Page 58 of King

“She doesn’t have anything over me, Fabio.” I say defensively.

“Whatever. I just think you aren’t seeing it for what it is.”

“Seeing what exactly?” I snap, losing my patience.

“Ever since she got here shit has been happening. It’s been a different place. Things are going wrong. Everyone is tense.”

I shake my head. “Everyone is tense since we lost Bella. It’s got nothing to do with Zina being here.” My words are thick as they fall from my lips.

Fabio raises his brow at me. I know that look.

“Fine.” I huff. “Obviously her being here has caused some issues, but she’s not dangerous, Fabio. She’s not behind the attacks.”

He tilts his head to the side and shrugs his broad shoulders. “I want to believe you, Gio, but I’m not as convinced as you are.”

“What am I supposed to do? She is the mother of my son.”

He shrugs again. “It’s your decision to make, but from where I’m sitting - that girls is going to be your downfall.”

He pushes back from the table and stands up.

Alone in the dining room again I fold my arms across my chest and lean my head back, closing my eyes.

Iseveryoneseeing something I’m not seeing.

No.

Not everyone. Dante likes her.

Romeo has no opinion except that of his older brother. I think he could go either direction.

Santino is the only one who is dead set against her - Santino and Fabio.Two options that I have always trusted.

And then there is me.

What do I think about her being here? What does my gut tell me about Zina and whether or not I can trust her?

The main problem with me is that I don’t know if my opinion is tainted by desire or not. Santino is convinced I’m being manipulated.

Fabio is convinced she poses some kind of threat to this family - to me.

I’m not so sure.

I don’t view her as being that dangerous. Not inthatway anyway.

I see her as a danger to my heart.

She clouds my thinking.

So I can admit it.

Huffing I stand up, not wanting to analyze this anymore.

The moment I get close to believing she is the threat they accuse her of being - that’s when I have to tell her to leave.

I don’t want that.

I’m not ready for that and I don’t think I’ll ever be.

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