Page 70 of Ruthless Beast

“My little gypsy,” I chuckle.

“What will become of me if anything happens to you, Lucas?”

There’s a worry line on Emily’s face that I haven’t seen in a while.

“Why do you think about such things? Has something happened?”

“No. I just worry.”

“Nothing is going to happen to me, my love.”

“That’s what we all think until it’s too late. Until we’re staring into the face of death.”

“Are you okay? This isn’t like you, Emily.”

“Yeah,” she says, shrugging her shoulders. “I’m just having an overly sensitive day, I guess.”

I get up and take her by the hand so she can stand, facing me.

“I don't want you to worry about such things, my love. That’s my job, and I happen to be pretty good at it.”

I kiss my beautiful Emily passionately and hold her in my arms for a while afterward.

“Hormones,” she says, wiping away a tear.

“You’re okay. We’re okay.”

“Promise me you’ll be careful, Lucas.”

“I promise.”

* * *

The pilot clicks on the overhead speaker and announces that the plane is descending. Soon we’ll be on the runway in Baltimore. I haven’t been here in a while. Our expansion is well under way, which is why I decided to meet with Baltimore Capos personally rather than sending one of my generals. It’s a sign of respect.

It isn’t often that the boss visits, so I believe they’ve made quite the fuss. I hope it isn’t too outlandish. I prefer flying under the radar.

I call Emily from the car once we’ve landed.

“Hi, my beauty.”

“Hi, babe. How was your flight?”

“Pretty boring without you here. What do you have planned for today?”

“Sandy and I are going out to lunch. There’s a new restaurant she wants to show me.”

“Sounds like fun. Give her my love, will you?”

“Of course.”

“Gotta run. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

* * *

Emily

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