Page 30 (2/2)

“Wanted to see how your training is going” He s me a view of his pearly white teeth

“I haven’t heard from you in a while”

“Hestures outside the shelter

I have a brieffrom him in a week he shows up and asks to take a walk All ofoff

He pushes off the wall to lean in close toto hurt you” he whispers, then pulls back frorin

“No one piqued your interest?” A staff member asks as we help back to the entrance

“Not today” Gio flashes her a char smile “Co me out of the shelter

We walk down the street, we’re in a nice area of don Providence only a few blocks away fro The street is lined with cute shops that have wooden tables, metal chairs, and exposed brick The hipster blueprint We walk silently until we reach a residential area It’s a historic district with old houses that have been redone This is one of my favorite places to walk

“You’re not training?” Gio asks, taking my non-answer from earlier as a no

“Not really” I mumble Betork and school,

“You need to run daily I can have Charlie or Tony join you if you need it”

“No” I quickly answered The idea of running with one of his goons makes my heart speed up No thank you

He cocks an eyebrow at my response “Do you want me to join you?” he asks

“No,” I whisper, sounding unsure of myself

He grins at that answer “If you want me to make more time for you Annie, all you need to do is ask”