Page 31 of The Fox

“I couldn’t sleep. I missed our couch time tonight.”

I allow a slight smile to break through, liking how easy that came from him. I did enjoy sitting with him, usually my feet in his lap. The safety he exudes soothes my jagged edges.

“I just think you like my bed better, Rhodes. It’s okay to admit it.”

He grins, those blue eyes lighting up in the dark.

“You do have really nice blankets. And we both know that Lennon is a blanket all his own. We’ll have to double up on the snuggles next time I see you.” He pauses before locking his gaze firmly on mine. “Now, why are you upset?”

I sigh, squeezing my shoulders together before diverting my eyes from his.

“I hate how well you can read me right now. I’m just overwhelmed, and there isn’t anything anyone else can do to help. I just want to be home.”

I hear him hum through the phone. “What is overwhelming you,kochanie?”

“There is someone who wants everything I’ve worked for to crumble, and I cannot let that happen. How do I fight that, Rhodes? ”

“Are they your competition?”

“You could say that.”

“What does Duncan think?”

I had told Rhodes that Duncan worked with me and that he was often someone that I bounced decisions off of. I couldn’t let Rhodes in completely, but given the way Duncan is integrated into my life, I had to give up something. Rhodes is perceptive, inquisitive to a fault. So, as a result, I told him how Parker and I are life-long best friends, that Parker is married to Duncan, and that Duncan is my most trusted advisor.

“He isn’t happy with it. I honestly think if much more goes wrong, Duncan will fly off the handle.”

Rhodes clears his throat before answering, his voice shooting straight to my core. “If there is one thing I know, it is that you cannot let up off this person’s neck. They hit you, you fight back,kochanie. I’m sure they have a weakness you can find.” I glance up at him, my lips parting on a breath. I feel my brows come together as a plan formulates.

“Maybe.”

“You are one of the most cunning people I know, Amelia. If anyone can shut this down, it is you.” He yawns, bringing one arm to rest above his head, and my core warms at the sight of his bicep. Rhodes is the kind of man you don’t mess with, but I have never felt safer than when he has those arms curled around me. I feel like he could hold me together if I ever broke completely.

“Go back to bed, Ro.” The guilt I feel for keeping him awake is consuming, but before I spiral into the feeling, I see a sleepy smile on his face. “What?” I ask.

“You called me Ro.”

“Go to bed.”

“You gave me a nickname. You like me, don’t you? You let it slip last time. Youmeantit just now.”

I shake my head, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach.

“I’m hanging up now.”

“You like me. You like me. You liiiiiike me.” He sing-songs, humor dancing along his face, those blue ocean eyes sparkling.

I let the smile break out across my lips. “Goodnight, Ro.”

He chuckles, the joy echoing in the quiet. “Goodnight,kochanie.”

I end the call, setting my phone on my desk. I don’t deserve him, and I know I can’t keep him. I mull over what Rhodes had said. Surely, Medina has a weakness. I can’t exploit a relationship because there isn’t one. I can’t plant a mole in his men. That would take away from my numbers, and I’m not trusting of my own men at the moment. I stare at the wall, its textured paint the color of a forest at night, and I run through Medina’s hierarchy. He just took over control and seems like a bit of a loose cannon. I don’t know if he has chosen an Underboss, I don’t know who his Capos are, and I’m not sure on the size of his Outfit. I do know that unless Medina has something to hold over the men, it takes time to establish loyalty. There is a chance he’d kept a few of the faithful from the previous Don.

Biting my lip, I remember my father dealing with that Outfit, an older gentleman attending meetings in place of the Don. I don’t recall him being an Underboss, but perhaps he was more of a Consigliere. Consiglieres were like a keymaster; they advised the Dons in decisions and courses of action, but the men didn’t typically implement the resultant actions. Instead, they held the persuasion like keys in their pocket, navigating the chessboard full of landmines.

That man would be my way in.

I shoot Duncan a text, telling him to call me. It is late, but Duncan’s job never stops, so I know he’ll pick up. I bounce my foot, anticipation of Duncan’s call getting the best of me. I need this to be over. I need Medina eliminated in whatever capacity—by whichever method—I can. My phone rings, and I answer, putting the phone on speaker, cutting straight to the chase.

---