Page 121 of The Enforcer

“Then you need to tell him that before it’s too late,” Willow whispered.

CHAPTER 31

Christos

I’d lost her. I’d pushed Valencia too far hoping for too much and she hated me.

There was no other possibility. She hated me.

Could I blame her?

Not necessarily, although she truly didn’t understand the life that I’d been born into, and I was obviously inept at being able to explain it to her in a way that would make her suffering more bearable.

I stood in front of the window, watching her playing outside on the grounds with Magnum. She was a true breath of fresh air and it was impossible not to smile while noticing every gesture, including the fact she was having a conversation with her pup. I should be the one to be there, listening to her concerns instead of storming off like the asshole I could be on any given day.

“Earth to Christos,” Dimitrios said from behind me.

“What?” I hadn’t been paying attention and I didn’t feel sorry about it in the least.

“I agreed with Father that what you have proposed is dangerous.” Dimitrios flanked my side. “Oh, I see.”

“What do you see?” I finally dragged my attention away from watching her.

“You’re still in the throes of the woman you’ve fallen for, uncertain she can tolerate our lifestyle. While she might be willing to help, it’s eating her alive inside since she’s a healer. The thought of being involved with a murderer isn’t on her bucket list. Right?”

While I sensed Dimitrios was doing what he could to get me to lighten up, at least to a degree, he’d gone through the same damn thing with Willow. She was still a hardheaded woman and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Valencia was fired from her job and thinks I’m responsible.” I still couldn’t believe she’d think that.

“Are you?” Havros asked.

I turned toward him, noticing our father was listening intently. He’d been on death’s door only days before and we were still facing a crisis in the United States, yet he appeared more interested in my love life. “No, of course not. The truth is I’m going to find out who is responsible when I return to New York. I assure you the bastard won’t think twice about reinstating her.”

“But you don’t want her to go, son. Do you?” Pops finally added his two cents.

“If that’s what she wants, I can’t keep her against her will.” Even if I wanted to. “This is an old argument. I’m not like the three of you. I won’t force her into anything.”

“You are an amazing man, my son, but you are terribly naïve.”

“Meaning what?”

“Women don’t want expensive jewelry or a ride in a jet. They couldn’t care less about fancy cars and houses either. All they are looking for is the sweeping feeling they get in their hearts when the men they love offer them words of passion and need. And love. Have you told Valencia you love her?” Pops’ eyes were full of amusement. He’d always been able to see right through me. I’d never been able to tell a lie.

“I don’t think either one of us are in love, Pops. We argue too much.” Argue was too strong of a word, but we were both eager to banter against the other’s viewpoint far too easily.

Havros acted like he was choking. “That’s bullshit and you know it. The two of you practically light up a room when you walk in.”

“That’s called physicality. Lust.” I laughed after issuing the statement. It wasn’t false, but there was more to the emotions we shared.

“You’re lying to yourself. You’re willing to do anything to keep her safe including heading to New York on a pipe dream. Her father could have advance notice and will use it to kill you. All of us.” Dimitrios shook his head.

“With Don Coppola winning majority support, he will be eager to place his stake in New York’s soil,” Pops added. “I’ve already spoken to him. It is time to strengthen the alliance.”

“Agreed,” Havros stated.

“What if Don Coppola has used us all along to get what he really wanted?” I asked.

Our father was never quick to jump to conclusions. I could tell he’d already thought of that. “Then he, his soldiers, and his entire family will die. However,” he continued, taking the time looking from one to the other of us, “if this alliance is strong, our wealth will grow exponentially.”

---