Page 86 of War Within
“He said he was going downstairs.” She rested her hands on her hips. “I—”
“He’s not someone you need to fuck with.” I clenched my jaw. “Got it?”
“Nothing happened.” Concern appeared on her face instantly.
Silently, I closed the door. I did not want Jane’s friend involved in this life either. I wanted to protect everyone, but they were all going to make it impossible. I could feel it. Rolling my eyes, I marched down the back staircase toward my office where Carmine should have been waiting. Jackson met me at the bottom step.
“Sir, should I stay awake longer in case Miss Jane needs anything?”
I nodded, passing him as I replied. “Yes, but I’m sure she will sleep soon.” Discouraging any further conversation, I hastily moved through the hallways to my office.
Carmine sat in a corner chair, ankle crossed over his knee, scrolling through his phone. The moment he saw me, he slid it in his pocket, providing me his full attention.
“Strip poker?” I shook my head in disappointment.
Elbow bent on the arm of the chair, he lift his finger to his chin, smirking. “Something like that.”
“Clearly you were losing.” Suspicion overwhelmed me.
Shrugging, he exhaled. “She cheated, I’m sure.”
“I actually wanted to discuss her with you.” The wheels on my chair glided on the wooden floor as I slid out from under my desk. “Actually, let’s take a walk.”
He stood, following me out the side door onto the veranda in the cold, dry night. Moonlight shined through the bare trees that had lost their leaves the past autumn. The night was still, no breeze, no animals. Everything was burrowing for winter. A light snow had fallen earlier in the evening. Still, it was not enough to do much more than create a light dust on the ground.
The motion sensors triggered the lights along the winding path, weaving through the luxurious property. I slipped a cigarette and lighter out, offering one to Carmine. Lifting his hand, he waved it off a tiny gesture. Slowly, we strolled along the pathway in conversation.
“I plan to talk to Lily tomorrow.” I drew in a breath of my cigarette, allowing the cloud of grey smoke to slowly drift out between my lips as I spoke. “I will offer her to stay here longer in case other issues pop up.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” He slid his hands in pockets, watching the ground as he took each step.
“The last thing I need is her caught in any crossfire. I have a feeling this is far from over.”
“She’s pretty worried about her talk with you.” He chuckled.
“They usually are.” I smirked, coming to a stop. Turning to him, I narrowed my gaze, taking a drag. “I would ask if you can hang around for a few days and keep an eye on her, but I have a feeling you won't mind.”
He rolled his eyes. “I know how to stay professional if I must.”
“Then don't fuck it up and we won’t have a problem.”
“Wouldn’t think of it.”
Nodding once, I continued to guide our leisurely walk. “We have a meeting tomorrow with the ranks and new associates. I want you by my side at the meeting.” Standing next to me at an official meeting was a big deal. Only my highest ranks were allowed to reign at my side. They were the ones I trusted most. My brothers and Nick were the only worthy up until tonight. Lifting my cigarette to my lips, I inhaled deeply. “It'll be after I take Valentina to see Emir.” Remembering Tyler’s phone was in my pocket, I pinned the cigarette between my lips, taking it out. I came to a halt, mumbling, “One more thing.”
“Sending a text to Lily from Tyler's phone?” He did not make a big deal of my subtle offer. He knew we would speak more about it tomorrow.
I nodded. “Time to end it officially.”
Lily, I guess it’s time to come clean. I’ve been seeing someone else for a while now.
We’ve decided to be together.
She gives me something you never can. Happiness!
Bye!
I had to word it like his other texts to people, to make it believable. It was immature, abrasive, and bratty. Sadly, that was his true personality. Turning the phone off before flicking my cigarette on the ground, I snuffed it out with my white, sneaker. We turned back toward the house, strolling. Carmine sighed.
