how he died. I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready for that conversation because I’m not prepared to delve into what I’ve only seen glimpses of up until now.
“Okay,” I murmur, pulled from our conversation when we drive up to a stately mansion much like Sal’s, although this version has stone lions guarding the door.
Even though I’d rather claw my eyes out with a spoon than break bread with an associate of Sal’s, I’m grateful for the interruption.
Sal holds out his arm, and with a silent sigh, I slide mine through the crook of his, biting my cheek to hold back the shiver. Just a few days ago, I was firmly convinced I would never step foot in this world willingly.
Now I’m on the arm of a made man and presumably entering the home of another.
“Mr. Castinetti,” the butler says, bowing at the waist before leading us down a hall and into a library. Books line two of the walls, with a fireplace opposite and a set of floor-to-ceiling windows.
It’s a beautiful space, but I’m blind to it as I meet Rain’s wide-eyed stare. Beside her stands Cyn, his cold green eyes boring into my skull.
Great. His words from earlier ring in my head, and with a sour expression, I pull my lips into a smile.
Fuck him. Fuck them all.
“Alice, dear, this is Mr. McCafferty.”
Paddy McCafferty? As in Sal’s sworn enemy? Even I know that. What the hell are we doing here?
Pulling my gaze from Rain, I nod to the ancient man standing before me. He eyes me shrewdly before dismissing me, which is just as well because I see the devil behind his stare.
Another master of his universe pushing everyone around him to do his bidding. Bunch of wrinkly old men who think to rule the world. Shit.
“Drink, Sal?” The old man asks, and they move away. Thank fuck.
How did I get here?
Stepping to the window, I gaze blindly at my reflection. This situation is awkward as fuck, considering Cyn was such an ass. God knows what he’s thinking now.
“What’s your game?” Rain asks, appearing at my shoulder.
“I don’t play games,” I mutter, my hackles rising. What is it with these jerks?
“You expect me to believe this is a coincidence?”
“This is fucking karma. I must’ve been a badass fucker in another life.”
I spy her raised brows from the corner of my eyes before her lips twist. “Alice, I don’t know what’s going on, but if it includes Jig, I will ruin you.”
The words are low, pleasant in tone, but I turn to her with a glare. “Don’t threaten me. You don’t know me. This is my life. You’re just a fucking footnote. So is Jig.”
“Wrong,” she says, grabbing my arm. “Jig is my friend, and if you hurt him, I hurt you.”
“Rain?” Mr. McCafferty says, breaking our stare-off.
Rain drops my arm with a smile, but I note the warning.
“You’re no better than the rest of them,” I hiss.
She raises a brow as I move away before standing next to Sal and curling my fingers together. They can all go to hell—every last one of them.
∞∞∞