Page 99 of Hostile Secret
“You’re perfect.”
My heart floods, the dam completely broken.
But with every surrender, he takes a piece of me hostage and I’m left wondering if I’ll ever live out in the world again.
30
GIOVANNI
After rolling the car with two corpses inside over the edge of a steep mountain, I drove India home.
I love how this girl is so easygoing. There were no meltdowns or incoherent freakouts from someone who doesn’t understand the importance of cleaning up after a random shootout.
She took it all in stride and even helped me shove a body into the trunk.
It’s those simple things that make this woman special. I can be myself around her, which means I don’t have to hide my profession––or my son. India is the only person on the planet who’s unearthed the real me.
Not even Lola knows the full extent of my nature. India, on the other hand, sees right into my soul with those captivating ocean eyes, and it doesn’t scare her when she locks horns with my demons. Instead, it seems to turn her on.
“I’m going to check on Leo.” I announce once I’ve escorted her into the grand entrance hall at Blackwater.
“Oh. Okay.” India nods, all wide-eyed and freshly fucked, a glimmer of hurt passing over her features. “See you tomorrow then.”
The second she sashays to the foot of the staircase; I consider marching after her and kissing those pink lips of hers.
Rather than give in to my whims, I dig deep and stand my ground. Mostly because I’d unexpectedly let my guard down and need space to figure out what the hell I’m going to do next.
As time passes, she would resent my protection and see it as a claustrophobic burden, if it hadn’t already started to fester within her after tonight.
I know my girl has a crush on my dick, but that doesn’t mean she wants to spend the rest of her life with the man it’s attached to.
Especially when it means giving up on the life she had in Miami, albeit one that involved security guards and my crazy brother.
When I’d first taken her in, there wasn't an actual threat to her life. There was no issue. And now, the danger she’s in is very real.
Eventually, she’d have to accept my rules and understand how important they are if she wants to stay alive. My brothers and I had to give up parts of ourselves in order to survive in our father’s kingdom. We had sacrificed our souls.
India will have to figure that out eventually—and dare I admit it—one day Leo will too.
Bitterness squeezes my stomach when the haunting reality floods me. That's not what I want for either of them.
Unfortunately, it's too late now. We’re all up to our throats in this sinister world the Souzas thrive in.
Prowling through the shadowy corridors, I make a mental note to check the security systems again. Unease creeps over me, the prickle of awareness similar to the way my father’s cruel voice used to affect me.
Leo became my number one concern the day I brought him home with me, and that would never change. However, the naughty little minx whose smile warms my frozen soul has somehow moved into the place beside him.
They’ve both become my priority—my weakness, and that scares the fucking crap out of me.
I drag a hand down my face and swallow the bitter pill of acceptance. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Leo was an awakening, but India––being with her feels like fate.
By the time I reach Leo’s bedroom, my chest is tight, and my heart is pounding like the death march. Luckily, we live in an impenetrable safe house where every step is accounted for, and every room is linked to security cameras.
The closer I get to his bed, the more my heart breaks. India’s dog is curled up beside him, the pair sleeping contentedly together. Daenis’ ears prick when I lean over the bed and kiss Leo’s warm forehead.
There’s so much about this kid that reminds me of my younger self. It doesn’t matter that we aren’t linked by blood. That only makes me love him more, because the DNA of a psycho drug lord doesn’t run through his veins.
My boy is pure of heart, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep his spirit strong.
