The Dictator (Banker 2)

“I think you should focus on getting Cato back on your side. He’s pretty much there anyway.”

“Easier said than done.”

Disapproval was in his eyes. “You should reconsider.”

“Even if he didn’t kill me, what then? What kind of life would I ever have? He would boss me around forever.”

“And he would also protect you. Cato Marino can make anything happen. He can even get Father’s body back. As long as Cato is on your side, there’s nowhere safer for you to be—and the little one.”

I wanted a life where I had all my rights, but I suspected that would never happen. Cato would always treat me like everyone else did—like he owned me. But he would never own me the way I wanted him to.

Landon kept watching me. “I know you’re stubborn, so you’re probably going to try to run anyway. If you do…make sure you don’t get caught. The consequences will be catastrophic, pregnant or not.” He looked at my face and didn’t ask about the bruises that were still visible. He probably figured out exactly where they came from, but he didn’t show me any pity. “Well, looks like I’m going to be an uncle…”

“Yes.” My hand moved over my stomach. “Yes, you are.”

“And you’re going to be a mother.” He gave me a slight smile. “It’s what you’ve always wanted.”

“I just hope I live long enough to enjoy it.”

6

Cato

I gave them privacy to mourn their loss, but I was certain Siena had notified her brother of everything that had happened.

That I would kill her once she had my baby.

He wouldn’t retaliate, not unless it was a suicide mission.

When they were finished, they walked away from the open grave. Close together, they returned to the cars parked at the curb. The caretakers on standby immediately moved to the grave and began to shovel the dirt on top.

Landon walked up to me, his hand extended while his eyes were locked on to mine with respect, not hostility. “Thank you for burying our father. It means a lot to both of us.”

I shook his hand then looked at Siena. Her eyes were puffy from crying, and the whites of her eyes were now red. It was amazing how beautiful she looked even when she sobbed. Nothing could taint her allure, not the puffiness or smeared mascara. I’d been with many women, but none of them could pull that off.

“Siena told me you’re having a baby. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” It was surprising that he said that, considering I would kill her shortly afterward.

He held my gaze like a man, like he was an equal rather than her brother. “She wanted to tell you everything and ask for your help. She said it multiple times, and I always talked her out of it. Siena was in a bad situation and—”

“Landon.” Siena shook her head, silencing her brother.

Landon ignored her. “She didn’t have a lot of options, Cato. No one can judge her for her actions, not when she was in such a difficult situation. Anyone else would have done the same thing in her shoes.”

“Of course they would have,” I said quietly. “That was never the problem.”

“Then give her another chance,” Landon said. “She’s a good person.”

It broke my heart to listen to my brother fight for me.

“We’re both men of the underworld,” I said. “So you understand exactly how loyalty works. She didn’t show it. She lied to me—every day. I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but my decision is final.” I stepped away and dismissed the conversation. “Let’s go, Siena.” I opened the back door for her and waited for her to get in.

She turned to her brother and hugged him hard, her face buried in his neck.

He hugged her with the same affection.

“I love you,” she whispered to him.

“I love you too.” As he released her, he kissed her on the forehead. As if lingering would just make everything harder, he abruptly turned around and walked off.

Siena watched him get into his car before she finally obeyed me.

I got into the car with her, and we drove away.

She stared out the window with pain in her eyes, but she didn’t shed another tear.

I expected gratitude, and I would say nothing until I got it. She had no idea what I’d sacrificed to get her father’s corpse back. It was a few weeks old, so identifying him was no picnic either.

After a few minutes, she finally addressed me. “I don’t know what to say…”

“Thank you is a good start.”

“Of course…thank you.” She turned to me, her cheeks pale as snow. “Knowing he’s with my mother comforts me. Landon and I got to mourn him properly and say our goodbyes. Not knowing where his body was…would have haunted me forever.”

I gave a slight nod.

“How did you do it?”

“I made a deal with Micah. He gave me your father in exchange for something.”