Page 125 of Bishop

“Then we will handle it.”

“We?” I shrug away his hold. “You mean the collection of invalids who have all either been beaten, stabbed, or shot in the past week? Those brothers are worthless in their current state. Even at full capacity, I suspect Salvatore is as useful as a concrete parachute.”

“Your criticism speaks volumes, figlio.”

“You think I’m jealous,” I snap. “Come on, old man. You know me better than that.”

“Yes, I know you well.” He retrieves his cell from his jacket pocket. “Enough to understand your work here is done. I’ll call for the jet to be refueled so you can leave as soon as possible.”

“No, you won’t.” I glare.

“Are you defying an order?”

“I’m staying to get the job done like I always do.”

“You want to stay because you care for her.”

I look away. If he was anyone else, I’d deny it. I’d shove from the car and refuse to acknowledge such a fucked up accusation. But Lorenzo earned my honesty a long time ago. I won’t lie to him. It doesn’t mean he needs full disclosure, though. “I’m concerned for her safety. And I believe there’s a real threat toward her daughter. I haven’t mentioned this to Abri, but it’s possible Adena is driving across country to get the girl.”

“It’s more than that.”

My fingers twitch on my thighs as I huff a laugh. “Is this where you warn me away from your niece? Where you tell me I’ll never be good enough?”

“Figlio, there is no man more worthy.” He places his cell back in his pocket. “Despite the things I’ve asked of you over the years, I know you’re a good man. One I may not have fathered, yet I have always claimed as a son. But we both know you will hurt her.”

I stare at the house, the tension in my shoulders creeping up my neck.

“You’ll push her away, Bishop. Just like you’ve pushed everyone away all your life.”

“I didn’t push you away, did I?” I grate.

“You had no choice when you were sick and starving on the streets.”

“I haven’t been sick or starving for a long time.”

“No, you haven’t. Instead, you feel indebted and unable to turn your back. After all these years and the blood you shed in my name, you still think you owe me something.”

I turn to him. “Have you lost your mind? You’re the one who said I could never leave. You told me the only way I could get distance was to follow Langston when he walked. To be his shadow and ensure his safety.”

He nods, solemn in his contemplation. “Because what would you do if I gave you freedom?”

Disappear.

Leave the state.

The country.

Preferably the planet.

His lips curve in a knowing smile. “That’s right. You’d take off, and nobody would see or hear from you again. And isolation isn’t good for souls like ours. Darkness grows in solitude. You need to remain around those who know you to ensure you remain grounded.”

“I’m not as fucked up as you think I am.” That’s a lie—one that brings guilt.

I’m sure I’m far worse than the way he sees me. More temperamental. Overtly fucking hostile under all the layers of control.

“Then stay.” He shrugs. “But if you do, you need to love her as she deserves to be loved.”

I laugh, for real this time. He’s riding rails harder than Abri if he thinks my concern for her has anything to do with love.

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