AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Argh, are you always this infuriating?” Is this really what it’s like to have a brother? If so, I want a goddamn refund.
“Probably.”
Clearly, I’m not going to get through to Theo. He doesn’t think I’m capable of living my own life and making my own decisions. So I go for honesty instead. “I think I actually like him, you know. Am I not good enough for your friend? Is it because I have a kid? Because I come with baggage? What is it?”
“No, it’s because he’s not good enough for you. For Isabella,” he says.
“Why? What makes him so bad? And if he really is that awful, why is he here so freely? Walking throughyourhouse, hanging aroundyourwife, your family?” At this point, I’m not even sure why I’m bothering to argue about this. I know nothing serious will ever happen between Neo and me, but I’ve never liked being told I couldn’t have something I wanted. And boy, do I want him.
T shakes his head. “I don’t know. He’s a good man, loyal as fuck, and I know he’d lay down his life for anyone in this family. But really, Angelica? Could you not just go find yourself some accountant or something?”
“Yeah, I could see that going down real well when it came time to meet the families.” I laugh at the thought.
“I don’t want to see you get hurt. And I don’t want to have to shoot my best friend because he’s the one who hurt you.” T looks up from the stovetop. The honesty I see reflected in his eyes is strange. I’m not used to having people care about me, people other than my father and Izzy.
“Why do you think he’d hurt me?”
“I’ve never known Neo to have a steady girl. He’s never been interested in relationships. He can also be a little… unpredictable. He’s a made man, Angelica. And I also have my niece to consider.”
“So, he’s like you? Like Papa?” I question with raised brows.
“Yes.”
“Well, I may not know you very well yet. But I’ve seen how you treat Holly, and I’ve seen how you treat women in general. And I know my dad would never hurt a woman on purpose. I don’t consider that a bad trait in a partner.”
T stares directly into my eyes, like he can see into my soul. I’m not sure what it is he observes, but it’s definitely something he doesn’t like. “This wasn’t the first time, was it?” he asks.
“No,” I answer honestly.
“When? How many times?”
“It doesn’t matter. What matters is I need you to not make this difficult for me.”
“Fucking hell, why? Seriously, what the fuck have I done wrong in my life for this to happen?” he curses.
“Did you ever think that this actually has nothing to do with you? Whatever Neo and I choose to do, or not do, is on us. Not you.”
Holly walks back into the room. “I agree. You need to leave them alone, Theo.”
“You’re supposed to be on my side here, dolcezza.” T pouts.
“I am. Always. Which is why I’m telling you that, unless you want to lose them both, you need to stay out of it. You can’t control everyone, T.”
“Well fuck, Holly, why do you have to be right all the fucking time?” he asks her.
“Because I’m always right?” She shrugs as if the answer is obvious.
“Mmm, sure. Sit down. These burgers won’t take long.” Then my brother turns back to me. “Where’s Isabella?”
“She’s with Papa. He took her out riding somewhere.”
“Riding what?” he asks.
“Ponies.” I don’t wait for his reply as I walk out of the kitchen. I need to get out of this house. I need to stick to my plan. I need to find the fucking rat hiding within my brother’s organization. And this feeling, and getting caught up in family drama, is not part of any of it.
Chapter Seven
Why is it so fucking cold in here all the time? I swear T keeps it that way on purpose. The crazy fucker. I’m sitting on the floor. In his basement. Usually, when I’m down here, it’s to have a little fun. To enjoy watching others bleed. But this time, it’ll be my own blood that spills.
