“No.”
“Are they dead?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Wow, great move, Ellie. I didn’t mean to sound like a bitch.”
“You would have sounded like a bitch if I missed them and if they even meant anything to me, which they don’t. The only family I want or need is right here, in this mansion.”
He pulled up to one of the few available parking spots. Just because there were a shitload of cars didn’t mean there were many people home. There were a lot of men monitoring the perimeter. If cops wanted to do a standard visit, they would have to go through their entire team, and that was a lot of men to get through.
“Still, you don’t need me rubbing it in your face or anything, do you? Damn it, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be. You didn’t know.”
“Were they bad guys?”
“No. They were a couple who tried to come to some agreement with Giavanni. They tried to renege on that agreement and as punishment, they were killed.”
“What was their agreement?” she asked.
“To hand over their firstborn son.”
“But wait, that’s you. Isn’t that like overkill and crazy?” she asked. “Doesn’t it make you angry?”
“No. They had no intention of having kids. It was what Giavanni asked of them. In truth, I think he expected them to turn him down. They got pregnant within a month of approaching Giavanni.”
“Wait, hold on. Did they renege because they wanted to keep you?” she asked.
“You’d think that, wouldn’t you? Why else would you refuse to hand over your son, even if it’s one you didn’t want in the first place?”
“It makes no sense.”
“Babies can go for a lot more money on the black market. They wanted more money.”
“Oh, wow.”
“Giavanni took care of my parents, took me in. I trained my ass off. Worked as a soldier, became the best, and then I became this. Their enforcer. I’m the one that evil fears.” He smiled at her.
“That’s not comforting.”
“It’s how I know you will always be safe.” He stroked her hair back. “Now, try to be yourself.”
“Yeah, be myself around a man who kills easily. Real good advice.”
“You’re natural around me all the time,” he said.
Her gaze went to his. “That’s not funny.”
“I’m not laughing, Ellie. I can’t keep my life from you. You need to know my hands are covered in blood.”
She swallowed.
After slamming the car door closed, he rounded the vehicle and took her hand. He expected her to fight him, but she followed him. The butler was already there, serving lunch when they arrived. Raphael, along with a couple of the other capos, was present.
“Ah, it’s about time you showed up,” Romeo said, getting to his feet. “I was starting to think I was going to have to have my men collect you.”
“It was my fault. I didn’t have anything appropriate or ladylike to wear,” Ellie said. “Shit, am I supposed to talk?” She winced.
Antonio couldn’t help smile and he looked at Romeo to see his boss was also charmed. Romeo was a cold, heartless son of a bitch. The old man could have killed him several times over the years. He hadn’t been the perfect soldier or slave. He had his own mind, own free will, but his loyalty was and would forever be bound to Romeo Giavanni.
“Raphael told me you weren’t aware of Antonio’s associations until recently.”
“Last night. Serving dinner.” She pressed her lips together. “Sorry.”
“No, it’s fine. I don’t expect you to act any other way. Please sit.”
Antonio pulled out her chair and she looked at him with gratitude. Her face was bright red. Her hands shook as she tried to smooth out her dress.
Silence fell around the table.
Antonio was comfortable. His boss hadn’t shot her on sight, so that was progress. She leaned in close. “Can I take a sip of water?” she asked.
“Yes, you don’t need to ask permission.”
“Oh, right, of course. I should know all of these things.”
He was smitten with her. No doubt about it.
“So, Ellie, tell me about yourself,” Romeo said.
“Er, what would you like to know?”
“What it is you do?”
“Oh, I’m a waitress, a dog walker, and a librarian. You know, many different jobs.” She stopped talking as the waitress brought them some food. This woman was dressed in a loose dress, her hair bound to her head. On her neck was a clear marking of the Giavanni symbol. A slave. One of their own. Glancing at Raphael, Antonio knew. This was the woman Raphael wanted.
“You enjoy working?”
“Yes, I like to keep on working,” she said. “I don’t know what you know about me, but I grew up in the foster system. I’ve spent a lot of my life going without. I know hard work is the key to keeping your head above water, and I am just randomly talking here.”
Antonio rubbed the back of her neck. “It’s fine.”