Page 11 of Consequences
Itake another swallow of the amber liquid beside me and hum in pleasure. It relaxes me further, and I turn toward my friend—and he has somehow become an actual friend.Who would have thought two Bosses would become friends and not just allies?
“To state what you already know… Your son is quite the treasure. Certainly someone to be proud of in this life—or any.”
Not many have ever taken me to task and lived. Roman certainly has the makings of an excellent Boss. I respect that, even if I’d love to put the whelp in his place.
“The new generation…they do things differently.”
“They do.” Cristian gives a slight smile. “I have a feeling it’ll be interesting to learn what they did while we’ve been gone.”
“Did you notice his hesitation?” I tap my fingers on the table, scowling at the one missing.Fuckers.
Cristian gives a grunt as he frowns. “Yes, and I’m trying not to think about it. Our families certainly seem…”
“Commingled,” I finish grimly. “You have that feeling as well?”
He takes a healthy sip of his own drink as he glances around his office. With a sigh, he gives a small nod. “Yes, Amico Mio, I do. I’m not sure how to feel about that. We’ve never…”
“Our Families are different. They always have been. We have our own territories, our own pursuits, even where they overlap. And we have our own ways to resolve issues, both internally and externally. I admit, I’m curious as to how they’ve resolved some of these issues. Also, I'm slightly worried.” I sigh, unsure what to think about all of this. “At least they didn’t kill each other. That has to be a positive sign.”
“I’d like to say it is, but…” Cristian trails off, his brows furrowed as he considers the possibilities.
Scowling, I drain the rest of my drink. “Yeah, I thought the same. I was actually trying to be optimistic for once. With my luck, we’ll find out they transferred my lessons a little too well. And suddenly, we’ve got them all fucking each other. Untangling that shit would be near impossible.”
Cristian grimaces. “That’s my son; he doesn’t do anything by halves.”
I laugh, freer than I have been since we’ve gotten out. My mind is still worried about my Emilio, but hearing that the surgery went well has helped—even if it is grating that they won’t let me go see him—and seeing Cristian uncomfortable? We may be friends, but it is still fun.
“Ah yes, I forgot that part. Hopefully, it would only be my Emilio and him, if that did happen. Two Bosses would be one thing. They’d be at the same level, and easily parted.”
Cristian shakes his head at me, giving me a pitying look. “Amico Mio, you may want to dial back the optimism. You reallythink those two would be easily parted? We’re fucked if my son has fallen for one of yours. He already has three lovers—one of whom would have had to give his permission in order for Roman to touch another. If Hollisdidhappen to give his blessing, I’m simply hoping he had some fun with one of your Boys, but didn’t collect another lover while we were gone.”
I run my hand through my hair and groan. “Fuck. My Family uses sex to bond. You know that. If they’ve been together this whole time…”
We exchange loaded glances and I curse. He shrugs one shoulder. “It’s a problem for another day. For now, we may want to listen to Roman. I would certainly like to join my husband.”
My chest tightens at the reminder. He has his love, and I’m stuck here while we wait for further news on mine.Fucking hell. “You should go see him. You can always have Cole dropped off with one of the family members. Or even me.”
“I’ll do that. I do think you’re right though, the man who had us wasn’t in charge.” His pained expression doesn’t make me feel any better, even if he is agreeing with me.
“Then we’ll need to track down who is really making the decisions,” I state grimly. “And we also need to find out who the fuck that doctor was who treated you. I want to start dismantling whatever network they have.”
“We have an artist. I’ll have her work with you on it. Let’s see if she can draw the person, and then we’ll have others take a look, if neither of us can figure it out. Maybe one of our own doctors will know.”
“I’ll let you set it up. And then tomorrow, let’s find out what our temporary Bosses did in our place. It seems those articles were the real thing, as much as I’d hoped they weren't. Where am I sleeping tonight?”
“Hmm. I have no idea where they put your family—if they’re in the guest wing or the family side; I’ll ask the Head Housekeeper and get you situated.”
“Thank you. Tomorrow will come soon enough. Get some rest, and send Cole to one of us, so you can…reconnect with your love. I’ll certainly take advantage when my Emilio is back. I do apologize that we are intruding.”
Cristian waves me off. “If what we suspect is true, then this house is currently as much yours as it is mine, until we can figure out how to unravel it. Don’t worry about anything; you’re welcome here.” At least that allows me to relax. Fuck knows I never expected to be at the Amatos’ full-time.Just what did my Boy do while I was gone…
Gently, I tug on Carter’s arm, dread filling me at the look on his face. I’m not upset by his need to help our friends and allies, but how close he’s gotten to Cole Martelli is enough to make me need another drink.
“He’s fine, Caro,” I say softly. “Come. His uncle has it from here.”
“I do,” Antonio says. “And his parents should be on their way soon.”
Carter sighs, pulls out of my grip, and leans over enough to kiss the sleeping toddler’s cheek. “Don’t hesitate to ask for help, and make sure Keegan and Marcus know I’m happy to take him again.”
