“He is after something bigger,” I tell my father. “Not only me. Paxton is always a few steps ahead.”
Chapter Twenty-One
PAXTON
Naomi’s mother is very disarming. I find myself answering all of her questions, but she’s not digging for information to use. She’s doing it to see if I’m a suitable fit for her daughter. In return she gives me small bits about Naomi. Stories of when she was young. I listen closely to every single detail, loving that I’m getting a glimpse into her childhood.
“Naomi is—” Tova searches for what she wants to say.
“Far more than she appears.”
Tova’s eyes soften around the edges. “Yes, she’s just better at masking it.”
“There isn’t a lot of choice in the matter.” Tova’s eyes lock with mine. We’re both outsiders. We were not born into one of the four families that still hold a level of power.
“You see that too.”
“But what if she could?” I ask.
“I understand, Paxton, I do. I just don’t know how to change that.”
“But you have strived to do exactly that in your own family.” Anyone with eyes can see the Marinos operate differently. It couldn’t be more blatantly clear with War always having Naomiat his side, a daughter and not one of his sons that he has more than one of.
He didn’t choose one of them because War is different too. He saw the potential in Naomi. He knew she was meant to take over for him. That she is the key component in the future of the Marinos. Hell, in the grand scheme of it all really. The regard in which War holds his wife falls over to their children. It was never a question in his mind; if his daughter wanted to lead, he’d guide her there. He’s set off an enviable chain of events that will come to a head. It may not be today or tomorrow, but it will come. In this, I have no doubt.
“I have, but I’m only here.” She taps the kitchen island between us. “I can’t change the others.”
“No, you can’t. Some will never change.”
“They will not,” she agrees.
I now see why Tova does so well with getting information from me. We’re alike in a lot of ways in our thinking.
“Will your sister come to the wedding?” Tova grabs another plate of food from behind her and sets it down on the island. What we both needed to say is done. It won’t be so easy with the rest of the Marinos, but they have lived in this world for so long, it’s what they know and where they come from.
“That’s up to her.”
“I’d love to meet her. As you’re aware, we’re all rather tight-knit. She is more than welcome here.”
“I’m aware.” It’s difficult to get Naomi alone. It’s not a bad thing. With how close she is with her cousins comes this trust that can keep you alive. It’s unwavering.
I wholeheartedly believe this is because of the women in this family. It’s them knitting it all together. The closeness and bond they share is truly remarkable because it’s not between only a few people. Tova, even now, is trying to do it with me. It’s simply her nature.
War and Naomi step into the kitchen. Naomi comes to me, and War goes to his wife. “I knew this was where she’d take you.”
“Are you hungry?”
“No.” Naomi’s body melts into mine. I lean down and kiss her neck. “We need to speak. A few others are here,” she tells me. I figured as much.
“You good?” I ask her. Naomi drops her head back, giving me her eyes.
“Yes, but I don’t know how this will go. I believe there are things you’ll disagree with. As will I.”
“I stand where you stand.” That’s the thing. I need the rest of the family to do the same, if they truly see Naomi as the future of the Marinos.
“Come.” When we exit the kitchen, I stop her, pulling her into me and dropping a kiss onto her lips. When I lift my head, she smiles up at me. “You missed me.”
“Always,” I tell her. “I brought a bag with a few things I think I’ll need for this meeting.” It’s all coming down to this.
