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I swallow, feeling my pulse quicken. “I, uh, didn’t realize you had people who answered to you.”
“That’s because I never told you.”
“Theo...” I suck in a breath and take a swig of scotch to steady myself. “What exactly do you do for the Emmerico family? I mean,reallydo—when you’re not here, playing glorified babysitter to me.”
Theo straightens up, crossing his arms. “I’m Victor Emmerico’s oldest son,” he says. “He’s the face of our organization, but he doesn’t run it. Not like he used to.”
“Are you saying…?”
“I manage the business,” Theo explains. “I help maintain our hierarchy. I oversee our day-to-day operations. I strategize, and I make sure that the right people make the right decisions. Nothing gets to my dad without going through me first.”
I laugh nervously. “You make it sound like you’re the one in charge.”
“In a way, I am,” Theo says. “I’m not really the one who does the planning, though. That’s my father. And when he’s ready to retire, I’ll be assuming the role of head of the syndicate.” He takes a sip of scotch, his eyes on me. “You seem surprised.”
“I am,” I say. “So all that time you were working your way back to the top, that was all so you could take over for your father?”
Theo nods. “Don’t get me wrong, he’s not about to cut and run with this alliance so in flux. But he’s not getting any younger, and new blood is badly needed. The syndicate needs to be in tune with the times. We can’t afford to attract the attention of law enforcement, and we also need to diversify our operations.” He grins. “And I can be a pretty damn good manager, when I want to be.”
“So where does Lucas fit into all this?” I ask, still reeling from the realization that I’ve been living with the future head of the Emmerico family.
Theo presses his lips together at the mention of his brother, and I don’t miss the way his eyes dart briefly to my wedding ring. “Lucas is an enforcer,” he says after a heavy pause.
A surge of fear washes over me. “Like a hitman?”
“Among other things.” Theo nods. “He’s our muscle—partof our muscle, anyway. Someone doesn’t want to repay a debt? Lucas pays them a visit. Someone falls out of favor, or tries to double-cross us? Lucas takes care of it.”
“He does the dirty work?” Lucas’s ever-extending “business trip” comes to mind.
Theo sighs. It’s obvious this is a touchy subject for him. “He was always the more... heavy-handed of the two of us,” he says. “Shit, that’s the understatement of the century.Aggressiveis the right word. He’s... well-respected, in certain circles. But he’s also well-known for being ruthless.” He looks away. “I’ve always preferred a more delicate touch.”
“But you’ve done bad things, too,” I breathe.
“Everyone in this family has done bad things, kid,” Theo reminds me. “We’re all sinners, after all.”
“And I’m married to one of you,” I say, dropping my gaze to the kitchen counter.
“Believe me, kid,” Theo says, his tone gruff, “I haven’t forgotten.” There’s no mistaking the desire on his face as he moves around the island to me, and I can’t help the shiver that runs down my back. His eyes lock on mine, and I’m paralyzed, frozen with longing as he reaches up to brush his thumb across my cheek. I close my eyes, savoring the warmth of his hand as it moves over my skin, but it’s not enough. The feeling of his touch lingers, and I’m left wanting more, ready to come undone, until…
My cell phone’s shrill ringtone practically makes me jump into the air, and I only just manage to grab it before it goes to voicemail. I’m half-expecting a call from Craig—if there’s one thing that sets him apart, it’s how demanding he is—but I don’t get off that easily.
“Vivian.” Lucas is on the other end of the line, his voice tight and tense, and I can practicallyhearhim fuming. “Where the hell have you been?”
“Huh?” I shake my head to clear it. “What do you mean?”
“Are you even listening to me?” Lucas demands. “Where. The. Hell. Have. You. Been?”
“What are you talking about?” I protest. “I just got home.”
“From where?” Lucas demands. “Where have you been all day?”
“Jeez, what’s this about?” I ask, anxiety creeping up my spine. “You’re acting like I’ve done something wrong.”
“I’m not acting,” Lucas snaps. “I’ve called you three fucking times today. Threefuckingtimes! Jasper says he saw you go out this morning, and you haven’t been back since.”
“Who the hell is Jasper?” I demand, my voice rising. By now, Theo is walking up behind me, listening intently. I can feel the heat that’s radiating off him, just like I can feel the way his eyes are trained on me. Wordlessly, I put the call on speaker, as much for peace of mind as to be polite.
“Jasper is my eyes and ears while I’m away,” Lucas barks. “Not that that’s any of your concern.”
