“I suppose I can’t blame you, but you’re not in any danger from me,” he said.
“But I am in danger.”
“Unfortunately, that tends to come with people who associate with my family.” He shrugged. “It’s the one thing I detest about my line of work.”
He gazed out at the stream, lost in thought, and I couldn’t help but think about his wife and unborn child.Is he thinking about them now?
“I do the best I can to keep my business away from those who want to be around my family.”
“I’m sure it isn’t easy.”
“Some days are more challenging than others.” He tapped his fingers on the arm of the sofa. “The only way I can keep you all safe is by demanding total control over my surroundings. I have to be the one who calls the shots.”
“It doesn’t seem like anyone argues with you.”
“They know better.”
“Do you think I’m here to get in your way?”
“Not at all.” He smiled. “I asked to meet with you because you’re very special to my son.”
“He means a lot to me.”
“I can tell, but I can also see that being with you has caused him some stress.” He held up his hand before I could protest. “It’s not your fault. Unfortunately, what happened between you and Bello is part of our world.”
“Going after an innocent woman shouldn’t be part of anyone’s world.”
“Which is why I would never do it.” He gazed back out at the stream, and I couldn’t help but think it held some significance. “Women and children are off-limits. But not everyone has the same code that I do. I don’t do business with those men.”
“I believe you.”
“Without getting into too much detail, Milo is struggling with having you in his life and being loyal to me.” He stood and went to the shelves behind his desk and picked up a pitcher of water. “He needs you in his life, and I approve, but I can’t have him making mistakes that distract him or put the rest of us in jeopardy.”
“Do you think I’m too much of a distraction?”
“You’re much easier than my daughter-in-law.” He poured the water into a glass. “I can see that already.”
“Lissia has quite the reputation.”
“She means well.” He sipped his drink. “My son needs you.”
I need him.
“We’re going to keep you safe, but I have to do something that needs to be done to protect all of us, and I’m not sure you’re going to like it.”
“What is it?” I got up and walked to the front of his desk. “I want to help any way I can.”
“The situation with Medina is escalating and Milo wants to go after Bello. As much as I want to kill him myself for hurting you, now isn’t the right time.”
“I’d rather you don’t kill anyone on my behalf."
“Noted.” He tapped his forehead. “But I can’t promise I’ll honor that wish. Don’t take it personally.”
“Understood.”
“I like you.” He nodded. “You’ll take care of my son.”
“I’ll try.”
