“No, not yet at least. We’ve only been back in each other’s lives for a few days.”
“Yes, but if you’re serious about her and you want to marry her anyway, getting married will provide her with the protection of a mafia wife. There will be certain lines that will be drawn that would stop others. Even the Italians would stop and have to reassess.”
“Dad, she is not ready for marriage.”
“Have you asked?”
“Of fucking course not. I’ve been in her orbit for a few days, I don’t even think she is ready to fuck let alone get married. I told you Garzino was horrible to her. I’m working on helping her heal and regaining her trust.” I said, I could hear the desperation in my voice.
“Think about it, son. When she becomes Talia Tavish she will have the complete and total protection of the Clan. She would be recognized as the second’s wife and you know that has more sway and power than the Second’s ‘girl’.” He said, raising an eyebrow and cocking his head.
Truth be told, it wasn’t a terrible idea. She would be protected no matter what, she would have the power and strength awarded to the wife of the prince of the mafia. But I selfishly wanted her towantto marry me for me and not for the benefits it would bring.
“I will think about it. But I’m not going to force her. She’s had enough of that for more than a lifetime.” I said. I knew in my heart that I could ask her, I could present her with that option, but I’d never force her into anything. She’d been forced and manipulated too much in her life and I’d die before being one more person to force her into something, especially something this big.
“Understood. My next point of discussion was what we needed to do in order to ensure Talia’s safety along with her family. I heard through the grapevine that you’ve put them under a protective detail as well.”
“I did.”
“Okay, so let’s talk strategy. I would prefer not to have this end in lost lives of our men or her family, but if we do this smartly, then we can destroy the Italians from the inside.”
“And how do you propose we do that?”
“Simple. Trenton, could you come in please?” Kellan called out.
It was brilliant. Trenton will continue to pose as a recruit and we could undermine them so simply. Without putting Talia in danger.
“Are you sure about this man?” I clasp his hand in greeting. This would be a high stakes, long-term undercover job. Stress and danger with every breath.
“I am.”
“It’s an honor for him, Kieron. And a way for him to move up within our own ranks.” Kellan interjected.
“I can’t ask you to do this for me.” I said, ignoring my father.
“I’m not doing it for you. No offense.” Trent’s normal humor seeping through. “I’m doing this because even though we are mobsters, we still have a code. She’s your one, man. The one you’ve been after forever and if I can do something to help keep her safe, I will. So, maybe I am doing it a bit for you after all.” Trent smirked, holding up his fingers in a pinch gesture. This guy, always able to wrap a sincere gesture in a joke to make you smile.
“Okay.” I nodded gruffly, accepting his reasoning. I shook his hand, and the moment was charged because we both knew what he was taking on to do this for her, for me. He’d be undercover, putting himself deeper into the Italian den. If anyone suspects anything, he’d be killed without question.
I wouldn’t let that happen.
“No one is to know about this. Trenton will leave through the tunnels, just like he came in case of surveillance. We will only communicate through burner phones and all messages will be ran through an encoding system. This top secret, utmost priority to ensure success and Trenton’s safety. Understood?” Kellan said in utter seriousness. He looked every inch of the Mob leader that he was.
“Yes, sir.” Trenton said.
“Understood.”
“Good. Now, lads, let’s talk strategy.” He smirked and sat back in his desk chair.
Chapter Sixteen
Talia
“You’re a beauty!” A petite woman cried in a thick Irish accent as I opened the front door after loud, incessant knocking just a little while after Kieron left.
“Thank you,” I said with a reserved smile. Her accent told me that she was one of the Clan and to be trusted, but I was still weary. The woman’s arms were weighted down with shopping bags, much more than a ‘weeks’ worth’ of clothes like Kieron had said. This woman was sweet and had a very welcoming energy about her. Like a mother who was excited to see her daughter after a little while apart. That’s what she reminded me of with her bobbed hair, curled under and her large, thick rimmed glasses.
“Kieron said you needed some clothes. He only gave me the size of the pants and the size of the polo you were wearing. And other than that, I had to guess your size. Let’s have a fashion show!” She pushed forward into the apartment, and I kept the door open for her.
