“Love you, Daddy.” Elio wraps his arm around Cristian’s neck. “To the moon and back.”
“Me too, buddy.” Cristian holds his son close, and my heart is equally swelling and cracking.
The relationship they have is beautiful, and I’ve only caught a glimpse of it. What the hell has Cristian done that the cartel wants to kill him, and how am I going to go through with this knowing I’ll be depriving a kid of his father for the second time in his short life?
5
CRISTIAN
“He’s fast asleep,” Sloane confirms when she appears in the living room. “He could barely keep his eyes open while I was reading to him.”
I mute the TV and swivel on the couch so I’m looking at her. “It never takes him long to fall asleep,” I explain. “As soon as his head hits the pillow at night, he conks. I never get to read him more than a page or two of his book. We’ve been readingThe Cosmic Diary of a Future Space Explorerfor months, and we’re still only halfway through it.”
“It’s an interesting book, and he was fascinated, smiling in between yawns.” Sloane hovers in the doorway, running a hand through her golden-blonde hair.
“He’s determined to be an astronaut when he grows up.”
“He mentioned that.” She smiles. “He’s an amazing kid, sir. Uh, Cristian.”
“He’s definitely taken a liking to you.” I lift one shoulder. “Come sit. We have some things to discuss.”
I turn around, purposely not watching her walk across the room toward the couch. She’s only wearing leggings under an oversized sweater with slides on her feet, but she still looks utterly gorgeous. Living with her will really be a test of my self-control. I can’t remember the last time I was this strongly attracted to a woman. I’m already constantly reminding myself she’s Elio’s nanny and way too young for me.
Sloane sinks onto the couch a few feet away from me, smiling shyly. Tucking her hands between her knees, she gives me her undivided attention. There isn’t a scrap of makeup on her face, and she’s absolutely flawless. Almost too perfect to be real.
I clear my throat and cross my leg over my knee as I settle back into the couch. “While we have covered most things already, there are a few key items we need to talk about. You’ve signed an NDA, but it’s worth repeating that anything you are privy to during the course of your work for me is highly confidential and must never be discussed with anyone, ever, at any time.”
“I understand. My previous employer was a diplomat, and he had similar concerns. I would never breach confidentiality, and I understand the importance of signing an NDA. Contrary to what a lot of people assume, I know it’s a legally binding document and there are significant consequences if I break it. You don’t have to worry, Cristian.” Her big blue eyes remain fixed on mine as she speaks. I’d like to trust her fully, but that trust must be earned. For now, I need to be circumspect in how I word things.
“The business I run is a lucrative business that’s been in the DiPietro family for generations. Like all successful families, we have our fair share of competitors, enemies, and people who would like to take us down. Security is of the utmost concern, especially when it comes to my son. Two armed bodyguards will shadow you and Elio at all times, as I previously mentioned, but I’d also like to request you take a security detail with you anytime you go out during your free time. You could be targeted because of your association with me.”
Sloane nibbles on her lip, looking deep in thought.
“I can’t force you to have a personal bodyguard,” I add, “but it’s in your best interests. To keep you safe.”
“Am I in danger?” Her eyes widen.
“Not directly, but I won’t lie and say you aren’t in danger when it’s possible you could be. But my men will keep you safe, so you shouldn’t worry. My son is my world, and you’ll be way safer as his nanny than any ordinary person walking the streets of New York.”
“I don’t mind taking a bodyguard with me during my downtime. If it helps to put your mind at ease, then go for it.” She shrugs as if it’s no biggie. I wonder if she has heard anything on the street. There is little on the internet these days about any of ourmafiosoties, thanks to Caltimore Holdings’ IT efforts.
Caltimore Holdings is the organization headed up by Bennett Mazzone. Mazzone was the first president in the newly reformed Commission, and he has almost single-handedly transformedLa Cosa Nostra. Ben is a shrewd player, and he recognized years ago that investing in technology was the way forward. The tech we have at our disposal these days is next level, and it’s saved our asses more times than I can count. Part of the work the IT division does, on behalf of all mafia in the US, is removing all mention of our illegal activities from the internet. So, if Sloane has learned something, it’s come from word of mouth. That’s harder to control, but most people are fearful of crossing us and usually keep their mouths shut.
“Okay, good. I’ll introduce you to the three men tomorrow.” I swivel on the couch, angling my body in her direction. “You should know there are cameras in the penthouse.” Her brows climb to her hairline. “Don’t worry, there are none in the bedrooms or bathrooms, but all the main living spaces have audio and visual cameras.”
I had most of them installed just before the adoption went through, and Elio moved in with me. I didn’t trust any of the Da Rosas, and I wanted to watch Isa with Elio to ensure he wasn’t being harmed in any way. I also wanted the added security in case anyone should breach the sanctity of our home. Two birds, one stone.
Her eyes instantly lift to the ceiling and the tops of the walls. “You won’t find them. They’re the latest technology and almost invisible to the naked eye.”
“That’s kind of creepy, but I get it, and I’m sure I’ll adjust.”
“I take security very seriously. No one gets past the front desk downstairs without prior approval, and all visitors must sign in and produce identification. Armed guards man the reception area and building twenty-four-seven. You need a code to get into the elevator, and the code is changed weekly. Same with the code to the penthouse alarm. The penthouse has a comprehensive security system with an impenetrable panic room. I’ll show you where it is and how to access it tomorrow.”
“It sounds like I’m definitely in danger.” Her voice pitches a little higher, and she knots her hands on her lap.
“It’s precautionary. Surely, your previous boss had security measures in place?”
“He did, but it was nothing like this.”
