Page 126 of Destroyer
“Looky who’s hanging in the ‘hood,” said Burt Goodson, Teddy’s poker pal. “We’re headed back to my hotel suite for alittle poker. You in? Stakes are high, but it’s gonna be a fun night.”
“Can’t,” Teddy said, his thoughts still focused on Rocco and the guns he sold to someone in the Haqazzii terror cell.
“You sure?” Burt asked. “I got myself the Presidential suite at Hotel Dillinger. It’s a sweet place to crash. You can’t steal away for a few?”
“No.”
“Alright, alright,” Burt said. “You be good, Tank.”
“Can’t do that either.” Teddy went inside, stopping to check in with Tara. “How are you doing?”
“Better. Burt’s been super sweet checking on me.” Tara paused. “The company I’ve got my side-hustle with picked me for an all-expense-paid vacay in Hawaii over Christmas. I know asking for time off during the holidays is the worst, but I’m dying to go!”
“You must be killing it if you got a free trip.”
She beamed. “I’ve never even flown on a plane before!”
Teddy neededmorestaff—not less—during the busy season, but he didn’t want to get into it with her now. “Put in for it and we’ll see what we can work out.”
En route back to his booth, Teddy stopped to say hello to the regulars, checked in with a few other diners. He was the bossman and the face of the restaurant. All smiles, he made sure his guests were having a great evening.
As Teddy set his sights on Sydney, she was waiting. Even from across the spacious room, he could feel the love. Powerful, deliberate, and raw. It was like she was staring into the depths of his soul.
Except I don’t have one.
His attention jumped to the man sitting in the booth with her. Gabriel had cozied right up to her.
Troppo dannatamente vicino, fratello. Too damn close, brother.
Had G recognized Sydney, even with her disguise? If he had, was she still in danger of being tracked down by King A?
The hair on the back of his neck prickled.
As he got closer, her gaze intensified, the corners of her mouth tugged up. Teddy flashed her a smile.
“Hey, brother,” Teddy said easing into the booth. “What’s the latest?”
“I invited…” Gabriel regarded Sydney, “what’s your name?”
“Sierra,” Sydney replied.
“Sierra’s all-in when I pay a visit on the ants I told you about.”
Confounded, Teddy stared at his brother. “What are you talking about?”
“Ho delle persone che mi perseguitano,” Gabriel murmured.
Right, the Bratva are stalking him.
Teddy slid his gaze to Sydney. “You’re in on that?”
“Hell, yeah,” Sydney replied. “Sounds fun, like a caper.”
Both men laughed.
“I’d call it a lot of things—” Gabriel said.
“A caper isn’t one of them,” Teddy said, finishing his brother’s sentence. “G, have dinner with us.”
