Page 25 of The Strength Of A Woman

“Good. Let’s keep it that way.”

I pin a thoughtful gaze on him.

“Is Nona feeding you information about what happens in the house?”

A soft smile sweetens his features.

“Yes, she is.”

I put the porcelain cup down and drink some cold mineral water, my eyes still on him.

“Is she coming around?” I ask.

“She’s a good woman.”

“That’s what I was afraid of. A good woman is not for you. We can’t afford to have good women in our lives.”

“She’s hardly in my life.”

“And she should stay that way.”

A few seconds pass while I look at the lunch table again. A cake stand with an untouched layered cake sits not far from the vase.

“You want some cake?” I ask, rising to my feet and walking into the other room.

He doesn’t answer, yet follows me in silence.

“Why were you asking about him?” he asks as I slide a slice ofTorta Savoiaon a dessert plate and hand it to him.

I fix one for myself, musing over an answer.

“Other than that I don’t like him?”

“Mm-hmm,” he says, chewing on his dessert.

I smile and taste the layered chocolate cake myself.

“No reason in particular. I never liked that kid. And always hated the way he looked at Leilani. I don’t think it’s a good place for him to be when she’s around.”

“He won’t touch her.”

“You sure?”

I flick an eyebrow up in disbelief.

“They killed his father. I’m sure he learned something from it.”

Chewing thoughtfully, I lean against the table. We’re both standing, both eating cake.

“Why would they kill his father?” I ask with a cynical smile in my voice.

“You want a straight answer, Boss?”

“Always.”

I put the plate down and take a sip of wine, the flavors mixing perfectly.

“They removed him to make room for you.”