Dad follows me out to the car and rests a hand on the hood. "I need you to do another job for me."
"What happened with Boston?"
His eyes narrow. "Boston was fine, just done earlier than I had thought. I need you to do a job for me."
My father won't ever ask directly for help, but if he followed me out here instead of making a big production of it inside, he must really need it. I also know he hates owing, so I think I can work it.
I lean against my car door. "Sure, but it's going to cost you."
"You don't know what it is."
"Doesn't matter. I know what I'm willing to do, and you seem to really need me, so here's the deal. I will do this job, but Lyndall stays the rest of the year at school as a day student, and then she gets to spend half her week with me, the rest with you. And if you're away or in Chicago, then..." I shrug. "She can stay with me or at the school. And next year,she transfers to one of the schools she chose. But when you're away, she's with me. Got it? Good."
Dad's face turns almost purple. "No one blackmails me, least of all my own son. I will make sure you?—"
"Make sure I what? Become your latest victim?"
"Don't fucking push me, Enzo. You're my son, and you're trying to blackmail me."
"I'm not blackmailing anyone. It is a business exchange. You want my help, that is my price. Or call it the compromise it is. Whether you can see it or not, Dad, I'm trying to help you. Lyndall is unhappy, and if you keep acting like you are, you will push her away." I step up to him. "Just like you did with me."
"I don't want or need your advice. I know how to raise my own daughter."
I grind my teeth. I swallow down the poisoned arrow that she might not even be his kid.
But then Dad shakes his head, breathes, and says, "How about a counteroffer?"
"What kind?"
"I will agree to your ridiculous terms on the condition you step up and lead the family business the way you were supposed to."
I hesitate.
I don't want that. He knows it, too. Being a mafia kingpin isn't on my list of anything. It is why I never ask my uncle for favors.
But right now, Lyndall is number one on my priority list. I need to protect her, make sure she is okay, especially with the news that might be coming. "Okay, Dad. I will think about it. Send me the details of the job."
With that, I drive home.
I'm walking in the door when my phone pings.
Lola
Can we talk?
My cock twitches.
I should probably keep my distance on an emotional and sexual level from her until I sort everything with her father, Lyndall's mother, and my dad.
I'm going to have to tell her next week.
But this is my phone she rang, not my Alex phone.
And as much as I should, I can't pass on the opportunity.
Me
Sure. You can come on over if you like.
