Carter grimaces and with an apologetic look, he says, “He thinks you’re enough of a draw for Allesandro.”
Snorting, I shake my head. “Well, I hate to prove him wrong, but I really doubt I matter that much to Allesandro.”
Carter’s lips press into a flat line, but he doesn’t offer any response. Roman, however, doesn’t stay quiet. “There’s no fucking way, Amico Mio. Allesandro doesn’t deserve to even be in the same vicinity as you, and I don’t want you to be hurt. Besides, there’s no fucking way I want to be around my father.”
I stand up, rolling my shoulders to release some of the tension. Taking a couple of steps toward his bed, I lean in and lightly hug Roman, trying to be cautious of his injuries. He grabs me hard, almost pulling me on top of him.
“Don’t do anything stupid, Amico Mio.”
Gently, I extract myself from him and give him a quick kiss on the cheek. It feels odd, even if it’s right. Turning, I meet Carter’s worried eyes. “Have Marcus set up a time. If anything, just between Allesandro and me. He’s the one we need the information from, and if Marcus truly thinks he’ll talk to me…I’ll give it a shot.”
“I won’t let you go without protection,” Carter retorts, his frown deepening at my refusal to stay.
“That’s fine.” I wave his concern away. There’s nothing Allesandro can do to me that’s worse than what’s already been done, but if it helps Carter feel better, I’ll take whoever hethinks I should. “If we can get more information about who to investigate, it’ll be worth it. Especially, if Luca has insights as well. I’m not sure about who would call hits on us.”
From the look they exchange, both Carter and Roman want to continue arguing with me about going, but thankfully, they subside. Carter sighs as he shakes his head. “Let’s see what Hollis can come up with on that.”
“Alright, so we’ll wait to hear from Hollis on that part. I think we have a game plan. One of us will need to talk with Luca, and I’ll plan on meeting with Allesandro. Marcus is right about one aspect, they need to acknowledge us as Bosses.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Carter whispers, but I don’t respond.
I know both of them are concerned, but sometimes you have to step off the cliff just to see what happens. Fuck knows that’s where I’m at with Allesandro. It can go either way. Perhaps things are salvageable between us—but I’m not holding my breath.
If anything, maybe this will tell me whether there’s any hope left to cling onto, because while I hate to admit it, I find myself dreaming of my Master all too often. Ripping off the bandaid is the smarter choice to make. I have a feeling Marcus was thinking that as well. We’ve both sat on the precipice before with Allesandro. Maybe I’ll be as lucky as he was, maybe there will be some safety there for me as well…
At least, we made progress as a Council. There may be even more questions, but now we have some ideas of how to get answers. Even if it’s not in ways the others approve of.
“You need to Dad him,” I tell Carter once Lio leaves the room.
“What? ‘Dad him’?”
“Yeah. Lio…he never had a father, and his mom’s gone. His brother was a dick who gave him away, and his other brother wanted him dead. He needs love and care… You’re a great dad, and if anyone deserves to be doted on, it’s Lio.”
Carter’s face softens, and he reaches for my hand. “It makes me happy you think that, Roman. I love you, more than I knew I could love another person I wasn’tinlove with.” A flash of devastation crosses his features for a moment.
I squeeze his hand. “Dad is wrong; you’re the best parent anyone could ever ask for, and I’m glad you’re mine.”
“I’ll always be your father, Roman. No one can take that away, not even Cristian. No matter what he says, what he does; you’re the son I always wanted.”
I can’t help the tears that fall down my cheeks, and I hate it, how easily the emotion can overcome me, especially recently. I wish I was more like Lio, able to hold myself together better. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt so fucking much then.
“I won’t let anyone treat you as if you’re insignificant,” I implore. “You’re mine. My dad, the one who loved me when I was terrified no one else would. You’ve stood by my side, supported me ineverything, and I won’t let anyone, not even my father, treat you as if you’re nothing.
“I don’t care if ‘blood’ relations are what most people consider family, or what it takes to have a claim to a name in this world. You are an Amato, always. Even if you’re taking your place in the De Luca Family now. You’re still my dad.”
He leans over and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Ti voglio bene, Figlio Mio.”
“To voglio bene, Dad. Sei la famiglia che scelgo.” Deep blue eyes bore into mine, and Carter gives me a watery smile at that. “I’m serious about you Dading Lio. You both deserve it. I always wanted a sibling, but Dad…he said I was enough.” I let out a bitter laugh. “Guess it’s a good thing I’m an only child. I wouldn’t want any sibling to have to deal with this shit. It's bad enough that Cole is subjected to it.”
A strange look passes over Carter’s face, but he shakes it away before I can question him on it. “Cole is resilient, he’ll be fine. He’s a good kid; bright and funny. I’m glad Marcus and Keegan are okay with me spending time with him. The two of you are the only things holding me up some days.”
“Maybe you can bring him in here? I can’t do much, but I can read books, watch movies?”
“Yeah, I think we can do that. I’m baking cookies after I wrap some work stuff up, we can bring you some.” He studies me for a moment. “You know my friendship with Cole doesn’t take away the love I have for you, right?”
“Of course. He’s like…a baby brother, or cousin, or something. There’s plenty of love to go around.”
“Good.” Carter leans in and presses another kiss to my head. “I need to go see Marcus, and arrange Lio’s meeting with Allesandro.”
