Page 34 of Risky Behavior: Submitting to the Ruthless Guard

“You’re good at killing people,” I said as Leo pulled through the gate of the Corsetti Villa.

New York City

Leo

Arrivingbackinthecity was something I always looked forward to. The overcrowded roads, the street vendors cooking and the constant noise were something I longed for. This time, it didn’t feel the same way. Talia and I arrived at the Corsetti home around dinner time. She was withdrawn on the drive from the private airport to the estate, but I had expected as much. This would be the last night we had together until Miles Carter was dead. When we walked in the door, the sounds of children playing and the smells of a home cooked meal assaulted us. Valentina was in the kitchen with Dante under her feet and Ares and Nico were wrangling children.

“Hi, I’m so sorry about the state of things! I wanted you to feel at home, so we gave the staff the weekend off and now I’m regretting it. I’m Valentina Corsetti. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

The little bustle of joy that was all Valentina pulled Talia into her arms and finally I saw my Little Bird relax.

“Thank you so much for allowing me to stay here. I’m sure it can’t be convenient given everything you have going on,” Talia said, gesturing to Valentina’s oversized belly.

“Oh please, this is nothing. We are nearly two months away from this one’s arrival. He’s the problem.” She said, turning toward Dante, who outstretched an arm to Talia.

“It’s nice to meet you, Talia. I’ve heard great things about you already.”

My sweet girl turned to me and gave me the first genuine smile I think I had seen in forty-eight hours.

“Alessia should be here soon and dinner is almost done. Why don’t you guys head into the living room? Ares can show you where you will be staying.”

I nodded and placed my hand on Talia’s back. She wrapped an arm around my waist and my heart soared. Ever since dinner with Massimo, she had been off and I’d felt it. I know I should have told her earlier about what my plan was, but I wasn’t lying when I told her I was trying to avoid a fight. If I had to drag her here kicking and screaming, I would, but I really wanted her to see the importance of her safety.

“Ares, good to see you, man,” I said as we walked into the living room. He had a twin on each arm and Nico was holding a little girl who was securing a bow in his hair.

Seeing these guys like this always made me laugh. I spent most of my life with them enforcing things that would make most people’s skin crawl, and here they were smitten with their kids. I raised my eyebrows in Nico’s direction and he just shrugged.

“Good to see you, too. I hate you are going about this without one of us, but given how far along Valentina is, Dante won’t let us leave.”

“That’s fine. It’s a straightforward job, really.”

“How’s Noah?”

“Still in a load of shit. Should be wrapped up soon, though.”

“That’s good. Let me put these two down and I’ll show you guys where you are staying tonight. Alessia’s been at the apartment in the city, so you will have the guest wing to yourselves.”

“Wing?” Talia whispered when Ares turned away.

“This place is bigger than it looks from the outside.”

We followed Ares back to the room they had set aside for Talia. “Here, these phones are for you guys. Talia, the only numbers I programed in yours were Raven’s and this phone I’m giving Leo right now. I’m sure he will keep it on him in case you need to reach him while he’s gone.”

“You won’t have yours?”

“No, I don’t want anyone tracking me from here.”

“I’ll let you guys settle in and relax before dinner. Try not to be late, though. My overly pregnant wife won’t eat until everyone is at the table and gets grumpier when she’s hungry,” Ares said with a wink as he left the room.

“This place is beautiful,” Talia said as she walked up to the window and looked out into the backyard.

“It is. I spent more time in the penthouse they have in the city, but whenever Noah and I were out here for work, I admired the quiet.”

“Do you always want to live in the city?”

“I have a cabin upstate too. I’d like to take you there someday when things calm down.”

“It seems like there is a lot you want to do when things calm down.”

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