Page 35 of Mr. Kelly

“I know,” he admits as he pats my back. “You don’t need to come back to the darkness; I’m still here.” We pull apart and look at each other for a beat. “I’ll always have your back. Go enjoy your new family.” As much as I want to see River, I fear I’m just going to bring my shit to her. Andrea must see the look because he speaks before I can say anything. “Go clear your head. I’ll check in on the dynamic duo. She’s a good one. I don’t need you running her off with your mood.”

I accept what he says without a word and turn to leave. My car is still running, but I’m not surprised. I was out of my mind from the news of her betrayal and, now that I’m free, I need to figure out how to let that go. It’s not an easy thing to do, but I must do so if I want a chance at anything healthy with River. I refuse to allow Helena to run two relationships.

Chapter Eighteen

RIVER

I haven't heardfrom Theodore the rest of the day. I'm not going to act like a person who didn't have a purpose for their phone before meeting a guy and call and text him every few minutes, but I do find myself missing him after a few hours. I'm not going to lie; I partially expected him to pop up or call with the way he's become attached to being near his unborn child. I simply explain to myself that he is dealing with a wife and several businesses.

It's important not to misread anything and hurt my own feelings. I need to remain rational even with the state of his marriage. When I get to the hotel, my door is cracked, and I push it open to find Andrea standing inside. My concern spikes almost immediately.

"Is Theodore okay?"

He gives me a half smile. "That would be your first question. I must be losing my touch."

I don't know why it's funny, but I laugh. "No. You're still scary, but my concern for Theodore is higher at the moment."

He gives me his whole smile, reminding me that beneath the killer is a devastatingly handsome man.

"And that is why you continue to breathe. Pack your stuff. I'm moving you and my godchild out of the hotel."

"Godchild?" His long body takes a step in my direction.

"Did you see that going differently?" His intimidating glare is back on his face. The lightness of his eyes doesn't make it less scary.

"You're right. It makes perfect sense. Theodore is like a brother to you."

"HeISa brother to me."

"Got it, Godfather Tesio."

His smile slips back into place. "I love how quick you are."

I smile as I move farther inside and start to pack. “Can you at least try to promise me one thing?”

Andrea tilts his head to listen, but everything about him says he’s not making any guarantees.

“Can you let the kid try to fight some of their own battles? Like please don’t blow up the school if they mess up or bankrupt the parents of the kid who crosses ours?”

Although the second part is a statement, my audience makes it come out as a question.

Andrea cracks his neck. “The hypothetical scenario already pisses me off. I’ll just have to teach the little one how to annihilate their enemies.”

I scrub my face. “It’s fine, we have years to negotiate this.”

“Do we?”

“Yes,” I respond, firmly. “It makes perfect sense that you’d be the godfather, but you cannot steamroll me in every decision inmychild’s life. Get your own.” After a pause, I add, “Respectfully, sir.”

Andrea cracks a smile. “You had all my respect until ‘respectfully, sir.’ Now, you have about eight percent. You put the protection of your child before your own safety, perfect for raising a child with my brother.”

“I added the last part because I respect your position in the city and love your bond with Teddy.”

He’s rubbing his chin, not really listening to me as I pack. “You’re right. How are our kids gonna grow up together if I haven't gotten some lucky woman pregnant?”

Andrea taps my head like I’m a precocious child and starts towards the door. He points at his men. You two, make sure she’s packed and gets to the house soon so she can rest. If she hurts even a toenail, you will die.” He pats them on the shoulders like he didn’t just threaten their lives. “I’m off to get a mother for my child. I’m almost eighteen weeks behind schedule.”

I shouldn’t be surprised that he knows exactly how far along I am, but his knowledge makes me shiver anyway. I feel sorry for the woman I just sent to hell. He’ll be all kinds of baby daddy drama.

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