As soon as he says that, it reminds me Patrick won’t let me take the day-after pill.I think over how I feel about that.I want a family so much.It doesn’t cause me to panic thinking of him being the father.Honestly, I like the idea.
“I’m sorry I threatened to leave.I just don’t understand why I can’t do anything on my own.Why do I have to have guards?”
I stare as a flurry of emotions pass across his face.“I know we’re new to this,” he says, waving his hand between us.“But I want you here.If I had any inkling that you existed, I would have found you and Lena sooner.I would have torn the world apart to find you.You deserved to have me and our father there for you growing up.I’m sorry I’m overprotective of you, but I know this world is dangerous.I don’t even have to be a part of the Bratva for you to have a target on you.Just you working here and being as beautiful as you are puts that target on you.Men will use anything they can against other men.It’s why I had the guards on you.I should have told you.”
I’m about to say something when he pauses, but he holds his hand up.
“I’m not done.”He takes a deep breath and leans forward in his chair.“I’m sorry I said what I did about your relationship with Patrick.You deserve to see whomever you want, regardless of their affiliation.I just know that waiting for the right person was what did it for me.Don’t rush into anything.If you want to date more, do that.I never wanted you to feel like you couldn’t.I just don’t want you to settle with someone the first time.Take your time.”
I drag my top lip through my teeth, unable to hide my smile.
“Alek, this is more than seeing each other.He claimed me in the convenience store, threw me over his shoulder, and carried me out.I want to be with him.I like how he makes me feel.”
“Just so you know, an anonymous call came through the casino switchboard a bit ago.”
“And?”
“A woman claimed Patrick is only seeing you because of your connection to Andrei.You might want to let him know one of his other girlfriends is jealous.”
“Alek, he’s not seeing anyone but me.He told me, and I believe him.”
“Well, he has his own connection to Andrei, and I told her that.Are you sure he’s not seeing anyone else?He gave ante money for Sparrow before Andrei set him straight.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose.That’s a conversation I’ll have with Patrick to get clarification, but I’ll explain to my brother what I do know.“Alek, even in Laughlin, you had a reputation I’m sure wasn’t completely true.I haven’t had a chance to talk to Patrick about the Sparrow situation, but I will.She’s too good of a friend of mine, and I don’t want to hurt her when Patrick comes around.”
“So, he’s going to be coming around?”
“Yes.This evening he’ll have Hayes come get me and take me to see him for a bit.I’ll probably spend the night here at the suite unless I stay with him.”
He takes a long, deep breath as he stands.“Heathens” plays from my phone.It’s fitting that most of the guys in my life are assignedSuicide Squadsongs.Alek stands there, hovering.He must think it’s Patrick.
“Hello,Zio.”I smile into the phone.
“Nipote, meet me at the restaurant for dinner this evening.We need to talk.Bring your brother.I have a driver picking up yourmamma.”
“What time?”
My smile falls.You don’t tell the head of the mafia you have other plans.I’ve always given my uncle the respect he’s due.He did so much forMammaand me when I was growing up.
“Six.”He hangs up.
“Well, Alek, we have dinner plans this evening with Uncle Aldo.He’s sending a driver to pick upMamma.”
“Well, fuck.I’ll have Lyric go wait there with her so she comes too.I’ll text Barone and Andrei.Are you going to be able to handle this?”He looks at me squarely.“I thought you didn’t want to be in the family.Isn’t that why you kept turning down your cousin’s offers to go out to parties and any of the men Sparrow tried setting you up with?”
Standing from my seat, I walk around my desk and straight to him.“I didn’t think I wanted to be, but Patrick changed everything.”
“I get it.It was the same with Lyric.The moment I saw her, I knew.”
He pulls me into his chest for a quick hug, then turns to walk out.My phone rings again, and Alek stops.We both turn toward the sound.I know who’s calling.“Gangsta” keeps playing, Patrick’s new ringtone.I pick up the phone and hold up my hand to Alek.
“Hello.”
“Sweets, doesn’t your brother carry a cell phone on him?Where is he?”
“He’s standing right by me.What’s up?”
“Are you going to Barone’s tonight for dinner?”
