Lily’s expression turned unreadable, fingers tapping idly against her knee—asteady, measured rhythm. She didn’t appear nervous. If anything, she seemed calculating, weighing eachword before she spoke, like she was trying to piece together a puzzle only she couldsee.
“I need to know exactly what you think Titus is hiding. What he’s planning. Because, Jazz—Sam isn’t wrong. The Feds are coming for The Dante. And when they do, they’ll try to use you to bury him.”
Jazz’s stomach tightened. “Titus would never let that happen.”
Lily leaned forward, her voice low and serious. “And what if it’s out of his hands? What if they’ve got something real this time? He’s not untouchable, Jazz. And if he goes down, you go down with him.”
Jazz swallowed hard, the stress of Lily’s words hitting like a brick. “Then we make sure that doesn’t happen. We find out what they know. We get ahead of it.”
Lily’s lips curved in approval. “Now you’re thinking like a Dante.”
Jazz felt a flicker of something unexpected—satisfaction. It wasn’t just about survival anymore. It was about taking charge, playing thegame on her terms. For the first time in days, she felt like she wasn’t just reacting—but planning.
She swept her hand through the air. “Just tell me what we need to do.”
Lily stretched her arms over her head, already shifting gears. “We’ll get into all of that tomorrow. Be ready to work. And work hard.”
Jazz hesitated, then shook her head. “I have a doctor’s appointment first thing.”
Lily raised an eyebrow. “Everything okay?”
Jazz let out a breath, her fingers toying with the hem of her sleeve. “I think so. At least, according to the pregnancy test.”
Lily stared at her, frozen for half a second before her face split into a wide grin. “Holy shit, Jazz! You’re pregnant?” Without waiting for an answer, she launched forward, wrapping Jazz in a tight hug. “This ishuge! Oh my God.”
Jazz let out a shaky laugh, hugging her back. “I mean, Ihave to confirm it, but yeah.”
Lily pulled back just enough to study her, her eyes scanning Jazz’s face. “How do you feel about it?”
Jazz’s eyes narrowed in consideration. “Honestly? Idon’t know. But I think— I think I’m happy.”
Lily squeezed her hands. “Then that’s all that matters. And whatever happens, you know I’ve got your back.”
Jazz nodded, warmth filling her chest. “I know.”
Lily grinned again, then leaned back in her chair. “Alright, pregnant lady. Get some rest. Tomorrow’s gonna be a long day.”
Jazz chuckled, shaking her head. “Yeah, yeah. Goodnight, Lily.”
She turned for the door, feeling lighter than she had in days. Uncertainty lingered at the edges, but for the first time, hope pressed against it, stubborn and unyielding. Whatever tomorrow brought, at least she wouldn’t face it alone.
Chapter 14
JAZZ HEARDLily’s phone buzz and glanced over as her sister frowned at the screen. Atext popped up from one of the girls upstairs.
Turn on the TV.NOW!
Jazz’s pulse spiked. Ten endless days had passed with the speed of cold molasses. Not once during all that time had Titus answered when she’d called. Nor had he replied to any of her messages.
Now her fingers fumbled for the remote, heart pounding as she switched on the nearest screen. The usual program flickered and disappeared, replaced by a breaking news banner. Themoment the words registered, her breath caught in her throat.
A bold red banner flashed across the screen:BREAKING NEWS: FBI STING TAKES DOWN MAJOR CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE.
Jazz’s breath hitched. Awave of dizziness hit her as the screen filled with a cascade of mugshots, faces blurring together as her vision tunneled. Her stomach twisted violently, nausea rising in her throat as her pulse pounded in her ears. Her hands felt clammy, her fingers digging into the couch as if anchoring herself to something solid.
This couldn’t be happening. Not him. Not like this. Her pulse pounded in her ears, drowning out the news anchor’s voice. She scanned frantically, dread winding tighter with every passing second. If his face appeared—if his name was spoken—it would mean everything was over. She reached for Lily in an effort to steady herself.
“Do you see him?” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Is he there?” Panic clawed up her throat as she gripped Lily’s arm, her fingersdiggingin.
