Page 138 of Relentless Sinner

“Me too.”

“I understand why you're doing this. I do. But are you sure it's the right thing?”

“No. I’m not sure of anything. Only that this way keeps her safe.”

“How do you know that?”

“I don’t. But, Eve, I’m a mafia boss.”

“You knew that all along. Have you considered that she could be saferwithyou? I feel that someone should tell you that it is better to live one lifetime of happiness than one of loneliness and grief. Your mother wouldn't want that for you. Your motherwas with your father and she knew what he was going to be well before she married him.”

My mind feels like it’s been tossed around on the sea in a storm.

No one can guarantee anybody's safety. The loved ones I’ve lost are testament of that truth. As Eric laid out the consequences of living the life I live, I knew I couldn't guarantee anything. But this doesn’t feel right, either.

“I need to get through the next few weeks.” Perhaps I'll be able to think more clearly when I get Salvatore off my chest. Doing so may open the door for clarity. Until then, I'm sticking with this plan. “Then I’ll think about it.”

I don’t think I’m going to change my mind, but I won’t burn the bridge just yet.

Eve sighs and gives me a little smile. “You came to the answer in the end, didn't you?”

I'm not sure what she's talking about. “What answer, Eve?”

“The answer to the question of: do you want a wife or a business arrangement?”

I nod. “I wanted a wife.

Her smile widens. “I know. Maybe that was the answer all along. And it still is.” She taps my arm. “Think about it. I’ll see you when you get back.”

“Okay. Be careful. Take a guard with you.”

“I will.”

She heads out and closes the door behind her. I stare at the closed door and think. This is the first time in my life I’ve ever been torn about a decision, but perhaps now isn’t the time to decide.

My phone rings, cutting into my thoughts. I grab it from my back pocket and see it's Nero calling. He’s the head of the Creed guards.

I answer straightaway, hoping everything is all right at my father’s house. “Hey, Nero, what’s going on?”

“Just reporting back to let you know we've got your guy. The men are taking him into custody now.”

“You got Salvatore De Costa?” Hope sparks inside my heart.

“No, Pedro de Loza,” he replies.

I narrow my eyes. “What are you talking about, Nero? I don't even know who that is.”

“Eric gave us strict orders from you that we were all to head to New Jersey and get him. He said Pedro was involved in the deaths of your uncle and cousin and that he tried to poison your father.”

Holy fucking shit.What the fuck is happening? “No, Nero. Those weren't my orders.” My blood runs cold when there's silence on the phone. “Where are you now?”

“We're still in New Jersey.”

Damn it.They’re miles away. It will take them at least three hours to get back to these parts. “Where are Gabriella and my father?”

“Back at the house. Eric and his men are there watching the place.”

“Okay. Get back to my father’s house now.”

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