Page 33

RICKY

Aurora has been avoiding me. Since she and Jackson reunited and he expressed his suspicion of me, she has kept her distance. When I reach for her, she pulls away. No hugs. No little touches. Nothing.

It pisses me off far more than it should. This was inevitable. I’m not who she thinks I am. I’m not her gay bodyguard or anything else. I’m an undercover agent, and she’ll hate me when she finds out I lied to her.

When this case is over, I’ll move on.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

I try to remain invisible and focus on work, but it’s hard to ignore Aurora making out with two guys right in front of me. In any other scenario, I’d leave, but I’m stuck watching, envying. What? I don’t know.

She’s not mine, and she’ll never be. Yet, I like caring for her a lot, especially when we’re alone. Plus, I’m attracted to her, even when she’s with others.

What a mindfuck. I’ve never been this lost and confused.

I expected to hear them all fucking tonight, but Aurora’s asleep, resting after a long day and late night. Shortly after, Jackson and Ethan started arguing.

I lean against the kitchen counter, casually drinking a bottle of water while they fight on the patio.

Our mics are mounted on the house. The wind off the ocean is too strong to catch what they’re discussing at the edge of the property, but whatever it is, they don’t want Aurora to overhear.

Ethan is gesturing animatedly, and Jackson is struggling. He’s pacing and tugging at his hair. This can only be related to Kyle.

Regardless of Jackson’s bravado, he fears the backlash of alienating his father. He still believes if he plays Kyle’s games, he’ll have the freedom to live his life. It’s utter bullshit. Kyle will never let him go. He’s too valuable.

My phone pings with a text, and I set the water bottle on the counter.

Charlie

Aurora was researching Iron Eyes an hour ago.

Shit, Ethan must have told them.

Charlie

He thinking of using his father?

Has to be. Flag the Rikers registration system in case he decides to visit.

Charlie

Got it.

We easily bugged Aurora’s phone; she forgets it everywhere.

We’d love to get our hands on Jackson’s, but he keeps it close and hardly uses it.

Smartphones hold significant data, such as locations and contacts, and his could provide key information to advance this case.

We can track his device, but that’s about it.

Now, it appears we need to track Ethan too.

The last thing we want is the involvement of another organized crime group.

The Rossi family is relatively small and tight-knit, but their assets are considerable—they own a vast portion of New York City real estate.

Their reach is substantial, with ties to the Cosa Nostra and marriage alliances with the Bratva.

Vincenzo “Iron Eyes” Rossi won’t tolerate anyone threatening his grandson, even if he and Ethan are estranged.

I tug my dog tags free, adjusting the chain. They settle on my chest with a clink, and I fist the metal before shooting Charlie a text.

I need to step in before Ethan does. You got me.

Charlie

I got you. Good luck. He might kill you.

Which one?

Charlie

Both.