Page 32 of DeLucas After Dark

“Tácito?” Sloane tentatively reaches out to him and he shakes whatever came over him clear of his face.

But I can’t get the image of him out of my head. It’s as if he saw something he hasn’t told either me or Sloane, and it’s eating him up inside.

He takes Sloane’s hand and kisses her palm. “I’m fine, and I still maintain that Valentino is right. You can’t risk our child to protect Valentino if shit goes sideways.”

She firms her jaw and steel straightens her spine. “Then Valentino needs to ensure shit doesn’t go sideways.” She encompasses both of us in her glare.

“You know I don’t make promises I can’t keep,” I say. “But I’ll make this one, if you even think about inserting yourself at the slightest hint of danger, the only sight you’ll have of Bari is the ceiling because I’ll tie your ass to the bed so good even your skill of escaping tight spots won’t help you.”

“But… How can you ask me to sit aside when you’re in trouble?” Heartfelt tears pool in her eyes.

“Trust me to handle anything that goes down.”

“And trust that I know how to do my goddamn job,” Ethan says from behind her. “I’m going to develop a complex if you keep doubting my abilities.”

Sloane spins around and grabs his arm in apology. “I more than anyone know your abilities. I’ve tested them myself. But.” She reaches out for me and Tácito. “These men are my heart. If anything happens to them—”

“You’ll raise our child to be healthy and know we did everything we could to come home.” Tácito’s tone is unyielding, even under Sloane’s distress.

“But it won’t come to that,” I say to ease the tension. “We’re all going home. First, we need to be fresh for your official introduction to Don Enzo, get Sansone’s business taken care of, then vacay the fuck out of this vacation.”

Sloane glances between me, Tácito, and Ethan before nodding her head. Doubt continues to shadow her eyes, but we’re all on the same page for what happens where she’s concerned. And manipulating one of us is out of the question.

Inside the main building on the estate, the scent of seafood, garlic and olive oil hit us. After eating, we shower and leave.

I don’t share my apprehension with Tácito and Sloane that the only purpose for Pierangelo telling Sansone not to pay respect to Don Enzo is Pierangelo is making moves and he doesn’t want the head of our family to know. If I’m right, Sansone might be in danger, and it’s never a bad idea to get the biggest, baddest DeLuca motherfucker on our side.

* * *

After a thorough vetting at the gates of Don Enzo’s compound, the guards grant us entry. Tácito and Sloane are stiff with uncertainty, probably wondering why I didn’t leave them at the villa.

I’m taking a gamble. Don Enzo’s temper is one I’d prefer to be on the right side of. If bearing the brunt of it means getting his blanket protection for Tácito and Sloane, then I’ll do whatever it takes.

A guard ushers us into an office. Unlike Sansone, who accompanied our father on a number of visits, this is my first time here. I seat Sloane in front of the desk, but like me Tácito doesn’t. Is he picking up on my nervous energy? Either way, the loud ticking from the clock counts down the twenty minutes while we wait.

“Valentino,” Sloane whispers into the oppressive silence. “Maybe we should return when it’s convenient. Your don is obviously a busy man.”

“Your wife is right. I am a busy man and I’m curious to know why you’re in Italy and especially here in my home.” Don Enzo enters through the heavy double doors.

As he walks deeper into the room, the doors shut, closing us off to any sense of security. He briefly eyes me and Sloane but pays extra attention to Tácito, making me wonder if Pierangelo isn’t the only one who has issues with my little family.

I step forward. “Were you expecting my brother?”

“No and I’m not liking the fact you haven’t gotten to the fucking point yet.”

“Based on your response, you don’t know that Pierangelo summoned Sansone here or why. I’m here as his proxy.”

“The fuck? Pierangelo doesn’t have the authority to summon anyone.” Enzo walks around us to sit at his desk and fold his hands under his chin to survey his subjects. “Before I handle this, you look like you have more to say.”

“I intend to find out what Pierangelo is up to because it more than likely involves doing my brother dirty.”

“So you want my permission?”

“Not exactly.” I pull Tácito close and place an hand on Sloane’s shoulder. “I want extra protection for them in case Pierangelo shows his ass.”

“You know many in the family don’t condone this union of yours. Especially the question regarding paternity of the one inheriting the DeLuca name.” Enzo pinches his lips while pointedly staring at Sloane’s belly.

I’m not sure if he’s refraining from adding his personal opinion to the matter or if he agrees with the asshole opinion.

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