24. Rico
Chapter twenty-four
Rico
M y phone rings with a call from Johnson. I sigh. This motherfucker. As if I didn't have enough issues going on in my life.
"What?"
"Hey boss, I just wanted to let you know the FBI brought in a Hannah Greenwich as an alibi for some charges they have trumped up. It all smells like bullshit, but just in case you know this Hannah, I wanted to give you the heads up."
Rage flares inside of me in an instant. Who the fuck thinks they're going to harass my girl!?
"Hannah is my girl. Nothing happens to her, understand? If she so much as gets a hangnail or heartburn, I will burn that fucking place down. Got it?"
"Got it, boss. I'm going to sit in on the interview and make sure nothing happens to her. I'll text you the minute I know something."
Nerves spread through me.
"Are you worried about her flipping?" Matty asks, an eyebrow raised at me.
"Not in a hundred years. She's loyal AF. If she was loyal to the idea of marriage for so fucking long, there's no way in hell she'll flip on actual love, actual affection."
Matty and Santiago nod in agreement.
"I just hate the idea that she's subjected to interrogation without one of us there to protect her," I growl, the anger simmering just underneath my skin.
Matty slaps my shoulder. "You have to trust her and Johnson."
I growl my agreement. I trust her. And Johnson's been a loyal soldier. But fuck I wanted to protect them both.
"Vamanos," I growl, tossing Matty the keys to the SUV.
I can't just sit here waiting to hear. I need to see her. Need to know she's okay.
We silently walk to the garage and get in the car in our usual places. Tension is radiating off of all of us. Santiago's shoulder muscles are bunched hard, his hands gripped so tightly into fists that his knuckles are white.
"So..." Matty says, turning onto the highway. "That's what we're calling it?"
"What in the ever-loving shit are you talking about?" I grumble, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"You said love."
Christ. I did, didn't I?
I tap my finger against my thigh. Do I love her? I've never loved anyone before - never seen it portrayed to me. But that word rolled effortlessly out of my mouth. I wish I had a big brother or someone I could go to to ask questions like this.
I eye Matty and Santiago to make sure they're not paying attention before googling 'How do you know you're in love' on my phone. It's completely lame, but neither of those fuckers knows either. Matty's mom was only ever obsessed with his dad, and his dad was a piece of shit and only loved power and money. Santiago's dad was never in the picture and his mom certifiably insane.
I click on the first link.
Knowing you're in love can feel different for everyone, but there are some common signs that can help you recognize the feeling. Here are a few ways you might know you're in love:
Constant thoughts : You find yourself thinking about the person frequently, even during busy times, and wanting to share experiences with them.
Emotional connection : You feel a deep emotional bond and trust, and you genuinely care about their happiness and well-being.
Prioritization : You make time for them, even if it requires sacrificing other activities, and their needs and feelings become important to you.
Comfort and vulnerability : You feel safe being vulnerable with them, sharing your thoughts, fears, and dreams, and you trust them with your emotions.
Physical attraction and affection : You’re drawn to them physically, but also find comfort in non-physical affection like holding hands or just being close to them.
Excitement for the future : You imagine a future with them and feel excited about growing and building something together.
Happiness in their presence : You feel happy and content when you’re with them, even during mundane activities, and their happiness brightens your day.
Support and growth : You want to support their personal growth and success, and they inspire you to be a better version of yourself.
Jealousy is manageable : While jealousy can exist, it's more about wanting to protect the relationship than possessiveness, and you trust your partner.
Feeling understood : You feel like they truly understand you, and their presence brings you a sense of peace and acceptance.
Fuck. I think I'm in love.