Page 83 of Hush 3: Hidden Family

“I learned about it after some time. I allowed it to continue once I was made aware of the results. You weren’t the only one allowing the jobs to keep you going.”

“Seriously, Uri?”

“Why is it that this is a problem? Is it because you think I am not capable? Valentina does the same thing. Why are you upset?”

“Valentina isn’t my wife. You are. How long did you plan to keep this from me?”

“I don’t know.”

“I would like you to see her in action. She is quite impressive. I have witnessed one of her jobs.”

“What? How?” Michael and I say in unison, causing the baby in Uri’s arms to begin to whimper.

I believe he’s holding Inzo. Uri kisses his head and places him back in the bouncy chair in front of Valentina.

“Adriano. I requested he send me footage. Don’t worry. It was encrypted and immediately destroyed,” Uri replies.

“What the fuck have I been paying him for? How did this happen?”

I am getting angry. Michael still wants to treat me like a child he needs to protect. I’ve become more than capable of protecting myself. I am smart, I have skills, I always do my best. I jump up from his lap and glare at him.

“Things cannot continue like this. I want to be your equal. Nine years, sixty assignments, one hundred and forty-two kills.

“Not once have I taken a hit. Not once have I missed my target or failed a mission. Why do you treat me like I can’t do this?

“I thought you, of all people, would be proud of me. I did this for you. I did this so you wouldn’t have to worry about me, so we could do what Nonno wants. Together.”

Michael stands and closes the distance between us. He cups the back of my neck and places his forehead to mine. I feel the tears building up.

“I have done my best. I am one of the best,” I choke out.

“I know you are. You are the best at anything you put your mind to. That doesn’t mean I’m okay with the woman I love placing herself in those types of situations.

“Can you give me that? Do you understand how that makes me feel? I’ve been trying to keep you away from all of this for as long as I can.

“Your grandfather plans to give me the promotion soon, but it’s your family now. I know I can’t keep you hidden forever. I will have to allow you to become who your grandfather wants you to be, but that’s not going to be easy for me.

“Not because I want to be the don, but because I always want to keep you safe. Your grandfather’s wish is for you to be known as the head of the family. I have every intention of making that happen.

“Wearemaking that happen. Just give me some time to wrap my head around this. I’m still reeling from the promotion and all the other shit that will come with it.”

“How do you think that will happen when you have kept me away from knowing anything about the family?” I ask.

“Because I’ve been slowly preparing you. Or should I say guiding you,” Uri says.

“What do you mean?”

“Adriano has introduced you to the right element to move you in the right direction.”

“The O’Sheas? You know about that too?”

“I am the reason he connected you with them. I am also the reason they pulled you in close. Nothing has happened in your life that I haven’t had knowledge of.”

“So you’re okay with her being a hitter but I had to retire?” Valentina snaps.

Uri snorts. “As if you have remained retired in any sense of the word.”

“We will talk later,” she says tightly.

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