Page 96 of Ruthless Oath

I buttoned my shirt, glancing at her in the mirror. “Getting dressed.”

I took my perfectly pressed pants off the hanger and tugged them on.

“Are you having a meeting today?”

I disappeared into the closet and carefully selected a tie and shoes. I didn’t want to have this conversation with her. It would only end in aggravation. Once I had what I needed for my day, I came back into her view.

“Are your associates coming here?”

“No.” I tucked my shirt into my pants and buckled my belt. “I’m going into the city today.”

“Is that safe?” Her voice jumped an octave. “Won’t someone try to hurt you?”

“Occupational hazard.” I winked. “I can handle myself.”

I looked in the mirror and threaded my tie behind the collar of my shirt, taking my time to meticulously knot it. I studied her in the reflection.

Why aren’t you arguing with me?

“Should I get dressed? Pack my things?” she asked.

“Why would you do that?” I put my watch on and checked the time. Hopefully, she didn’t pick now to challenge me. I didn’t have time for a fight, and I couldn’t waste my energy or lose my concentration.

“Because you said we were going to the city.”

“I said I was going to the city.” I turned to face her. “Not you.”

“You’re leaving me here?”

I sat on the edge of the bed to put on my socks and shoes. “Ricardo will stay with you.”

“How long will you be gone?” She secured the sheet around her and maneuvered to the edge of the bed.

“For as long as it takes.” I caressed her arm. “I don’t want to leave you, but it’s necessary if we want a future.”

“You know I want that.”

“Then don’t make this difficult for me. I’m leaving whether you put up a fight or not.”

“What if they come for you?”

I assumed she meant her father and Collins.

I could have ignored her question, but I had to be honest. She needed to know what I was up against so when I acted accordingly, she would understand that I did what I had to do.

“It isn’t a question of if they come after me, it’s a matter of when.” I stood. “The longer I stay here with you, the more territory I could lose.”

“Promise me nothing will happen to you.”

“I can’t make such a promise.” As much as I wanted to assure her that I would come back in one piece, I would be lying to her, and I didn’t want to do that. It wasn’t fair.

“Can you at least be careful?”

I nodded while I checked my hair in the mirror.

“You look like a gangster,” she said. “A tall, dark, brooding mafia boss.”

“That’s exactly who I am, and my enemies shouldn’t forget it.”

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