Page 82 of Hush 3: Hidden Family

“I’m like one of his nephews. He’s not going to listen to me. I don’t care how many men’s blood I have on my hands. He’s been doing this shit since I was in diapers.

“Besides, Michael isn’t a don yet. As a New York member, I think you should sit in on the conversation, at the very least, as a show of respect. He probably won’t speak slowly enough for you to understand him, but if we show a united front, he might listen.

“Why isn’t LaSalle handling this directly?” I ask as I hand Vita to Tina.

Then I take one of our sons from the little contraptions in front of her. As I cradle him in my arms, I lean to kiss Tina’s lips, then place a hand over the chest of our other son.

“Because once things are in play, Logan and LaSalle aren’t going to micromanage any of us. Older members are going to want us to handle them with a different kind of respect.

“Ronan McGowan will be one of those members. I’m just looking to get ahead of things. I will call Michael to handle everyone else, but Ronan should get the red carpet. Logan would want me to show him that respect,” Brooklyn says.

I sigh. Politics, I hate them. This is why I’ve always done things my way.

Symphony’s laugh fills the kitchen, grabbing my attention. I look to where she and Micheal are. Michael is sitting on one ofthe bar stools at the kitchen island and Sim is sitting in his lap. He’s feeding her mini quiches and fruit while they smile at each other and laugh as Michael murmurs low to her.

My brother finally looks happy. Symphony buries her face into his neck and inhales. Michael tightens his hold around her and kisses her forehead. Watching them reminds me why I’m doing this in the first place.

“Done. Set it up. Call Michael later. He’s taking care of family business at the moment.”

Brooklyn chuckles on the other end. “Maybe it’s time I stopped by. I still have some unfinished business under your roof.”

I snort. “Do so at your own risk. You know where to find her.”

“Aye, I do. I’ll be seeing ya soon, Donati,” he says, allowing his Irish Brogue to slip.

With that, he hangs up. I put my phone away and turn my attention back to Michael and Symphony. I note something right away.

The way they look at each other. The way they move together reminds me of me and Val. Michael should know. I want him to know.

Symphony

“Symphony,” Uri calls as Michael whispers dirty things in my ear.

I turn to look at my brother-in-law. He is standing with his wife and their babies. Vita, Inzo, and Nori.

I have a little niece and two nephews. Their names are Vita, Inzo, and Nori. I find this very exciting, although I haven’t been willing to hold them yet. Val has offered, but I am not ready.

“Yes, Uri?”

“Have you closed down the business?”

I gasp and widen my eyes. Why would he ask me this in front of Michael? My heart begins to race.

“No. I have not. I don’t have any clients currently, but I haven’t shut down the operation,” I reply as steadily as I can.

“What business?” Michael asks near my ear, but still loud enough for Uri to hear.

A shiver runs through me. I ignore the way his breath tickles my skin. It was a fight for us to climb out of bed this morning to come down to breakfast.

“Would you like to explain?” Uri asks.

“Yes, please.”

I turn in Michael’s lap so I’m looking directly at him. I fight against the need to pop my wristband. I knew I would have to tell him about this at some time.

“I have been running an assassin-for-hire business. When you told me I couldn’t be with you because I wasn’t like you, I did my best to become just like you. I have done very well.”

“Wait a minute. You knew about this?” Michael hisses at Uri.

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