Page 64 of Safe and Sound

“Yes, Pappouli. They met last night.”

Relief flickered in his eyes. Extending his hand, he said, “I’m Tobias–Ava’s father.”

His protectiveness made even more sense now. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Dare Kavanaugh.”

At the mention of my name, Tobias jerked his hand back. “Kavanaugh? From Boston?”

“Aye.” Tilting my head at him, I asked, “Do you know my family?”

Frowning, he replied, “No, I don’t.”

Liar.His body language was evidence that he was lying. I didn’t know if he was just aware of mafia families in the Boston area or if he had ties himself to one of the Greek mafia families. If he hadn’t been Ava’s father, I probably would’ve called him out on it. But I didn’t want to do anything to screw up my chances with her.

As people started lining up behind us, Nick motioned me to follow him. “I take care of him, Pappouli.”

For a moment, it appeared Tobias wanted to step between us and prevent Nick from leading me inside the restaurant. Trying to ease the tension, I said, “Nice meeting you, Mr. Carras.”

Although he still appeared conflicted about my presence, he replied, “Yes. Same to you.”

Nick waved for me to follow him, so I fell in step beside him. Grinning, he said, “I gotta say it makes my fucking day seeing you here.”

“I’m not so sure Ava is going to feel the same way,” I mused.

“When she told us about running out on you, we all gave her shit for it.”

I chuckled. “I’m sure she loved that.”

“Sometimes Ava is too strong and stubborn for her own good.”

“I like that about her. I really do.”

“Regardless of what lame ass excuses she might give you, don’t give up on her.”

“You have my word I’ll try my fucking hardest.”

“Good. A lot of her hangups are because she’s still reeling from what that bastard ex-husband of hers did.”

With a growl, I replied, “I’d love to get him alone for a few hours.”

Nick laughed. “You and me both.”

Glancing back at the wait stand, I caught Tobias eyeing me. “Is it just me, or does your grandfather have it out for me?”

Nick laughed. “That’s just my grandfather being his usual overprotective self when it comes to Ava.”

“So I shouldn’t take it personally?”

“Nah. He and my grandmother have tried keeping Ava on a short leash.”

“I get it. She’s their baby girl. My brothers and I totally smother our sister.”

“Yeah, but Ava’s thirty, for Christ’s sake, but they still try treating her like she’s a teenager under their control.” With a roll of his eyes, Nick said, “They lost their fucking minds when we told them we were going to Boston last night.”

“Somehow I don’t see their overprotection going over well with Ava,” I mused.

“No shit. She lost it on them.”

“Hey, my mom still tries to run my sister’s life, and she’s married.”

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