Page 58 of Obsessive Love

"He caught me sneaking into her room last night and obviously has some questions about it all. I'm not surprised. That whole family is inquisitive and seems to want to know everything that's going on all the goddamn time," I tell him.

"Better get used to it, brother. You'll be a part of that family at some point," he states. "Anyway, came in here to tell you that Leo has concluded that you've both gotten as much information out of the Garcia capo that he's willing to share, so he's ready to get rid of him and dump him today if you want to help with that. If not, you can spend the day in my office with me going over everything that Uncle Carlos has told me, and see if we caneasily get rid of the last two remaining bastards that are loyal to Alessandro."

"What's the plan with the Garcias?" I ask, before giving him an answer.

"I'm going to ask for a meeting with them. I have an idea in mind that I think might work, but it involves speaking to Dominic as well."

My brows furrow as I look at my brother, curious as to what the idea might be.

"I need to find a way to contact the Garcias first, and before I put the idea forward to them, I'll put it forward to Dominic and see if he agrees with what I have in mind. I don't think he'll be against it though as it involves him being in control of everything again and having that leadership position he's always wanted."

"If I spend the day with you in your office, will you tell me more about this idea that you've had?"

He huffs and nods his head.

"Grab the whiskey," he says as he leaves the kitchen.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Sophia

Jaylen parks the car outside my parent's house, leaving the engine running and pulling out his phone to message my brother as I unclip my seatbelt and grab my handbag from the footwell.

"Have fun today, and be safe out there. Make sure you stay alert," I tell him, reaching over to give him a quick hug.

"Sorry to say this, princess, but I'm pretty sure my life won't be in danger if I'm not with you."

I gnaw on my bottom lip as I contemplate what he's saying and nod as guilt flows through me.

"Yeah, I guess you've got a point there," I mumble, opening my door.

"Hey," he says, making me pause. "You know I didn't mean anything by that. I'd happily lay my life on the line to protect you. It's why I took the job as your bodyguard all those years ago. I know what I signed up for, Soph, so don't feel bad about it."

"Yeah, I know. I just don't know what I'd do with myself if you got hurt because of me," I tell him, my vision beginning to blur at the possibility of anything happening to him.

"Nothing's going to happen to me. You're stuck with me forever, Soph. I will happily live out my life being your annoying cousin. Now, stop being so emotional. It's weirding me out. Go inside and have fun with those crazy ladies waiting for you. I'll pick you up later," he says, pressing a kiss to my temple and then nudging me away from him.

I get out of the car, hoisting my handbag onto my shoulder, close the door behind me, and stand there, watching as Jaylen drives away and giving myself a minute to pull myself together.

Taking a deep breath, I turn and walk up to the front door, knocking on it lightly.

"Good morning," Greta says as she opens the door. "Your mother is waiting for you in the kitchen and Jessica is on her way. She should be here shortly."

I smile and thank her and then walk towards the kitchen, wanting to see my mother after being apart for so long.

My mother is pouring orange juice into three half-filled champagne glasses as I enter the kitchen.

"Oh, baby! I'm so glad you could make it!" she squeals, finishing off the last mimosa before she lunges across the kitchen and pulls me into her arms, squeezing me tightly against her.

"Me too, Mum. It would be nice to continue breathing though," I joke, making her loosen her hold on me.

"How are you?" she asks, affectionately cupping my cheek as she examines my face.

"I'm good," I tell her, smiling and nodding my head. "Jaylen and I decorated my room yesterday and it's made me feel much better whilst I'm living there. I don't feel so much like a stranger anymore."

"That's good to hear. How are things with you and Jericho?"

I scrunch my face and reach for a mimosa, taking a generous gulp.

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