34
FALCO
“Falco?”
I pump the weight, puffing out my cheeks and barely hearing the call over the sound of my thundering heart. Aerin’s face was…horrifying. It was like I gutted her right where she stood with only a few simple words in the heaviest sentence I’ve ever said.
I tried to tell her last night.
I should have.
But she was so happy that she was glowing, so excited for her new freedom and what that could mean for her future that I couldn’t resist one last glorious taste.
But in order to protect her, I need to keep my distance. The moment I go after Giacomo, I’ll lose Aerin because she loves and idolizes her brother, so by ripping the band-aid off now and pushing her away, I can focus on saving her and catching him.
Approaching Guido with what I know about Giacomo and the bank account won’t be enough. I need more than that to accuse Giacomo of something so heinous, and he’s a clever fucking rat,that’s for sure. The only way I can do that is by isolating myself similar to how I was when I started here.
And after last night?—
“Hey, Falco.”
Again, the words are so distant that I don’t hear them, too torn up about Aerin’s pained face flashing up every time I close my eyes. It’ll be worth it. It has to be worth it.
“Dude.”
A hand suddenly lands on my shoulder, and I rear backward in alarm, raising the weight like a weapon to find myself face to face with Giacomo.
“Holy shit,” Giacomo laughs. “You were in your own world.”
My suspicions rise immediately as I lower the weight. “Sorry. Lot on my mind.” What is he doing here?
“I need you.”
My suspicion ticks higher.
“I have to secure something for Guido, and he told me to take the best of the best. I guess after everything that’s happened with Aerin, he’s on high alert.”
“My job is to protect Aerin, not you.”
“Ouch.” Giacomo laughs, briefly touching his chest. “Sure, but today you’re with me because Aerin is with her parents and all their security. I’ve already cleared it with Dad so when you’re wrapped up here…” He glances around and smiles. “Meet me downstairs pronto. Don’s orders and you don’t wanna disappoint.”
“But I?—”
“Dude. I don’t like this any more than you, but Dad trusts you and I got shit to do, so hurry the fuck up, okay?”
He’s up to something, and this might be the perfect chance to get the proof I need, so twenty minutes later I’m showered and dressed and down in the parking lot as requested.
Two hours later, exhaustion tinges my muscles as I unload the last heavy crate from the truck Giacomo had me drive to the outskirts of the city. Between me and the three other guards here, we’re able to swiftly unload the truck and stack the crates along the empty floor of a dusty warehouse. Each one bears the family crest, and Giacomo claps his hands together as he observes.
“Nice work, guys. I didn’t think we’d wrap it up too soon. You really are the best of the best.” His open palm collides lightly with my back. “Good job.”
“Thanks,” I pant, shrugging off his touch.“All in a day’s work.”
“Sure. Must be tough though, with that arm.”
As I lower the last crate into place, the guard assisting me grunts and yelps as his finger gets caught between the wood. He darts back and curses, then folds over on himself.
“Fuck’s sake, Tommy.” Giacomo sighs. “Get back to the truck, you idiot.”
