implicate himself. I have also had dealings with your brother-in-law, Brian. He’s a good man.”
I clutched my fingers together. “Brian is a good man. Would he say the same about you?”
Julio smiled again, this time a little ruefully. I had a feeling that Julio used his good looks to charm the ladies. He was a devilishly attractive man. However, all of his appeal fell flat as Mark kissed my forehead. I adored my husband, and for him, I would trust Julio Cerone.
Mark added, “I didn’t want to alarm you when we asked Julio to look into things. But we had already exhausted Knox’s resources. Brian felt like it wouldn’t hurt to have someone from the criminal side check things out. Sometimes one needs to explore all the avenues to keep his family safe.”
I drew in a breath to fortify myself and then moved forward out of Mark’s arms. I went over to the couch and sank down near where Julio was playing with my daughters.
“Thank you for that. I don’t intend to be rude. It’s only that this past year has been extremely difficult. I must apologize for not being more welcoming.”
“Mrs. Williams, I have no wish to distress you. And I assure you that you and your family are perfectly safe. I don’t mind staying at a hotel, if you could provide me with a location, of course.”
Mark shuddered as he came to sit beside me.
I shook my head, saying, “Most definitely not. They are known for the size of their bedbugs of truly epic proportions. No, you must stay with us. We practically have an empty house now that Candice moved in with Knox, and Brian moved into his bungalow. Mark and I would love to have you here. Thank you for your help. That was a terrible time in our lives.”
Julio’s expression softened. “I will admit, I also had another tie in the affair. I have used Mr. Williams’ private investigating firm when trying to take care of business in the United States. I found it too much of a coincidence that the Brands asked me to help a friend that also happened to be related to the man who runs the PI firm that I often use.”
“How long have you known Brian?” Mark asked as he took Evie from Julio.
Julio picked up Avery, who immediately stopped fussing and started batting at his face.
“Ten years, perhaps? But not on a personal level. It wasn’t until I connected Natalia working for Brian that I truly got to know him. He impressed me in many ways. His business is nearly global and completely airtight. It is no wonder that he has made such a fortune for himself.”
Mark blinked. “Brian? A fortune?”
Julio laughed. “Were you not aware? He is rather one of the largest players in the game. People in our business are willing to pay a lot of money to remain safe. They will pay even more to keep their loved ones safe. I would say that my wife really wanted to thumb her nose at me by working for him. But in truth, I think she did it because she saw the person he was. Brian could easily be as underhanded as the rest of them, but he’s not willing to be bought at any price. Trust me, I tried.”
“What do you want from her?” I asked tentatively. “If she doesn’t wish to be married anymore. What will you do?”
“If Natalia truly wishes to be free of me, we will divorce. But I have a feeling that she hates what I did much more than the man I am. We have also had eight years apart. Eight long years is plenty of time to sort through your priorities. I want to build a life with Natalia, but I have a feeling she won’t make this easy.”
Mark barked out a laugh. “Women usually don’t.”
Elbowing Mark hard in the side, I felt a certain sense of satisfaction when he grunted in pain.
“Natalie is my friend. I can’t betray that. But I hope that somehow things can be resolved for the best between the two of you.”
Julio raised a brow. “Do you believe me?”
I sighed dramatically. “To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure. But there is something I like about you.”
Mark scowled, and I laughed at his expression. Leaning over, I kissed his cheeks and then kissed Evie as well.
“This isn’t likely to be easy,” Mark warned.
“I will need a game plan,” Julio said, handing Avery to me and then getting