Page 19 of Destruction

Tennant stops and moves in front of me, staring me down. In the darkened hallway, his harsh features and light blue eyes should be terrifying, but I know him too well to ever be afraid.

There might be something wrong with me.

He lifts my face to meet his gaze, his fingers are cool against my skin as they press gently under my chin. There’s barely two inches of height between us, but at times like this, he makes me feel so…small and vulnerable. I should be prey to his predator, but instead, I’ve never felt safer.

“You’re doing what you do best,” he says, his low voice sounding loud in the dark and silent house. “While it…annoys me that Emilio feels the need to challenge you, I also know there’s no one any of us would rather have in charge of finding the Bosses.”

“Did you forget our Giocattolo is the Boss, not me?”

Ten’s grin is small but it lights up his cold eyes. “How could I? He makes for a fine Boss, even if he doesn't believe so. But, while he sits at the helm, we all know that none of us would be here without you. Which means, I need you to take care of yourself.” He sighs and moves his hand from my face to my hair, roughly gripping the strands. “I don't know how much longer I can hold on, Tesoro. I can feel my sense of…civility drifting away. There's a reason Cristian keeps me close. I need you to take care of yourself. I need you to help Roman, and keep him in line—I don't know how much I'll be able to. Not once I have Jude and Benjamin to train, and whatever plan Marcus helps enact.”

I hear what he doesn't say: Tennant is worried he’ll care too much about Cristian, and getting revenge, to worry about Roman’s emotional state. That he cares at all—even if he won’t classify it as caring—shows there’s far more to this man than anyone who hears the word “psychopath” would believe.

The problem is, Tennant has always been our emotional rock. How would either of us fare without that? Trial by fire, I suppose. Because Jude is worse at emotions than Tennant is—and his new role will bring along its own set of worries for us all.

I trust Roman’s judgment, though. And agree he made the right choice in his Second. If anyone is the perfect person to stand behind him, it’s our take no shit lover.

“I promise,” I finally say. “I’ll take care of you all.”

It’s my job, after all. Tennant may be our backbone, but my obsession with them all is what keeps us together. I won’t let them falter.

“Good. Now, upstairs. You need sleep, and our Little Lamb needs some support with our Toy.”

In our bedroom, we find Roman curled up in Jude’s lap. The two of them are a sight to behold. Both dark haired with green eyes, in vastly different shades, Roman is small enough to curl into himself and fit against Jude’s broad chest perfectly. If only the emotions in the room weren’t so volatile. I'd love nothing more than to ravish them both.

“Is he awake?” I sign, not wanting to disturb Roman if he’s managed to fall asleep.

Jude nods. “Tense. Stressed. Don’t know if he’ll sleep tonight.” His signs are loose and sloppy, his hands barely leaving Roman to reply.

“If you're going to talk about me,” Roman grouses, “at least have the decency to do it aloud.”

Climbing onto the bed, I pull Roman from Jude’s lap into my own. “Sorry, Amore. I didn't want to disturb you.”

“I’m fine. Just…processing. I didn't get nearly enough time to do that today before everything with the Martellis. Do you think we can trust them?” He blinks those devastated dark green eyes up at me, and my heart cracks at the lost expression.

“Yes,” I say honestly. “Despite Emilio’s posturing, they're our allies. They need us far more than we need them. And I'm not just saying that to be arrogant. They reached out first, remember that. If I thought for a moment we couldn't trust them, I’d already be on the phone with H, getting the ball rolling there. He has far more contacts than I do. Though I am still owed enough favors from before I officially joined the Family, but I’d rather save those in case we need them down the line. I'm not opposed to reaching out anyway—no matter what Emilio says.”

“Wait on it. See how far you and Leandro can get first on your own, before going that route.”

“Of course.”

“Speaking of the Martellis.” Jude’s words have me looking up. He’s staring intently at Tennant as Ten takes a seat on the bed. I notice the bandage on his forearm,—he must have cleaned himself up in the bathroom—but I’m not concerned as I know I didn’t cut him too deeply. “I don't need you fighting my battles for me.”

“No,” Tennant agrees. “Especially not now, as at the moment, you outrank me. I might have a higher position than a regular soldier, but it is now my job to keep you safe—moreso than ever before. When someone insults you, it's a direct insult to Roman, and his position in this Family.”

Jude scowls. “There's a reason I have concerns.”

“I know,” Ten replies before Roman can reassure him. “But I agree, you're the best person for the job. You're level-headed in a way Leandro isn't. You grew up in this world, even if it was on the fringes, but that's more your family's doing than a fault of your own. You've taken to every task we've set you thus far. The only one who doesn't think you're capable is you, but that's your upbringing, not how you really feel.”

“You don't have to be so smug about being right,” Jude grouses.

Tennant beams. “Don’t I?”

“Be nice,” I warn Tennant.

He huffs but leans over and presses a gentle kiss to Jude’s lips. He pulls back just enough for signing space.

“Agnellino.” The homesign tips off his fingers with as much care as if he had said it aloud. “I won't apologize for taking that asshole in hand. I'll do it again and again, if need be. I am aware you don't need me to fight your battles for you, but I'll be damned if anyone comes in here acting like they're better thanyou. If he steps out of line again, I'll simply hold him down so you can teach him why you shouldn't be underestimated. Deal?”

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