Page 114 of The Enforcer

I could tell he was thinking about it. “As long as it’s done creatively without showing our entire hand.”

“I assure you the lovely doctor is her own woman and she’s very cunning when needed. Besides, I’ll be on the call. What about Don Coppola?”

“When I mentioned this plot to him, he certainly didn’t deny knowledge of its existence.”

“He is planning on heading to New York.” That was evident. Not that I could blame him. With the unrest between the Cosa Nostra in Italy and the United States, there were territories and businesses up for grabs. If he took them, he’d be labeled a god.

Dimitrios sighed. “The meeting of the Italian Dons is tonight. From what he alluded to, taking a healthy section of the Big Apple was used as a further incentive for his appointment into the position of Godfather. Unlike some politicians, he’ll need to follow through with his promises or he and his entire family will end up at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea.”

“Does he not anticipate us as rivals?”

“I think he believes our alliance will continue.”

“And will it?” I asked. I wasn’t necessarily against it as with Coppola as the Godfather of Italy, additional doors would be opened up for us. I simply couldn’t place my trust in anyone.

Well, that wasn’t entirely true. I found myself trusting Valencia as much as I did my family members.

That should tell me something.

“Perhaps. Time will tell, brother. Drop by tomorrow for Pops’ homecoming. We’ll allow him in on our conversations.”

“Only if our mother allows it.”

He laughed. “Good point. Just remember what I said. I understand how you feel about the doctor, but you can’t allow either your gratitude or your desire to cloud your judgment.”

“When have I ever done that?”

“Let me count the ways.” I knew he was teasing, because the one thing that could be said about me was that business and family came first.

Why was it I already felt as if Valencia was part of the family?

I chuckled as I ended the call, even dumping my phone onto my desk. I’d left Valencia alone for too long with the dishes.

As I walked toward the kitchen, I thought about how natural it was having both her and Magnum in the house. I heard little sounds as I neared the doorway, slowing down so I could hear what was being said.

“Mommy missed the wittle baby so much. Come here, snuggly wuggly. Mama has something for you.”

The sound of his tail swishing was something I missed from having a dog as a kid. It brought back a few good memories. I inched into the doorway, leaning against the jamb. Just watching her was breathtaking, more so than taking in any outdoor view or concert. She had a simple way about her, easy going yet so full of life, that constantly intrigued me.

As Magnum took the piece of chicken she’d offered, his entire body was wiggling with happiness. The choice to bring him here had been at a significant cost, but the joy I’d been able to witness was priceless. It had been the best decision I’d made in a long time.

Other than determining to spend more time with her.

“Okay, now, let Mommy dog finish the dishes.”

She’d already done a lion’s share of work, which she’d told me was only fair since I’d cooked dinner. Granted, I’d done a piss poor job in comparison to what my mother would have made, yet I’d learned a few of her tricks along the way. At least dinner had been edible.

“You look amazing in an apron,” I told her as I walked closer. And she did, although the barbarian inside of me wanted to rip it off.

She tipped her head toward me, the mischievous expression also holding an air of defiance. Just like always. And I’d have it no other way. “You think so, huh? Better than in scrubs?”

“Oh, that is a tough call. Maybe I’ll need to see you in both before I’m able to make a qualified decision.” I headed toward her, allowing myself to swagger a little. I spun her around, untying the funny apron I’d gotten as a gift from Havros the Christmas before. Where she’d found it, I would ask later.

Right now, I needed it removed so I had easier access to her.

“Careful there. Iamstill working.”

I spun her around again, ripping it over her head. When it almost caught on her bracelet, she appeared startled. “Relax, baby. I’m not going to damage a single thing. Except maybe your reputation.”

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