Page 24 of Sutton and the CEO Forever

Mark snorted. “Insurance? I suppose some people could call it that.”

Julio’s voice came from across the room, startling us both. Obviously, we hadn’t been nearly as quiet we should have been.

“I am sorry to interrupt, but I feel I must explain. I am afraid I had to say something when the good Sheriff wanted to know my employment, and insurance was the first thing that came to mind. Natalia was insistent on seeing me arrested, and as fun as that sounds, I don’t see that contributing positively to my happily-ever-after scenario. As for my connection with the Brands, that is not my story to tell. However, I can assure you that you are safest in my company.”

I turned to see that Julio was holding Evie like an airplane, and Evie giggled madly. I had to admit that the man was charming. It was difficult to connect what my idea of a hardened Mafia member should be like with the man in front of me. But in the same instance, it was obvious he held himself with a great deal of control, always aware of his surroundings.

“Alright then,” I said, “If you don’t sell insurance. What do you do?”

Julio smiled, his teeth white and glistening against his tan skin. “You don’t believe my wife?”

This man was infuriating, but a part of me was coming to like him—damn the man.

“Your wife, as you call her, said that you ran the Italian Mafia. That can’t be right, can it?” I wanted him to deny the accusation. To say that Natalie was just angry at his reappearance in her life.

“Natalia has always had a flair for the dramatic. To answer your question, at one point, I was considered a key player, but that was years ago. I haven’t been in the thick of things for a very long time. Do you honestly think Elliot and Mandy Brand would have sent me here if they thought I would bring you any harm?”

“Of course not,” Mark said.

But at the same time, I felt like my knees were giving out on me. “You don’t deny it?”

Julio’s bright smile flashed again. There was almost sympathy in their depths. “I won’t lie to you. I want to help you be free of those who will harm you. But my main objective is to win back the heart of my wife. I will do everything in my power to protect you and your family.”

Mark wrapped his arms around me. I sank back against the strength of his body and tried to think with a clear head.

Mark spoke softly in my year, “Mandy and Elliot trust Julio with their lives and that of their daughter. That’s good enough for us. And besides that, I asked Elliot for a favor months ago. Part of how we were able to uncover Forrest was through this man’s intervention.”

“You helped us find Forrest?”

Julio nodded. “He’s a nasty man with a terrible reputation. He wasn’t difficult to locate. I put a watch on him, and it wasn’t long before he began to implicate himself. I have also had dealings with your brother-in-law, Brian. He’s a good man.”

I clutched my fingers together. “Brian is a good man. Would he say the same about you?”

Julio smiled again, this time a little ruefully. I had a feeling that Julio used his good looks to charm the ladies. He was a devilishly attractive man. However, all of his appeal fell flat as Mark kissed my forehead. I adored my husband, and for him, I would trust Julio Cerone.

Mark added, “I didn’t want to alarm you when we asked Julio to look into things. But we had already exhausted Knox’s resources. Brian felt like it wouldn’t hurt to have someone from the criminal side check things out. Sometimes one needs to explore all the avenues to keep his family safe.”

I drew in a breath to fortify myself and then moved forward out of Mark’s arms. I went over to the couch and sank down near where Julio was playing with my daughters.

“Thank you for that. I don’t intend to be rude. It’s only that this past year has been extremely difficult. I must apologize for not being more welcoming.”

“Mrs. Williams, I have no wish to distress you. And I assure you that you and your family are perfectly safe. I don’t mind staying at a hotel, if you could provide me with a location, of course.”

Mark shuddered as he came to sit beside me.

I shook my head, saying, “Most definitely not. They are known for the size of their bedbugs of truly epic proportions. No, you must stay with us. We practically have an empty house now that Candice moved in with Knox, and Brian moved into his bungalow. Mark and I would love to have you here. Thank you for your help. That was a terrible time in our lives.”

Julio’s expression softened. “I will admit, I also had another tie in the affair. I have used Mr. Williams’ private investigating firm when trying to take care of business in the United States. I found it too much of a coincidence that the Brands asked me to help a friend thatalsohappened to be related to the man who runs the PI firm that I often use.”

“How long have you known Brian?” Mark asked as he took Evie from Julio.

Julio picked up Avery, who immediately stopped fussing and started batting at his face.

“Ten years, perhaps? But not on a personal level. It wasn’t until I connected Natalia working for Brian that I truly got to know him. He impressed me in many ways. His business is nearly global and completely airtight. It is no wonder that he has made such a fortune for himself.”

Mark blinked. “Brian? A fortune?”

Julio laughed. “Were you not aware? He is rather one of the largest players in the game. People in our business are willing to pay a lot of money to remain safe. They will pay even more to keep their loved ones safe. I would say that my wife really wanted to thumb her nose at me by working for him. But in truth, I think she did it because she saw the person he was. Brian could easily be as underhanded as the rest of them, but he’s not willing to be bought at any price. Trust me, I tried.”

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