Page 33 of Nothing to Beat

“It’s romantic to think love can overcome everything,” she said, appealing to Roxie.“But unrealistic.If something in your life hurt Zairn just because you were together, would you put him through that or cut him loose to protect him?”

“Zairn wouldn’t put up with that,” Roxie said, “didn’t put up with it.I’m willing to bet Breck’s of the same ilk.”

“He’s a stubborn sonofabitch,” Tripp added.

“Wonder where he gets that from.”

“Breckenridges are raised to be relentless.”But not cutthroat.They were the kindest persistent people anyone would ever meet.“You really want to stop him, Seq?‘Cause there’s an easy way to do it.”

Quit?Cut ties?Tell him they would never happen?That last one would have to be delivered just right or he’d never believe it.They’d said it so many times and still didn’t manage to stay away from each other.

“He told me why he’s doing this.”For her.“This isn’t my attempt to stop him.It’s my attempt to get a final definitive answer once and for all.”

Was she with him or walking away?

After learning about her father’s potential fate, she’d know if there was a chance.The Gambatto empire had been slowly collapsing since the debacle began, her father wasn’t as powerful as he once was.If the law put him away for good, the threat wouldn’t be gone, but it would be minimized.

Was there a chance they could be together if that happened?She wouldn’t get her hopes up or anyone else’s either.

THIRTEEN

A CAR WAITED for them on the tarmac after they landed.She didn’t know where they were going, a hotel, she guessed.

Wrongly.

When they stopped, they were outside a pretty standard, non-descript building on a residential street.Nothing fancy, nothing spectacular, not a typical Billionaire’s Row.Huh, interesting.

“Welcome home!”the guy who’d opened the car door beamed at Roxie.“Where the hell have you been?”

“I got a little lost,” Roxie said, hugging the guy.“What did I miss?”

“So much.”

“I’ll bet.”Roxie touched his face.“It’s good to see you, Trevor.Did His Majesty call?”

“Might’ve.”

“Mm.”

“You should call him.”

“I’ll get around to it,” Roxie said and gestured at them.“Trevor, you remember Tripp.And this is Sequoia.We’re protecting her from the mafia.”

“Cool,” Trevor said.“Just like any other Friday.”

Her friend leaned in to murmur.“Told you he was good.”

“Whatever you need.”

“I need to get off the street before—”

Roxie stopped when a guy jumped out from somewhere.

Where?

From nowhere.Where the hell did he come from?Was he hiding behind Trevor?

Without even turning around, Trevor’s arm shot out to block the guy from getting too close.