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She cocked her head. “Do you think I was born yesterday? I know that. I’m well versed in organized crime.”
“And why would that be?”
“Just an interest. My parents used to live outside of New York when I was younger. There were always unexplained murders attributed to some mafia family or another. I’ve also seen the violence on television, just like you have. You can’t do this alone. They have armies surrounding them, soldiers who have no issue killing anyone who gets in their way. You need to go to the police.”
“And say what exactly? I haven’t seen the police report from my brother’s accident. Until I do, I can’t say shit. I do know he owned money to the organization and that placed a target on his back. That’s not like my brother.” I hated telling her the truth, but if I didn’t, she’d search until someone in the Azzurri organization knew she was hunting.
“People change.”
“Not Galen. He was the squeaky-clean kid while I was the delinquent.”
“You think his involvement is why there’s been so much cash flowing through the business.”
I leaned back, taking a deep breath as I watched Lily again, trying to collect my thoughts. “What I think doesn’t really matter. Except I’m not continuing with those contracts. I don’t give a shit how lucrative they are. Even if it means cutting staff, I’m not going into this shit with a target on my back. Been there, done that.”
“Hmm… With the Silent Kings?”
I gripped her chin, narrowing my eyes. “What did I tell you about asking questions you ain’t gonna like the answers to?”
“I’m a big girl. I can handle just about anything.”
“I already told you the shit I did was just as bad as what I’m thinking happened with Galen, but I intend on following a different path. However, in order to do that, I need to take care of some loose ends. The last thing I need is to have a fucking mafia breathing down my neck.”
“I do understand what you’re saying, and I think taking a different path is admirable, except ruthless criminals won’t allow you to just leave their organization.”
“I was never involved. My brother was.”
“Guilt by association. Blood is blood.”
I shook my head. The woman had an opinion on everything, but she was right. “Let me worry about it.”
She pulled from my hold, looking away but I could see the furrowed expression on her face. “I like you, Savage. I’m not entirely certain why, but I do. Maybe too much. When I came here, it was all about the job. Then the night you made hamburgers and were just a guy trying to please a little girl, I watched a hard man who’d lived a tough life change before my eyes. That’s the man I want to spend time with. That’s the man who is stronger than any hero, someone who wants to do the right thing. But I’m smart enough to know the demons inside are never going to allow you to do that unless you ask for help.”
“I wasn’t just trying to please one little girl, Harlow. I enjoy spending time with you, but right now, that’s dangerous. I don’t want you hurt.”
“What did I just tell you? I’m not going anywhere, and I’m not easily intimidated. Besides, I have a feeling you can protect me.”
I could and I would, but I doubted she’d appreciate the methods I might be forced to use. “You’re not going to do anything stupid.”
“Who, me?” she teased, laughing softly until I fisted her hair, yanking her close all over again.
“Yeah, you. You like sticking your nose in other people’s business.”
“It’s an art form,” she purred. “So, are you going to kiss me, big man?”
“That will come later. I might need to remind you that you’re required to follow my orders as well.”
Her laugh invoked a wave of desire, enough so I was almost blinded by need.
Then something caught my eye. I allowed my gaze to drift toward the other side of the small parking lot. It was Vegas, people used to the excessive heat, tearing off their suits and ties, men and women shifting to more casual clothing whenever possible. The man standing in front of a black BMW was wearing a dark suit and white shirt, his sunglasses reflecting the waning afternoon sun. The windows of the vehicle were blacked out, and I doubted it had anything to do with the sun.
My instincts kicked in and I bristled, enough so Harlow noticed.
“What’s wrong?”
“Go to Lily. Do not leave her side.”
She tried to follow my gaze, but I held her in place. “Look at me, Harlow. I need you to do this for me. Act as if nothing is wrong, but if anyone approaches you, grab Lily and Princess immediately. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
