Page 44 of The Boss

Fuck, I was angry; so angry I hardly noticed when I tossed the picture against the wall. The glass shattered and I couldn’t care less. The happy moments were gone forever.

With the glass and bottle in hand, I left the room, maybe never to return. I needed to get the fuck out of here and head to the island. Maybe there I’d find some damn peace.

My feet were heavier than before as I trudged up the stairs, almost certain she’d left. I sensed she would continue being difficult and any and all bad behavior would need to be handled. As soon as I walked inside, I took a deep breath. She’d turned on the light on the nightstand, allowing the warm glow to present highlights of her copper hair.

She’d turned down the bed, propping up the pillows. The beautiful woman certainly looked like she belonged right where she was.

As she’d done so many times before, her eyes never left mine as I approached. There was a new nervousness about her and it troubled me.

Willow remained silent as I placed the glasses on the nightstand, uncorking the cap. “Have you had ouzo before?”

“No.”

I chuckled. “It might be considered an acquired taste.” As I handed her a glass, she looked at me dubiously, taking a sniff. “It’s not poison.”

“I don’t think you want to kill me. At least not now. You might have before.”

As I sat down on the edge of the bed, she scooted over a few inches. “What would make you say that?”

“Because at least for a little while you thought I’d been working with my brother to kill Leandro. Don’t lie to me. I knew you did.”

“I will not lie to you, Willow. Yes, it crossed my mind, but you’re far too innocent.”

“I’m not as innocent as you think, but I’m no killer either.”

Folding my fingers, I rubbed my knuckles on the side of her face. I’d expected she’d flinch, but she stared at me defiantly. She was a little dove awakening into an eagle. “I’m glad to hear you’re not a killer.” I took a sip, watching as she did.

Her nose wrinkled at first and she held out the glass. “Not bad.”

“No, not bad. It’s something your uncle and I used to drink in college.”

“He knows. Doesn’t he?”

“How did you realize that?”

“Because I can tell you lost your friend too.”

Exhaling, I nodded. “Not my intention, but he could have a general idea where Shane is or what he’s doing. Much better than I do.”

“I can’t believe he’d do anything to harm your family. He was as happy here all those years ago as I was. He just… I don’t know what happened to him, but he changed.”

“When?”

“Not long after he moved to Paris. He just wasn’t the same man but by telling you that, I don’t mean he’s a monster like…” Her eyes opened wide.

“Like me?”

“I’m sorry.”

“There’s no reason to be sorry, Willow. You’re allowed your feelings.” There was still significant desire in her eyes, the intensity just different than it had been before.

“What if he doesn’t call me back?”

“Then I’ll be forced to use every method I can to track him down.”

“If he’s alive at all.”

“Yes. If he’s alive, I’ll find him.”

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