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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
LEONARDO
As I glance over at Bea holding Sofia, I feel a strange sense of responsibility for this woman. She’s here for her son, fighting. I know Bea would be doing the same in her position.
“I’ll give you my protection,” I offer.
“Thank you, I just want to keep my son safe. I hope you understand that.” She’s suddenly lost all her fight and looks like the broken woman she is. “If I knew where the baby was, I would tell you. I honestly don’t.”
“Where is your son now?” I question, wanting to wrap this up quick.
“My girlfriend is waiting with him downstairs.” She chews on her nail under my gaze.
“And do you expect me to offer her protection as well?”
She looks sheepish as she glances to the floor. “I don’t want to leave her. I… we’ve been together for twelve years. Please don’t make her lose her son because of my sister’s mistakes.” She looks up and pleads with her eyes.
I step back into the lounge and pull out my phone.
“Sam, I need you to come to Alessandro’s and collect two women and a child.”
“What do you want me to do with them?” Sam questions.
“I need you to lose anyone tailing them and then take them to our safe house and stay with them until I can get their new documentation.”
“I’m just finishing up on a case, I’ll be with you within the hour, traffic depending.”
I hang up and shoot Jake a message to meet me at the office.
“Have Sergio collect her son and partner, Alessandro. Sam will be here within the hour.” Alessandro nods and pulls out his phone as I turn to the woman in front of me.
“You can’t go home. If you want my protection, your new life begins now. You can’t have contact with anyone else. We’ll take care of any property or jobs you have.”
“What about money? How are we supposed to survive?” she sobs as she looks between me and glares over at Alessandro.
“You’ll be well provided for. I will make sure you have more than you do now. Whatever jobs you have, I will make sure you have the equivalent. The choice is yours. Take my protection or leave and you’re on your own.” I turn my back on her as I head over toward Bea and Sofia.
I take Bea in my arms and inhale the sweet scent of her citrusy perfume. Bea looks up into my eyes and I seek refuge in them. Her beautiful golden eyes sparkle which I momentarily get lost in.
This whole situation is so fucked up, Alessandro’s lucky he’s like a brother to me. Any other man I would have slaughtered for the shit he’s brought to our door.
I take Bea’s chin between my thumb and forefinger, “I’ve called Carlo to take you girls home,uccellino.” I lean down and place a chaste kiss to her silky soft lips.
“Will you be home tonight? It’s your mom’s event tomorrow.” She pouts her lush mouth.
“I will keep you posted,” is all I offer her as I stroke her cheek.
Carlo arrives at Alessandro’s door. I lean down to whisper in Bea’s ear after I kiss Sofia on the head. “I love you,uccellino.”
“I love you too.” She steals a kiss before she heads over toward Carlo who’s waiting with Sofia’s car seat.
Once my girls leave, Max takes Nell back to his apartment when Sam arrives to collect Jackie and her family, leaving only myself, Alessandro, and Carmella in their apartment.
“I’m meeting Jake at the office to sort through any leads. I’ll let you know if we find anything. Make sure Sergio stays at Max’s again tonight.” I order.
I nod at Alessandro as I make my way through their now empty foyer.
“I should go with you.” Alessandro follows me to the door.
