Page 3 of Bound to the Mafia Guard

I glanced at the clock on the wall, surprised to see how much time had passed. "A few hours, I guess."

My boss and best friend sighed as his expression softened with concern. "Dude, you're pushing yourself too hard. The doctor said?—"

"I know what the fucking doctor said." I scrubbed the towel up and down my face and took a deep breath as I forced myself to chill. "Sorry. I'm fine, boss. Just trying to get back in shape."

Andro studied me for a long moment, his dark eyes seeing more than I was comfortable with. Finally, he nodded as if agreeing to some unspoken request. "Let's grab some coffee. We need to talk."

Those were the most unsettling words ever to be spoken. My stomach clenched with anxiety as I cleared my throat and stood a little straighter. "Yes, sir."

As I followed him out, I couldn’t help noticing how his stride was smooth and graceful, while mine was stiff and awkward. It wasyet another reminder of how far I had to go before I’d be the man I used to be.

We went straight up to Andro's office in silence. Once inside, I sank into one of the plush chairs across from his desk, trying not to wince as my overworked muscles protested.

Andro busied himself with the fancy espresso machine in the corner while I considered all the worst-case scenarios he could be preparing to lay on me.

The rich aroma of coffee filled the air, making my mouth water, until he finally handed me a cup. "Here. You look like you could use this."

“Thanks.” I took a long sip, almost moaning as the caffeine hit my system like a jolt of electricity, clearing some of the fog from my brain.

Andro settled into his chair, watching me over the rim of his own mug. "How’re you really doing, Trev?"

I opened my mouth to give my usual noncommittal response, but something in his expression stopped me. This wasn't my boss asking. This was the man who'd known me since we were both in diapers. The man who’d held me up as I cried at my father's funeral.

"I don't know.” My shoulders slumped, and I leaned back in my chair, suddenly exhausted. “I'm trying, but I don't feel like myself. I don't know if I can do this anymore."

Andro's expression softened with understanding as he took another drink. "You took a bullet for Jeremiah. No one expects you to bounce back overnight, but we all know you will bounce back. And based on what I saw in the gym, you’re fit for duty."

"I’m not." I looked out the window, unable to meet his gaze. "The family needs me to be at the top of my game, but I’m not sure I can protect anyone like this."

"Is that what all this is about?" Andro shook his head and leaned back, rocking in his chair. "Of course you can protect us. I have zero doubt about that."

"I can’t say I agree."

Andro was quiet for a long moment, and when he spoke again, his voice was gentle. "You Urbanis have always been too damn noble for your own good. Your pops was the same way."

The mention of my dad made my chest ache. I wished he were here. He'd know what to do. "I miss him."

"I know you do. He was a good man." Andro leaned forward with his elbows on his desk. "He'd be proud of you. Just like I am."

I looked up and smiled. “I’m gonna spend all my time training until I’m stronger than I ever was. I promise. I’m not giving up my duty to your family.” I was a cousin but a few generations removed, and we weren’t part of the business succession plan. That responsibility rested solely with the Ferrini brothers.

“Our family.” His eyebrow raised, and he grinned. "And I’m glad you feel that way because I've got an assignment for you."

I straightened instinctively at his word choice because I wasn’t sure I was ready for anything official. "What kind of assignment?"

Andro leaned back in his chair, studying me carefully. "Rowan is ready to go back to school. Starting next week, he'll be attending classes three days a week, and I need someone I trust to keep an eye on him."

Babysitting duty. It was exactly what I should have expected. A pity job to make me feel needed without actually putting any responsibility on me.

Andro must have sensed my disappointment and shame as he watched my reaction. "This isn't busy work, Trev. Rowan's safety is paramount while Van’s partner is still out there. Besides, now that Rowan is on the radar as not just part of the family but as an unmated omega, he might never be truly safe again. It’s my fault he was targeted to begin with, so it’s my personal priority to make sure nothing else happens to him."

The thought of some rival family getting their hands on Rowan made my blood boil. I hadn’t spent a lot of time with him over the years because his dad kept him away from the business as much as possible. But he was a cute kid who did deserve to live a normal life without being kidnapped by assholes coming after the Ferrinis.

"Yeah, of course, I understand." I searched for the right words to convey my insecurities but none came, so I had no reason not to agree. “I can handle a few days of dorm duty. That’s fine."

Andro nodded, but I could see the concern in his eyes. "It should be a cake walk, but this isn’t just about physical protection. Rowan's young and sheltered. You’ll need to be extra vigilant because he seems a bit naive about the risks of the world. I swear he’d walk into an unmarked van if they promised him a puppy."

The weight of the responsibility settled on my shoulders like a lead blanket. The image of Rowan—vulnerable yet trusting me to keep him safe from any danger—made me feel sick.

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