Chapter 5

Damn it all. I didnt mean for it to go that far. At all.

I had it in my mind to kiss her, just to show her my intent, but she responded to me so eagerly that there was no way I could have stopped myself. Something about Daisy makes me a fool, and in every other circumstance, that would piss me off. Not with her, though. Ill be a fool if it means I get to taste that sweet mouth and even sweeter pussy.

I all but have to carry her out of the restaurant down to the car, and she moves like her limbs are exceedingly heavy as she folds herself into the car. Her expression, though, is content. Relaxed, even. I wonder if Daisy has allowed herself to relax at all since this shit with Carlo started. God, shes so sweet, so beautiful, how could anyone wish her ill?

Here. I hand her my suit jacket, and she covers up with it like a blanket in the passenger seat, the jacket swallowing her. Rest. Its a long drive, and I think Ive worn you out.

Its impossible to keep the note of pride out of my voice, but she doesnt seem to mind.

The drive is long, and Daisy dozes off as I expected. I dont even turn on the radio, content to listen to the sounds of the tires on the asphalt and her breathing beside me. This woman does something to my heart that I cant even begin to explain.

Once were back home, I gently shake her awake and move around the car to open the door for her. The nap seems to have brought her back to her senses, and Daisy keeps glancing at me with a mix of awe and panic, like she cant believe what we just did back at the restaurant. Its cute because she has no idea how much more I have in store for her.

For the rest of the night, I plan to take a long bath with her, make her come at least two more times—one with my fingers and one with my mouth—before going to bed with her beside me. Un-fucking-fortunately, my life rarely goes to plan.

Ashton is waiting for me right inside the foyer, his hands clasped behind his back and his shoulders stiff.

What is it, Ashton?

Ive got news about your son, sir. His eyes flicker over to Daisy. Should we…ah…talk in private?

I shake my head once. Daisy is the one in danger. She should hear everything, too.

To Ashtons credit, he doesnt even hesitate at my declaration and launches into the speech about what theyve managed to find. Of course, sir. We finally found out which family was helping Carlo out. Its the Cirilo family, sir.

Fuck. Instinctively, my arm goes around Daisys shoulders, pulling her closer to me, as if she needs protecting right here and now. The Cirilos are young wannabes, but that inexperience is more often than not more dangerous than the old families. They have little to lose and no interest in making allies. Shoot-first-ask-questions-later types.

Ashton continues, Our informant tells us that Carlo offered, once he becomes the head of the family, to share the wealth if they agreed to kill Ms. Linden.

Daisy trembles next to me, her hand coming up and clutching my shirt. It makes my heart squeeze.

Carlo has decided that since you have no intention of allowing him to take over the family, he’ll need backup.”

What can we do? Daisys voice is so quiet that Im half-certain I imagined it. She sounds so small and helpless, and the part of me that is still the beast from my youth wants to rip Carlos heart from his chest with my bare hands. It might kill me to hurt my son, but Carlo is so far gone from the boy I raised, I can barely reconcile the two.

But why go through all this trouble to hurt me? Daisy asks, voice tremulous. I didnt steal from him. I didnt!

Of course not, Ms. Linden, but it appears that Carlo owes the Cirilo family a significant amount of gambling debt, and they bought his story about you stealing all his money hook, line, and sinker. I dont know what he thinks will happen if they find you and discover that he lied and that hes actually broke, but it seems like Carlo is panicking. Hes in the mindset where hes just worried about surviving day to day. It makes him erratic and dangerous. Reckless.

Thank you, Ashton, I tell my right hand, who nods curtly. Keep searching for him. Hes hiding somewhere, and we will find him.

Ashton nods again and leaves Daisy and me alone. Its impossible not to feel her trembling, and I tighten my grip on her shoulders, turning her to face me. Youre safe, sweet girl. There are plenty of men here guarding the estate, and no one gets in and out of here unnoticed. Carlo is not getting within an inch of you.

Hes your son, Daisy whispers, her eyes wide. How could he do all these things? Why me?

I dont have an answer for her. The old adage is true: blood is thicker than water, but not always. I dont know, sweet Daisy. Carlo...I dont know. But you are under my protection, and I will die before he harms a hair on your head.

Theres a flicker of emotion in her eyes, something I cant read. Her lashes sweep down, and her voice is soft, almost shy when she speaks. Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me. Then her gaze shoots back to mine. But what about everyone at the restaurant? Marie, the other chefs, Mario...are they in danger?

My chest feels tight at her words. God, someone wants to kill her and all she can think about is the safety of others. People she barely knows.

Ill tighten security, but even as it stands right now, a Cirilo goon would have to be insane to try and hurt you or anyone else in the very heart of my familys empire. Il Fiore is untouchable...if they value their lives, that is.

Daisy lets out a relieved sigh and gives me a tentative smile. Good. Thats good.

Come, sweet thing, I say, dropping my arm and instead wrapping my fingers around hers. Its been a long day. I think its time for a bath, and then bed.

Her eyes change from fearful to curious—excited, even—until I call out for Elena. No matter how much I had been looking forward to spending the evening alone with Daisy, Ashtons information means I have work to do. Im far from the only Falcone, and if another family thinks theyre going to go toe to toe with us, I need to inform everyone.

Elena appears quickly, and I instruct her to draw a warm bath. Run the tub for Miss Linden and get her anything she needs before bed.

Daisys expression falls, and I lean down, whispering into her ear, I promise to make it up to you, sweet thing.

She shivers, and I grin. Oh, how I plan to make this good for her.

* * *

Despite the late hour,most of the Falcone associates I call are more than happy to come out. We all understand the business and the fact that it has no schedule.

Some arrive within the hour, some the following morning, but by the time the sun rises, nearly all the important heads in the organization have been briefed.

They all agree with me. This is a foolish attempt at a takeover by a cocky upstart.

Im not naive enough to believe that Carlo is the only one behind this. Its a childs ploy, one meant to distract me and cause the Falcones to divide. Carlo is just too inexperienced to realize hes being used as a wedge meant to drive the Falcones apart. He thinks hes the mastermind behind it all, but in truth, hes just another puppet, and I have no doubt that the Cirilo family would use him as a bullet sponge at the first chance.

Carlo may be a fool, but Im not.

By 9 AM, all my business is concluded, and I havent gotten a wink of fucking sleep. I find Ashton, who has also been up the entire night, brewing coffee in the kitchen.

Go get some sleep, kid.

He turns to face me, dark circles evident under his eyes. Sir, theres still work to be done.

And it will hold till morning. Get everyone who worked overtime home and fresh guards in place. I want extra security with Daisy unless Im with her. For now, post someone in the hallway to the guest room. Im going to try to snag a few hours of shut-eye.

Yes, sir.

I make my way upstairs, stifling a yawn. Carlo, you fucking moron. What were you thinking?

I drag myself into Daisys room, the door propped open, and her scent is everywhere. Clean and soft and feminine. I can see the cloud of her hair on the pillow, her hands folded under her cheek.

Like a moth to a flame, I make my way to her, shedding my shoes, pants, and shirt as I do, finally crawling between the sheets in just my boxers. Daisy doesnt stir, her breathing even, and I wrap my arm around her waist, tugging her close to me.

Its then that she wakes up.

Dom?

Shh, sweet thing. Just let me hold you.

Okay, she mumbles sleepily, settling back down.

I press a kiss to her neck, nuzzling my face in the soft strands of her hair.

Daisy, I say, my eyes closing. My sweet angel.

* * *

The next timeI wake up, the sun is high. Groggy, I turn over to find Daisy in bed with me, but fully awake, sitting up and scrolling on her phone. Shes dressed for the day already, black leggings that outline every curve and a matching equally tight long-sleeved shirt.

Morning, I rumble, reaching for her, and she looks at me over her shoulder, biting her lip. Oh, that bottom lip does powerful things to my insides.

Good afternoon, she corrects with a smirk. Its 12:15.

I grunt in response, not caring what time it is, or even that I have a full afternoon of work ahead. All that matters is the beautiful woman in bed with me.

Come here. I pull her back down, and Daisy laughs, setting her phone aside. She puts her hands on my bare chest, her palms cool on my heated skin. Im hard as iron, which isnt anything new when Im around Daisy, and I have the most intense hunger to spend the entire day in bed with her.

And then I remember that shes a virgin. Dammit.

I groan, shifting, and Daisy frowns. What is it?

Sweet girl, as much as I want you right now, I know that we have to take things slow. Theres no reason to rush.

Daisys cheeks turn pink, and she worries her bottom lip between her teeth. It makes my dick twitch, and I roll away from her before she can tempt me further.

Come on, lets have brunch.

Actually, I was hoping I could ask a favor. Which you can totally deny, because youve done me so many favors already that its ridiculous. But I was hoping maybe we could go get coffee at my old job. I want to get my last check and figure out some way to explain myself for disappearing. Plus I left my laptop in the safe.

I can hear the anxiety in her voice. Of course, sweet girl. Whatever you want.

Daisy smiles, and my heart squeezes painfully. Goddamn, shes so fucking pretty.

Lets get something to eat and we can go.

Oh, and Dom?

Hm? I turn back to her, and Daisy reaches for me, her hand cupping my cheek and pulling me close. When she kisses me, its not the frantic, hungry, eager kisses weve shared before. This one is slow and gentle, her lips brushing across mine with sweetness. Shes new at this, but her earnestness makes it all the better. I groan, grabbing her and kissing her back, but she pulls away, laughing, and slides out of bed. Thats for teasing me earlier.

* * *

We eata quick meal of fresh fruit and toast before heading out the door. Ashton is up too but has no new news on the Carlo situation. Just to be safe, I wait until Daisy is distracted and slip my pistol into the holster hidden under my suit coat. Just in case.

The coffee shop, like Il Fiore, is in the city proper and it takes some time to get there. I dont mind, considering I get to spend all these moments with Daisy, but she seems uneasy.

Tell me whats wrong.

Surprised, she turns around from where she was looking out the window. Oh! I…um…I guess I just feel bad about quitting my barista job and basically abandoning my apartment for these last few days. It feels like I just got up and left my entire life.

I take a deep breath, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. Sweet girl, your entire life was in danger. You did the right thing.

She hums thoughtfully. I will have to start all over.

No, you wont, I think, because youre mine, and theres no way in hell youre going back to living in that apartment alone. But I cant tell her that out loud without spooking her, so I just stay silent, stroking her knuckles with my thumb to comfort her.

Okay, Dom. Were here. Daisy straightens her spine, clearly trying to psych herself up. How do I look?

I rake my gaze over her. Beautiful. Sexy. Irresistable.

Daisy rolls her eyes, blushing, and pushes open the door. The little bell on the inside chimes, announcing our entrance, and the man behind the counter looks up. His eyes narrow in on me, and Daisy quickly steps forward, her hands raised.

Before you say anything, Jack, I need to introduce you to Dominic. Dom, this is Jack, my manager.

I nod once, but Jack doesnt even look at me, his gaze flicking back to Daisy.

You disappear for days without a word, and then you stroll back in here to what? Get a latte? You really left us in a lurch, Daisy.

Jack, Im sorry. I got wrapped up with Carlo and?—

Jack snorts. Looks like you’re doing fine, though. Got you a sugar daddy, huh? You know, if you just wanted to be a kept woman, I would have been up for the job.”

It goes so silent that it’s almost suffocating. Fury, red and scalding, rises inside of me. Surely this asshole didn’t just say what I think he said? When I speak, it’s low and dangerous. “Only because we’re in public, I’ll give you one fucking opportunity to take that shit back.”

The manager rolls his eyes. “What are you going to do, meathead?”

I’m over the counter before he can take another breath, knocking over a stack of cardboard cups before I grab the prick by the collar of his shirt. I shake him hard. No one speaks to her like that. Adjust your tone and apologize or you’re going to be digging your own grave within the next fucking hour.”

Jack yelps before his mouth snaps shut, and the other barista behind the counter watches the entire interaction with wide eyes. I can feel the shock rolling off Daisy, but it doesnt faze me. Everyone on this planet will respect my woman or suffer the consequences. Even the two other customers, a man sitting alone and a woman who was previously on the phone, are silent.

Finally, the manager finds his words again, even if they are strangled by the hold I have on him. Ah… You know what? No hard feelings, Daisy. Feel free to go to the back and get your things. You were…a perfect employee?”

Ill go, I snap, dropping Jack, angry even imagining Daisy in some cramped office with this asshole. I want to see the security footage from the night of the break-in, anyway.

Ill…uh…order for us then. Daisy tries to sound upbeat, but theres no hiding the tension shes feeling. What do you want?

Surprise me. Glancing out the storefront window to confirm that our security detail is still there, I feel safe enough leaving Daisy for a minute. Something tells me shell be traumatized having to watch the footage of her near-attack from the other night.

Jacks office is tiny, and Im pretty sure if I stand sideways, Ill hit both walls. Daisy has spent time in this closet? Its degrading.

Play the footage from the night Daisy left.

Yes, sir, Jack stutters, navigating his computer and pulling up the security footage. It shows the front of the cafe, including the front door, the registers, and the first couple of tables.

Back it up thirty minutes.

Right.

A few clicks later and were watching the footage. Its boring, to be honest. No one comes in or out of the cafe. Its obviously closed. But finally, three figures come in the door, forcing the flimsy locking and strutting into the cafe. Carlo and two men I dont recognize. Seeing my son after all these years, even on the tiny screen, sends a shock through me.

Daisy described him as a monster, but he doesnt seem monstrous. Hes just a cocky punk kid. Carlo heads behind the register and grabs a knife, waving it at the cameras with a sneer. He looks...well, like Carlo. The same dark hair and Falcone features. My features.

I watch the entire interaction. There is no sound, so as soon as the three men are off the screen, I know the action is basically over. Daisy said she ran out of the back alley, and Carlo and his goons must have done the same.

I motion for Jack to hand me a pen, and I write down the public email address for my head of security. Email the footage here and?—

Im interrupted by a scream from out in the front of the cafe, and Im running before I can even process the noise.

I burst into the room to see Daisy, her face as white as a sheet, with the male customer from earlier gripping her arm in a punishing hold. The female customer and the barista are both screaming.

He has a gun! one of them cries, on his hip!

Fuck.

Let her go, I snarl. Daisys eyes find me, and they are terrified, darting wildly back and forth. My security detail burst into the cafe, guns drawn, but the space is too small.

And this motherfucker has my Daisy.

Carlo sent me, the man growls and yanks Daisys arm. She cries out, and I take a step forward, rage building in my blood. One more step and Ill put a bullet between her eyes.

Dom, Daisy gasps, my name ending on a sob.

Easy, Ashtons voice calls from somewhere behind me. Lets all just take it easy.

Carlo said he wanted her delivered alive, the man continues, smirking. He doesnt need her unhurt.

Dom, Daisy says again, her eyes pleading.

The rage is overwhelming. Im a Falcone. And nobody threatens a Falcone.

You cant shoot him, Ashton murmurs. “The ricochet…this place is too damn crowded.”

Let him try, the man crows, tightening his grip. Daisy cries out, and the fire in my blood burns even hotter.

Get everyone out of here, I say quietly, and I can sense Ashton and the security team moving to clear the cafe.

As soon as the doors are locked and the customers are safely out, I reach into my jacket and pull out my gun. He still hasnt drawn his, but he knows were too close together. I cant risk a shot with Daisy right there.

So I guess were going to have to do things the old-fashioned way.

Flicking my wrist down, I throw my gun and hit Daisys captor in the knee. It shocks the hell out of him, enough that Im able to rush in, fist cocked back, and clock him. The man lets go of Daisy, and she falls to the ground. I punch him again, and he staggers back. I shove him hard, wanting him well and away from my woman before I fucking kill him.

He goes flying back. His head hits the counter, and theres a sick cracking noise. And then, suddenly, hes slumped against the floor.

The blood-red rage starts to drain out from me, and I whip my head to look at Ashton. Get this fucker out of here. Make sure he lives and wring all the answers possible out of his sorry ass.

Yes, sir.

Daisy whimpers, and I rush over to her, scooping her up. Angel.

Dom… She sobs, her face buried in my neck.

Shh, sweet girl.

I thought I was going to die.

Never, I swear, carrying her back to the office. I can hear the sirens outside, no doubt the police, and I know that Daisy is in no shape to answer questions or explain how her ex-boyfriends henchmen knew she was working here, or how she was connected to Carlo at all.

I set her down, cupping her cheeks in my hands. Sweet girl.

Daisy looks up at me, tears rolling down her cheeks, and I cant help but kiss her. She clings to me, and the fear that coursed through my body when I saw her in danger is still palpable.

Daisy, I moan into her mouth. My sweet girl.

The sirens are closer, and I press one more kiss to her lips.

Do you trust me?

Yes, she breathes.

Good. Then do exactly as I say.

* * *

I run a tight ship,and my team knows exactly what to do without even a word from me. By the time I escort Daisy out of the back alley, Ashton has the would-be assassin loaded up and on the way to one of our safe houses for interrogation. Meanwhile, Ashtons second-in-command is writing checks for Jack, the barista, and the female customer. Mind-boggling amounts of money, but only after they tell their story to the police exactly how he instructs.

All three of them perform perfectly. The story goes that the goon tried to rob the place before getting into an altercation with Jack and running away. No mention of me, Daisy, or how close to death they all were.

Meanwhile, Daisy clings to me, her entire frame vibrating with anxiety. I guide her to the waiting SUV, opening the door for her.

Its over, sweet girl.

Daisy nods, shaking, and slides in. I follow behind her, closing the door. Ashton climbs into the front seat, and the driver pulls off, heading back to Falcone Manor.

Everything is taken care of at the cafe, Ashton tells me. Jack and the customers are satisfied.

Thank you. I nod, taking Daisys hand. Any news on the goon?

Were interrogating him as we speak. Well get every piece of information we can and then send him to a cell at one of our compounds.

Perfect. Thank you, Ashton.

The drive back to Falcone Manor is full of Daisys nervous energy, but theres nothing I can do to calm her. This entire situation is so fucked up, and its not surprising that Daisy’s rattled.

Elena is waiting for us as we return, and I immediately usher Daisy over to her. Daisy quickly looks up at me, hurt. Stay with me, she pleads. Dom, please.

Fuck, has any man ever felt so tempted by a woman?

I need to handle something with my security team, I murmur, touching her cheek. Elena will get you settled, okay? Well be together soon.

Promise? Daisys voice is small, and it makes me want to commit murder.

I promise, sweet girl. Now go with Elena and let her do whatever you want. Treat it like a spa day.

That makes Daisy smile a little, and she goes willingly with my housekeeper, who leads her into the parlor, but not before shooting me a look over her shoulder that says without words, Ill handle this’. Its hard for me to put my trust in anyone, especially when it comes to Daisy, who has quickly become the most precious thing to me on the entire planet. But if I cant trust my staff who has worked with me for decades, who I screened intensely before hiring, then who can I trust?

As soon as the women are gone, I turn back to Ashton and tell him, I want a summary of everything that happened. I have some calls I need to make. In private.

Ashton nods and departs, leaving me alone. With an enormous amount of feelings swirling around inside of me—rage, grief, and the never-ending desire to claim Daisy once and for all—I go to the balcony where I can be truly alone.

There I pull out my phone and scroll through my emails until I get to the one Im looking for. Earlier in the day, my team had managed to acquire Carlos personal cell number, but I told them to hold off on trying to attempt contact until I did so myself.

I hesitate, wondering if contacting Carlo will just make things worse. I procrastinate, placing an order with a local jeweler for an express delivery, before I finally come to terms with the fact that I have to call him. I need to exhaust all my options if Im going to end this shitshow, and even if I dont like it, speaking to him father to son is one of those options.

Taking a deep breath, I dial his number and bring the phone to my ear.

I fully expect Carlo to ignore me or outright refuse to speak with me, but surprisingly he picks up after a single ring. Dad?

His voice, which hasnt changed all that much since he was a young boy, sends a pang through me. There is no denying it. This is my son. I didnt think you would answer.

I didnt either, Carlo admits. But I figure youve been trying for a long time to reach me. Might as well get it over with.

Carlo, I begin. Son.

Save your fatherly lectures, Carlo snorts. I dont give a fuck.

I wasnt going to lecture you, I reply. Im going to tell you the naked truth because even if youre fucking up royally right now, youre still my kid. At this point, you have to know that Daisy came to me for protection. I had no idea until she showed up that you were in such deep shit, Carlo. Do you really think the Cirilo family is just going to welcome you with open arms when you owe them so much? There are no Falcone secrets big enough to pay off a debt like that. Theyre using you to try and drive a wedge in the family, hoping to make us weak. Nothing more.

Thats not true, Carlo retorts. Daisy is a liar, and?—

Shes not a liar. Shes a victim. We both know she didnt steal shit from you. Retract the hit, Carlo, and Ill give you the tools to disappear for a few years. The Cirilos are weak. Once they realize Im on to them, theyre going to dispose of you and crawl back into the hole they came from because there is no way they can face us head to head. Not a chance.

No.

Carlo, I begin again. Retract the hit, and we can work?—

I said no, Carlo snarls, his voice thick with rage. Daisy is a dirty, thieving whore, and she needs to learn a fucking lesson. Once shes dealt with, I can show the Cirilos my worth. My allegiance has to be worth more than my debt. Theyll see that Im the only Falcone that matters. Im the one worth working with. Im the man who will carry on the Falcone name.

Fuck, Carlo, do you even hear yourself? What are you going to do if they kill her and you and discover not only did Daisy not have your money, but you aren’t taking over the family anytime soon?”

Carlo scoffs. I know Daisy has a little nest egg she was hiding from me. Enough to pay off my debts. Im sure she didnt tell you about it, though.

I know about it, I snap. It’s barely anything, Carlo. And she worked hard as hell for it. Don’t think you can surprise me. I know everything. Now, Im going to offer this to you one more time. Call the hit off and Ill give you everything you need to go underground for a few years. I have no doubt the Cirilos will burn themselves out soon enough anyway.

Carlo laughs, harshly. You have nothing to offer me. Youre not the man you used to be, Dad.

Dont test me. The warning in my voice is obvious, but I cant help it. Hes my son, but hes also a dumb fuck and a danger to Daisy.

Why are you so worried about one girl? His voice grows suspicious, and then it all clicks for Carlo, and he laughs, but the sound is filled with fury. Oh my God. Youre fucking her, right? You know shes only twenty?!

Keep Daisys name out of your filthy mouth, I hiss.

Of course. Of course, Carlo sneers. Shes a hot piece of ass, so why wouldnt you want to tap that? Doesnt surprise me. I bet shes good at spreading her legs and making herself useful, isnt she?

The red tide of anger rises in me again. Careful, Carlo.

Daisy never put out for me, but it figures she would for you when she needed protecting! Youve gone soft in your old age.

Carlo, I swear to fucking?—

The line goes dead, and I throw my phone across the balcony, shattering it.

Rage courses through my veins, and I want nothing more than to strangle Carlo with my bare hands. How dare he speak that way about Daisy or insinuate that shes anything but the angel she is?

I thought calling Carlo would bring me closer to resolving the situation, but all its done is make me angrier and more eager to take Daisy as my own. To protect her from my sons vengeance. To make her mine in every possible way.

* * *

After my conversation with Carlo,Im so full of violent energy that I have to leave the house to get some fucking air. I head to the safe house where were storing the Cirilo goon and decide to give my team some time off so I can do the interrogating myself.

Hes tied to a metal chair in a pitch-black room, and he jumps when I flip the lights on. I circle him, my jaw clenched, my fingers twitching, and the rage still so strong in me that I can barely see straight.

Lets make this quick, I growl. Tell me everything about the Cirilo family.

The man looks up, his eyes wide.

I-Im not a real member! he stammers. “Just an associate!”

But you work for them, and you know how they operate.

Y-yes.

I reach into the pocket of my suit jacket and pull out a knife. The Cirilo mans eyes bulge, and I can see the fear coursing through his body.

I know Carlo is working with them.

H-he owes them money, the man stammers. And he thinks hes going to get into good graces.”

I walk towards him, letting the tip of the blade dig into the chair, mere centimeters from his skin. How did he meet the Cirilos?

Through his bookie, he whimpers.

What is Carlos plan?

The man gulps. T-to string them along long enough to either get enough money to pay off his debts or take your place as the head of the Falcone family where he would be untouchable.

And the hit on Daisy?

He keeps telling them that she has all his money and that the only way to get it back is to kill her. I can give you more, the man whines, fear oozing from his voice. Please. Please. I can tell you everything you want to know, just spare me. Im just a low-level goon. I had no choice.

I slam the knife into the chair, right between his legs. He yelps and tries to lean away, but the ropes hold him tightly.

No lies or Ill bury this in your neck and leave you here to rot. Understand?

Yes! Yes, sir!

How is Carlo communicating with them?

Directly, the man gasps. He thinks hes valuable, but they treat him no differently than they do me, like an associate. Please, Mr. Falcone. I have a daughter...

Blowing out between my teeth, I pull away and pace the length of the basement over and over again. This feels like old times—violent and cruel. I dont like it, but damn if I still don’t have the touch for it. Its all too easy to just kill him and have him disposed of like all hostages from the past, but Ive been working so fucking hard to make the change, to be a better man. So if I want to talk the talk, I have to walk the walk.

I circle behind the man and cut his bonds in a single movement. He makes a surprised sound, his eyes going wide when I toss the cell phone my men found in his pocket back to him. Record me. I have a message for your boss.

The man is so shocked that it takes him a minute to react, but he finally does, setting up the phone and holding it out shakily in front of him. I clear my throat, staring down at him.

Im sure you know who I am. I want you to know that Im aware that my son is working with you, but before this, there was no bad blood between the Cirilos and the Falcones. Im going to make this very clear—pull the hit on Daisy Linden, retract it, cancel it, do whatever the fuck you have to do because if you dont, and if you or anyone else from the Cirilo family harms a hair on Daisys head, I will destroy you. Your organization will fall, your leaders will die, and your children will live lives in poverty.

But because youve never crossed me before and because I believe that Carlo is lying to you, Im going to grant you a boon. Im going to tell you the truth about my son, youre going to pull the hit on Daisy, and then Im going to give you a chance to contact me and apologize. You see, I know Carlo has debts he owes you, and that hes saying Daisy has his funds. She doesnt. And whatever he owes you, I promise you it isnt worth getting on my bad side. Then, I pause. Since Carlo is my son and hes wronged your family, I will pay off a portion of his debt myself after I receive the apology and proof that the hit is off. But if you want that money, it means you have to leave Carlo alone as well. If he fucks with you again, then its out of my hands, but if you agree to all of this, you have to pretend he doesnt exist and let me handle the problems with my own blood. Think it over. Otherwise, count your days.

After rattling off a number for the Cirilos to contact, I tell the goon to turn off the recording. I step forward, reaching out and grabbing the man by the front of his shirt. He squeaks, shaking as I haul him up off the chair.

Tell your bosses that this is my final warning, I hiss. There is a ceasefire here. If you violate it, you are at fault.

The man nods furiously. O-of course, Mr. Falcone! I understand, sir! Thank you, sir!

Good. I lower him back down to the floor. Now get the fuck out.

The Cirilo man stumbles over himself trying to get out, and as soon as the basement door shuts behind him, I leave, heading home.

I hope that my message will be taken seriously, but even if it isnt, at least I tried.

* * *

When I get backto the house, Ashton is waiting for me. He seems a little flustered, which is unusual for him, and when he sees me, he holds up a small, long black velvet box.

This just arrived for Miss Daisy, he says, his expression confused.

I chuckle, glad for the break in tension Ashtons puzzlement brings. Its not an engagement ring. Calm down.

Ashton looks equally relieved and disappointed. Oh. Yeah. I guess that makes sense. Getting engaged while theres still a hit out would be weird, right? And you two just met, and?—

Dont worry about it, man. Taking the box, I go to pass him, clapping him on the shoulder as I go. Plus, when I do propose, Ill be using my grandmothers ring.

Ashtons eyes bulge, and for once, he actually looks speechless. Chuckling, I head upstairs to where Daisy is resting. I open the door to her room and find her sleeping, probably emotionally exhausted from the horrible fucking day shes had. Part of me wants to wake her up and claim her like Ive been meaning to for two days now, but seeing her resting peacefully makes me think twice. Ive waited this long, I guess another damned night wont hurt me.

Within an hour, Ive showered and poured myself a glass of scotch and Im sitting on my personal balcony watching the stars and trying to force myself to unwind. I hear her before I see her, and while the initial noise makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up, the sound of her bare feet on the floor tells me immediately that its not a threat. Its my angel.

I turn as she reaches the open balcony door to find her illuminated by the soft bedroom light. She glows, dressed only in a nightgown that barely reaches the tops of her thighs. Her hair falls down her back, her lips are parted slightly, and shes looking at me with a mix of uncertainty and desire.

Whats wrong? I ask, and she shakes her head.

Nothing. Just... couldnt sleep.

Standing, I set aside my scotch and walk towards her, crossing the balcony. Its late and were both tired, but the second my hands touch Daisys skin, I feel electricity jolt through me. She looks up, and our eyes meet.

I lied, she breathes while I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Something is wrong.

What, angel? Anything that is in my power to give you, I will.

You. The single word hits me like a fireball, lighting every one of my nerves up. I want you, and I cant stop thinking about you. Dominic, will you take me to bed?