Page 28 of By Fate I Conquer (Sins of the Fathers 4)

“Where to?” Dad asked.

“He sometimes hides in the bushes at the fence.”

Dad and I walked in silence for a while. “Please don’t let war break out because I managed to get locked in a cell with Amo, okay?”

Dad’s fingers on my shoulders tightened briefly. “I can’t imagine war is avoidable in the long run.”

“So many would die, for nothing.”

Dad gave me a strange smile. “Not for nothing.”

I sighed. I didn’t want a war, for various reasons. “Would it make you happy if I tried to learn to fight?” Dad had tried to coerce me into taking fight lessons for as long as I could remember, but the thought of choosing violence had never sat right with me. For my family it was always the first choice, but for me it was the last resort.

Dad turned me so I was facing him. “For many years this was what I wanted but I can tell that you’ll never be a fighter, Greta, not in the physical sense. I don’t want you to fight to make me happy.”

The bushes to our right rustled and Dad stepped in front of me, his hand on his knife. I squinted into the half-light. There were lamps at the top of the fence but their light didn’t penetrate the ground. Still I could see a small white muzzle peeking out under the bush.

“Momo!” I rushed toward him and picked him up before he could dash away again. I removed a few twigs from his shaggy fur. He was a Maltese and when I’d found him, he’d been completely matted and emaciated, his ears infected. I cuddled him to my chest, something he’d only started allowing recently.

I felt Dad’s eyes on me and headed to his side. He didn’t try to pat Momo, only regarded me. “Considering what kind of man I am and the sins I’ve committed, I don’t know why I deserve a daughter like you.”

“I’m not perfect Dad. I’m as flawed as everyone else.”

Dad gave me a look that made it clear he disagreed. His phone rang and when he saw the caller ID he picked up after a muttered curse. “Luca.” He listened to something the other man then nodded. “Getting it over with sounds like a plan.” He hung up.

“What’s going on?”

“Luca and his son are coming for another meeting tomorrow.”

My heart beat faster, my belly bustling with excitement. I lowered my gaze and pressed my face against Momo’s fur to hide my reaction from Dad.

Dad thought I was perfect.

He didn’t know how my heart picked up when I thought about Amo.

“No fights today, Amo. No matter how much Nevio provokes you.”

“I’m in control, don’t worry.”

It was true. I didn’t care about the meeting in the slightest. All I had been able to think about since Dad and I left the mansion yesterday was how I’d manage to see Greta again. Her last words to me had floated around my brain all night. I’d imagined kissing her, dreamed about it. That’s why I’d convinced Dad to ask for another meeting so soon.

Nevio wasn’t in the meeting room this time. In his stead, Alessio leaned against the wall beside his father Nino.

Remo perched on the edge of the desk with his arms crossed, regarding us with a challenging smile. His eyes settled on me, and his smile became harder.

If he knew how my brain kept revolving around Greta, the little spark of hate would become a roaring fire.

Dad and I settled on one of the sofas and we began our discussion about new transport routes. I tried my best to be involved and professional, even when my thoughts drifted to the doe-eyed girl.

“I have to take a piss,” I said after about fifteen minutes, and rose.

Remo bared his teeth. “That didn’t end well yesterday.”

“Would you prefer if I relieve myself in a corner of this room?”

Dad’s mouth twitched but then he sent me a warning look. He just wanted to get this shitshow over with.

Nino motioned at Alessio. “Accompany him to the bathroom.”

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