Page 11 of Fall
This time, he doesn’t say another word to Natalia for the rest of the trip home. There’s shit to take care of so that we’re prepared for Natalia’s birthday bash tonight. And now, on top of that this new concern the boss has about making his family’s safety a priority. I’m itching to find out exactlywhat this new development is.
Once we arrive at the main house on Romano's property, the tires haven't braked fully before I undo my seatbelt and start to make my way out of the cold, air-conditioned vehicle. Stepping onto the brick driveway, the hot, humid summer air hits me almost as hard as the frenzied activity all across the front yard.
The driveway is packed, lined with cateringtrucks and decorator vans of all sizes, commercial food warmers, and massive floral arrangements. There's also an expansive white tent on the front lawn that's bigger than the entire main house.
“Help the ladies inside with their things,” I tell Vinny over my shoulder.
He steps out of the driver side and pulls open the passenger door for Natalia. “Sure thing.”
“And take oneof the men with you,” I add, and hear the unexpected tension and urgency in my voice. “Keep your eyes on them at all times, even while they’re here at home.”
“Will do,” he answers calmly, helping Natalia as she takes his offered hand and climbs out.
There's nothing more I'd like to do than be there for this girl I've protected for many years, but I need to be smart. Everyone maysee these visitors as event staff, but to me, each one is a potential threat. Sure, we vetted all the companies before they were hired, but given the boss's new concerns, I can't be too careful. Someone could've slipped through the cracks. If anything happens to anyone tonight, on my watch, it's on me.
And no one’s getting close enough to hurt Natalia.
I’ll be damned if I let anyonenear her.
Over my dead body.
This is where the rubber meets the road.
Because when someone is gunning for you, the best way to protect the people you care about is to put yourself between them and the danger on the horizon.
