Page 36 of War Within
“I know you don’t like having security, Valentina, but it’s crucial right now. You can’t fight me on this one.”
She shifted her weight. “No, dad. It’s okay, I promise. He can come.”
Jane narrowed her gaze on us. “I’m not used to all this security sh…stuff.”
“It will be okay.” I placed my hand on her lower back, circling softly. “After a while you forget they're even there.”
“But, Emir’s different!” Valentina interjected, beaming. “He’s totally cool.”
I took my phone out, sending him a quick text with instructions. “Girls, I need to go speak with Marco. Have fun and be safe.” I placed a small peck on the top of Valentina’s head as I hugged her. “I’ll see you soon.” I winked at Jane, giving her hand a light squeeze before retreating to find my son.
Marco was not in his room, so I searched the house, before finally discovering him in my office. I stopped in the archway, sliding my hands in my pockets, leaning on the corner in the entry. He was frozen in the middle of the room, arms crossed, staring the other way.
I could not take it anymore. I hated seeing him this way. We had always been so close.
“What's your deal?”
Without turning around, he exhaled. “What do you mean?”
“You've been so short with me since we went skiing. You barely spoke at dinner, and you just stormed off to mope.” I took a step into the room, halting on the wooden floor, just before the rug.
“Oh, I don't know.” He snorted, spinning around. “Maybe because you stole Jane.
Scowling, I widened my eyes, unamused by his accusation. “Actually, I didn't. I had no idea you even knew her.”
“Can we please just put this behind us?” I buried my face in my palm, meandering the room. “I got a text at dinner that Tony Mascioli and his minion are causing shit. Who knows what he’s planning.”
“Wait, what?” He cocked his head, taking a seat in the egg-shaped leather chair in the corner of the room.
I perched on the front of my desk, nodding. “Yeah, the reason we ended up here.”
“Tell me more.” Leaning back, he crossed his ankle over his knee, sliding his index finger back and forth over his lips.
“Your uncles caught someone and couldn’t get him to talk, but they were able to track someone down who knew a bit more.” I shrugged. “Carmine came to my office with someone, but we left before I saw them. I got a text saying Tony is involved and he’s working for someone much more powerful. I have a feeling shit is about to hit the fan and I need to be home to handle it.”
“I see.” Marco sucked his cheeks in, shaking his head. “Why are they such idiots?”
“They have balls to show up during the day and at my day job.”
“Yeah, they do.” He smirked. “I guess they need to die for that.”
I started having a flashback as I paced the room. “You remember what happened last time I saw Carmine.”
“Dad, you shouldn’t have fucking run this time.” He jumped up from his chair. “And you put her in danger!” He threw his arm out pointing toward the doorway.
“I knew I needed to get some distance between everything while it was sorted out.” Rolling my bottom lip between my fingers, I pondered for a moment about how much I wanted my son to know. “I’ve put my plan into action. Now she’s involved and they've seen her. She will not be safe without me.”
He scoffed, folding his arms over his chest. “Great. Don Giovanni Rovati makes innocent woman his prisoner. I can see the headlines now.”
“She’s well protected!” I growled, pointing to him then the floor. “We all are! The security and power is endless with our family.”
He threw his head back, laughing. “How is she going to take the news when she finds out we have an entire crime family named after us? It’s clear the girl lives in a fucking cave. No way she even knows.”
“I know.” I took a deep breath. “I have thought about that.”
Displaying his palms, he took a step forward. “Listen dad, I forgive you. Let me know whatever you need. But, I have to go make a call. He glanced at his watch.”
Nodding, I strode to the window as he left me alone in my office. A light snow fell outside, shimmering under the outdoor ambient lighting. Closing my eyes, I bowed my head, deep in thought.
