Page 27 of Unsettled
Unable to resist, I kiss him once more. As he meets me stroke for stroke, tongue and teeth biting and tasting, for the first time since Cristian was taken from me, I feel like myself.
My chains are still broken, and the monster I am is close to the surface, but it is also…content, in a way it’s never been without our Boss before.
And that’s due to the man in my arms, and the three others at home. Proof that, no matter what our enemies throw at us, we are stronger together.
Ilean against the doorway, watching Carter play with Cole. It’s a heartwarming scene, and one I hope can happen again after all this chaos dies down. While Il Padrone takes an interest in Cole, Carter seems to embrace a grandfather type role—especially if those cookies are anything to go by.
When my phone rings, it draws Carter’s attention to me. I quickly silence it as Carter stands up and heads toward me, after murmuring something to my son.
“Everything alright?” Carter asks, his brows furrowed as he takes in my appearance. I’m not as put together as normal, but I’ve been in a rush all day.
“We have a lead on a potential mole on the Martelli side. Surprisingly, from Marcus’s arm of the business. I plan on going with him to check it out, but wanted to duck in here beforehand.Are you alright to still watch Cole? I can get someone else to do it.”
“I’m perfectly fine with him.” Carter’s soft smile, as he glances toward my son, reassures me. I don’t know Carter well, and it’s a struggle to trust Cole to anyone, but he certainly seems to care. “Try not to worry. I love kids. He’ll be fine with me.”
“So, spoiled in other words?” I shake my head at Carter’s innocent face. Oh well, it’s not like Cole isn’t spoiled by the rest of them anyway, especially his Uncle Lio.
Given the way some of the stress lines have disappeared from Carter while he’s actively playing with my son, maybe they can help each other out.
Shrugging, I tap the doorway, diverting Cole's attention to me. Watching him stumble toward me, as he refuses to walk when he can run, I bite back a laugh.Good luck with that, Carter. Kneeling down, I open my arms as Cole runs right into my arms.
“I need to leave with Daddy, but your friend Carter is going to play with you some more. I want you to behave, please.”
Maybe Carter is mimicking my son’s innocent face, although he can’t pull it off nearly as well. I bite back a groan, before deciding it’s Carter’s problem now. “Story?”
“I should be back in time for a bedtime story. If I’m not, I’m sure Carter will read you one.” I smooth Cole's hair, humming as he snuggles into me more. “Love you.”
“Love you!” With that, he’s off like a rocket, the way only a toddler can.Jesus, what I wouldn’t do with that energy…
Standing up, I clasp Carter on the shoulder. “Try not to spoil him too much, and if you have any problems, give one of us a call. Even if we don’t answer right away, we always check, in case it has something to do with him.”
“I have this.” I note Carter’s sidestep from all talk about spoiling, and I roll my eyes before forcing myself to leave.There’s nothing I can do. I need to work, and I’ll trust the Amatos to have this—well, at least Carter. He seems significantly more sane than the rest.
Walking through the labyrinth of a mansion, I roll my shoulders, forcing my thoughts away from Cole, and instead, contemplate my work. Neither Marcus nor I were happy to see the rumor picked up so quickly. At least we had coordinated with Ely on this. As much as the Amatos have been gracious enough to share their resources, including their torture facility, I’d prefer not to owe them that much.
“You ready?” Marcus asks when I meet him at the front door. I nod and gesture for him to exit. I’m not surprised to see my Camaro sitting there ready to go. The level of attention the Amatos have is at least respectful. “I still can’t believe you let anyone touch your car…”
Chuckling, I shrug one shoulder. “You’re not wrong. Right now, I’m trying not to piss everyone off. It’s hard enough living with all of them, their guards, and staff. I feel like I’m constantly tripping over someone, despite the mansion being so large. I can’t wait until we have our space back.”
Slipping into my car, I exhale at the feel of it underneath me. At least I have this. Once Marcus is safely in, I gun it. Fuck it, if they have a problem with that. The sight of Marcus grinning next to me relaxes me further. We have enough shit to deal with today. Taking time to relax is important, even if it’s the simple joy of letting go while driving.
It doesn’t take us long to get to one of Ely’s warehouses. With a deep breath, I exit my baby, patting it on its hood. Marcus curls his hands into fists as he strides toward the entrance. Shaking my head, I hope he can calm down before he kills first, instead of getting answers. Lio does not need to rub off on him with that shit.
Marcus murmurs to the guards before he’s let in, and I follow with a nod toward them. Thankfully, they’re familiar with Marcus, even if they’re not with me. Ignacio and Marcus primarily take point with this gang, although I’ve met a few from there before.
Walking in, I’m not surprised to see Ely laughing over whatever Marcus said. I shake my head slightly, happy to see my love interact with her. When her own lover comes closer to me, I offer him a handshake.
“Daniel. It’s good to see you again.” Daniel grunts as he takes my hand in a strong grip. He’s the silent type around me, but that’s fine. I’m not one for chatter anyway. “Thanks for letting us use your facilities.”
“You’re going to owe Ely so many diamonds.”
I laugh, because I know how true that is, even though she’s worth whatever we spend on jewelry. “At least that means you don’t have to buy her as many.”
Daniel side eyes me and snorts. “You don’t know Ely well. This means I have to buy her more. After all, the Martellis bought her so much…”
I bite my lip to hold in a laugh. If Marcus hadn’t warned me how badass Daniel is, I’d think otherwise, based on his reaction. Still, I can’t help but find him a little adorable. Not that I’d ever say that—to his face.
“Ah, Ely, you’re an angel,” Marcus coos as I come closer.
