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14
Lucien
Later that day, I met my Aunt Sabrina for lunch. I tried to focus on our conversation, but I was concerned about the information Vinnie had given me, but what really weighed on my mind was Angelo’s insistence I question Peter’s loyalty.
By the time we’d finished eating, I could tell Sabrina was annoyed with me. She pursed her lips in a pout that typically made men fall all over themselves to do anything to make her happy again. “You’re not your usual charming self today, Lucien.”
I sighed. “I’ve got a lot on my mind.”
“It’s Peter, isn’t it?”
I almost denied it, but Sabrina had a way of seeing through me.
“Peter is one factor.”
“I like him. He’s good for you. But that worries you, doesn’t it?”
“How do I know whether to trust my instincts?”
She frowned. “Are you saying the all-powerful Lucien Marchesi is doubting himself?”
“You’re testing my resolve to be mannerly.”
A laugh burst from her that had several people looking our way. “Lucien, it’s so easy to tell you have strong feelings for him. Don’t let that frighten you.”
“Sabrina, do you honestly think I’m afraid of a boy like Peter?”
She narrowed her eyes, and I knew she saw through my act. “You’re afraid of your heart.”
I felt lightheaded and more frightened under her piercing gaze than I would’ve been facing any of our family’s enemies. I understood the men I usually went up against. They were bent on revenge, power-hungry, but what Sabrina was talking about… I didn’t have time for that in my life.
“You’re wrong, Sabrina. He’s attractive and obedient. That’s why I’m keeping him around.”
“I haven’t known you to move any other attractive, obedient men into our family’s home.”
“Maybe I haven’t found any that suited me as well as him.”
“Of course you haven’t, Lucien. They’ve all bored you after a night or two, but Peter—”
“Peter is very talented.”
She sniffed. “The boy’s an innocent. You’ve had more talented men than him, and I’m sure I could find you half a dozen right now.”
She was wrong. He might be more innocent than any of the other men I’d been with, but his submission was completely natural. His skills were innate. “This conversation is over.”
“No. You need to talk about Peter with someone, and I know you’re not going to talk to Angelo or Devil.” I started to protest, but she held up a hand. “I don’t blame you, but I want you to know I’m here.”
I sighed. I knew she meant well. “Thank you. Angelo thinks Peter might be passing information about our family to his cousin or even the Riccis. He doesn’t trust him, and I doubt Devil does either.”
“Angelo might be jealous.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“You’ve never been with a man you’ve actually cared about. Maybe Angelo doesn’t want anyone else competing for his brother’s affection.”
“No way. Angelo can’t think anything would be different because I care about—” I froze, and she gave me a very satisfied smile.
“It’s okay to admit you care about Peter, but think about it. Angelo might think your loyalty will shift, that you’ll put Peter first, especially if he thinks you’re in lo—”
“I’m not. I promised to protect Peter. I care about his safety. That’s all.”
“Keep telling yourself that, for now, but eventually, you’ll have to figure out if you care enough to keep him, and if not, you’ll have to let him go.”
“I’m sure we’ll tire of each other before long. I’ll find him a job elsewhere and send him on his way.”
“How much of a choice would you give him in that?”
“I gave him a choice to stay with me or leave, knowing I’d see to his safety for as long as it was necessary. He chose to stay. When he did, he put himself under my control.”
Sabrina shook her head. “God help him.”
“God and the Holy Mother are probably the only ones who can.”
She laid a hand over mine. “Do right by him.”
I took a long breath. “I’ll try.”
I kept replaying my conversation with Sabrina as I made my way back to my office. I didn’t want to feel anything deeper than lust for Peter. I’d never wanted to fall in love, not when I knew the pain it could cause. I’d seen what my mother’s passing had done to my father, and I would do anything to avoid that hell. But I also knew I had no intention of letting Peter go, even when I feared my feelings for him were growing far too serious.
15
Peter
Lucien had to be out of town again that night, so after work, I went to visit Uncle Mac. When I arrived, I was shocked to see Jimmy sitting at the bar. He was talking to a woman I didn’t recognize. As I made my way through the crowd, she rose from her stool, and several men’s eyes followed her as she headed for the side exit. Jimmy made no move to leave, so I made my way over to him. “Where the hell have you been?”
