Page 78 of Under His Control

“Hey, security first.”

He nodded, solemn but not gloomy. Like this was just another day in the life for him. “It is. Until this becomes a situation where I need your specific skills and talents, we have many other men on the force who can assist me.”

“Okay. But if you ever need me… or just want my help.”

He parked at the house, nodding and smiling a bit. “Then I’ll call you.” He held out his hand for a shake, and I shook it.

“You’re a good man, Liam. I’m glad you’rereallystaying in the family. Marrying into it and all.”

I nodded, hesitating before getting out of the truck. Franco was married to his job. He was a hardcore man who managed so many things and dealt with so many people in the organization. I didn’t want him to look at me as just someone else to move or place on assignments.

“Go on. Have a good night. You and Eva deserve a chance to celebrate.” He tipped his head toward the door.

I sighed, hating that he was dismissing himself to the job. Sure, it was a priority to be on, but the man needed to take care of himself too. Going nonstop and working without any balance would burn him out.

I’ll be keeping an eye on you, buddy.He was a friend more than anything else, and I would never slack in taking care of those close to me.

Now wasn’t the time to argue with him, though. He was determined to stay working, not slow down or delegate the supervision of this issue to the other capo, Tony, or any other soldier.

Defeated in this argument, I reminded him once more to call me if he needed or wanted help, then I headed up the steps to go find my girls.

It was surreal how different one day could make. Last night, Eva and I rushed up these stairs and hurried past the patrolling guards who’d been shot with the tranq darts. Today, the pair of soldiers standing on guard smiled at me and nodded as I reached the entrance.

“How’d it go, Liam?” one asked.

“Perfectly.”

I entered and went upstairs to find Eva. We had hours before our attempt at a dinner date could start, but that wouldn’t keep me from her. She, too, needed to keep a balance in life.

Olivia had grown so quickly, already nearing her second birthday, and it was crazy how fast life blurred by. She’d reached so many milestones and she was so fast on her feet now, jumping, running, and leaping. Eva kept up with her, but it added up. Toddlers, quite frankly, were no joke. Every night, we fell asleep too soon because Liv wore us out during the day, and Eva handled her more when I was off on assignments.

Still, I wouldn’t have it any other way. And I could tell she wouldn’t either.

I found them napping in the bedroom. One of those annoying cartoon shows was on, but it was muted, thank God. Instead of waking them, I walked up to the edge of the bed and watched them resting together. Even though Olivia seemed normal and like her usual happy, peppy self earlier, there was a good chance the stress and trauma from last night could linger yet. For Eva, too. We were both so worked up when we worried that something could be happening at home. That sort of distress didn’t just fade after the incident was finished.

A little bit of guilt lingered. Here I was, able to relax and have downtime, but Franco was out there, still working hard.

Maybe I should’ve just gone along with him. Even for a little bit to assess the scene.Capos didn’t have partners as far as I could tell, but if he wanted a partner on the clock, I’d step up and fill that role if he wanted me to.

After all, they’re just napping here.I wasn’t in the mood to wake Eva or Olivia. They needed their rest, but since I was up, I could go join Franco on that case.

Or…I gave in to a wide but silent yawn, realizing I could take care of myself and go for whatIwanted at the moment. I showered quickly not wanting to get the bed dirty from when I took my shot in the wood line at the edge of that golf course.

Then I climbed into the bed with Eva and Olivia.

The instant I wrapped my arm around Eva’s side and placed my hand on Olivia’s back, all was right in my world again.

I’ll help Franco later. But right now, I’m exactly where I need to be.

I closed my eyes, breathing in the familiar scent of Eva’s shampoo. Past that, I detected the clean baby scent that I hoped Olivia never outgrew.

We were safe, and we’d stay together, our own little family within the larger one.

My future was full of hope, and I’d never lose sight of that blessing, no matter what.

30

EVA

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