Page 25 of Promising Her Forever

“The property is on full lockdown. No one leaves without permission. We have Celestino, Sebastiano, Area and Kostas putting signs up at the bakery, cafe, coffee shop and theboutique. They’ll be closed until we find Playboy. Or at least until we can get the upgrades done.” Panagiotis tells everyone.

“How can I help?” I ask.

“You need to keep your girl safe. And talk to her about the families. We’ve also decided that you can tell Daphne too. But she also needs to know the rules if she decides to leave.”

“Thank you, I’ll make sure they both understand.”

The council closes the meeting, Enea and Antonio head to the hospital while the others stay back to get the rest of the lock down in order. I head home to talk to Riley. I’d rather get this over with now.

“How is Fiorella?” Riley asks as I step through the front door.

“She’s in surgery. They’ll call us as soon as there’s news.”

“Can we go to the hospital?”

“We can, but first I need to talk to you and Daphne.”

They both come and sit with me in the living room.

“I need to tell you both something. But this something comes with rules.”

“Rules?” Daphne frowns.

“Yes.”

Riley smacks Daphne.

“You know you can trust us. This is our town now, our family.” She says as Daphne nods.

“Since you’re both from Chicago, you’ve heard of the Chicago Mafia, right?”

They both nod.

“Don’t tell me you know them too…” Daphne says as she stares at me.

“You know them too. The Mancini family? They’re the Chicago Mafia. Enea is the boss. As for my Zio? He’s the president of the Cimaruta MC. I know the rumors about both families. But they’re good peole. And they’ve been working on making things better.”

“What are the rules you’re talking about?”

“Even though people know about the families, we don’t talk about it to outsiders. I had to get permission before telling you both.”

“So you’re serious? We’re talking mafia and MC like the kind you hear about in the news? They’re criminals?” Daphne asks.

“They’re not criminals.” I frown. “You’ve met them.”

Daphne opens her mouth and then shuts it again after Riley looks at her.

“They’re family, Daph. No matter what they’ve done or will do. We have their backs, because I know in my heart that they have ours. But why do I feel like there’s more?” Riley says to me.

Oliver starts chuckling.

“You laugh at the weirdest times.” Riley says to him.

“Well, the other part involves Oliver. But that’s one I need to tell you when you can see what I mean. If I were to tell you, you won’t believe me.”

“Try us.”

“The Athanasious and Nikolaidis’ are shifters.”