Chapter 12
Allesandro walks into my office. My eye twitches at his outfit, and the need to call Ely about it is almost too much.
Gone is his suit, and instead, he’s wearing a dress shirt—with the sleeves rolled up—and slacks.
Oddly, there appears to be flour on the black shirt.
I have so many questions, but I stay sitting, waiting for him to make the first move.
“May I?” he asks, gesturing to the seat across from me.
I tilt my head as I wave for him to sit, my curiosity almost getting the best of me. He sits stiffly, his hands clasped together as a thin line of sweat beads across his forehead. I watch it in fascination.
He’s nothing like I expected. I was prepared for the mighty Il Padrone.
Hell, I’d heard Luca broke him, and remade him into this Sandro character…
though I couldn’t tell if it was genuine or not.
Most people, when stripped of their false identities, never find a way back.
It takes a strength of character that most simply don’t have.
They fall apart instead. This…this is interesting.
Allesandro takes a deep breath, facing me squarely.
“I spoke to Keegan, Sarah, Hollis, and Tennant, before you came on board, about finding a way to help Emilio, as a stopgap measure. I had hoped, with you joining, that it wouldn’t be needed.
Unfortunately, given what happened to Stanley…
I don’t think that’s an option. He desperately needs help. ”
“And what, exactly, are you proposing?” I narrow my eyes, watching his every movement.
With a sigh, he runs his fingers through his hair, messing it up, which shocks me. The put-together man I expected isn’t who sits in front of me. Pursing his lips, his shoulders slump, and the emotion in his voice when he responds is barely leashed.
“First, I need to be honest with you. I’m sure you’re aware of how I used to run my Family.
What you may not be aware of is why there was a split.
There were other reasons, but in particular, I broke the rules when it comes to protecting my family.
I put Cristian above them. And, worse, I raped Emilio. ”
He pauses, but I don’t say anything. I have it all in my notes already, but I’m actually somewhat impressed that he’s admitting it.
“Anyway, to give you some background, they naturally split from the old regime and formed the Council. Emilio truly had blossomed. However, the kidnapping he went through…I don’t know all of the specifics, other than that the horror was far worse than anything I could possibly imagine.
“And, unfortunately, Emilio does not handle emotions well. He tends to internalize them, to blame himself for things that are not his burdens to bear. I say this because I have experience of it with him.”
“With Peter, correct?” I clarify, wanting to make sure I’m following. If he’s surprised to hear that I know about that situation, he doesn’t give any indication.
“Yes. He…fuck. With Peter, when he came back, he suffered from what Sarah and I believed to be PTSD. I urged him to get mental health treatment, but he resisted. Eventually, Sarah took me aside and basically told me to use some of the…uh…unconventional kink aspects of our relationship to help him open up. And that’s what we did. ”
“And you want to do that again?” I ask flatly, my face remaining impassive as I wait for his response.
Swallowing, he nods, his breathing shallow. I fight the need to destroy the man in front of me, yet it’s tempered by the fact I know Lio truly loves him, and it’s very clear he actually does love Lio. Something to study, certainly.
“I spoke to Emilio this morning. He explained the relief he received when he was killing Stanley, but that it was short-lived. His emotions turned flat…numb…after I calmed him down, before you gave him the sedative. I need him to let go of the guilt. That’s what is weighing him down.
And for him…that means using unorthodox methods, which, in the past, I have excelled at.
“However, I want to be clear that I will only do this under the supervision of either Tennant or Hollis. I’m not sure who would be best. Tennant is his Daddy, and while he hates me, I think he may be the better option, if we’re looking at it from there being any chance of confusion, since Hollis is Emilio’s Owner. ”
“And you’re alright with this? With their relationships?” Doubt colors my voice, but I can’t help it. This is not what I expected at all.
Allesandro gives a firm nod, but follows it with an audible, “Yes, absolutely. I support their relationships. They were there for him when I wasn’t.
Not only that but, Emilio, when he loves, he loves with his entire heart.
It’s why I want one of them there. I know that they are trustworthy because he loves them.
“I…I don’t trust myself anymore. I’m not sure if I ever will be able to again. Emilio wants me as his Master and, if Tennant gives his blessing, as his Papa Bear, and I will not fail that Boy again. Ever. Though, it would be far better if we take this in…steps.”
I rub my chin, thinking hard. He has a point that Lio needs something, especially as I’m unsure how long it’ll take to get the therapists on board, but fuck. This…this is trickier than I’d prefer. With a grimace, I finally give in.
“I’ll speak with Lio before making any decisions. If he feels this is the right move for him—if he truly trusts you—then I’ll give my consent, and I’ll speak to Hollis and Tennant to set things up. I’m assuming you can manage to set up a space on your own?”
“Yes, I can.” He stands, but hesitates before moving.
Drawing himself up straight, I see a small bit of the man I was expecting come through when he addresses me again.
“Javi, I want to make it clear that I know all about your hobby. If you ever need to take me out, just know, I won’t fight you.
But, if you ever lay a finger on Emilio, not even a deal with the Devil could save you.
I know I’m not the only person who is watching over Emilio now, but please know, I will personally end you before you hurt a hair on Emilio’s head. Do you understand?”
I choke back a laugh, especially as I eye his flour-stained shirt. “Your Boy is safe from me. I’m here to do my job—which is to put him back together again. As for you…for now, you’re safe. However, if you were to fuck up again, we wouldn’t be calling Luca. I’d be handling it personally.”
He holds out his hand to me, and I stare at it for a moment. Eventually, I stand and take it, accepting his firm grip. With a smile that shocks me, he says, “I’d count on you to do it. If I ever hurt him again, put me down, and do it without mercy.”
As soon as I release his hand, he disappears through the door, and I’m left wondering what the fuck is going on in the fucker’s mind.
I’ve come across some of the most insane minds, some of the most twisted, horrific, sadistic minds.
Yet, this? This is far more interesting than anyone else I’ve seen.
And here I thought he was going to be boring…
I grab a notebook and center myself, knowing I need to go hunting soon with the press of all these people’s emotions bearing down on me.
It’s getting a little too overwhelming. But first, I need to check in with Lio.
And then… Well, it’ll certainly be an interesting conversation with Hollis and Tennant.
I lock my office door, still not sure I trust anyone just yet. As far as I know, they haven’t gotten rid of all the potential moles. I wish them luck with that. Sadly, I don’t have time to delve in and help them. My responsibility is with my subjects.
It doesn’t take long to walk to Lio’s room. Knocking on the partially open door, I’m not surprised when Roman calls for me to enter. Those two…yet another interesting relationship. True soulmates. Pure. It proves that love truly has no barriers.
Entering, I offer them both a smile while standing at the foot of the bed. Roman watches me warily, and my heart sinks, knowing I’ve lost his trust. That’s going to be a pain, but right now, my attention has to be on Lio, who, thankfully, isn’t staring at me like he’d prefer to stick a knife in me.
“Good morning. How are you feeling?”
Lio shrugs and says, “I’m alright. It’s…hard, but I’ll get there.”
Clearing my throat, I gesture to the chair. “Do you mind if I sit so we can talk?”
“Of course,” he immediately responds. “You don’t have to ask before sitting.”
Jesus. Do they realize they still have such a sweet, innocent kid? Despite seeing him covered in blood, I’m amazed by his ability to just…accept me being there. Roman’s studious suspicion makes more sense than Emilio’s odd sweetness.
Sitting, I balance my notebook on my lap, but don’t open it.
“I’ll always ask. I want you to have that sense of boundary, and to know it’s always within your right to say “not now”.
First, a couple things. I know I already apologized to you about your privacy being invaded last time we spoke.
I need to talk to you again about something that’s rather delicate.
If you’d like Roman to stay, that’s perfectly fine, but I want to know it’s your choice. ”
“Roman stays. Definitely. There’s nothing I need to hide from him.”
I nod, not expecting anything different. “Alright, then, what I need to talk to you about is why Allesandro visited with me. He expressed some worry—”
“I didn’t mean to make him worry about me!” Emilio rushes to interrupt me, and I hold up a hand to hopefully stop him from spiraling.
“First of all, that is not on you. You cannot control other people’s emotions.
Second, the reason I’m bringing this to you is because Allesandro would like to do something that is…
slightly unorthodox.” I carefully keep my face blank, not wanting to do anything that will sway him.
He’s been emotionally manipulated too much in his life for me to add to that.
“What’s that?” Lio asks, but Roman reaches out and grips his hand, pursing his lips as he studies me. I’m not surprised that Roman likely knows what’s coming.
I briefly meet Roman’s eyes before turning my attention back to Lio, wanting to capture his full reaction. “He wants to use kink. In fact, he referenced using it in the past, the last time you were kidnapped.”
Lio shudders and his breathing speeds up. I stay still, not wanting to jump in before he has had a chance to bring himself under control. Roman, however, does not receive that memo.
“Oh, fuck no. There’s no way that asshole is coming near Lio like that.” Fine shudders rip through Roman, and my heart hurts for him, but this isn’t his call to make.
“Roman, this is Lio’s decision to make.” I say it as softly as I can, but his jaw drops and he rears back as if I hit him. He stares at Lio, who won’t meet his eyes, before his shoulders slump, and I think he may finally get it. Whether the others will… Fuck if I know.
“I…I really think it would help. I know that makes me fucked up.” Lio cringes, staring down, and Roman flushes, his eyes widening in what must be horror. I shake my head at him before I answer Lio, hoping he’ll stay quiet.
“No, it doesn’t. From my understanding, you’re submissive.
There is nothing wrong with that. And you struggle with emotions.
Many do. If kink helps you sort through the emotions that get too loud, that’s not a bad thing.
But I have to ask this…do you still trust him enough to engage in that type of relationship? ”
I send another warning look toward Roman, whose opinion is very obvious, and from the way he grits his teeth, it’s a struggle for him to keep it hidden. But this isn’t about Roman. Or even Allesandro. The only one who matters right now is Lio.
He raises his head and stares directly at me.
“Yes. Without any reservation at all. I don’t know how to explain it, as I’m sure you’ve already been made aware of what happened, but I know my Master.
What he did was evil, it was wrong, but he wasn’t himself.
He would never hurt me. We’ve come too far together, and what’s inside me, the twisted edges of me…
the blood that stains my hands? That part fits with him, and always has.
There are very few I trust, but yes, Master is one of them. ”
While Roman flinches at Lio’s response, it was as I expected. I won’t try to sway him either way. But, fuck. This is not going to be a fun conversation to have with Tennant or Hollis, but I can see that Lio truly does need this. And, unfortunately, Allesandro has the experience necessary.
“Thank you, Lio, for being honest with me. I’ll go ahead and give my approval then.
But, please, promise me that if you are at any point uncomfortable, you’ll speak up.
That’s not just for your sake, but for your Master’s too.
You’re right, he doesn’t want to hurt you, so please, I need you to promise that you’ll communicate. ”
Lio bites his lip as he watches me for a moment, before he inclines his head. “Yes, Sir, I promise.”
Ignoring the honorific, I stand and offer him my hand. His warm handshake certainly feels solid. There’s no tremor to it that would make me think he’s hiding anything.
“Very well. I’ll come speak with you again later. With you as well, Roman.”
Roman doesn’t respond, but Lio at least says goodbye to me before I leave the room.
Stepping out into the hallway, I mentally run through every curse word I can think of, because this is not going to be an easy sell.
But the truth is…Allesandro may actually be right.
Fuck if that won’t be fun to explain to Lio’s Owner and to his Daddy.
Fuck. I hope I live through this. Maybe I should send Ely at least one more text, just in case I don’t make it out…