36. Liam

36

LIAM

V al’s associate Tony brought his boyfriend, Elio, with him. I was nervous as hell around them at first, but I quickly realized that while Tony looked like he’d just as soon snap someone’s neck as talk to them, he was actually easygoing. Elio had seemed distant at first, but he warmed up quickly. We’d spent the last hour or so sitting in the living room having drinks and chatting. The two of them managed to prevent me from spending every second worrying about what was happening as Val talked to his dad.

When I asked them about Dominic, Tony said, “He’s a scary motherfucker. I was sweating it when I had to meet him, but everybody says he loves his sons and he would do anything for them. He’s not going to be the type that outwardly shows affection or anything like that, but I think Valentino can convince him you’re good to have around.”

Elio nodded. “This family is so different than mine. There’s still a hell of a lot of posturing, and I’m not saying you aren’t fucking fucked if you get on their bad side, but they care about each other. So far, there’s some goodness in everyone I’ve met. Even him.” He inclined his head toward Tony who mock-punched him in the shoulder.

All I could do was smile. They looked really happy. Was there any possibility I could be that relaxed with Val one day?

My phone buzzed, and I grabbed it from the table.

I had a text from Val. Everything’s good. Dom and I are headed to meet Lucien. I blew out a long breath and sank back onto the chair.

“Was that Val?” Tony asked.

“Yes. He says things are okay. I don’t know exactly what that means, but his father didn’t kill him, and they’re going to talk to Lucien.”

Elio smiled. “I’d say that’s a good sign.”

“Lucien is as scary as Dom, so we aren’t in the clear yet,” Tony said. “Although Elio stared him down. He didn’t hesitate to argue with Lucien and he’s still here.”

“I wasn’t going to let him put blame on you when you didn’t deserve it.” Elio gave Tony a soft look that made me miss Val like crazy.

I knew Val was going to fight for me, for us, but Tony was family, I wasn’t. “How did you do this?”

Tony frowned. “Do what?”

“Get together when your families are enemies. How are you making this work?”

Tony started to respond, but Elio immediately cut him off. “Let me handle this.”

Tony rolled his eyes, but he didn’t protest.

“First of all, Tony didn’t give me much of a choice. I’m going to guess Valentino’s not giving you one either.”

“No. Not really.”

“Exactly. And he’s determined he’s going to make it work no matter what?”

I nodded. “That’s what he told me.”

Elio sighed. “Then he will, and all you have to do is stand strong and support him. Don’t be afraid of his family, not Dom, not Lucien, not any of them. Stand your ground and demand what you need, what’s fair to you. And then just love your man and all his numerous flaws.”

Tony snorted. “What flaws?”

Elio laughed. “You don’t seriously want me to name them.”

“I don’t have any flaws.

“Stubbornness. Arrogance. Need I go on?”

Tony glared at him.

“Valentino has those too,” I said.

“Of course he does, but he also loves you, or he wouldn’t be doing this.”

“I don’t know about that. He…he likes me, but love ?”

Elio raised his brows. “Do you really think he’d do all he has for you if he only liked you? That man is crazy in love. He’s acting just like Tony does with me.”

Tony huffed. “I’m not that obvious.”

“Yes, you are.”

“You seriously think Val loves me?”

“Yes,” Elio and Tony said at the same time.

“Okay, but I’m scared about our future.”

“Sure. You’d be a fool not to be, but like I said, don’t let them see that.”