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"There is nothing my father can tell me that will cast you from my home. You know everything I have done, and I can imagine you haven't done anything worse." Knox's comfort for Nico has me cold with jealousy
"It is not what I do. It is who I am. Or who I may be." Nico isn't making any sense but at least it's English, and he doesn't seem to mind the water.
"If you fear my father's words more than the water, I think we should hear them." Knox gives him the encouragement he needs to face his demons and move on to whatever future he wants. If he wants to stay, I'll be more than happy, but this morning's revelation is more about realising that isn't what he wants. "We tackle our fears head on in this family."
"Do you promise to stay with me?" Nico's body shakes so much, the water ripples around him.
"Neither of us will leave you, Nico," I promise.
Chapter fifty-two
Nico
Walkingintotheroomwhere Edward is sitting is harder than throwing myself into the pool.
The pool was easy; it was warm and open, nothing like the bathroom of torture.
Mentally, I've already packed up to leave. I'm looking forward to getting back to my camp. Everything there is mine, where I can do what I want. No showers or heated pools. The cool breeze is so much nicer than this stuffy indoor heat.
Knox and Porter are about to find out my mum slept with a man like Edward, and even if it isn't Carter, especially if it isn't him.
I'm not going to be welcome here. The cartel is like a family, because once you're in, there is only one way out. Other families are our enemies. Some families get along, but it is usually a mutual hatred for another that holds them together. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Porter is the son of an enemy, but they'll overlook that. It's something they can only do once. And only for him. He has Knox's love for protection, and he knows absolutely nothing about the family.
I am a different story. I know everything about this family. Every drop of information goes through me; the good and the bad. Bad English helps me get by. If they don't think I understand, if I keep everything light and playful, I can keep them from seeing my truth. It's easy when I am a nobody. I am about to become somebody's son. I will be the enemy in their ranks, who knows everything about them, but with no future use for them. I will be as expendable as Tiffany.
Somewhere in my mind, a gunshot fires, Porter's hurt face as he realised she was dead. As he realises I am dead. Edward will do it. He'll just stand up and raise the gun. I won't see it coming, I won't feel a thing. But Porter will cry for me.
A tear slips down my cheek and its Porter who wipes it away. I don’t have anything to live for, my sole tear is for the grief another man will feel. One tear from one man for one life.
"Well, let this be over with. I would like a muffin basket before I leave." I sniff back any further tears and walk bravely towards this. They might be kind. The others will debate giving me the chance to leave, that wouldn't be so bad. Edward is the wild card here.
"A muffin basket?" Knox frowns, taking my left hand.
"Leave?" Porter gasps, grabbing my right.
"I can only allow one," Knox insists. "I'll have Gladys make you a muffin basket daily. I also think it's time to put you to work. I need some help at the stables."
"That is for horses sleep?"
"It is."
"Are you thinking Bog Cotton?" Porter questions.
"She needs someone strong," Knox agrees.
"What is that? Laundry?" I face death or laundry duty. Facing Edward's gun is less terrifying now.
"No. It's a cow."
"A cow? The thing that makes milk and burgers?"
"This one doesn't, but yes, a cow."
Now I have to face Edward with my mind full of cows.
We walk in and it's not just Edward sitting before me, but Gregory too.
