Page 23 of Cutting Ties
“What provisions do you have in place to ensure my daughter’s safety while there? Not so long ago an associate of mine was shot and nearly killed in New York by the Santiago cartel. How can you assure me that they won’t find her with you?”
“I live in Malibu. My home has a state-of-the-art security system and I will hire private security to ensure her safety until the situation here is resolved.”
“That’s a start.” His gaze locked onto mine once more and he stared at me for what felt like an eternity, so long that I found myself shifting uncomfortably on the sofa. “If I do allow this to happen, I want you to be clear on something. Very clear.”
“Yes. Okay.” My jaw clenched. “What is your stipulation?”
“If anything happens to my daughter, I’ll kill every single person in your family and then once everyone you’ve ever loved is dead, I’ll finally kill you in the most painful way possible. Do you understand what I’m saying to you? No matter where you run or try to hide. I will find you.”
It wasn’t a vague point that he was making. “Very clear. I guarantee, she will be cared for in every way.”
“I will be sending my own security with you and my daughter and they will be reporting back to me. This is acceptable?” It wasn’t a question, but a statement of fact.
“Of course.”
“Good. Now have a drink with me. I’d like to give you a brief explanation of how things work here so you’ll understand that your future father-in-law isn’t as much of a monster as people have led Americans to believe.”
“I would love that.” And I was genuine when I said that. I’d love to have my mind changed on her father and brother, though that was easier said than done.
Holy fuck. That was intense. I sighed as he began to talk, explaining to me how his organization had improved the lives of the people in his area. It wasn’t every day that your life and the lives of everyone you know is threatened by a man who would have no qualms in following through with that threat.
Valentina
Watching my husband-to-be exiting the room with my father left me anxious. I could only hope that my father would realize that I was no longer a child, and that going with Anthony was in my best interests. I had always questioned my father’s love for me, or any of us for that matter, but one thing I never questioned was his diligence to protecting his family. He’d stop at nothing to ensure that everyone was safe and secure. If he felt Anthony couldn’t do a good job at protecting me, he wouldn’t let either of us off the compound.
“Asher, will you excuse us for a few minutes. I’d like to speak with Valentina alone.”
Asher glanced from my mother to me, looked as though he was going to protest, and then nodded. “Fine. But if you were to ask me, I’m not thrilled over this sudden turn of events.”
“Well then it’s a good thing that we didn’t ask you dear,” my mother stated.
With the annoyance evident in his expression, he stood and exited the room without another word.
My mother remained silent until we could no longer hear his retreating footsteps. Slowly a smile spread across her lips as she patted the empty seat next to her on the sofa. “Come and sit down. Let me see that ring of yours to begin with.”
I tentatively extended my arm and brought my hand to eye level.
Taking my hand, she examined the ring. “Your future marido has exquisite taste. Marquise cut, platinum setting. Stunning. You’re a lucky young woman.”
Laughing, I pulled my hand back. “Hardly a young woman at my age.”
As she leaned back on the cushions, her smile faltered. “I suppose not. Time flies. Before you know it your children are grown and having children of their own…”
“What do you think father is talking to Anthony about?”
“Hard to say. Your father just got home. Quite literally moments before you did.”
“I thought Asher was going back to the island.”
She shrugged. “Change in plans, I guess. You know as well as I do that they don’t share their plans with me.”
I eyed my mother carefully and then finally asked the question I’d been dying to ask for as long as I could remember. “Why do you stay here, Mama?”
She sighed. “It’s complicated. I married your father for love. I thought he loved me; maybe in his own way he does. He’s not good with those types of emotions. But he provides and gives me everything I could ever ask for.”
“Except love.”
“He gives me security.” She continued, “He’s faithful. Your father may not be the most conscientious of men, but his loyalty and dedication to this family is indisputable. Considering the life he saved me from, that is more than enough for me. Besides,” leaning forward she ran the back of her hand along my cheek, “He gave me two beautiful children. What more could I ask for?”
