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“I know it sounds lame, but it’s true.” Tova glances around. “We’ll ah, talk about that later.”

“How are we going to talk when the warden took your phone?”

“I got a new one.” Tova pulls it out like she is going to show it to her.

“Little mouse,” I say gently to her.

“Oh right, how did you know Warren was at the strip club?” I snap the band again.

“I told you I went poking around after I found out you were marrying Warren Marino.”

“But how long have you known about the Marino family? I never said that name to you before.” Good girl, she was protecting us before she was one of us. Marks is quiet for a long moment, knowing my little mouse has caught her.

“I’ve known from almost the start,” she finally admits.

“Almost the start?” Tova repeats.

“I’m nosy, you know that.” Tova nods her head. “So once we started talking all the time, I looked into you to make sure you weren’t a weirdo. Once I saw your location, the rest came together.” The line goes quiet again. “Tova?”

“I’m here.” Tova shifts on her feet. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“What was I going to say?Hey, I know you live on the Marino compoundwhen you never say that name?”

“It’s a farm.”

“Fine, a farm.” I didn’t know you could hear an eye roll till now. “I didn't snoop until you told me you were marrying Warren. There isn't a ton online about him, and…” She pauses.

"You're welcome." Z smirks at a job well done by him.

"I was worried. Everything seemed to be happening so fast.”

"You tried to talk her out of marrying me," I cut in.

"Yeah, I did, dickhead. Chilling at the strip club while Tova over here has been crushing on you for years!"

"Marks!" Tova hisses.

"Sorry, I'm mad. He's a douche canoe, and then he took your phone. Oh, and let's not forget how he is now trying to find me. Good luck, dipshit."

"Told you. Ball buster."

"Who is that?" Marks asks. “One of the brothers?” Tova looks at me, and I nod.

“Yes,” Tova answers her. “See, we were friends first, and Marks only peeked into you out of concern for me. That’s why she was going to help me run if I needed to.”

Peeked?

“But she wouldn't run because you’re holding her parents over her head.” I can’t deny that.

“Warren isn’t great with talking things out. He wouldn't hurt my parents.” Tova gives me a hard stare while nodding, indicating that I should verbally agree. I cannot.

“He'll kill your parents if they try to take you from him. Might as well get that straight.”

“Warren?” Tova's expression changes, becoming harder to read, so I tread lightly.

“I told you never to put anyone between us.” Tova’s brows lift. I gave her that warning very clearly. “But I would not have killed your parents if you refused to marry me.”

“Nah, War doesn’t need a marriage license. He’ll just keep you.”