I frowned. "What?"
"Keep her," he repeated, his tone casual, like he was suggesting I order takeout instead of cooking. "Make her act like your wife. Offer her safety. Use her until you get some closure. Fuck Virginia and fuck Demetrius."
I stared at him.
"No." I adjusted my glasses and stood to leave. "Why would I do that?" I was agitated because I was thinking about it. And hating myself for it.
"Vinny."
I paused, glancing back at him.
Bael exhaled, shaking his head. "You've obviously considered what I said because she isn't dead yet. I know you don't kill bitches, but you aren't above delegating. If you're not going to use her, I don't know what to tell you. But don't get caught with her. You told Virginia she was dead. She's gonna be looking for any excuse to kill you when she finds out she isn’t."
He paused.
"I wish you would have taken the out I gave you. But since you didn't, don't make me choose between my mother and you."
Years ago, Bael bought my debt from the Bellamys.
Five million dollars.
My life.
My future.
Everything.
I'd spent years paying him back by working for him.
When Bael retired, he told me we were square even though I still owed him.
I should've walked away. He would never have spoken of it again.
But debt wasn't something I knew how to carry halfway.
Bael had saved my life.
Freed me from the Bellamys.
As far as I was concerned, there was no number big enough to repay that.
So when he stepped away, I stayed.
I grunted in response, not bothering to address what he said about choosing. I noticed it wasn't a threat—just a warning.
"Speaking of your mother. Where's her wife Delilah?" I asked. I hadn't seen her at the warehouse or the meeting.
Bael's face remained impassive, but something flickered in his eyes. I knew I wouldn't get anything from him, but he also knew something. He just shrugged. "Don't know. You should ask Virginia."
"Thanks for no help," I said sarcastically. I didn't know why I came to him, but I knew why I did. He was the only person I could have this conversation with.
Bael chuckled behind me. "You're welcome."
He stood and walked around the desk to pull me into a brotherly hug before escorting me to the front door.
The drive back was a blur. I sat in the car for five minutes before I could go inside.
By the time I got home, she was asleep. I moved quietly, sitting down at my desk. I had work to do. I needed to know for sure she was who she really said she was.
