Page 125 of Primal God

“No. We came on Brooks’ jet. Alessandro Moretti is here, too.”

João’s lips lift in a smile. “I don’t know if that makes me feel better or worse.”

“There’s more. We think Alastor Wolfe might be the one who wanted you dead.”

“Lili’s uncle? But, why?”

“That’s a good question, son. One we’re going to get answers to.”

“Wait. Is Lili in danger?”

Looking past my son, I meet Brooks’ gaze. He lifts his shoulder in response.

I sigh. “We should sit.”

João sits on the couch and I settle next to him.

“There’s something you need to know. Lilith and I are seeing each other.”

João’s eyebrows shoot up. “As in dating?”

“Yes.”

“For how long?”

“Since she started working for me.” I pause. “And we have a child together.”

João jumps to his feet. “Are you seriously telling me you fucked my ex-girlfriend? Dad, this is so messed up!”

I stand, too. “I love her.”

João freezes. “What?”

“I love her. I loved her before I knew about the baby.” I pause. “If she’ll have me, I want her to become my wife.”

João sits, as if his legs will no longer hold him up.

“I know this is a lot to take in, but I’m not going to hide this from you.”

My son is silent for a long time. Long enough that I begin to worry I’ve ruined our relationship.

“How long?”

“What?”

“How long were you lusting after my girlfriend?”

“João—”

“Just answer the question.”

“I’ve been attracted to her since the two of you began college.”

“Jesus Christ, Dad. Do you hear how this sounds?”

“I do.” I pause. “We never acted on anything until recently.”

“But you just said you have a child with her.” His eyes widen. “How old is the kid?”