Page 86 of Blood Money

VALENTINO

Itook a deep breath as I parked in front of my father’s house. Liam had said he was with me no matter what, but this was going to be a major test of his resolve. If he said no, my life was on the line. You didn’t make promises to the head of a criminal family and not keep them. I took a deep breath, then knocked on my father’s door.

One of my father’s men opened the door, but true to his word, my father walked Liam out to meet me. Not only did Dom come out if his office, but full sunlight streamed through the windows into the foyer. He stood right there in the light next to the man I loved. If we could get through the next hour, my wildest dreams might actually come true.

I wanted to grab Liam and pull him into my arms, but seeing him smiling was good enough until I could get him to the car.

“We had some excitement while we were waiting for you,” my father said.

I glanced at Liam, then back to him. “What kind of excitement?”

“Your young man may have saved my life.”

My mouth dropped open, and I stared at Liam. “What happened?”

“Why don’t you tell him.” My father looked at Liam.

“I saw a man in the backyard crouched behind a tree. He raised a rifle, and I tackled your father, getting us both behind the desk.”

I took his arm and pulled him against me. “Oh my God. Was it one of the McConnells?”

“No,” my father answered. “It was another matter. Personal to me. The bullet was meant for me, so I am now indebted to your young man.”

I hugged Liam to me. “Thank you. That’s…thank you.”

“I’m here to protect you too,” Liam said. “And your father or any of your other family members. I may not have the same skills you do, but apparently I have quick reflexes.”

Dom actually smiled—fucking smiled—at him.

“Go on,” my father said. “Take him and finish your business. I have an investigation to see to.”

“Let me know what you find out.”

“I will.”

I took Liam’s hand, and we headed to the car. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. I mean, I would say I was shaken up, but I was already on edge when I got here, so I don’t know if it’s any worse or not. I thought your father might kill me for knocking him to the floor, but then a bullet came through the window, and he realized why I’d done it.”

I snorted. “I bet he was being an ass to you the whole time before it happened.”

“I won’t say you’re wrong, but we seem to have come to an agreement.”

“He better accept you after you saved his life.”

Liam smiled. “I think he really does, but I can’t celebrate it, because now I have to go and meet the family I never knew existed. Is Cathal my cousin?”

“I’m not sure of the exact relationship. Cousin is close enough, but we have some very important things to talk about before the meeting.”

Liam frowned at me, but I opened the car door and gestured for him to get in. I tried to tell myself everything was going to be fine as I circled the car and got into the driver’s seat.

I started the car, then turned to face Liam. After taking both of his hands in mine, I looked into his eyes and said, “I’ve wanted to say this for a while now, at least since the night I had you in the parking lot.”

Liam’s cheeks turned pink. “That was a good night.”

“Yes, it was.” I took a deep breath. I could do this. “I love you, Liam.”

His eyes widened. “Y-you do?”

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