Which means…fuck. There is a catch.
“If I’m on my own, I don’t need an extra bedroom.”
Don’t say it, don’t say it.He’s gone back and forth over bodyguards following me to school until agreeing he wouldn’t. Then he changed his mind and put those two on me, which is the main reason I gave them the slip: to prove to Zeno Ican, and it’s useless having strange men trail me around.
Zeno glances at Madre, who stares into her cup then down the hall, or at her grocery list magnetized to the fridge. Basically anywhere that isn’t me, confirming she’s on his side.
“A protection detail will be assigned to you.”
I drop my spoon into my bowl, imploring, “Please don’t.”
Although recent events have me chiding my own attitude; realistically, being worried about a repeat means I should shut up. But on the flight out of Russia, Zeno mentioned the Bratva being ninety-nine percent certain Ivan Volkov escaped to Canada, that kidnapping us was only to get to Vanessa. Now, his sights are on his son, which means we’ll be left alone.
So, no need for a personal stalker.
“It’s not a negotiation. It’s happening, no matter what you argue.” Zeno’s jaw tenses. It’s always rules with him, and when someone doesn’t listen,thisis how he gets.
“You said you weren’t going to do this.”
Wouldn’t it be safer?My inner voice takes his side.
Maybe. But since I’m walking the path Zeno’s paved, another person will give up their freedom to trail me around. It’d be much easier on everyone if I stayed home, got a job nearby or something, lived a quiet life here in Ostia to ensure I’m not a burden—again—on Zeno or anyone dragged into this scheme. To be the normal they want for me; the kind of life I’m determined to have for them.
“Things are different.”
“Because of Vanessa’s uncle? You said so yourself, he’s gone. We’ve served our purpose.”
“I want you safe,” Madre injects. “Your brother and I have talked about this, and I agree with all his points. It’s more than the Bratva at stake.”
More than…My head whips towards Zeno. “Then what’s it about?”
If Ivan isn’t the problem, it’s worse. If Vanessa got news her uncle was coming back, then sure, I’d respect Zeno’s decision, but if it’s something else, I deserve to know.
“I can’t tell you. It’s an internal issue.”
Begrudgingly, I pick up my spoon for another bite before the cereal gets soggy and gross, though my appetite is quickly waning. Zeno may be controlling, but he’s gone his entire life ensuring mine is typical. Beneath the gritted teeth and firm jaw, there’s an apology lingering in his expression. He wouldn’t do this unless absolutely necessary.
Which means there’s only one option: agreeing and continuing to appease my family.
But only once I determine what exactly this means for me.
“An old guy following me around won’t be obviousat all.” My tone is sharper than intended, but willingness doesn’t mean not pointing out the faults in his plan.
“He won’t be old,” Zeno counters, taking a sip of his coffee and probably sensing his oncoming victory. “I agree, a bodyguard is useful only if he fits in. I’m searching for someone who’ll blend as a student. They’ll live in the second room and attend your classes. Arrangements have been made with the school, so they’ll understand his presence.”
If he’s spoken to the school, this decision was made without me.
“It won’t be forever,” he continues. “Once the issue is taken care of, we’ll have him removed.”
We’ll. He’s making us into a partnership.
“What are my limits?”
He blinks. “Sorry?”
“My limits. The rules. No doubt, you’re gonna make sure this guy ensures I live a nun’s life, which isn’t happening, by the way. If you want me to have a regular one, then beingnormalat university is a key part.”
Another shared look, and this time, it’s Madre who speaks, stretching her hand towards mine. “Not that I want to encourage partying or anything, but he won’t stop any of that.”
