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"Calm yourself, Ryder," Father replies, motioning for me to sit down as he pours us both some grappa. I groan, already knowing what this means. It's another day that Giordani goes unpunished.
Despite our best efforts we haven't managed to find the bastard, and he remains on the run as we struggle to find his hiding place. After a few clues that led nowhere, I'm getting fucking paranoid and starting to think we'll never find the prick who almost cost me my son. But once again, Father assures me he's doing everything in his power to bring Giordani to his knees. And yet a part of me refuses to believe him.
"He remains a thorn in our side," Father finishes with a grunt. "One we'll eventually dispose of, once we manage to pin him down. The man is damn elusive, and we haven't been able to pinpoint his location yet."
"Keep trying," I insist. "We need him gone."
"Of course," Father nods gravely. "Until then, though, you and your family are safe."
I nod, knowing he's right. Father has sent several security guards to our new home to ensure we all stay safe, and I've even thought about giving Aurora some basic gun training after the baby is born. I know it would make her feel safer to know she can protect herself if need be, and I'd rest easier knowing she could save herself, too.
"What have you found out about Giordani?" I ask Father next.
He shrugs, "He's a collector. Art, women. Anything that he deems beautiful enough to keep. His women speak highly of him, which I don't understand. What did Aurora say?"
"That he was a sociopath," I mutter with disgust, remembering Aurora's words.
"I can see it, but if he is, he's playing a damn good game," Father mutters. "All those women believe him. He's got them wrapped right around his little finger."
"Eventually he'll have to pay." Father nods before another coughing fit takes over him. This time, he doesn't manage to hide the blood on the handkerchief he covers his mouth with. "Father. When were you planning on telling me that you were sick?"
"You noticed?" He chuckles and coughs again. "I suppose it's getting harder and harder to hide by the day."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No," he shakes his head firmly. "At least not right now. For now, I'm delighted to know you and your wife, along with the baby, are happy. I cannot wait for the child to be born."
"Me neither," I grin. I thought it would take more time for me to come to terms with being a father, but truth be told, I'm excited about bringing another life into the world. "We'll have to make sure we don't spoil him too much. I already know he'll be so loved."
"Certainly," Father nods before he coughs again.
"This worries me, Father," I say.
He shrugs. "There's nothing to be done, Ryder."
"Have you seen a doctor?"
"Many, and they all gave me the same diagnosis. I could be gone any day now," he mutters. "But I fully intend on enjoying my time I have left here and seeing my sons settle down. Now that you and Adrian are happily married, I can finally relax a little... Though I remain worried about your other brothers."
I nod, not wanting to interrupt him, and after a long pause, Father goes on.
"Julian is a rebel, but we always knew that. Cillian... he's a tough nut to crack and I don't know whether I'll ever see him truly happy. And as for Santino, well, he seems to put his happiness last. He's so entrenched in our business, I sometimes wonder whether he forgets about himself."
I nod again, hoping for Father's sake he'll be here to see all his sons marry and have the heirs we all desire. But I also know he's right – my three brothers are willful, and getting them to settle down will be no easy feat.
Father heaves a sigh before we both get up. We've rarely embraced, so I'm surprised when he pulls me in and claps me on the back. "I'm grateful for you, Ryder. And I'm very happy to let you go now that you've found happiness. Know you're always welcome here, and I will do everything in my power to keep you and your new family safe."
"Thank you," I grin.
We walk outside together and find Aurora playing with the other three cats. We took Tiger to our new home where he's already causing mischief, but the other three remained here, since they'd settled in so nicely. Plus, it's a good excuse for us to come and visit. I know Aurora loves it here.
She walks up to us, hand resting on her belly as she smiles at Father, curtsying politely. "Signore Bernardi."
"How many times do I have to tell you?" Father grins. "You can call me Father now, too."
