“She would. Just like that’s all you’ve ever wanted, to be freed from your confines. I know you can’t trust me enough yet to tell me your full story, but you need to understand. If you are who I think you are, whatever trouble found you in New York will find you again.”
“I’ve heard that before. I’m trying to find out what’s going on.”
“That’s fine, Anastasia, but I’m going to throw out a scenario. I think you were brought to New Orleans on purpose, your invitation coerced and whether Irina is a friend or foe remains to be seen. My guess is your father is one of the Five Families out of Italy. As I’ve already mentioned to you, we are in an alliance with the Russo Cosa Nostra, a branch of what I believe is a member of the Five Families.”
Her eyes sparked, indicating I was correct.
“Alliances are made and broken often in our world. I think you already know that. In fact, I have a feeling your father, while honoring your wish by allowing you to come to America,was also doing so in hopes of protecting you from a very dark history within the Cosa Nostra. Admirable, but he’s unable to keep you safe from this distance. Just keep in mind that with these alliances, people are bought and sold all the time as merchandise.”
“I’m not certain if I should take that as a threat.”
My laugh was likely too harsh. “Not at all. If there’s one thing about our family, it’s that we’re civilized. But… A marriage could keep you safe. That is of course if you’re who I think you are.”
“With you.”
“Well, yes. In truth it would.”
“I’m not ready to get married to anyone.”
“And that I can understand. But it’s something for you to think about.”
She took a deep breath and it was easy to tell she was fighting with herself, wanting to trust but finding little or no reason. I couldn’t blame her.
“Who is your father, Anastasia? Please confide in me.”
After a few seconds, she lowered her head.
“I can’t. I just… Please trust me that it’s better if you don’t know.”
Goddamn it. How the hell was I going to convince her to trust me?
I nodded and rose to my feet. “At some point, if you don’t talk to me, I might not be able to protect you, and trust me, Anastasia.” I turned to face her. “If anything happens to you, I won’t take it very well. Not very well at all.”
While I walked away, the ache in my heart continued to increase. What this woman had done to me. Hell, I’d barked at her like some asshole the night before. What the fuck was wrong with me?
“Are you coming to see me perform tonight?”
Her voice was hopeful, and of course I turned to face her. Her eyes filled with sadness from my story and a heavy weight of what she already knew she was facing. Dancing around the truth wouldn’t make the taste of the pill any less bitter. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
At that moment when her face lit up I realized there was nothing more I wanted on this earth than to please her.
Femme fatale or not.
CHAPTER 23
Jaxon
Carmine Russo lived in a charming mansion just outside New Orleans. Madisonville was known for great schools, quiet luxury, and Lake Pontchartrain access. Perfect for his wife and four kids. While he’d made most of his money while being a surgeon, what he’d inherited after Vitelli’s death had been significant.
With Alexander driving, we pulled down his long driveway, two of our men in an SUV following. At this point with being uncertain of Carmine’s plans, we would remain cautious.
Once outside the vehicle, he took the time to button his jacket. At least it was a school day, which meant the kids wouldn’t be around. From what I knew, his wife was a nurse.
“Come on, boy.” I allowed Zorro out and glanced toward the vivid colors crisscrossing the sky. It would be a beautiful evening for a ballet performance.
Woof.
“Has he met Indiana Jones yet?” Alexander asked as we walked toward the door.
