Page 65 of Married into the Mob
So looking forward to us being a family again. She was talking about a reduced family of two, whereas I was expanding mine.
Can you come today?
I miss you.
What would you like to eat? The kitchen here is fabulous.
Aunt Louisa’s husband had betrayed her, and I, who she looked on as her son, was leaving her alone.
What had Hunter said about money making life easier? Not in this situation.
TWENTY-FIVE
ODELL
“I know you have to go. You’re a good nephew slash son. And your aunt needs you, but I hate that you’re leaving.”
“It’s thirty minutes from here into the city. I’m hardly embarking on a worldwide expedition.”
“Dellie. Odellicious.”
Oh no. I pushed him away. “You can’t Dellie me. Go. Shoo.”
The Red Beast I’d driven during our escape from the city—it was still hard to believe that was real—wasn’t here, and I missed it. Not that I was allowed behind a wheel because I had to have a driver and bodyguards. Hunter was wrapping me in bubble wrap even though the danger had passed. But as he and his family had security wherever they went, and I was his mate, I didn’t see a way out of the protective cocoon.
It was frustrating having someone a few steps in front and another behind me, and when I thought about being followed by hulking guys wearing earpieces for the rest of my life, I did get a little anxious. Not that I mentioned it to Hunter.
We were so new. A few days new. Me and my family had been protected, and Uncle Stan and Aunt Louisa had new temporary homes. I couldn’t complain, especially when the time since Imet Hunter until now was a blur. So much had happened, and I wanted to add a full stop and start a new paragraph, but it was as though I was living in a long, run-on sentence.
But perhaps Hunter had picked up on my discontent. Panicking in the panic room became our catchphrase, and this morning when reminded of the hours spent underground, we turned on some music and bopped around the kitchen yelling it. I felt better, exhausted but better, afterward, and we’d flopped on the sofa, laughing.
“I’ll be back.”
It was a flippant line from a movie. But I would. We hadn’t sat down and looked at our life going forward. I still had my teaching job and could return after the vacation. But how could I when I’d killed someone, almost killed someone, and almost been killed? I used to think I had a moral compass, but I couldn’t stand in front of a class of kids and talk about principles after what I’d done.
Due to their living situation, I didn’t need to contribute to the family’s finances. And Hunter had assured me I could take time to decide what I wanted to do. This was the part of my life where “money gives you choices.” And I was grateful that I no longer had to count pennies and work two jobs.
Sitting in the back of the sleek black car and having someone drive me to my aunt was such a privilege. I was determined to pay it forward. Maybe not teaching but doing volunteer work until I decided on a new path.
But as the car sped along the road, with Hunter and my new life behind me, Aunt Louisa in front, doubts began to niggle at me.
Maybe it was too soon to start living with my mate.
What did I really know about him?
Despite the bodyguards, I’d always be looking over my shoulder if we were together.
I cracked the window and shivered as the wind pummeled my cheeks. One night or maybe two away from Hunter might give me clarity, though I missed him already. I peered out the back window, the miles between us stretching into what seemed like forever, and I almost told the driver to turn around.
But I had a responsibility to Aunt Louisa. She and my uncle had sacrificed so much because I’d needed braces, wanted piano lessons, or outgrew my shoes every few months. I wouldn’t neglect my obligation to her because I’d fallen in love.
When we pulled up in front of the tall apartment building, I shaded my eyes and peered up at the many stories. It was slap bang in the middle of a district with restaurants, grocery stores, and shops, so Aunt Louisa could walk to where she wanted to go.
I was going to convince her to give up cleaning offices, and she might prefer to work at her day job part-time if her boss agreed and could find someone to fill in the other half days.I couldn’t see her not working, as she was the type who hated sitting still.
The apartment was on the third floor. Two flights of stairs. But the elevator was gleaming and modern. Besides, I wasn’t alone, as I had two security guys with me. I could get in without panicking.
Aunt Louisa had the door open before I buzzed. We hugged, holding onto one another for ages, before she glared at the bodyguards and ushered us in.
