Chapter 31
CHAPTER 31
C hristos
I’d lost her. I’d pushed Valencia too far hoping for too much and she hated me.
There was no other possibility. She hated me.
Could I blame her?
Not necessarily, although she truly didn’t understand the life that I’d been born into, and I was obviously inept at being able to explain it to her in a way that would make her suffering more bearable.
I stood in front of the window, watching her playing outside on the grounds with Magnum. She was a true breath of fresh air and it was impossible not to smile while noticing every gesture, including the fact she was having a conversation with her pup. I should be the one to be there, listening to her concerns instead of storming off like the asshole I could be on any given day.
“Earth to Christos,” Dimitrios said from behind me.
“What?” I hadn’t been paying attention and I didn’t feel sorry about it in the least.
“I agreed with Father that what you have proposed is dangerous.” Dimitrios flanked my side. “Oh, I see.”
“What do you see?” I finally dragged my attention away from watching her.
“You’re still in the throes of the woman you’ve fallen for, uncertain she can tolerate our lifestyle. While she might be willing to help, it’s eating her alive inside since she’s a healer. The thought of being involved with a murderer isn’t on her bucket list. Right?”
While I sensed Dimitrios was doing what he could to get me to lighten up, at least to a degree, he’d gone through the same damn thing with Willow. She was still a hardheaded woman and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Valencia was fired from her job and thinks I’m responsible.” I still couldn’t believe she’d think that.
“Are you?” Havros asked.
I turned toward him, noticing our father was listening intently. He’d been on death’s door only days before and we were still facing a crisis in the United States, yet he appeared more interested in my love life. “No, of course not. The truth is I’m going to find out who is responsible when I return to New York. I assure you the bastard won’t think twice about reinstating her.”
“But you don’t want her to go, son. Do you?” Pops finally added his two cents.
“If that’s what she wants, I can’t keep her against her will.” Even if I wanted to. “This is an old argument. I’m not like the three of you. I won’t force her into anything.”
“You are an amazing man, my son, but you are terribly na?ve.”
“Meaning what?”
“Women don’t want expensive jewelry or a ride in a jet. They couldn’t care less about fancy cars and houses either. All they are looking for is the sweeping feeling they get in their hearts when the men they love offer them words of passion and need. And love. Have you told Valencia you love her?” Pops’ eyes were full of amusement. He’d always been able to see right through me. I’d never been able to tell a lie.
“I don’t think either one of us are in love, Pops. We argue too much.” Argue was too strong of a word, but we were both eager to banter against the other’s viewpoint far too easily.
Havros acted like he was choking. “That’s bullshit and you know it. The two of you practically light up a room when you walk in.”
“That’s called physicality. Lust.” I laughed after issuing the statement. It wasn’t false, but there was more to the emotions we shared.
“You’re lying to yourself. You’re willing to do anything to keep her safe including heading to New York on a pipe dream. Her father could have advance notice and will use it to kill you. All of us.” Dimitrios shook his head.
“With Don Coppola winning majority support, he will be eager to place his stake in New York’s soil,” Pops added. “I’ve already spoken to him. It is time to strengthen the alliance.”
“Agreed,” Havros stated.
“What if Don Coppola has used us all along to get what he really wanted?” I asked.
Our father was never quick to jump to conclusions. I could tell he’d already thought of that. “Then he, his soldiers, and his entire family will die. However,” he continued, taking the time looking from one to the other of us, “if this alliance is strong, our wealth will grow exponentially.”
“Money doesn’t make me happy any longer.” While a true statement, I wasn’t certain why I’d bothered muttering the words.
I wasn’t certain which of the three was chuckling the loudest.
Elias cleared his throat. A few top soldiers had remained in the room. “The informant who likely betrayed us was found in Brooklyn last night.”
I snapped my head in his direction. “About damn time.”
His face was ashen. “He spouted off some shit about information getting to the judicial system.”
“Well, fuck. Gregory Laurant made the mistake of talking,” I muttered.
“Then that means his life is in danger,” Dimitrios said.
“Dumb fuck. Why would he do that?” Havros huffed.
“Because he doesn’t trust me. Would you?”
Pops sighed. “We need to get to him before he’s killed. Neither you nor Valencia want that on your conscience.”
I nodded. “Keep the fucker on ice, Elias. I want him good and icy when I arrive in New York.”
“You got it, boss.”
Our father turned his head toward the soldiers. “Will you gentlemen leave us alone for a little while?” He wasn’t asking and they knew it.
Elias nodded and waited as the others left before doing so himself, closing the door afterwards. I sensed he was about to say or ask something profound.
“Do you love her, son?”
Pops wasn’t going to let this go. “I don’t think I’m capable of love.”
“Do you think about her more than you should?’’ Dimitrios asked.
“Yeah, well, that’s tough not to.”
“Would you risk your life a second or third time to save hers?” Havros added, his grin filled with so much mischief I was ready to punch it off his face.
“Okay, fine. I would stop at nothing to keep her safe. I would fucking hunt her down if she dared try and run and hide from me because I know there would be savages who’d take her life after hurting her. That’s not going to happen as long as I’m alive. She might hate me, but I simply won’t allow her life to be ruined because she made the mistake of being in the wrong place at the goddamn wrong time. Got it?”
“You’ve decided, instead of creating a bloodbath in New York, to allow federal agents to handle making arrests of those who were involved with the attack on you in New York and the subsequent incident at the house in Corfu. Correct?” Pops asked as if putting all the pieces of the puzzle together.
“Yes. I think it’s the right thing to do and best for our family,” I admitted.
“You’re heading to New York to work with the Italian Godfather on ensuring there are no issues with either one of our businesses.” He was now mandating. The man was still a powerful patriarch.
“If that’s what you want, Pops.”
He nodded. “Good. We have a plan and we won’t deviate from it. Now, you need to handle your personal business before you take that flight.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning, son, you found someone you fell in love with. I know there are obstacles. There always are. In life, in business, and mostly in love. But do not allow her to get away. You will be a shell of a man if you do.”
Exhaling, I glanced out the window again, noticing just how happy she seemed. Maybe all she needed was her beloved Magnum. “I don’t know how to do that. She’s made up her mind. My instinct tells me that.”
“Have you told her you loved her?” Pops’ voice was gruffer than before.
“She doesn’t want to hear that.”
Both my brothers coughed. “Do not be a fool, son. For God’s sake. I didn’t raise any of you to be idiots on any subject. That’s exactly what she wants. Hasn’t your mother taught you anything in all these years?”
Our father was more animated than I’d seen him in a long time.
“What do you want me to do, fucking grovel? Tell her in six languages I love her?”
Well, fuck. I’d not only just admitted it to myself, I’d admitted to my tough-as-nails brothers and my iron-fisted father. Perfect.
Dimitrios looked me right in the eye. “If that’s what it takes. Every powerful man needs a woman who can dish it out herself, bro. That’s what you found. We’ll make the arrangements for the trip. Go. Spend some time with her. If you don’t, you’ll make mistakes and not just about the relationship, but also with your own safety. We can’t lose another member of this family.”
“He’s right,” Havros quipped. “If you’re killed, I’ll find a way to haunt you well into the afterlife.”
“I think that would be the other way around.” I laughed, but everything they’d said was right. Only I had a feeling it was too little, too late.
“Go. Now!” Pops snapped.
“Fine. I’m going.”
I threw my arm out in exasperation as I headed from my father’s den. He’d made the room his own, complete with dark wooden panels to hide the cigar smoke. Mother refused to allow him to smoke in any other room in the house. She certainly had control over him, including his diet, but I’d never seen two people more in love or devoted.
Unless now I wanted to place my two brothers in that category. I moved to the back door, taking a second before opening it and heading outside. The day was warm, a few clouds in the sky, and being able to watch her tossing Magnum a ball tugged at my raw emotions.
I wasn’t able to determine whether she sensed my presence, but Magnum did almost immediately, bounding in my direction as he barked.
Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof!
As soon as he jumped on me, his tail wagging like a helicopter, it was impossible not to laugh. He had a way of livening up the room.
He still had his ball in his mouth, slobber dripping from both sides.
“What do you have there, buddy? Your special ball? Do you want me to throw it?”
His entire backside was wiggling.
I tried to pry it out of his hands, but he refused to let go.
“Tell him to drop it,” Valencia said as she walked closer.
“Hmmm… Drop it, buddy.” Magnum did almost immediately. Impressed, I chuckled and retrieved it, teasing him for a few seconds before tossing it a significant distance.
Afterwards, I shoved my hands into my jeans, which I’d worn to the house for no other reason than she preferred me in casual clothes.
She tugged hair from her face in the wind, even looking away briefly before walking to me. She’d said nothing on the drive over, other than cooing with Magnum who’d insisted on being a lapdog.
“Hi,” she said. “He loves when you play with him.”
Magnum was already back. “Drop it, Mags.”
He did and once again, I tossed the ball almost all the way across the oversized yard. “He’s a great dog. Just amazing. Like his mom.”
She snorted. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was just floored and scared. But I had no right to take it out on you.”
“You had every right. I all but derailed your entire life. That wasn’t my intention, but I felt I had no choice.”
“Why? Because there are bad men out to get me?” She took another step closer and when Magnum wanted to continue playing ball, she held out her hand to him, giving him what could only be described as a motherly look. “Not now, baby. Go play by yourself for a little while.”
Magnum continued staring into her eyes for a few seconds before whining only once and scampering away.
“You’re good with all creatures,” I told her.
“Apparently not all of them.” She laughed, but I could sense such anxiety.
“I need to tell you…” When we both started talking at the same time using the same words, I shook my head while she slapped her hand across her mouth.
“You first,” I told her.
“I just wanted to tell you that I don’t blame you for anything. We connected. We’re adults. We made a decision to enjoy each other’s company and blaming you for what I decided isn’t fair. I don’t know what to expect in the future. I don’t know about getting my job back or even if I want to.”
I crowded her space, realizing my pulse was racing. “What are you certain about?” This time, I brushed the same strand of hair from her face, putting it gently behind her ear.
“You.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning I know it’s crazy and I’m probably overthinking this, but I care about you. I want to be with you more than anything. Yes, I know we barely know each other and you probably don’t feel the same, but I was convinced I needed to tell you by some women who are obviously much smarter than I am. So, here I am, telling you that if you won’t mind, I’d like to stay. I don’t know for how long, but I enjoy being with you and your family and?—”
Instead of allowing her to finish, I wrapped my hand around the back of her neck, crushing my mouth over hers. I held my lips with hers, barely moving for a few seconds.
She was tense at first, finally rolling both arms around my neck. My brothers and father were correct. The thought of losing her was something I couldn’t accept.
I swept my tongue inside as I pulled her closer and when she tangled her fingers in my hair, I was certain the only home I needed was with her.
The kiss became rougher, more intense as we allowed ourselves to be caught up in the moment. Yet there were some things to say before I jetted off to New York where it was always possible I wouldn’t return.
As I broke the kiss, hearing her soft whimpers pulled on the protective man inside. “I need to tell you something and just wait before you say anything. Okay?”
“Okay,” she said and tilted her head so she could look into my eyes.
“I’m falling in love with you, Valencia. I didn’t know I had that in me any longer. Maybe I was just trying so hard to keep my distance I locked out all the best parts of me. At least those taught to me by my mother.” I laughed, not meaning for the sound to be so hollow. “I’ve been so determined to keep you both with me and safe, I didn’t think about your needs. I apologize for that and I can’t change what’s happened already, but I will do what I can to make you happy.”
“Love? You’re falling in love with me?” She held a slight hint of lilt in her voice. There was also a light mist in her eyes.
“Lady, more than you know. Enough I’m willing to die to keep you safe. I need to ask you to do something for me. Stay here while a few of us return to New York to handle business.”
“Aren’t you going to wait to see what my father says?”
“If he’s on the up and up and he mentions the call or the email to the wrong person, his life will be in danger.”
Her eyes opened wide and she gripped my shirt. “He’ll be a target.”
“Possibly. I won’t allow that to happen, but it means we need to act fast.” I had no intention of telling her he already was.
“When are you leaving?”
“In the morning. You’re staying here. Please don’t fight me on this. I will not lose you. You’ll be safe here. I promise you.”
“What about you?”
I shifted my hand from around her neck. “I have all the incentive I need to return, my beautiful angel. You. Try not to worry. I’ll make certain your family is protected.”
“What if he’s not who he claims himself to be?”
“Try not to think about that. You’ve made me more of a civilized man.” I lifted her arm, rubbing one finger across Magnum’s name on her bracelet. “My special angel.”
“Don’t get yourself killed, Christos. Not when I finally found the man I could love for all eternity.”
She had no idea how profound the words were to me.
I would burn down the entire goddamn world if it meant keeping her safe.