Black Jack (Advantage Play #5) - Kelsie Rae Page 0,75

out, I’ve made up my mind. I know what I want. But this isn’t my decision, and if it ever came down to Bianca or the Romano family, I’d choose Bianca in a heartbeat. Which means her and I need to have a little chat.

“How long do we have to think about it?” I ask Kingston.

He shrugs. “The end of the day. You can stay in the same room as before. Ace had your sheets cleaned.”

“And fresh towels are in the bathroom,” Ace adds with a shit-eating grin. You’d think it was Christmas morning with how excited she is that we’re visiting. “Why don’t you guys have a little talk and then let us know what you think?”

I look back down at Bianca, and she lets out a slow breath before pushing herself to her feet. I join her, then turn to Kingston. “Thank you. We’ll let you know.”

He lifts his chin, clearly dismissing us.

We make it two steps toward the stairs when Ace adds, “For what it’s worth, my vote is that you should stay. I kind of like having you around.”

Kingston’s arms tighten around her torso as a low growl escapes him, but Ace just laughs before giving him another peck on the cheek. “Calm down, Romeo. I just meant that it was starting to feel like we had a family before he left, and I’ve missed him like a brother. For a girl who’s never had a family, I kind of love it.” Then Ace pins Bianca with her piercing gaze. “And I wouldn’t mind claiming another sister, either. Just sayin’.”

“Careful, Ace. Now, I’m getting jealous,” Regina quips before winking at Bianca. “I’m totally kidding. I’d love for you to stay too. Life was way too boring when I was the only girl in this house. We need some more estrogen up in here.”

Like a ping-pong ball, Bianca’s gaze bounces around the room before she blurts out, “Do you all live here?”

“We have our own places,” Diece explains with Regina by his side. “But we’re here more often than not. The girls get bored when we’re gone, and there’s enough space for everyone so…why not, right?”

“And you’d be okay with us being here all the time?” Bianca asks. It’s like the idea of people enjoying her company is so foreign that she can’t quite grasp the concept.

“You can be real here,” Ace tells her. “It makes it one of the best places in the world.”

“Even with all the guns and knives tucked in every cabinet,” Q quips with a grin.

“Let them talk,” Kingston interrupts, lifting his chin toward the stairs. “Take your time.”

“Thanks, King,” I repeat. “We’ll let you know.”

With our fingers laced together, I lead Bianca up the stairs and down the hall to our right before pushing open a door at the end of it. The place is more like a small apartment than a single bedroom. With a fireplace, master bathroom, king-size bed, and reading nook, along with a small kitchenette near the back wall, it’s more space than I could ever need. But I also know Bianca’s taste, and this is far from it. She prefers a modern flair while Kingston’s used to dark colors and curvy furniture.

“So, what do you think, Bianca? I know it’s not exactly––”

“It’s perfect,” she breathes.

I pull her into my arms, then rest my head on top of hers, breathing in her familiar scent that isn’t laced with any artificial perfume. It’s all her. And it’s all heaven.

“I’ve never had a family,” she whispers. “Not really.”

“You’ll have me regardless, babe. No matter what you decide––”

“I know.” Her catlike eyes are wide as she peeks up at me. “What do you think we should do?”

“I think you hit the nail on the head. They’re family, regardless of what we decide today. Like I said, they had my back when no one else did. But if you’re not comfortable….”

“It’s a big decision.” She sighs.

“It is.”

“And it’s not like you can back out if you decide this life is too much for you.”

“I know.”

“They’re not like my brother. Or my dad,” she concludes, thinking out loud more than anything else.

“No. They’re not.”

“And I think they really love you.”

I pull her into my chest and smile even though she can’t see it. “I think you’re right about that part too.”

“And you’re okay with that? Getting your hands dirty?”

“We’ve already talked about this,” I tease.

“I know, but I need to hear you say it one more time,” she pleads. “I’m used to this