Page 52 of Subbing For Santa

My eyes practically bulge out of my head. “You’re mafia?”

“We don’t use that term.” He still keeps his eyes on the road.

“What term do you use then?”

This time, he glances at me. “We are a family. A crew. An organisation. There’s no need for labels.”

“But you’re a family that does business through organised crime?”

“Not always.” He shrugs, his eyes back on the road.

“But mostly.”

Sighing, he glances back at me. “Is it a deal breaker?”

My brows shoot high, and I shrink back into the seat. “I don’t know. If it is, is my body going to be found dismembered next week?”

Griffin’s laugh is loud in the confined space of the car. His beaming smile and laughing eyes dart to glance at me. Then he falls quiet when he realises I’m serious, and maybe a little scared.

“Shit. Sorry. You’re being serious?”

“Yes.” I frown and he shakes his head.

“Many people know who we are, and they don’t turn up dead. You’re safe. I promise.”

I want to believe him, but right now my mind is blown.

“Have you killed people?” I ask reluctantly, and my question must take him by surprise, because he flinches a little. His lips thin as his eyes dart back and forth between the road and me, and I sit patiently waiting for him to answer.

“Is that really something you need to know, little elf?”

“Yes.” I nod.

“Why?” He frowns, and I shrug.

“Honestly, I guess I can’t be involved with someone who keeps secrets. So if you kill people, I need to know.”

His brows shoot up, but he nods too, momentarily distracted by his thoughts before responding.

“If I say yes, isthata deal breaker?”

“No.” I whisper, and his head snaps to me.

“It’s not?”

I shake my head. “I just want honesty.”

His face softens. “This is why you’re perfect for me, Aggie. You’re not judging me.”

“So you have? Killed someone, I mean.” I ask, and he nods.

“I have.”

“How many?” I ask and he frowns, and his expression turns regretful.

“Too many.”

“Were they bad people?” I ask, and his face turns to stone in a serious expression.

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