“I didn’t say that. I am still trying to decide if I can trust you.”
“What is stopping you?”
“You are unpredictable. You don’t know when to keep your mouth shut. Who is to say that if the FBI pulled you in tomorrow that you wouldn’t turncoat on us. On me.”
I feel the hurt at his words. He really thinks I would turn on them.
“I’m no rat, Bash. I wouldn’t give the FBI any information because they don’t give two shits about me. They would turn me over to Ryan in a heartbeat and probably watch as he beat the last glimmer of life out of me. As for my mouth, I know when to keep it shut. I just choose not to shut it around you. I feel we have the type of relationship that I shouldn’t have to, but if you tell me I’m wrong, then that can change right now. I might be unpredictable, but I am loyal, Bash. You protected me when I didn’t ask for it. You cared for me when I needed it. You took extra steps to protect those close to me. You didn’t have to do that. For that, you have my undying loyalty. I would rather rot in jail or 6 feet under than give you up.”
A look of surprise passes his face. I wasn’t lying. I meant every word I said. I understood the need to keep my mouth shut about them before I met them. That became more apparent when he killed someone in front of me. Then he stepped in when he didn’t have to and protected me from my past. Why would I turn on him when he didn’t turn on me?
“It was a commission meeting.”
“Like the school commission?”
He reaches out and grabs my hand.
“For the five families. When we get together, it is to discuss and squash any issues between families. It’s a big deal to get all five Don’s in a room together.”
“Oh shit. I am so sorry.” I cringe at the thought of pulling him out of there.
I guess he wasn’t kidding about it being an important meeting.
He reaches out and cups my cheek.
“Apology accepted. If my men tell you I cannot be reached, trust that there is a reason for it. With that being said, if it is important and you really do need to speak with me, Gio or Lo will always get me. No questions asked.”
“Why would they? I was surprised they caved earlier. Why would they interrupt you for me?”
“That’s enough questions now. I won’t lift your protection, but if you would like someone new, I might be able to arrange that.”
I sigh.
“The guy you have on me now is grumpy. He wouldn’t even tell me his name. I don’t need protection, but if you are going to force it upon me, you could at least pick someone who won’t be such a dick. Did Lorenzo tell you he hesitated when I told him I hurt my ankle and needed a ride? What kind of protection is that?”
I feel myself get worked up all over again.
“You’re hurt? Let me see?”
He begins to pick up my left leg.
“No. I lied, but that is not the point.”
He drops my leg.
“I will talk to him and assign someone new to you, but don’t lie about being hurt again. Deal?”
“Only if you introduce me to him first. If he is going to be tailing me, I at least deserve to know him.”
“You drive a hard bargain.” He says, but he has amusement in his eyes. “Deal.”
He reaches out his hand and I shake it.
Why do I feel like I just made a deal with the devil?
∞∞∞
I yawn and stretch as I open my eyes. For a moment, I am alarmed. I don’t recognize the ceiling above me. I think back to last night.
