My father leans back in his chair. "That's what every man says when he's thinking with his dick."
The crude comment makes my fists clench, but I keep my tone level. "She's an asset. Nothing more."
"An asset you're reluctant to return to her father."
"I'm being cautious."
"Is that what we’re calling it now?"
We stare at each other across the table, and I see the calculation in his eyes. He's trying to figure out how much I've compromised myself, how much of a liability I've become.
"She's Roberto's virgin daughter," Uncle Sal says quietly. "If you've touched her..."
My father drums his fingers on the table. "We don’t need to tell you what happens if Roberto discovers you've dishonored his daughter."
"Roberto trusts me to protect her."
"Protection and fucking are different things, nephew." Uncle Sal's voice carries a warning. "One keeps you breathing. The other gets you buried."
My father sits back in his chair, studying my face. "The girl goes back to Roberto," he says finally. "Tomorrow."
"The Vergas are planning something bigger,” I say. “She's not safe there."
"Since when do we care about Roberto's security problems? That’s his goddamn problem."
"Since we formed an alliance to eliminate a mutual threat."
"An alliance that's served its purpose." My father's tone leaves no room for argument. "The girl becomes our liability if we keep her longer."
"Roberto's security failed once already. That's how she ended up with me in the first place."
"Explain to me how that makes her our problem? This has gone on too long."
"She's my responsibility."
"Why?"
The question I've been dreading. Because how do I explain that Viviana has gotten under my skin in ways I didn't think were possible? How do I tell my father that the thought of handing her back to Roberto makes me want to put my fist through a wall?
"Because I gave Roberto my word that I'd keep her safe."
"Your word. Not the family's word."
"My word is the family's word."
"Not when it conflicts with the family's interests."
"And what are the family's interests?"
"Ending this alliance with Roberto and getting back to business. We don't need the Bonaccis to handle the Vergas. We never did."
"You're wrong."
"Am I? Or are you just making excuses to keep the girl?"
The accusation hits home because it's partially true. I am making excuses to keep Viviana. Yes, I want her, but I also genuinely believe she's safer with me.
The problem is, I can't prove that without admitting how much she means to me.
