“It scares me too.” I dot kisses into his hair.
“I still haven’t told you what I came out here to tell you.”
I cup his face and tilt his head back. “So tell me. I promise I’m going nowhere.”
“I hope you mean that.” The backs of his knuckles caress my face. “Prepare yourself. This won’t be easy to hear.”
“Just tell me, Cristian,” I softly plead. “I don’t like being kept in the dark.”
He maintains eye contact and says, “I’m one of the leaders of the Italian American mafia in the US, and my family is one of the five New York families.”
I respect his bluntness, and though it’s not a surprise to me, I react appropriately, hating I must pretend. I give him my full attention as he explains it further, staring directly into my eyes and giving me a no-holds-barred account of the violence and danger he’s a part of.
“So now you know, do you want to change your mind about anything?”
I slowly shake my head. “Nope.”
His answering stare is incredulous.
“I’m not saying I’m not shocked, and obviously it’s a lot to take in, but it doesn’t change who you are to me.”
“It might when you’ve had time to process it.”
“I really don’t think so.” I brush my lips against his before resting my head on his shoulder and my hand on his chest. “It makes so much sense now. All the security and bodyguards.”
“I didn’t lie when I told you we had enemies.”
I sit up straighter. “You also said your brother had made enemies. Is that who came after you last night?”
“We’re still gathering intelligence. The men wereCosa Nostra, but they could’ve been put up to it by the Mexican Cartel. My brother had made a deal with them before he died. A deal he didn’t fulfill, and now they want revenge.”
Blood rushes to my ears, and my stomach lurches painfully. “You think this cartel wants to hurt you because of something your brother did?”
“They want to hit back at allCosa Nostra,but they have a big hard-on for the DiPietrofamigliathanks to Cruz. None of us is safe.”
A full-body shudder works its way over me. At least I’ve found out why Pablo has planted me in Cristian’s life.
“You’re scared.” His arms band tighter around me. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. I’ll protect you. I swear.”
“That’s why you wanted John Angelo to go everywhere with me.”
He nods. “It’s a precaution, and I’m glad you agreed.”
“I definitely want to learn how to use a gun.”
“I will get that organized this week too. Women in our circle know how to defend themselves. Traditionally, enemies targeted loved ones, and it continues to this day. Most all the women you will meet through me have endured kidnappings or attempted kidnappings at one time.”
My eyes widen, and prickles of fear crawl up my spine. I know exactly how that feels, and the thought that more women might get kidnapped by the cartel sends a fresh wave of terror rolling through me. Images of the women in that file flash before my eyes, and pain flays me on the inside. Is that what they did or what they’re planning? Is this more than just Cristian?
“That frightens you, and honestly, I’m glad to see it. You’ve been taking this so well, nearly too well. A healthy dose of fear is natural and welcome. It will keep you on your toes. I don’t want to scare you, and I’ll do everything in my power to protect you, but you need to always be vigilant. Like I said before, if your gut tells you something is off, trust it.”
I nod, wetting my suddenly dry lips.
“Have you changed your mind now?” Cristian calmly asks.
I shake my head. “No, Cristian. I’m definitely scared, but it’ll take a lot more than that for me to walk away from you and Elio. I will learn to protect myself, and I’ll be more observant, and if anything seems strange, I’ll tell you immediately.”
“You are truly remarkable, Sloane.” Pride and something deeper shine behind his eyes as he takes my hands to his lips and kisses my fingers. “I’m more than a little smitten.”
