Page 86 of Black Jack (Advantage Play 5)

“What’s that?” I breathe, surprised she can hear me over the engine revving as the speedometer gauge rises a few more notches. I have to get to her. I have to make her listen to me. I have to make her back out of her agreement with Embry. I have to keep her safe.

“I never had a guilty pleasure until I met you,” she murmurs. “I’m so sorry I hurt you. That I ruined your life. That I signed a lease in your name just to prove that I had power over the weak FBI agent I was betrothed to. I felt like my life was spiraling as soon as Dominic mentioned our engagement, and I was desperate for a sense of control. It’s month-to-month, by the way. I already told the landlord this is our last. I paid for it in cash, too, so you should be good on that front.”

“Bianca,” I start. I don’t care about the fucking money. I just want her.

“I’m so sorry, Jack,” she repeats, sounding like a broken record. “I wanted love. I know I did a shitty job of showing it, but I did. And I know I could’ve had that with you if it weren’t for my past and the countless mistakes I made. I hope you can forgive me one day. But I want you to know that it’s okay if you don’t.”

“Bianca––”

“I’ll never be able to forgive myself, either. Goodbye, Jack.”

She hangs up, and I’m left gasping for air.

No.

No, no, no, no.

I slam my hand against the dashboard and scream at the top of my lungs.

If she testifies against Reed, then she’ll wind up dead. Reed has already proven what he’s capable of, and if he has enough connections to get to Dominic in a high security prison, killing Bianca will be a walk in the park.

And despite her betrayal, I can’t let that happen. Kingston’s right. We’re all desperate enough to do the unthinkable when the occasion calls for it, and I’ve officially reached my breaking point. I just hope I won’t end up in prison because of it.

27

Jack

The glove box sits open as I dial Kingston’s number on the burner phone. It only rings once before his familiar voice breaks the cadence.

“I thought I told you to be patient.”

“I need a favor.”

“Another one? Ya know, when Ace recommended I contact you the first time, I had no idea you were such a needy bastard.”

“Neither did I,” I mutter under my breath. “Listen, Bianca called and”––I shake my head––“I just need a favor. Please?”

His silence speaks volumes, so I dive right in, hoping to take full advantage of his indecision.

“I uh, I need you to get rid of Reed for me.”

My palms are sweating as I pull my phone away from my ear to confirm he’s still on the line before his voice rings through the speaker.

“And why would I do that?”

“Because I need you to.”

He laughs. “Despite my best efforts, I do like you, Jack. But why the hell do you think I’d be willing to order a hit for you? You already admitted that our initial agreement has been compromised. You’ll never be my inside man because the FBI isn’t going to reinstate you. So, why would I put my neck out for you by murdering the number one suspect in a high-profile case?”

“I’ll work for you,” I rush out, the words nearly getting lodged in my throat. But the regret I expect to follow doesn’t appear. Only resolution.

“You’ll become a soldier for the Romano family?” Kingston rasps. I can almost hear his disbelief. Hell, it matches my own.

I nod, even though the bastard can’t see me. “Yes.”

“Why?”

“You were right. Reed isn’t going to end up in prison no matter what kind of evidence we can gather. He’s too smart for that and has too many connections. But I can’t let him roam free, especially with his and Bianca’s history.”