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He answers the door after I knock. “Theo? This is a surprise. Come on in.”
The inside of his house is ultra-modern with an industrial vibe. Exposed brick. Concrete floors. White furniture.
“What can I do for you?”
I remain standing. “This won’t take long.”
Antonio arches his eyebrow at me. I have to remember he’s not the little kid I saw grow up. He’s the most powerful man in New York now. “What is it?”
With a deep breath, I dive in. “I think you should reconsider marrying Cecilia to Salvatore Fontana.”
“Why would I do that?” His voice goes low, sending chills over me.
“Because Salvatore will only hurt your sister. I know men like him. I think you know men like him, too. Your uncle, for example.”
Antonio’s nostrils flare. “Don’t talk to me about my uncle.”
“But you know it’s true. Salvatore will hurt her. Are you really going to let your need for power trump your sister’s safety?”
“Who do you think you are?” he says, standing toe-to-toe with me. We’re the same height. “To tell me what to do when it comes to not only business but my family?”
“I had to try.”
“Well, you tried and failed. Cecilia will marry Salvatore. End of discussion. And I think you’re crossing boundaries, Theo. If this is going to be a problem for you, I might have to consider reassigning you.”
My skin goes cold. “Giulia was the one who hired me.”
“So? My mom isn’t the boss of the family business. If I want to fire you, I can. But I know you’re good at your job. You’re the best guard my family has ever had. So, I don’t want to fire you. Just know where you belong. And that isn’t as a part of my family. You have no say. No voice. Understood?”
I inhale to speak, then think better of it. I could take Antonio in a fight, I’m sure of it. I have more muscle than he does. I’m older. A more experienced fighter.
But he’s still the most powerful man in the city. I don’t want to be on his bad side.
I finally nod.
“Good.” Antonio takes a step back, and I can breathe again. “Have a nice day, Theo. Remember your place.”
I leave his house and return to Giulia’s.
The family is in the midst of dinner, and I switch out positions with Sam. He gives me a nod before leaving.
As I watch Cecilia eat, my gut aches. I want to protect her, but I can’t. I’ve always been expected to be silent and follow orders.
I’m honestly getting pretty fucking tired of it.
Once the family is done eating, Cecilia comes over to me. “Theo?”
“Yes?” I keep my eyes trained above her head.
“I wanted to thank you for staying with me when Salvatore was here.”
“That’s my job.”
“I know, but …” She shrugs. “Still. Thanks.”
All I want to do is draw her into my arms and protect her from everything in this world, but I can’t. And I need to seriously take into consideration what Antonio told me. I need to know what boundaries to not cross.
And Cecilia is most definitely a boundary I cannot cross.
