Page 117 of Ruthless Beast

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Lucas

She’s ripping my heart from my chest and she doesn’t even know it. How do I explain to my soulmate that being in the mafia isn’t something from which you just bow out gracefully? Once you’re in, that’s it! There’s no resigning, for goodness sake!

But, here we are, at the crossroads. I don;t know what to say in response to her firm demands.

“I’ll see what’s keeping the chef,” I say, bowing out of the discussion like a coward.

“We’re not done talking about this, Lucas.”

“I know.”

When did my life become so complicated? You’d think I’d be cruising. I’m at the pinnacle of success; I have more money than I know what to do with; I’m respected amongst my peers and competitors. How do I give that up? Why should I? I’ve worked hard my whole life to get here. Sure, I’m not saving lives or curing cancer, but I’m proud of my success.

But nothing is worth shit if I don’t get to share it with the woman I love. Also, what kind of a father will I be if I stay? Fuck! This is hard!

“What’s eating you, Lucas?”

“Andreas. I didn't see you there.”

“Are you okay? Is Emily alright?”

“Yeah, she’s fine.”

“Come on, Out with it. Yours is not the face of a man who just pulled the fat out of the fire. What’s wrong?”

“It’s a mess, Andreas. A bloody mess. Women. They’re complicated.”

“Uh-huh. So, what’s the trouble with yours?”

“Emily is worried about mylifestyle.”

Andreas chuckles.

“I’ve never heard it called that before.”

“Makes two of us.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh. So, what are you going to do?”

“That’s the million dollar question, isn’t it? I can’t just hand in my keys and sail off into the sunset, can I? I have responsibilities. This organization depends on me.”

“I hear you.”

“It’s a fucking nightmare, buddy.”

“Not to throw a second cat amongst the pigeons, Lucas, but I get where Emily’s coming from. She’s pregnant and recently rescued from a strip club in Mexico. I’d be shocked if she weren’t about to do a runner.”

“You’re not helping.”

“I’m just saying, Look at this from her point of view.”

“Go away.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll leave you in peace. But you’re going to have to think about this one, Boss. I don’t envy you.”

I pass the chef in the hallway, carrying the tray. It’s unusual for him to deliver the food himself, but I know he’s fond of Emily. Everyone is. She’s an amazing woman. I can’t lose her.

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