Page 5 of Bastard Prince
“Papà?” he asked, and I nodded. “Not since before he was arrested. I thought it was best to stay under the radar. I’ve tried to reach him since he was sentenced, but they aren’t allowing him to take calls yet.”
“The lawyers said he would be given time to ‘acclimate’ to his new situation before they allowed calls or visitors.”
“He’ll be alright, Francesca,” Antonio soothed, pushing open the doors. “He’s strong, smart. We’ll talk to him soon.”
Waiting in the parking lot, pacing like a caged animal, was Enzo.
He glanced up when he heard the door open, and the look on his face stunned me.
Worry. Fierce and fiery, he looked like he was two seconds away from kicking down the church doors and retrieving me himself.
The image of him busting into the little chapel, eyes blazing, made my heart leap.
“What the actual fuck, Francesca?” he snarled, his gaze darting over me like he was looking for damage.
“I’m fine, Enzo. I just needed a minute.”
“We hear that there’s a price on your head, and you think it’s a good time to take a stroll down the fuckin’ Strip? Jesus Christ.” He was standing in front of me, his chest heaving, and eyes wild.
I moved toward him, and he reached out for me, drawing my body against his as if to prove to himself that I was there and still unharmed. The emotion that filled my chest at his actions was surprising. I knew he had decided that we were going to be together for real, but to see his response to me potentially being in danger warmed my soul.
“I feel like I should tell you to get your hands off my sister, but seeing as how she’s your wife, I guess I’ve lost my place as her protector, hey?” Antonio tried to make a joke of it, but I could see the pain in his eyes. Our years apart weren’t his fault any more than they were mine, and I didn’t want him carrying guilt for someone else’s actions.
Time to end all thefeelingstalk and get on with things.
“You guys need to remember that I can take care of myself,” I said, stepping away from both men and moving over to Vinnie, who stood next to my SUV. Although, his face was no less worried.
Sheesh, what a bunch of touchy-feely guys I had on my hands.
“Hey, Vin. How’s your ma?”
“She’s good, ma’am. Real good, thanks to you.”
I had hired a part-time nurse to help monitor Vinnie’s mother, Lucia, with her daily care. As a result, he had begun to call me ma’am again, which I hardly thought was the right way to show his gratitude, but it seemed we were at an impasse.
Leaning my back against the door of the SUV, I looked again at the three men standing before me, each with expressions of varying shades of worry. The only one missing was Eric.
I hoped they’d left him alive.
“What did you guys do with Special Agent Fuckface?” I asked, relaxing when Enzo and Antonio both laughed.
“I told him his services were no longer required, and if he wanted to keep breathing, he’d be best to do it out of my city.” Ah, there was the gruff asshole I was used to dealing with.
“Well, I hope you at least got his number, because I plan to call in a favor from the man who ruined my reputation.”
“Francesca,” Enzo said, a frown on his face. “If you need something, you come to me. I don’t want you being around him anymore.”
“Enzo,” I replied, crossing my arms over my chest. “While I appreciate your offer of assistance, I will remind you that I am a fully grown woman capable of making my own decisions. And, although I’m sure you hold a lot of sway here in the City of Las Vegas, I am not certain your influence extends to the New York State penal system.”
“You’re worried about Papà?” Antonio said, cutting off whatever snarky response Enzo was about to deliver. “I can reach out to Eric. Leave that with me.”
I nodded my thanks. “If the hit is for De Marco family members,” I paused before continuing, “it’s reasonable to assume he’s on the list. I haven’t spoken to him since before the wedding. I just need to make sure he’s protected on the inside.” Turning to Enzo, I went on. “I’m hoping Eric can pull some strings and get him into protective custody until I can figure out who’s behind this bullshit.”
“We,”Enzo growled.“Wewill figure this out. And until then, I don’t want you alone for a moment. If I can’t be with you, then I want you with Vinnie.” He cut a look at Antonio. “I know you’re her brother but excuse me if I don’t trust you with her safety yet. I don’t know shit about you or what you can do.”
“That’s fair,” Antonio responded, looking happier than I would have expected a man to look, considering he’d just basically been insulted to his face. “And when it comes to taking care of my sister, I respect that opinion.” I could tell he wasn’t finished when he smiled, a much darker and more mysterious smile than I could ever remember seeing on my brother’s face. “But I am no slouch when it comes to dirty work. You can rest assured, Frankie’d be safe with me.”
My eyes widened at the use of my nickname. So far, no one had called me that in front of Enzo, and I wasn’t sure now was the time to discuss my alter ego. Darting a look at Enzo, he didn’t seem to have made any kind of connection, but I was going to have to come clean sooner rather than later.
