Page 37 of War Within
Marco was acting bizarre. At the time, I thought it was only because his heart was broken. I wanted to make up for it, but I would not break Jane's heart in the process. I believed I was beginning to like her way too much.
I had not ever loved anyone after my wife. I'm not sure I would know what love was anymore. Marco was right, though. Jane was a prisoner. If I allowed her to stay, she would have been a prisoner of the world I lived in. How would I tell her that I was a crime boss? There was no way she could have known. She acted unaware of everything, which was strange itself.
Would she run from me? Tell the police my secrets? I was happy my daughter and Jane had left. It gave me time to contact the family back home and give instructions. It was time to play.
We had been shopping for two hours and I was growing tired. My body had still not adjusted to the time difference. I was jet-lagged, terribly. I could not take another minute of this. It was becoming less about the money and more about screwing this family over.
Valentina was beautiful, but she would never shut up. She laughed and joked with Emir constantly. They tried to involve me, however I felt like a third wheel. It was clear they were more than friends. I wondered if her precious daddy knew of it.
Emir was around Giovanni’s height and muscular with a blonde faux-hawk and bright green eyes. He dressed in all black, but his jeans were ripped, and he sported black ear studs in his lobes just under his communicating earpiece.
Valentina hooked her arm in mine, hurrying ahead of Emir. “I have something to tell you.”
“Girls!” Emir’s voice echoed through the mall from further back, but quickly caught up. “Stay with me please.”
I studied him for a moment. “You seem very laid back and young for a bodyguard.”
Valentina snickered, switching her shopping bags from one hand to the other.
He nodded. “I’m laid back unless I’m given a reason not to be. And not that my age should matter, but I’m twenty-five.”
“I see.” I laughed nervously. “I totally appreciate your protection. I’m not used to this, though.”
“I’ve worked for the Rovati's for a few years. This one here,” he nodded at Valentina, “used to give me a lot of trouble.
“But you like that now, don't you?” She winked, skipping to his side. Standing on her toes, she gave him a small peck on his lips.
From the moment Emir's name came up, I could tell she had quite a crush on him. She could not discuss him or speak to him without turning a bright shade of red. She even invited him to sit next to her at dinner. Giovanni was so foolish if he did not know these two had something going on. I could see why Valentina drooled over him. He was awfully striking, and his smile was perfect.
Emir lifted his hands. “Listen, her father has not exactly—”
“He doesn’t know about us, yet.” Valentina finished his sentence. “We just started dating after I turned eighteen and I know my dad would freak out and think the worst sooo, please keep it quiet?”
“He will literally kill me. My number one job is keeping the family safe, and he’ll think I’m too distracted or, um, we started dating before she was legal which would be way worse.”
“Relax.” I giggled. “I know nothing.”
They both appeared relieved, postures relaxing. I had to get away from these two for a moment. I needed some peace and quiet. Furthermore, I had to use the bathroom really bad and wanted to call my boss back home. He had been texting me nonstop. The stores were beginning to turn their lights off. Time had gotten away from us.
“I need to use the restroom before we go.”
Emir crossed his arms. “I cannot let you go alone.”
“Um,” I scrunched my nose. “No thanks.”
“I meant, I will have to wait outside for you.” He smirked.
“Again, sorry, but no.”
Valentina stretched her neck around, pointing behind me at the food court. “Look there’s one right over there. We can wait here it's okay. Right?” She turned to Emir for approval.
Emir rolled his eyes. “Fine. Just hurry, please.”
“Thank you.”
I sighed with a grateful smile as I backed away. Turning around, I power-walked to the bathroom. Rounding the corner out of site, I ducked under anOut Of Orderrope. Scurrying, I pushed open every stall door, checking to make sure I was alone. Choosing the last, I slipped in, closing, and locking the door. Grabbing my phone from my bag, I made the call. Thankfully, he picked up immediately.
What the fuck is going on?!
