Page 179 of When We Fall: Part One
“Small fracture. I’ll live.”
He took a drink and cleared his throat. “Did he give you any other information past Russians?”
“No. I should have kept him alive a little longer in the big scheme of things, but if you’d seen her…” My words faded away. “He deserved to die for what he did.”
“I agree.” He drank again before licking his lips. “Listen, Anson, I am so grateful to you. I want you to know that. We all are. I’m sure Fox has already told you, and I’m certain E will, too—even Cole. We want to know how we can repay you. For killing that guy, for saving her, for keeping her safe at Matteo’s.”
“I don’t need to be paid,” I said immediately. “She’s my friend, and I care for her. It’s what friends are for.”
He studied me for a moment before nodding. “I’ll pay you to hire on with me.”
I blinked at him. “What?”
“I want to hire you. You were watching over her for free before, but I don’t think that’s right. You need to live, too. I want you to work for me.”
“I’m not letting you pay me to watch over her,” I said. “I’m good.”
“Are you telling me you don’t want to be paid or are not planning to return? Because if you come back, it’s because you now work for me. That means you get paid.”
I blew out a breath. “I don’t want to be paid to be her friend. To keep an eye on her. I didn’t nearly a year ago and don’t want it now. We’re good, Enzo. Truly. Besides, I alreadyworkedfor you once, and you fucked me over.” I shot him a bitter look because I still hadn’t forgotten what he’d done. Getting the information from Drake and putting me out in the cold had been fucked up.
He stared me down for a moment before getting to his feet. He went to a desk drawer and pulled out an envelope before returning it to me.
“What’s this?” I asked, frowning as I took it from him. I peeked inside to see a stack of hundred-dollar bills.
“It’s ten thousand dollars,” he said, settling in his chair again. He didn’t address my comment.
“I can’t accept this?—”
He held his hand up. “It’s not for watching over Rosalie. It’s for being my eyes and ears. Just feed me any information you have. I’ll pay more if you want.”
I stared at the envelope in my hand. I wasn’t hurting for money, but more money was always good, especially once I left this place. I had a nest egg already, but padding it might be nice.
“So you want me to feed you information monthly, and you’ll pay me for it?”
“Easy job, right?” He raised his brows at me.
I looked at the money again. “I know what you’re doing.”
“What’s that?”
“You’re fucking Lorenzo De Luca. You don’t need me to be your ears. The fucking street lamps have ears for you. This is so I watch Rosalie. I told you I don’t want to be paid for that?—”
“This is because I want to know what your fucking old man is up to,” he said softly, his dark eyes flashing dangerously. “Matteo De Santis isn’t sweet to my girl for no reason. I want to know why. And don’t tell me it’s because he’s Fox’s uncle or your father. We both know he doesn’t give a shit about family like that. Dominic is a prime example.”
“You’re asking me to betray my father?”
“I’m asking you to protect what you love,” he said softly.
I knew what he was saying without saying it. He wanted the inside track in case Matteo decided to attack.
I wanted her safe, too, and I trusted my father.
“You’re putting me in a shitty position, De Luca.”
He inclined his head. “I’m aware.”
I sighed, knowing this was more than just an ear to the ground sort of thing. He’d pop out next and tell me he’d hire someone else for Rosalie, and I’d be fucked and out of the picture with no hope for a return. I’d seen how shit played out when someone else watched over her.
