"It takes actual skill to keep that business running. Actual brain cells. We all get it, you can’t stand me. But you don’t get to erase what I’ve done." He takes a step closer. "I run it because I have to," he says. "Not because someone holds my hand."
My dad doesn’t even reply. He turns to me.
I’m embarrassed.
"Rava, you should be careful who you associate with. Especially now. You’re stepping into rooms where image matters. Where family matters."
Gio’s voice drops. "Oh, I get it now. You’re scared. Not for him. For you. Scared people might start asking what kind of father lets his son stand next to someone like me."
My father’s eyes flash. "You think this is a joke? You think this is just a game of charm and defiance? You’ll learn, boy. One way or another, the world doesn’t run on cheeky smiles and motorcycles. It runs on discipline. Power. Control."
"Then why are you so rattled right now?" Gio says, and I feel the whole thing about to tip.
He looks down at me for a second. He seems almost amused. Then he exhales and looks back at my father.
"Anyway. I’m not scared of you, sir," he says. "And I don’t need your approval."
The silence that follows is suffocating. My father’s face goes cold. He turns to me. "We’ll talk later."
And then he walks off, just like that. No goodbye. No nod.
I turn to Gio. I’m not used to hearing him talk like that.
Hell, I didn’t even know hecouldtalk like that.
But objectively? I like the way he defends his work.
I respect that in people. Probably because the same person who just tries to tear him down does the exact same to me.
He raises a brow. "What?"
"Nothing," I say fast.
"Um, we will probably be doing another one soon. Same team." "Don’t act so tortured," Gio says with a smirk. "Youlovehaving me around."
I glare at him.
He winks. Again.
"Anyway," Gio says, adjusting his suit, "I’ve got places to be. But, for the record..." He leans in slightly. "You were great up there."
I look at him. "You’re just saying that because I didn’t strangle you halfway through."
He grins. "Maybe. But you were."
And then he walks away, while I just stand there.
Thinking about presentations.
Definitely, presentations.
Nothingelse.
21) Adult Stuff
Gio
I’m mid-set, fifty push-ups in.
