me, even though every part of me wanted nothing more than to possess every portion of her. I was more troubled than I wanted to admit, the game that Alviro was playing weighing heavily on my mind. He was up to something and I doubted it had much to do with the deal that had been placed on the table.
If it was true and he was terrified of my reign, then he would do everything in his power to eliminate the threat. That could have been done easily. Instead, he’d chosen to toss out a few poker chips, upping the bet. What was the larger prize?
I walked out onto the deck, allowing the warm breeze to blow into the room. Just watching the way she’d studied the ocean had been pleasing. Maybe it was time for me to enjoy the little things in life, something my mother always complained that none of her sons would do.
My thoughts drifted to Javier. He’d actually had more of a lust for life, his ability to turn off the business something I’d chastised him for. Now I was beginning to understand why he’d insisted that doing so was vital. Everything in my world seemed slanted toward business. I hadn’t taken an actual vacation in years, certainly hadn’t missed the concept.
Javier had been lucky, finding the love of his life through actual friends that he’d kept since college. Gilly’s spunky attitude had attracted him immediately, their love affair bursting with passion. To see her crushed from his death had nearly broken my spirit, only my father able to keep me from going on a rampage.
I realized I was walking down the deck stairs, the scent of saltwater and sand more of a draw than I’d remembered. The day was almost perfect, the light breeze wafting various smells across my nose. Some might say I was a lucky man, enough money and clout to do anything I wanted. For me, the money meant almost nothing.
That admittance was telling.
I was almost burned out; however, there was no possibility of making a different choice. I was the son of a mafia Don, now destined to walk in my father’s shoes within a matter of months. Walking away wouldn’t merely tear the family apart. It would create the final opening for another organization to claim superiority. I’d made not only a commitment but a promise to Javier before he died in my arms that I would take the helm when requested, doing the family proud.
I walked to the ocean’s edge, allowing the dazzling turquoise water to cascade over my bare feet. As far as the eye could see, there were no boats and no signs of human life. Just the calming sea beckoning to me. I shoved my hands into my pockets, drinking in the sweet breeze, knowing in my gut that this was the calm before the storm. Whatever happened in the next few days would alter the course of not only my family’s legacy but that of the other Dons in my father’s close-knit set of business associates.
The weight on my shoulders was heavier than normal. I allowed my thoughts to drift, merely to get away from the suffocating task ahead. Savannah had certainly eased some of the anxiety, allowing the man my mother had nurtured a chance at enjoying the moment, something my mother had encouraged.
I’d never known what it meant until recently.
As I turned to face the back of the house, the sunlight reflecting off the glass, I wanted nothing more than to see her presence. Calling to me. Asking for me.
Hungry for me.
I craved the thought of spending more than a day with someone I enjoyed sharing my time with. Hell, I would even enjoy cooking a simple meal, taking a walk on the beach or merely listening to music. All things I hadn’t done in months. Years.
But she wasn’t there. There was no laughter as she raced down the beach, ready to start another day. There was no hint of seduction. There was just the splash of sun banking across the window. And soon, she would be sent back to her life as required.
No matter the tenderness or the passion we’d shared, I’d made certain she would remain terrified of me. I couldn’t have her life threatened. I refused to allow a pig like Alviro to know she existed. I wanted to know everything about her for several reasons, but she was almost as private as I was. We all had our reasons,