Page 71 of Destroyer

“Can I sleep now Daddy?”

“Yes. Sure. Sorry.” I release him from my arms and instantly Porter becomes his pillow.

“He knelt with Michael after he was shot,” Porter whispers. “As the man died, Nico looked in his eyes and said. ‘Lights out is beautiful but it should never be pointless’. I'm not sure what it meant, but after what Michael did to him, I thought it showed character.”

Is it support to tell a dying man that his death is pointless? Does it show character when a psychopath can look their tormentor in the eyes and snark over their death. It was potent words; I'll give the kid that.

He sleeps the whole journey, so my speculations go unspoken. Porter keeps his arm around Nico until we arrive back at the warehouse, where his attempt to lift his arm wakes my boy.

“Not this is place I planned.”

I help him from the car, his sleep has helped him, I can feel him standing steadier in my arms.

“Come and finish your plan for us, baby. Then we can go home, and you can sleep in my arms for as long as you want.”

“That sounds nice.” Nico nods, then yawns.

Porter runs on ahead, entering the large storage room and running straight to Knox.

“Well, here he is, troublemaker of the day,” Christian greets us as we enter. “This is how I meet my nephew?”

“You plan many months takeover in my name, you see now I am not a trifle.”

“Not a man to be trifled with,” I elaborate for my sleepy boy.

“You are most certainly not a trifle,” Christian nods. “We have new agreement negotiated, with your blessing.”

“I retire,” Nico sighs.

“Not quite, little buddy.” Piotr rises to his feet. “I will not debate this further today. Another meeting we will make.”

I'm speechless as the head of the Russian cartel shakes Knox by the hand. Then he shakes Kaulin and Christian before heading our way.

“No more will we play with little buddy. For you, I give thanks for this new position at head of table. I am excited moving forward.” The man extends his hand to Nico, who's tiny hand gives a good handshake. “We have gift for little buddy, as we have no more use for paint shop. You take and not bother us again, yes?”

“Not do I need your shop.”

“Please, it is peace offering. You make me very happy man.”

“You helped for the part.”

“One more favour you do me, come to my club again and colour at my feet.”

“I don't think that would be-” Caeo splutters his words.

“Do not be a bad daddy. You have beautiful boy. All need to see him.” The man's hand slaps my shoulder and then he walks away.

Nico gives a little chuckle and then his knees give out.

Chapter forty-five

Nico

Caeokepthispromise,cuddling me all night. Now we must face Knox. I would happily spend the whole day in bed, but Caeo wants to get it over with.

“Is he bringing Porter?” I call from the window.

“Yes.” Caeo calls from the kitchen where he is making lunch for everyone.

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