Chapter Eight
The door to my study opens without warning. I look up with my Glock in hand, aimed at the ready to shoot the fucker who entered without permission — until I see its Milo. Ok, he has a pass. I've been waiting for him. He looks completely drained from the day’s events. As soon as my friend slides down to sit on the couch along the wall, I stand to grab us a couple of drinks. He lets out a breath when I hand over a heavy pour of the bourbon I've taken over since we got rid of Frederico. He had good taste in alcohol at least.
“You look like shit, run down what happened for me.” I lift my own glass to my lips and take a long pull. The spicy liquid burns as it travels down my throat. Fuck, does it feel good after today.
Milo's shoulders lift and fall with another heavy sigh before he starts to explain what they found when picking up the girl.
“I thought it was fine at first; their house is nice. Not as big as this place, but not much can compare to this.” He gestures around the room to make sure his point lands. “She had been locked away in a room on the second floor. It took up most of the floor so it felt like a studio apartment. But man, she had never been allowed outside of that room. She had never fucking touched grass until today. You should have seen the way she lit up when I let her feel it. Her smile is breathtaking. When we were on our way back here, I thought Danny Boy was going to crash with how often she would gasp when we passed something on the drive.” He shakes his head dumbfounded, “She's in better shape than one would expect for being isolated for so long, but Jesus, I feel awful for the poor girl.”
A rage begins to boil in my veins. When Barone made the comment he did about his daughter, I knew it couldn't have been a good situation, but fuck me. I may need to have a bit more fun with him than I did with Frederico. As if Milo can sense my thoughts he starts to speak again.
“I know you have a fuck ton on your plate with her dad and all that shit right now, but dude. We should talk about what happened the other night.” Milo says with every bit of good intention.
I lift my head to face him before I continue.
“What is there to say? My dad was a good man who just so happened to marry into the mafia, and it was the worst decision he ever made for himself. I was still a kid when it happened. From what I remember, he and gramps had been fighting constantly because he wanted to move mom and me away from here. He wanted to get us out of this life. The next thing I know I'm slicing his throat after I was told the man had tried to take me away from my family.” I take a deep breath and push forward, stopping mere inches away from him before I continue. “You will not tell her any of this. Understood?” He knows who I’m talking about. There is no need to add anything to my mother’s stress in bringing me back into this life.
I don't bother to wait around for his response, instead I leave the study and walk the few doors down to where Nina will be staying when I hear my mother mention my given name.
“Giovanni will want to see you soon, but he is finishing up with some information that came in today.”
I roll my eyes before I step into the doorway. I find my mother facing me and the woman I assume to be Nina with her back toward me. Her long dark strawberry blonde locks are hanging loose against her back. She looks tiny in stature, barely reaching five feet tall, so she appears to be drowning in an oversized matching sweatshirt and pants set.
“Who is Giovanni?” Her innocent question is filled with curiosity, and I don't actually hate the way it sounds coming from her.
“It's Johnny, actually.” I announce as I walk in. Nina startles and lets out an adorable squeak as she whips around to face me. “I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you.”
Now that the woman I've brought into my home is facing me, I can make out the way her grey eyes sparkle under the light. Flecks of a darker color highlight the outside of the iris. Her pouty lips part when she sees me for the first time. I can't help but grin when I notice the flush tinge her cheeks, the prettiest shade of pink. Her beauty is staggering.
“No, it's fine.” The lie slips past her lips so effortlessly. “I'm not used to so many people being around.”
I frown at her admission.
“How about we go into my study so we can talk? I'll explain everything.” I offer an arm for her to take but she glances at my mom who nods her approval. “My mother can come with us, if you'd like.”
Nina shakes her head as she steps gingerly toward me. She cocks a brow at my offered arm before linking hers with mine. She's noticeably stiff until I place my large hand on top of hers. We walk through the hall in silence and when we return to my study; I lead her to the same couch Milo had been sitting on earlier.
“Is it alright with you if I close the door?” The question may seem silly, but considering she's been locked behind closed doors her entire life, I will not lock her in without her consent.
Nina nods her head. The strawberry blonde hair falls around the front of her shoulders and frames her gorgeous face. The image of her hair wrapped in my hand while I fuck her from behind on this very couch pops into my mind. My cock stiffens at the thought, causing my slacks to become a bit more snug than I'd like for this conversation.
What the fuck, Johnny. She's never met a man besides her father until today. You can't go there. THIS. GIRL. IS. OFF. LIMITS.
I scold myself as I shake the thoughts from my mind and close the door before joining her on the couch. I take a seat the furthest away I can and offer her a genuine smile. Her grey eyes are locked on me as she waits for me to speak. I take a deep breath before I fill her in on everything that I can.