At least, I held that belief strongly until I realized my father would do anything to protect me, to protect the family.
Dad works for Dante.He takes orders, always obeys; it’s what makes him a great second in command.And if something happened to Dante, Dad would probably fill the role.
Which would be fine.I’m not rooting for Dante to kick the bucket, but I also hold no disrespect for my father.I know who he is.I learned it at a young age, so young that I don’t remember a time before.
To me, he’s always been mafia, before I even knew what the mafia itself was or meant.
Dad looks at me with curious eyes, but he doesn’t say anything.He’s waiting for me to speak or to walk away.I’m sure he’s silently praying that I’ll walk away, but that’s not the daughter Paige raised.
“Since when are you in the business of kidnapping children?”It’s like steam is emanating from my body, and I can’t stop myself from demanding an answer.
His eyes warn me to be silent, but I can’t just back down when I’ve heard there’s a little boy being held against his will.“Nova.”His tone is all he needs with the use of my name, and he’s telling me to back down.
No, I won’t.
I open my mouth, and he grabs me by the arm and drags me into the cellar.
“Oh, fuck no,” I mutter, trying to break free.“What the hell?”I can’t believe my own father would betray me.
“Quiet, or you’ll get us both killed,” he grits between clenched teeth.We hover on the stairs and he stalks down, making sure there are no guards in the basement.There’s no need with the prison cell locked tight.
My eyes widen when I see the child, and my heart physically aches for him.“You’re a fucking monster!”
“Language!”Dad isn’t pleased with my words, and well, I’m not the least bit pleased by his actions.
“You’re worried about my language?How could you kidnap a child?”I gesture to the boy in the basement.
“We’re not kidnapping per se.”
“Are you trying to rationalize what you’ve done?”I can’t believe him.I tug away from his grasp, not trusting that he won’t throw me behind bars next.For knowing too much, for saying something, for disobeying him, the reasons are endless.
He’s mafia, and I’m just the daughter of the second in command.
I’m a no one to them, but I suspect if something happened to me, Paige would never forgive him.That’s the one thing I do have going for me.My stepmom loves me as much as she loves him.
“I don’t answer to you,” Dad says.
“Please, help me.”The little boy behind bars steps forward into the light.
The area is dimly lit, but it’s clear he’s still wearing his pajamas.
“Did you kidnap him from his bed?”I’m appalled and disgusted.
“We’re just protecting the family,” Dad says.He doesn’t flinch, but I know my father.He’d never hurt a child, but he would exact revenge for a child who’s been harmed.I stare at the little boy, wondering if someone harmed him, but if they did, why would Dante have ordered the child withdrawn from his home and locked in a cage?
“Right, because this kid is a solid threat to the foundation of your organization.”
“His father is, Nova, and that’s all you need to know.”
“Tell me how,” I say, staring at him, begging for his help.“You can’t just leave the kid in here forever, and what’s your plan after you’ve what—axed his father?”
“I don’t owe you answers.”
“You owe me for Mom’s death.”I stare at him callously.
His eyes glaze over with anger or sadness; I’m not quite sure.“That’s enough, Nova.Just know we’re doing what is necessary to protectchildren.”It’s with such certainty in his voice, his conviction that he believes he’s doing right.
“How long until he’s released?”I ask.“You can’t keep him locked up, and I swear if you have any intention to harm a hair on that child’s head?—”
