Page 65 of Second Chance for a Made Man

“How do you know about Massimo, Charlotte?”

“I saw the text this morning,” she admits as she returns the first aid kit to its spot under the sink. I frown at the back of her head.

“What text?”

“I know Hudson Moor is using me to threaten you. Don’t even bother to deny it, Ezra. Isawthe text!”

I gape at her. She saw the text? Fuck. I wasn’t going to go to the operation. I either handle the gun deals on my own, my own way, or not at all. I don’t do well in groups, and Massimo fucking knows that. He wanted me there today because he feels the distance between us is growing.

He knows I’m only one foot in and one foot out. He had said either I come or else. As if being there would change my mind about leaving. If anything it only solidified my decision.

“You saw the text. You went through my phone?”

“I didn’t unlock your phone if that’s what you’re thinking. You were acting weird this morning. No, since I moved in, actually. Lurking in the garage to make secret phone calls you immediately end when I show up. I knew something was up. I don’t know why I picked up your phone; it’s not as if I couldcorrectly guess the password, anyway. But then that message came in while the phone was in my hand.”

She walks out of the bathroom and I follow her.

“I was worried. I hate the thought that someone is using me to control you, so I tried to do some research. I don’t know how Hudson Moor is connected to Massimo Moratti yet, but I know there’s a connection. It can’t be a coincidence that you got shot after he sent you that text! Where did he ask you to go?”

“Charlie–”

“Tell me. I can take it.”

This is it: the moment of truth. Lie or tell the whole truth. Whatever I do will make or break our relationship. This woman is carrying my children, and whether she accepts it yet or not, I fully intend to make her my wife.

“Massimo–” I don’t even know how to describe him. Friend or foe? “Massimo is complicated. The truth is, I’ve been with him for years.”

“You’ve been with him?” Charlie frowns at me. “Like a relationship?”

Shit, I’m botching this up. “Of course not.” I shudder. “I’m into women if you haven’t noticed.” I wink at her in a pathetic attempt to lighten the mood; she doesn’t smile, so I continue. “The truth is I am a member of his organization.”

“His organization? You mean the Italian mafia?” Her jaw drops, “What are you saying, Ezra? That you were, no youarein the mafia?”

“Yes.”

“And this man,Massimo, the boss of the organization is holding me over your head? Threatening me to get you to do things? What the hell?”

“I’m on it, Charlie. I’m on it. I promise.”

“You didn’t think I had a right to know about this? You proposed to me! So, if I had said yes you would have let me marry you while keeping this a secret?”

“Charlie–”

“Did you even think about me? About the babies?Ourbabies.” Her arms go around her belly protectively. “What if that monster tries to hurt us?”

“I’m going to get out. I’m already looking for ways to do it. Once I’m out it will be over. It will.”

“Until then, I don’t think we should be together. For me and the babies’ sake.”

“What?”

She walks into the closet and glances around helplessly. She starts yanking her clothes off the shelves.

“What are you doing, Charlie?”

“Leaving. I can’t…I can’t do this with you, Ezra.” Her bottom lip trembles as she glances up at me. “I don’t have just myself to think about. I have these precious beings growing inside me. I can’t.”

“Charlie–” My voice breaks, breath catching. “I told you the truth. I could have lied just now but I told you the truth, doesn’t that count for something?”

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