Page 92 of Vicious Vows

“But your dad…” I didn’t want him to celebrate if he was missing his father. “We can wait until he comes home.”

“I don’t know when that will be.” He set me on his lap. “I want more than anything for it to be before Christmas, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.”

“I know why he’s gone,” I admitted. “Ricardo told me.”

“Ricardo talks too much.”

“Why is the cartel making it so difficult for your dad to return? If he doesn’t know who is responsible for Miguel’s disappearance, why are they keeping him from returning? Doesn’t his absence put their business in jeopardy?”

“When did you become an analyst for mafia business?”

“I guess I did pay attention when I was growing up. Maybe I blocked it out.”

“You’re better off not knowing things,” he said.

“But now I know this, can you help me understand it?”

“The cartel is very powerful. My father is important to them, and he can also gain valuable information while he’s underground.” Marchello gently picked the strands of hair that had fallen over my eye away from my face. “Some of it has nothing to do with Miguel’s disappearance. The longer my father searches for answers, the more intel he gathers.”

“The cartel is using him?”

“Inadvertently, but Miguel went missing on my father’s watch. If he doesn’t make this right and find out what happened, things could get ugly between the Accettis and the cartel. None of us want that.”

“So your dad is staying away to protect his family?”

“He wants to come home, and Milo and I need him here, but he is an honorable man. He wants to get answers and make things right.” He kissed me. “You don’t need to worry about any of this.”

Too late.

“I’ll order dinner for next week. Milo can join us.” He slid me off his lap. “I have to go take a shower and head to the dealership.”

“You already had a bath, remember?”

“How could I forget?” He smirked. “I can’t go to work smelling like a strawberry field. I do have a reputation to uphold.”

“A tough gangster reputation.”

“Exactly.” He hurried toward the back staircase. “Research some of the top restaurants in the city. See who has the best turkey dinner.”

“It might be a little late to order, don’t you think?”

“Not for me.” He laughed as he went up the steps. “I can make it happen.”

I believed that.

As I rinsed the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher, I had to stop and smile at how effortless this task had become. Two months ago, I was appalled when Marchello requested such a menial task from me. But now, he made breakfast and I cleaned the kitchen.

It might not have seemed like much for some, but for me, it was growth. I was still spoiled and entitled, but there were little changes in both of us that amounted to big steps toward our future.

I sat down at the center island and sipped my coffee. Knowing I didn’t have to stay locked up in the penthouse all day gave me a new perspective. Ricardo and I could have lunch in the city and then visit Marchello at the dealership.

That place needed a remodel. Maybe I could convince Marchello to let me tackle the offices. New paint, furniture, and sleek flooring would really enhance the space.

My phone vibrated on the counter. Who would be calling me so early? No way was my mother out of bed yet. I reached for the phone and the screen lit up with a picture of me and my dad at my college graduation. My stomach twisted with a knot of anxiety.

I glanced up at the staircase, making sure Marchello wasn’t there before answering the call.

“Hello.”

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