And with Jameson too.
He accepted my outbursts, took note of my requests, and tried his best to respect my wishes. He’d solidified my place here in Paradise Grove and I found I didn’t want to run from that.
I took two breaths, knowing that the words I was about to say weren’t ones I should say, but I couldn’t hold back anymore. “I want in. All the way. Because I can’t have one toe in and one toe out.”
He frowned at me. “In to what?”
“You said people work for the syndicate, partner with you all, marry into it too. Whatever. I’m working for you and by proxy for them. So, tell me everything. I wantin.” I shoved away the food and looked toward the ceiling. “I don’t want secrets. I want to understand what I’m dealing with, what my friends and Franny deal with. I’m already invested in Franny. I’ve already made friends. Let me be a part of it. Work wise. Diamonds get in by working, right?”
“And by trust,” he grumbled, like this was all a bad idea. “Your work is temporary.”
He said it so flippantly, like I was so easily disposed of.
“Well, youtrustme with your daughter. Plus, you said I needed to do this job without distractions. You know how distracted I can be when I don’t know the whole story.”
“The syndicate is now a distraction?” he asked, incredulous.
“Yes.”
“Being a part of the syndicate is dangerous and—”
“Would it put me in any more danger than I was in last night?”
His jaw worked up and down as seconds ticked by.
“You told me people work for the syndicate and become a part of it all the time. It’s an honor, and so why not me?”
“Because—”
“You don’t trust me? Or anybody?” I lifted a brow at him.
“I trust you more than I trusted the woman I wasmarriedto,” he retorted fast, his tone lethal.
Crossing my arms, I stared him down. “I don’t even know if that’s good or bad, Jameson.”
He pulled at his hair like us talking about his trust issues was the most frustrating part of his day. “Jesus, I don’t have time for this today.”
“Well, when will you have time for discussing my future here with your daughter and my friends, huh?”
“Never, because you’re not supposed to have a future with them!”
“Because I’m not a part of this here with all of you.” I didn’t ask it, but stated it.
“You’re not supposed to get involved and get hurt, Mia! You’re not supposed to be in danger because of me,” he almost bellowed, but I ignored his outburst.
“So what? You’re telling me no is your answer, then?”
He got up to swear again and again, cursing me and the life he lived, before he spun and walked over to put his hands on either side of me. “You want this?”
I didn’t even stutter. “Yes.”
“You think you’re ready?” He watched me, looking for a weakness. I had a lot of them. Every part of me that was strong had come from the parts that were broken.
“Someone once told me I wasn’t ready, and I hated him for it,” I admitted.
“Who?” He seemed offended for me as his brows slammed down.
Chuckling, I pointed out, “You acted as if I wasn’t ready to nanny Franny too and needed help, Jameson. Remember?”
