be sitting in jail for a while, Uncle Alex.”
“Now, we have a better understanding of each other’s needs. Let’s continue discussing Avery, Donavan, and the million-dollar wedding I paid for as an apology to them for past attempts. But who am I to place money over my daughter’s well-being?”
Attempts? Okay, I’m gathering that your past ‘attempts’ were to run a fissure between them. “Uncle Alex, what you’re saying is, I should reach out to you under certain circumstances? Like if Avery were to disclose something untoward, such as Donnie mistreating her.” That boy is in love with her. This is preposterous.
“Precisely. This will be a deal between the two of us.”
I cross my arms. “This deal goes against my character, Uncle Alex.”
“Your heart rate is accelerating, pupils dilating ever so slightly, Gina. I do not need to remind you as to how a lie is also perceived.” He holds out his hand, not even having to add the cliché, ‘take it or leave it.’
Now, I’m staring Alexander Castle in the eye. “If any family or friend of mine ever said something in the manner of them being mistreated, I would react.”
“That’s all I ask of you, Gina.” Alexander Castle shakes my hand as if I were his equal, unlike my father. Dad never makes deals with devils, not unless money is involved. At least, I did this for love.
Santino
I never expected for the handcuffs to come off on the same day. But by Christmas evening, I’m walking out of the cinderblock building as a free man. Two SUVs are parallel in the mostly empty lot. The back door of one of them flies open, and Gina runs into my arms.
My hands clasp her ass, her thighs twist around my hips, mouth planted against mine. “I missed you, baby,” she groans.
“Bella.” Clutching the hair at the nape of her neck, I tilt her. The position offers a better invitation of her sweet kisses. “What did you do? How? That beautiful mouth of yours . . .”
“Eh, you underestimated me, Mr. Morelli.” She grins up at me.
“Yes, it appears we all have miscalculated my daughter.”
Gina bristles against me. “Dad, go away, please. This is a fight you will never win.”
“And you think you won?” He stands a few paces away.
“Mr. Galloway,” I cut in, placing Gina down with one hand. “Respectfully, you raised a brilliant, gorgeous daughter.”
He rolls his eyes. “Yes. I know. I’m not referring to you at all. Gina, what promises did you make with Castle?”
“Dad, you can go home. I’m spending the rest of Christmas with Santino. And Geraldine and Zane. Santi.” She looks up at me. “Would you like to go to Jamaica?”
“I’ve got that room ready for you, partner,” Zane says from next to a rental car.
I nod to him. “Yes.” I kiss her.
Her dad snarls, “Gina, what did you promise Alexander?!”
“That’s between him and I, and Donavan. Alex said not to tell Avery.” She winks. “Bye—”
“Gina, please?” Mr. Galloway huffs. “Santino, I’ll admit . . .”
Her father blubbers silently for a few beats. “When I saw the video of you grabbing my daughter into a van—that was the scariest moment of my entire life.”
“Dad, Santi didn’t hurt . . .”
I place a hand on Gina’s shoulder, kneading it softly. “I would never intentionally hurt Gina. You have my word that night was out of character for me.”
Mr. Galloway nods. “I have the feeling that the middle daughter of mine returned to her old antics. Playing with people’s lives. I’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on rehab for Gabriella in the past. Cocaine and alcohol,” he scoffs. “Rich people issues were once the bane of my existence prior to her marriage. She admitted having her old friends make some sort of video to your mom, Gina. I presume it was to prove that you could do better. Ahem.”
My women’s fingers reach for mine as we continue to listen.
“Gabby also said something about drugs. Gina, you’ll be happy to know, your mother was the only rational person this entire time.” His tensed face contours into a smile for a few beats. “Gina, your intelligence comes from your mother. However, Mr. Morelli, Gabby’s entire scheme leads me to believe a conversation with your employer is necessary. I’ll clear up the confusion.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
Gina squeezes my palm. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Now, back to Alexander.” Her father holds his ground. “He is not a friend of mine. I’ve said it to his face.”
“Heh,” Gina begins. “You joke like that about a lot