Fuck.
I feel tainted, like I need a shower after being in his presence.
The guy is slimy, smarmy, like toxic sludge that gets into everything.
I climb into my car, watching my back, acutely aware that I’m in a part of town where people still support my father.
Pressing a button on the dashboard, the engine growls to life.
I pull out of the parking lot and press my foot against the accelerator, eager to get as far away as possible.
It was draining, playing the mafia game. I used to love it, but that was before I had something to lose.Her.
Now every move I make has consequences.
My sister grew up in this world, and she’s safe now, with Emmanuil keeping her out of harm’s way. I don’t have to worry about her.
But Georgie is mine to keep safe. And losing her would destroy me in ways I don’t want to think about and can’t comprehend.
As I’m driving away from the restaurant, my phone rings. Emmanuil. I press to answer, and his voice comes through my car speakers.
“Hi Kris, how are things?” he asks, always friendly with me since we settled our differences.
“Going good. How are things with you guys?”
“Listen, man, Jess told me about what happened with Georgie, that she was kidnapped and the auction and everything. She’s staying with you now?”
“Yes, I have her safe at my place.” I should have guessed Jess would tell her husband everything; they are married, after all. But still, neither Jess nor Emmanuil knows about the fact that I’m married to her.
“I wanted to check in and find out if you needed help with all of this? Your father is clearly gunning for you, and you should make use of your strong alliances. We’re here for you, whatever you need.”
I wrap my fingers tight around the steering wheel and stifle a sigh. I was never one to ask for help or accept it when it was offered. My father taught me that accepting help comes with a price. And apart from that, this particular problem is a very personal one to my family and me. Jessa just escaped this mess, and if I involve her husband in the drama by accepting his offer for help, I inadvertently drag her back into it all, too. That wouldn’t be fair or acceptable. I don’t want that for her.
“For now, I have it under control. But I will shout if I need help. And I appreciate your call,” I reply. Of course, making use of the alliance would be the easy way out. I’m sure that with our pooled resources, we would find out what my father was up to much quicker. But I can’t risk Jess. Not after she finally found happiness and safety far away from my father’s reach.
One day, my new alliance will be put to good use. But not today.
“Kris, we have a lot to offer. You should really think about using us for this.”
“No, seriously, it means a lot to me that you are offering, but let me handle this family matter as quietly as possible.”
He sighs, not hiding his frustration. “I understand. But call anytime.”
“I will.”
The call comes to an end, and my thoughts drift to Georgie. She’s waiting for me at home, and I can’t wait to see her. I’ve missed her. It’s been a long day, and her smile, even just being near her, changes my entire mood. She is home to me now.
I was incredibly harsh on her this morning. I didn’t mean for it to come across so intensely, but anything that focuses my father’s attention on her is bad in my eyes. And her standing up to him like that would only heighten his awareness of her. It’s the last thing I want.
But I reacted too rashly and said some really nasty things. I didn’t take the time to find the right words or explain to her why it made me nervous when she stood up for me.
Guilt washes over me, and I clench my jaw. It’s okay. I’ll be able to tell her in a few minutes when I get home.
I know she’s upset; she’s probably been furious with me all day. But I need to apologize in person, face to face.
Georgie is my refuge, the one good thing giving me comfort and strength. I want to be the same thing for her.
The guard waves and opens my security gate. “Good evening, Mr. Ilyin,” he says as I drive into my estate.
