Page 89 of King

I’m busy preparing for war again my home, against my family - and I have no idea if I can trust the person I chose to give my heart to.

“What’s going on, dad?” Romeo asks, getting impatient.

I want to tell them enough convince them to be vigilant, but not enough to have them lying awake at night worrying. That’s my job, not theirs.

“I’m in the process of increasing security on the estate. It’s a precaution, but I need everyone in this family to be extra alert and to inform a guard, or me, if you see anything strange or suspicious.”

After the family meeting Santino pulls me aside.

“What was that about?” he demands.

“It’s ok, son - I’ve got it covered.” I sigh.

“No, dad. You need to tell me everything. I am your oldest son, I have a right to know what is happening.”

My eyes meet his and I stare into the face of my son, who is quickly becoming a man. A man I can be proud of. A man I can trust.

“Santino, we received a threat this morning. Someone is coming. I don’t know what’s going on and I feel out of my depth. I’ll do everything I can to protect this family but I’m worried. I’m worried about everything.”

TWENTY-SIX

zina

As soon as I walk into Giovanni’s office, I can sense that I’ve walked in on a private conversation. I hesitate in the doorway, not knowing if I should leave, and give them privacy, or stand my ground and force them to include me in whatever is going on.

Santino and Giovanni are standing close together and Santino’s expression is one of deep concern while Giovanni looks more stressed than I’ve seen in a very long time. My heart aches for him. I want nothing more than to take his pain away.

“Is everything ok?” I ask, looking from one man to the other. They look so similar. Giovanni, strong, aged and refined by years of experience. His body is broader, more muscular, more masculine -

But Santino is clearly his father’s son. His jaw has the same strong shape, and his eyes are just as clear, just as sharp.

Santino sneers at me. “Why don’t you tell us?” he snaps.

I knot my brows, confused and offended. Why me? “What do you mean?” I ask, walking further into the room.

“Santino, don’t.” Giovanni snaps, shaking his head at his son.

I narrow my eyes towards him. What’s going on? What were they talking about?

Santino pouts in annoyances and lets out a sharp breath. “I’ll talk to you again later, dad. When we haveprivacy.” With one last glare in my direction, he storms out of the office, knocking my shoulder with his as he walks past me. I gasp in fright, trying to move aside, but it’s not the knock that hurts - it’s the gesture. The disrespect he feels confident showing me in front of his father.

I wait, listening to his footsteps fade down the hallway. All the while I’m trying to calm myself.

When I look at Giovanni, he’s staring at me, a hundred questions in his eyes.

“Please, tell me what’s happening. That family meeting left us with more questions than answers. What are you worried about? Why won’t you share it with me?” I ask, stepping closer to Giovanni.

He stands up straighter, but turns away from me, picking up things from his desk and busying himself with sorting them. He’s blocking me.

“Giovanni - “ I say sternly. “I’m your wife.”

“I said everything I intended to say at the family meeting. There isn’t anything more to discuss.” He says coldly.

“Why are you pushing me away like this?”

“I’m not.” He says, carrying on over his desk. Moving paperwork around, pointless shifting things.

For a while I just watch him, hoping he’ll break down and stop. But he doesn’t.

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