Page 56 of Destruction

“That's not what I asked.”

“We've discussed the possibility of what happens after. Everyone is aware of where Tennant stands. Being in a relationship like ours, our main goal is for everyone to be happy and content. If Benjamin is part of Tennant's happiness, who are we to begrudge him?”

Carter studies me for a long moment, his navy eyes boring into mine. “Don't break his heart, Hollis. That boy has so much love to give; don't abuse it.” The threat of what he'll do if we hurt his son goes unsaid, but I hear it anyway.

“We're being careful.” Relatively.

He nods and sighs. “I should head to bed for my few hours of restless sleep. Are you heading up?”

I shake my head. “I have too much work to do.”

He looks at me carefully. “Take care of yourself, too. That thing about not breaking Roman's heart? It applies to more than just fucking around with the Martellis.”

Carter heads upstairs, while I continue on to my office, mulling over our conversation.

I understand his concerns, but I can't be there for Roman inanycapacity if the threat of us, or his friend, being arrested hangs over our heads. Or if his father never returns. That, more than anything, will break the boy.

For the first time in a long time, the office is my own. I've gotten so used to Leandro and Boston's presence, that sinking into work takes a moment. After sending messages to both Joel and Soren about Emilio and his doctor’s plans to set up a meeting with Doc, I settle into work, letting the rest of the world fade away.

When my chair is pulled away from the desk, my first instinct is to reach for my knife, but the sudden weight of a familiar body has me relaxing again.

“Okay?” I ask Roman, grabbing the hair at the back of his head as he buries his face in my neck.

“Couldn't sleep. Didn't want to disturb anyone else.” Though we both know Tennant knew the moment he got out of bed—he just chose not to chase after him.

Roman koalas himself to my front, and I slide back up to the desk.

“It's been awhile since you've done this,” I comment as I let him go and get back to work.

“Haven't needed it.” His voice is so full of melancholy, I pause my work and look down at the top of his head.

“Are you sure you're okay with what we're doing with the Martellis?”

He shudders and takes a shaky breath, but nods. “Yeah, I am. Did I expect you to feel something for my friend? No. But, muchas I won't tell Tennant not to pursue Benjamin, I won't tell you to stop with Lio.”

“You could, if you wanted to. You know that, right, Amore?”

He pulls back to look at me. His green eyes are full of a love I probably don't deserve, but will never let go of. “No. It's not… I'm notjealousor anything. Things are just…upside down right now, that's all.”

“I know. I'm sorry I can't make this better for you. If I could, I'd take away all your pain. That's how much you mean to me. Ti amo. You, Jude, and Ten are my life. If that means we have to close our relationship, and never touch someone else again, so be it. I've killed for less than whatever we're currently doing, and I won't hesitate to do it again.”

He scowls. “You can't kill the Martellis.”

“Are you sure?” I raise a brow.

“Yes. I promise, it's not that. Dad is gone, I'm in charge, and while the Family hasn't burned to the ground—yet—there's still time. I just… I feel inadequate. Adrift. I don't even know.”

Cupping his face with both hands, I press our mouths together, kissing him slow and deep. “You are everything I've always wanted, and then some. Because you're smart, snarky, and love with your whole being. You're doing amazing because you were born for this; never doubt your ability to lead, because I, and our lovers, will follow you anywhere.

“And…” I give him a wry grin. “You can pick out your own Martelli, if you want.”

He laughs. “How generous of you.”

“I am. We're already in deep with them, might as well go all the way.”

He snorts. “Thank you. I love you.”

I kiss him again. “Love you, too. Never doubt that.”

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