I let his words hang in the air because I don’t know the answer myself. At first, I only looked at Lily as a distraction in the grand scheme of things. It is a way to put some of my focus somewhere else because I get sloppy when my mind isn’t clear, and she made it easy with her attitude and stubbornness. Now, I feel it’s more than that.
I don’t want to hurt her— or even Max— in the slightest way. Maybe in some twisted corner of my mind, I can see myself having a life with her, and I mean more than her standing by my side when I take over Clyde’s empire.
I see… happiness? Honestly, I’m not even sure what that word means, but I wouldn’t mind figuring it out with her.
“I’m sorry, Eric,” Alfredo starts, breaking the long silence that’s enveloped us. “I just don’t have children of my own and I’m past that time. I tend to take kids’ well-being seriously.”
I let his words bounce around my mind for a moment. “Don’t apologize. Sometimes the best things to say are the words some people don’t want to hear. I get it and you don’t have to worry. I have no intentions of hurting this kid.”
“You don’t but not everyone is you.”
I shake my head as I rub Max’s back. “I don’t plan to let anyone else hurt him either.”
I can see the slight smile on his lips as we pass under street lights. “I always knew you had some sort of heart under all the tough, don’t-give-a-shit exterior.”
“Don’t let it go to your head, Alfredo. I don’t even like kids.”
He scoffs. “You say that, but I see you having a ton in the future.”
“A ton? And who is going to help raise them? You?”
As he pulls through the gates of Clyde’s house, he replies with a shrug. “Maybe. I’m past my prime. No man will want to go through that process with me.”
I roll my eyes and gather Max’s body into my arms as he comes to a stop. I always knew Alfredo liked men, but he’s never voiced it. By him making that one tiny comment, I feel we’ve reached a new level of trust. Maybe he won’t be so bad to keep around when I take Clyde to the ground.
“Give me half an hour. I’ll be back.” He nods as I exit the car holding the toddler against my chest.
Walking to the door, I already know he’ll be awake. He’s like a nocturnal animal—conducting most of his business in the night. He’s under the impression that cloaked in darkness, he’s untouchable, and the rules don’t apply to him. Maybe it’s more than that, though. Perhaps he thinks it will protect him, but you know what they say.
What’s done in the dark will always come to light.
When I step through the threshold, it’s a whole new world. Outside everything was quiet. Businesses are closed. Everyone is asleep, but not the Gallo’s. The entire inside is lit up with maid’s making their rounds, polishing the banister and sweeping the floors as a nanny chases the twins around.
“Watch him.” I tell the nanny, passing Max’s sleeping body to her. Her eyes grow wide with questions, but she doesn’t voice them. She knows better.
Once She has a good hold on him, I turn on my heel and make my way down the hall and to the back living room.
As soon as Clyde’s eyes land on me, he speaks. “Hopefully you come with answers.”
I shrug. “Not necessarily.”
“Then why are you here?”
“Because I have an idea and figured you’d like to be in the know.”
He waves his hand, telling me to continue.
“I took her kid. He’s with the nanny now, but I need evidence of him being here. I figure if she realizes how serious I am, she’ll crack and give up her sister’s location.”
His eyes widen with surprise. “Kidnapping? That’s a new one for you, Eric.”
“Anything to get the job done.”
His eyes narrow at me as he stands. “You sure that’s all this is—a job?”
I pull my brows together. “Of course.”
He nods slowly. “Good. Get this settled so you can handle something else for me.”
