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I stand as well. We’re about the same height, and I meet my brother’s gaze. The brother that was always favored by our father no matter how hard I tried, all because he was born first. And the worst part is I still love him and think he’s a fair and honest Don, and if I weren’t head over heels for Molly, I might actually do this for him.
But there are new lines.
“I won’t do it,” I say, turning away. I walk to the door.
“Two days to change your mind,” he says as I leave, but he doesn’t say what will happen if I still refuse.
Chapter 23
Molly
I’m humming to myself as I prepare dinner. I’m in jeans and a low-cut tank top. Normally, I like to wear something a little more comfortable around the house, but I noticed the way Saul looks at my ass when I’m in tight stuff like this and I keep thinking about those pictures we exchanged. I want his gaze on me; I want him to need me. I’ve been anticipating him all day like a sweetness on my tongue.
When he finally comes home, I’m nearly finished cooking. Flattened chicken breaded and baked on top of an arugula salad with a squeeze of lemon and lots of fresh Parmesan cheese. Simple, but fantastic.
“You’re home,” I say, beaming at him, but my smile slips as he comes into the kitchen.
Saul looks exhausted. His body’s etched with tension. I can feel his mood from across the room, and even though he manages a weak smile, he looks like crap.
“I’m home,” he echoes.
I walk over to him, not thinking. My first instinct isn’t to run away and hide like it might have been a few weeks ago. No, now all I want to do is comfort him.
“What’s wrong?” I press my hands on his chest and get on my toes. His hands hold my hips as we kiss very softly. His breath is warm on my lips and a shiver runs down my spine. When I pull back, his smile is more genuine.
“Had one hell of a day.”
“Tell me about it.”
“I will. Do you mind if I drink?”
“You’d better since you’re drinking for two.”
He laughs and kisses me again. Some of his tension fades, and a spark of pride lights in my belly. This is a man who’s used to dealing with shit on his own, but I’m still able to lighten his load a little bit. Just seeing me and kissing me helps. That’s a nice ego boost.
I pour him some wine and he talks as I finish plating. He tells me about Carlo capturing three dealers during a raid, and I freeze when he mentions one of their names. My mouth opens in shock, a plate held between my hands.
Saul takes it from me before I drop it.
“Yeah, it was him,” he says softly, steering me to the table. He sits me down and finishes putting the food out.
But suddenly, I’m not hungry. “Oh, god,” I whisper. “They got Barry? What happened to him?”
“He’s alive. Don’t worry.” Saul sits across from me and isn’t eating either. “It’s a long story, but I let him go.”
“You did what?” My jaw drops in surprise.
He tells me the rest, and when he’s finished, I’m shaking my head, blinking back tears. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
“He’s your cousin. I couldn’t exactly leave him there to die.”
“But you could have. I’m not close with him. And I mean?—”
“Molly. Baby. Did you want me to kill your cousin because that’s more convenient for me?”
“No,” I say, shoulders slumping. “Of course not. I’m happy you saved him.”
He reaches across the table and touches my hand. “I love you. I meant it when I said it and I still mean it. I told you I’d take care of your family, and I’m going to take care of them. Even if that means bending some rules.”
