“I’m kind of getting that vibe.” I reached for a bottle of water on the tray. “How did you end up here?”
“It’s in my DNA.” He smirked. “My father worked for Nico many years ago. After his death, Nico made sure my family was alright. He gave me a job after my football career ended.” Ricardo tapped his head. “One too many concussions.”
“Sorry to hear about your dad.”
“Thanks. It was a long time ago, but the circumstances behind his death have connected me to the Accettis. I can’timagine working anywhere else.” He set his popcorn bowl on the table. “My father was Julia Accetti's guard. He was with her when the car blew up.”
“That’s awful.” This family had suffered too much tragedy. I had to wonder how much of it was brought on by their own actions. “That must have been devastating.”
“It helps being around this family, knowing we have that connection even if it is morbid.”
“They never figured out who was responsible for that?”
Milo didn’t offer much about the details of his mother’s death, but it haunted him. How couldn’t it?
“Not from lack of trying, but maybe it’s best because Nico isn’t as obsessed with avenging Julia’s death as he once was. Marchello has settled down now that he has Lissia to look after.” He motioned to me. “And now that you’re back, maybe Milo will find some peace.”
“He deserves some peace, but how can he get that with Medina coming after his family?” I carefully sipped the water, trying not to agitate my lip. “Especially if he’s using me to do it? I never wanted to be a liability for Milo.”
“He doesn’t see you as that.” Ricardo took the ice pack from the table and rewrapped it for me. “He’ll do whatever he has to so that you’re secure. You may not understand his methods, but if you do what he tells you to, everyone will be okay.”
Julia and your dad weren’t.“I wish none of us were in this situation.”
“It isn’t always this volatile around here, but every few years someone tries to make a grab for power or thinks that Nico should give into some demand or another. It never ends well for the other side.”
“But it escalates and then something like what happened to Julia occurs or a situation that put Lissia in the position she’s in. It’s a lot.”
Maybe it was the incident with Bello that started to sink in that had me on edge. Or how even after I had been assaulted, I gave in and came back to Milo without weighing the pros and cons. Truth was, I didn’t want to face all the reasons why being with a man like Milo was wrong. There was one glaring reason why I should be here. I loved him.
“This is all new to you, and I realize it can be upsetting, but you have to trust Milo.”
“I do.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Milo stood in the doorway, appearing a little worse for wear. His jacket and tie were missing and his shirt was unbuttoned down to his abs. “Ricardo, thanks for taking care of my girl.”
“It was my pleasure.” Ricardo hurried off the couch. “Is there anything I can get for you?”
“Can you make sure the vodka is stocked in the guest room down the hall?”
The guest room?
“Sure,” Ricardo said. “Sable, it was nice chatting with you.”
“Thanks for keeping me company.” I set the ice pack on the tray. “And for the snacks.”
Ricardo nodded at Milo before exiting the room. Once he was in the hallway, Milo shut the door.
“Are you settling in?” Milo asked.
“Yes.” I got off the couch and went to him. “How did your meeting go?”
“Not as well as I had hoped.” He cupped my face in his hand, scowling when he gazed into my eyes. “Your bruises are becoming more prominent. I…” He closed his eyes and took a breath. “I’m so sorry.”
“Please don’t apologize." I kissed the corner of his mouth. “It’s not your fault.”
“It is my fault.” He let go of me and went into the bedroom area and began his routine of meticulously removing his gun, watch, wallet, and phone from his person. “If not for me, you wouldn’t have been in that position.”
“I’m the one who came to you and sought your help.” I sat on the edge of the bed. “You helped me out of a serious situation. I’ll never forget that.”
