Page 28 of Righteous Enforcer
"A lot has happened since you disappeared," I tell Eva, guiding her to a chair before she collapses and then handing Mirabella to her. "My father was murdered. Alessandro is Don. I'll catch you up on the rest later."
The relief that washes over her face is unmistakable.
Why would my father's absence bring her such comfort?
Another mystery to add to the growing pile of questions surrounding her return.
My brother stands, buttoning his suit jacket as if he needs the moment to gather his composure. "Eva Santoro. I thought we buried you."
“You tried,” she murmurs, but it’s followed with a more forceful. “No.”
He glances again at the child, then at me, his eyes questioning.
“She and the child need protection?—”
“No.”
"What?" I step forward in defiance.
"I said no." Alessandro's voice drops to the dangerous tone that makes even the most hardened criminals reconsider their life choices. "We're not harboring her."
White-hot anger flares inside me. "I didn't ask for your permission."
"This isn't a discussion, Adriano." Alessandro circles the desk. "The woman disappears, lets us think she's dead for years, then conveniently reappears when the Bratva is gunning for us?"
"They're hunting her," I growl. "I witnessed it myself."
"Perhaps that's exactly what they wanted you to see."
“I’m happy to leave?—”
I whip around and glare at her.
Mirabella stirs, her eyes going wide as she takes in the new location and the scowl on my brother’s face.
“Tony!” Alessandro bellows.
Tony pokes his head in. “Boss?”
“Please take Ms. Santoro and the child to the kitchen so I can talk with Adriano privately. I’m sure Mrs. Gallo can find something for them to eat.”
For a moment I think Eve is going to protest, but then she rises, a bit steadier now, and nods. I suspect she hopes to find an escape.
“Keep an eye on her,” I say to Tony, who nods and guides Eva and Mirabella out of the office.
When we’re alone, Alessandro says, "Don't make me remind you of your place."
My eyes narrow.
For the first time, I feel like what I imagine my brother Luca felt as the family turned against him.
I’d blindly sided with our father and later, Alessandro. Now I feel bad about it.
Alessandro takes a breath. "She'll be the death of you."
"She's already been the death of me once. What's one more time?"
“I don’t really give a shit who you want to fuck, except that woman.”
