I’d love to be wrong about him, that Massimo wasn’t trafficking women, just selling counterfeit merchandise, but I doubt he’s in the business of selling lingerie. It doesn’t fit him as a mafia boss.
Two dons, one city.
Nothing good will come of the war brewing between the two organizations. My loyalty and allegiance is to my wife, first and foremost. I’d do anything to protect her and my son. Dante falls in line far behind them, but I know my place, my job, and my responsibilities.
I never thought I’d choose Dante over anyone else, but having met Massimo, who happens to be my uncle, talk about mind-blowing, I want nothing to do with him.
Dante is a monster.
Massimo is the devil.
And what does that make me, the man who does Dante’s bidding?
I place Zeke’s smaller bag on the dresser in his bedroom and then our shared bag on the dresser in our bedroom. I like knowing that I get to sleep in here with Harper.
It at least makes the thought of going to bed tonight not awful.
I’ve had trouble falling asleep under Dante’s roof for years. Working for him hasn’t made it any easier, and each day that I’m here, I only grow more tired.
I can’t make mistakes, it could get Ashton or myself killed.
Closing the door behind me, I head downstairs, hearing chatter through the halls. It’s unusual to have the house so lively, except when shit is going down.
But today’s chatter is upbeat, friendly, boisterous. I’m not used to witnessing it in this home.
Stepping into the hallway, I walk toward the laughter and pleasant sounds as I catch sight of Zeke showing off his dancing moves and Ashton is playing some ridiculous music with his phone to cheer the kid on.
Even Harper is dancing along with Zeke, and as I watch from the doorjamb, I realize they’re doing the same dance moves.
A smile spreads across my face, watching her with Zeke; it makes me want to put a baby in her.
I refrain from striding across the space and capturing her lips with mine. I want to badly, but I also don’t want to stop watching because the way she’s swaying her hips will give me a few new fantasies for the two of us to try out—stripper and dancer.
Yes, I’m a guy, which makes my mind constantly thinking about Harper and sex. It’s two of my favorite things, the third being Zeke.
The song ends and everyone, including me, begins clapping for them.
Zeke grins and claps proudly as well, taking a bow.
The kid is a real showman.
“There you are,” Harper says, reaching for my hand, pulling me into the room with them.
I grab a seat on the couch, yanking her onto my lap. I can’t ever get enough of the woman who has stolen my heart.
And then there’s Zeke, who has grown so fast and will soon be three. He loves dragons and pretty much any animal that roars.
“Luca,” Dante’s voice bellows over the room as he stands in the doorframe. He gestures for me to get up and come with him. “I’d like to see you as well, Ashton.”
“Business calls,” I whisper to Harper, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.
“Be safe.” She stares at me, the worry lines wrinkling her forehead. I kiss them away, as if that will absolve away her concerns.
I wish it would ease my own fears. I’m not afraid to face Massimo. I’m worried about my family.
“You know I will.” I steal one more kiss before following Dante down the hallway and pause as he leads us toward the basement.
Sixteen