Page 161 of Filthy Dark (Five Points' Mob Collection 3)

“Unlike your father.”

“Unlike him,” I confirmed.

“Why’s he like that?” he asked warily.

“He’s a product of his environment. Just like I am. Just like you are.”

“Do you hate him?”

I stared at him, not totally surprised by the question. “When I was your age, sure. He wanted me to do things…” My voice waned because he didn’t need to knowwhatthings. “He wanted me to besomething I wasn’t.”

“Why did you conform?”

“I didn’t have a choice.”

“We always have choices.”

“Not in my world.”

“It’s my world now,” he rasped.

“No. I’ll make sure it isn’t.”

“You sound so sure.”

“Because I am.”

He bit his lip. “I asked Uncle Conor for—”

“I know. He told me. Didn’t like what you read?”

“I mean, I’ve seenThe Sopranos.” He hesitated. “Don’t tell Mom though.”

I had to grin. “I won’t.”

“I know what a crime family does and things, but…”

“But what?”

“It’s not likeThe Sopranos,” he said miserably. “It’s real life.”

“It is.”

He licked his lips. “If I saw—”

I tipped my head to the side when he broke off. “Saw what?”

“Nothing.”

My brow puckered, but I reached over and cupped his shoulder. “What is it? You can tell me.”

“Nothing. I promise.” He cleared his throat to suddenly hide the squeak, and while I knew he was hiding something, what could I do? Get out a knife and threaten him?

I could see that going down well with Aela.

So, even though I knew he was lying, even though I could see from the sudden storm clouds in his eyes that he badly needed to share something with me, I just murmured, “You won’t be getting involved in my world.”

He peered up at me with relief in his gaze, but he inquired, “Why is Aidan so mean to you?”

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