Page 52 of Protection (Mobsters + Billionaires 2)
“Of course, Mads,” I answer, grateful to pretend right along with him, even though I hate how he says my last name. “I need another minute or so. Would you mind waiting for me by the door?”
“Uh, sure,” he says, his eyes ping-ponging between Hopper and Luca.
Hopper waves, Luca dips his chin, and Mads nearly sprints to the door. I turn to face Hopper, steam coming out of my ears.
Luca grabs my elbow, redirecting my attention. “You were telling Hopper how you don’t like to break the law.”
I flex my jaw and nod. “My point is I make exceptions for loved ones. And if that agent goes after you, I will break my own code of ethics to keep you safe.”
Even if I might kill you myself for opening your goddamn mouth.
Hopper’s eyes go wide. “Oh, Anthony. You would not like killing him to protect me. You should let Luca kill him.”
“You’re right, Hop. I wouldn’t like killing him. But if Luca isn’t around, I would do it for you, okay? Please don’t make me.”
Suddenly his arms are around me. “You saved me, brother. You saved me from a terrible life. I would never make you break your code.” He pulls back and looks over at Mads, who suddenly finds something very interesting on the floor. “But I’m thinking that, for you, Mads is also on the exceptions list.”
I sigh, wishing it wasn’t the case, then taking it back because…I don’t know. I can’t regret what I know to be true.
“More than you realize, brother.”
Luca gives me a hug. “Vienna gets to the best of us, no?”
I avoid his eyes but nod, knowing I can’t deny it.
“Maybe get this stalker off his back, and then you’ll know what you need to do next,” Luca suggests, with more kindness than you’d expect from someone with as much blood on his hands as Hopper. “Make it a priority.”
I nod and look over at Mads. I can’t fail him on this.
