AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Why?” I hadn’t seen this level of concern in his eyes since the night Joey had been killed. The man had literally tackled me to the ground to keep me from doing something stupid. What he and my other buddies had experienced in trying to keep me out of jail and from slaughtering the assholes responsible had been horrific and admirable.
“Because I was certain you were going to put a bullet in your brain and I was determined to keep that from happening. Because I care about you.”
Fuck. I hadn’t realized I’d seemed that bad off. “I don’t know what to say.”
“That girl saved your life. After that, you had hope again. Why you pushed her away I can’t understand entirely but the reason she’s back into your life is because you wished and prayed for it to be true. Yes?”
The man could see right through me every damn time. Half laughing, I nodded. “Yeah, maybe.”
He patted my arm, glancing to the side. “I’ll help you to a point, Fran, but if you screw this up, we will no longer be friends. That girl is in love with you. I’m certain of it. But she also refuses to allow herself to be hurt. Again. I won’t allow that to happen either. Do you hear me?”
I glanced toward the confessionals and sighed. “Loud and clear, my friend.”
“Then stay here and out of sight or you’ll spook her. Can you do that?”
“You know how I am.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” After giving me a hard look, he walked away, heading for the confessional boxes.
I hung my head, rubbing my scruffy jaw as I tried to figure out what I could say to the beautiful creature other than I was sorry for my atrocious behavior.
Dom’s words had affected me more than he would likely realize. He’d been a friend even when I hadn’t been able to stand myself. The man was as close to being pure and holy as anyone I’d ever met.
Only Max and my sister came close.
A smile curled across my face and I moved out of view, trying to keep from feeling anxious and excited. A man like me didn’t deserve a second chance. That was in the rule book somewhere for monsters and bad men. I was more than a bit of both.
I yanked out my phone, my patience already wearing thin. Fortunately, Maxwell picked up on the second ring.
“Francesco. I’m surprised. Is everything okay?” Max asked, the concern in his voice obvious.
“I need to talk with you in the morning. There have been some developments you need to know about.”
“I’m more than curious since I just noticed a message from our beloved mayor.”
I laughed softly. “That’s part of it. I have a plan, one you’re not going to like, but I will explain.”
“Then I’ll make time. Why don’t you come to the office?”
“I will.”
“Incidentally, a threat was made.”
“What?” I bristled. “Against the family?”
“Yes.”
Fuck. I was going to kill the Bianchis with my bare hands. “Then I’ll send some soldiers.”
“Don’t worry. We’re safe. It was a shot across the bow.”
“Alright. But this will end, Max. And this time, I want to do it my way.”
“I trust you, Francesco. You’re coming into your own.”
I ended the call, bringing the phone to my head. I refused to place her life in danger, but I had to talk with her. I needed to convince her that I would never allow her to be placed in harm’s way.
And that I loved her.
