Page 142 of Duty

Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

Wasn’t that how the saying went?

It wasn’t even the idea of being the boss that bothered him as much as it was the way these people wanted to concern themselves with how he became the boss, or how he chose to be the boss.

Andino cared nothing for that.

At all.

“You’re looking lonely over here,” his mother said as she slid in beside him. “And not talking to anyone, either. That’s not like you.”

God, he loved his ma.

He wished she wasn’t so fucking observant, though.

“What’s wrong, Andi?” Kim asked.

He gave her one of his most charming smiles—hoping it would do the trick, and divert her attention. “Nothing, Ma.”

“Mmhmm. Try again.”

Jesus.

Andino tipped his glass up, and polished off a good mouthful of the red wine. It gave him a couple extra seconds to think up some excuse as to why he was off on his own in a party full of people who usually adored him just because of who he was. “People watching, Ma.”

Kim rolled her eyes. “Well, that’s boring. And you’re still lying.”

She knew him too well.

“Thinking, Ma. That’s all.”

Kim glanced down, and swirled the wine in her glass before quietly asking, “Is this because of a certain young woman?”

Andino smirked. “We shouldn’t talk about that—her—Ma.”

“Why not?”

“You know why not.”

Kim smiled sweetly, and arched a brow in challenge when she met Andino’s stare once more. “Did you know I was engaged when I met your father—and not to Gio, I might add.”

Andino cleared his throat. “I have heard the stories.”

“I do know what it’s like to go against the grain in this life, Andino. I know the consequences, and how hard it is to come out on top after it’s all said and done.”

“Ma, I have enough people telling me what I can and can’t do with my life at the moment. Please, don’t be another voice in that chorus.”

Kim laughed softly. “Is that what you think I’m doing?”

“I know that’s what you’re about to do, actually.”

“How so?”

Andino shook his head. “You know the rules—Dante put me where he did, and I have to follow along with his expectations regarding my personal life as to not be challenged after I take the seat. And … you did run to Dad the second you found Haven in my home. So, please, you’ve done enough. I don’t need to hear your voice added to the chorus of control in my life, too.”

“You’re wrong,” Kim said quickly, “but I suppose that’s partly my fault since I didn’t explain anything different to you, and you’re left to make assumptions.”

“Pardon?”