Guarding her Gangster Queen (The Colombo Family Duet: A Sapphic Mafia Romance Book 2) by Persephone Black

Author:Persephone Black [Black, Persephone]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-11-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

Brie

The steady beep of hospital monitors fills Sophie’s room as I watch her chest rise and fall. Her face is still ashen, but some color has returned to her cheeks. The nurse just assured us she’ll pull through, and relief washes over me so strongly I have to grip the edge of the bed to stay steady.

Nik’s hand closes over mine and squeezes. Through the window, I can see two of Frank’s men stationed outside, both seasoned soldiers of the Family. They snapped to attention when I arrived, with a respectful, “Mrs. Colombo,” and I thanked them for their time.

“No bother at all, Mrs. C,” said one.

“Honor,” grunted the other, and I could tell that he actually meant it. So Vince was right. I do have some influence over the rank-and-file, if these men are anything to go by.

That could come in useful.

I call Sophie’s parents to break the news. They’ll be coming from Atlanta, but tell me that Sophie recently mentioned a boyfriend, who should possibly be informed as well. I hear myself agreeing to do it for them—they’re upset enough without having to worry about that—but I regret it as soon as I hang up.

“I have no freaking clue who Sophie was dating and I can’t get into her phone,” I sigh. “Maybe someone at the casino will know. Maybe Phil…if he’s ever willing to speak to me again.”

Nik grins, and then suggests, “Let’s get something to eat. You haven’t had breakfast or lunch.”

Neither has she, which I point out, and we head to the hospital cafeteria. It’s a stark contrast to the Golden Sands’ elegant eateries—harsh fluorescent lighting, plastic chairs, and sandwiches that look like they’ve been here for a while. I pick at the edge of a ham and salad on wholewheat, the bread gone slightly stale, while Nik wraps her hands around a cup of coffee so weak it’s practically tea.

“We’re missing something,” I mutter, more to myself than to her. “There has to be a way to get to Big Joe.” How would Terry handle this? He always knew which strings to pull, which favors to call in. Or Juno—she’d probably have half the prison staff on her payroll by now. “I’m out of my depth. I can’t stop wondering what Juno would do, or Terry, or Eva Nov⁠—”

“Stop.” Nik’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. “Forget about how anyone else would handle it. How would Brie Colombo handle it?” I look up, caught by the intensity in her blue eyes. “You’re your own kind of boss, remember?” Her fingers brush mine across the table.

A warmth that has nothing to do with the terrible coffee spreads through my chest. Before I can respond, Nik’s expression shifts to something more playful. “You’ve been stressed as hell for days now. You need to blow off some steam before you explode. So…let’s go out tonight.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Out?”

“The Secret Garden.” Her smile turns wicked. “Unless you’re too tired.”

I start to laugh, but then pause. Why

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