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But, as a man who has only ever tried to do the best for the people around him.
"Okay," he says to me. "You lead."
I nod and don't let go of his hand. I start to walk down the hallway and then admit, "I just don't really know where I'm going."
ChapterEighteen
My heart damn near pounds out of my chest as she takes me by the hand and starts leading me down the hallway. I don't know where she's going, and I don't really care.
I don't even know what I think is going to happen. She's basically married to God (pretty sure that's how that works), and I care about her too much to put her in a situation that would make her break her vows.
I already took things way too far last night. I know I'm never going to do that to her again.
Still, there's a sense of excitement as she holds my hand and leads me through the dark hallways of the mansion. It's only after a few minutes that I realize we're not anywhere near her quarters.
"Raven," I say her name out of habit before wincing and realizing that's not what she goes by anymore. She still answers to the name. This time when she turns, she doesn't look upset with me for my mistake.
I'm about to ask her where we're going when something super irritating happens.
"Teddy!"
I hear my brother Primo's voice from a little ways off. I groan, but I shouldn't have because the sound of my annoyance bounces off the stone, clear for everyone to hear.
"Jeesh, don't act too happy to see me," he says as he approaches us both.
"What do you want, Primo?" I ask him, impatient to get to whatever is about to happen with Raven. He approaches and I frown. "I thought you were giving up this life."
"I am," he replies.
"Then, why are you here?"
Raven looks like she's about to drop my hand, but I squeeze her fingers, not letting her go. She looks from Primo to me, and I can see the reassurance on her features.
"Because I promised Giovanni I would help him when he took over, and I feel as if I owe it to you somewhat to do the same."
I sigh. "Where and what is the job?"
"Not that," he responds.
I give him a look. "Then what? That's the sort of thing I handle. You know I don't like going outside of my comfort zone."
"Listen," Primo says, pulling me aside, forcing me to separate from Raven.
"Stay right there," I say to her when I see her look like she's about to move. She freezes in place, and I turn back to Primo. "What?" I say, my tone impatient.
"The Irish want to meet."
"And? What's that got to do with me?"
"Come on, Teddy. Embrace it already. You're the head of the family now."
"No," I say immediately. "You and Giovanni were the heads of the family. You pushed that job on me, and I never wanted it or accepted it."
My brother sighs, and I can see that his features are full of remorse. "I know. I know what we did to you isn't fair."
"Damn right," I say.
"But life isn't fair."
