Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
I look up into his eyes. “Okay.”
He pulls out my chair and then busies himself, making us both plates. He sits the food in front of me and takes a seat in front of the plate he made for himself. My stomach tightens in knots.
He clears his throat as I push my food around on my plate. I look to him and smile nervously. Hoping it encourages him to spit it out.
“There was a reason I felt you didn’t have to run. Something I never told you.”
“Okay, I’m listening.”
He blows out a breath. “I’m the families’ enforcer on my mom’s and my dad’s side. Uncle Blake has been preparing me to take his place for years.
“Once my dad died, Uncle Blake sort of took on both their roles in the family. He started training me to step in as an enforcer and I thought that was to fully take Dad’s place and let me take his.
“I was wrong. Right before he was locked up, he took an interest in Will. I think it was while they were locked up together that he made his decision.
“Although, from recent conversations, I could be wrong again, none of that matters. What I need you to know is that it’s my job to protect our family. It’s what I do.
“If anyone ever tries to hurt you or our family, know I’m the big crazy motherfucker coming to protect you. I’m the one shutting shit down to get you home. I’m the one they should fear. Not the other way around.
“I’m good at what I do. And when it comes to those I love, I’m relentless at it. I’ll be on my last breath, but I’m gonna hold on to it until I have you safe. Do you hear me, Lex?”
I blink back tears. “I hear you, babe. I didn’t know before, but I hear you now. Trust me, I’ll be waiting to see you come to my rescue because I’m not giving up on you.”
He takes my lips and kisses me passionately. It’s like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. My heart swells. He trusts me again. This is his greatest secret. I feel it in my bones.
Now, I just need him to confirm who his cousin is and I’ll have them all. I’ll be his vault for life. If he wants me to have his back, that’s me too.
This may not be the life we talked about having, but I can be married to the mob. I was its daughter once. Funny, you always run into the arms of the thing you run from.
“What’s that look?” he asks as he searches my face.
“I was just thinking about how I tried to escape this life.”
“I’m not your father, Lex. I wanted to show you that before I told you the truth. That’s why I kept it to myself.”
“I can understand that. It makes perfect sense.”
“Are you sure this isn’t going to be what makes you run?”
“I’m positive. I’m ready to meet your uncle. I think it’s time.”
He scoffs. “He wants to meet you too.”
“Why don’t you sound happy about that?”
“It’s complicated. We have different approaches to things. I’m not sure I want to go at something the way he wants me to.”
“Is there something I can do to help?”
He looks into my eyes for a long beat before he frowns and shakes his head. “We have enough to think about. Not this. I’ll get to the answers on my own.”
“Okay, just remember I love you and I’m not going anywhere. I’m here whenever you need me.”
* * *
Ox
My son and I have plans tonight. I change into a pair of basketball shorts and a T-shirt. I place AJ in a matching outfit and place some high-tops on his feet. His curls are getting longer.
I wonder when Lex plans to start cutting them. It’s adorable on him until he gets sweaty and the locks get all in his eyes. From the way he swipes at them, I think he hates that.
“Looking good, young Ant. Come on,” I croon and place a hand on my son’s head to lead him out of the room.
We go down to the gym to get a few things before heading back upstairs to the living room where Lex is. I had the perfect opportunity to ask her what the hell Uncle Blake knows that I don’t. I should have spat it out, it was right on the tip of my tongue.
I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Things are going too good. I can almost forget the past ever happened. Waking to her and my son in my home every morning has been the best healing I could ask for.
“Don’t you two look cute. Are those boxing pads?” Lex asks as I enter the living room with AJ following me. “Really, Ant?”