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His phone vibrates against the kitchen counter, and he groans, annoyed by the interruption.
“Antonio speaking,” he says in his deep voice. The phone is on speaker, so I can hear everything.
This gesture on his part shows his trust in me and that he has nothing to hide from me anymore, and I'm grateful for it.
“Antonio, it’s Arton. I have something I have to tell you. The men have been looking into everything to find out who was responsible for Kalo’s death. It is difficult for me - I just - uh."
“It was my father. You already know that my father and I have not seen eye to eye for a long time now. He was fighting against Massimo, and now he is fighting against you. He does not act in the best interest of the family–only in his own interest. He is still my father, but it is not my prerogative to look out for him any longer. I have been dealing with his ego and cruelty for far too long.”
Arton pauses, and I study his expression. There is a determination in his eyes, one of a man who is taking steps to stand up for himself, for what he wants, and for the family’s overall progression and harmony.
“Lucas took Kalo? He planned the whole thing? You are sure of this?”
“Yeh. I hope you know I was in no way involved. I wanted to be the one to pass on the information to you, just to make sure that you understood that.”
“I understand that. I appreciate you telling me. You understand I can’t let this go?”
“I do. I wouldn’t expect you to.”
He hangs up the phone, the muscles of his jaw flexing as anger runs through his veins. I can see it in his eyes, the need for revenge, the deep-seated hatred and fury.
“I'm going to kill him.”
“So, it was your uncle, as you had suspected?”
“Yes, it was."
I step behind him and wrap my arms around his waist; I lean my cheek against his back. “Let them know they can’t get away with this. Show them you are not a man to be messed with.”
“And that is what I'lldo.”
He turns to face me. I still have my arms looped around him. He lifts my face toward his with his hand under my chin. “But for now, I'm going to have breakfast with the most beautiful woman in the world. Lucas is not going anywhere, and now that I knowwho is responsible, it is just a case of bringing my forces together into a plan of action.”
“Antonio, if you need to skip breakfast, I understand. This is something that is very important to you.” I stare into his eyes, knowing what the need for revenge feels like. I can’t imagine how he could sit here and enjoy time with me when that is on his mind.
“My little bird, you are the most important thing to me, and yes, I'llhave my revenge at the right time, with the right plan in place. But right now, I'm here with you, and I value that more than you might understand. You are my peace in this chaos. And I need that peace.”
I stand up on my tiptoes to press my lips against his, letting my tongue slip inside his mouth so that I can taste him.
Outside on the balcony, Antonio and I sit close together, with our legs touching beneath the table. We eat together, but he is quiet and pensive. Thoughtful and focused. His hand is on my thigh, and he is rubbing his fingers over my skin as though it is soothing his thoughts and helping him think.
I love being near him like this. I love he needs me and that somehow, in even the smallest way, I can help him just by being there.
When we are finished eating, he stands up.
“I'm going to get going soon, little bird.”
“Alright, will you stay in touch today, to let me know you are alright?”
“I will, whenever I can.”
I stand up as well, gathering our plates and empty coffee mugs. “I think I'm going to see my father. I have been thinking about it, and I want to get to know him, you know - just build some kind of connection with him. I don’t even know if it is possible; after everything, I'm still processing it all, but I want to try.”
He turns to face me with narrowed eyes, tainted with a brooding darkness. “Little bird, what I have to do today is going to be dangerous. I don't know what is going to happen, but it is not something to be taken. I would prefer it if you did not leave the hotel until I get back. I just don’t want to be worrying about you while I sort this out. Please, will you stay here? You can see your father tomorrow.”
The look in his eyes tells me he is asking, but he won’t take no for an answer, and I understand why.
“Yes, it can wait. I don’t want to be a distraction for you.”
