levels. They were our drivers, money collectors, errand boys, etc. They could also be bodyguards, but the Benetti bodyguards have always been Made Men
I nodded. “True, but no associates or soldiers should know anything about Francesca and Robbie’s whereabouts. Their locations should only be discussed between us and their bodyguards.”
“Luca, we’ve discussed this,” Francesca chimed in. “I don’t want 24-hour security.”
I glanced at the girl I’d do anything for. Her yellow eyes narrowing at me because she already knew. “And I don’t want to keep arguing with you about it, but here we are,” I retorted.
“You guys are impossible,” she grumbled.
“If you want to see impossible, ditch your security detail, Francesca,” I dared. “See what Phoenix does then.” Phoenix let out a growl while Francesca just rolled her eyes at us.
Impertinent chit.
I glance at Robbie and her pretty brown eyes shot back down. “Robbie?”
She looked up and I truly disliked the trepidation in them. “Yes?”
“You’re really going to have to get over your fear of me, you know.”
She let out an embarrassed sigh. “I know. I just need some time,” she mumbled.
“How much time do you think?”
The poor woman looked positively miserable when she answered, “Forever?” Ciro laughed.
The bastard.
Chapter 4
Remy~
For the love of God, why me?
Sure, I could go to church more often and recycle a little bit more, but overall, did I really deserve to have my car break down?
I mean, really?
Okay, so it was used. And maybe I should have changed the oil more often than I did. And, yes, the tires were a road hazard, but I’ve had this car forever. And I couldn’t afford a new one. And even if my parents would give me a loan, I couldn’t pay them back, so what was the point. Plus, they got me this KIA as a college graduation present. I wasn’t about to ask them for help with another car.
I sat in my car and cringed at the thought of cleaning out my savings to fix it. Depending on what was wrong, it might cost more to fix it than what the entire damn car was worth. It was also past eleven on a Wednesday, so I knew the buses were already done for the night. The last bus rides were at nine.
I glanced around and I knew I could call a cab or Uber, but I was only four blocks from home. Of course, four blocks in heels, even short ones, were a lot after a long ass day, but I’d rather walk than waste money on a ride when I knew I was going to need every cent I had to fix my car. Besides, it was Wednesday. The streets were at their most dangerous during the weekend. No one went looking for trouble on a random Wednesday.
At least, I hoped not.
Then I thought about my car. As soon as it began to sputter, I had pulled over and parked near the curb in front of all-night gas station. Would it be safe here? Granted, I had no valuables, but I had hopes to fix the car. I didn’t need it vandalized on top of everything else.
The only positive in all this was that I didn’t have any of my case files in the car. I had worked a late night and, as a result, I hadn’t had to bring any work home with me. Working so late was also productive as the place was quiet when almost everyone went home right at five. There were a few case workers who worked late from time to time, but not many. However, most of my co-workers had lives.
I didn’t.
No boyfriend. Anita was my only real friend. No pets to speak of. And my catch-up call with my parents were scheduled for Sundays.
I really had no life.
That wasn’t a complaint, but when time slowed, I was very aware of the last time I’ve had sex. Or, hell, just went out and had a drink, never mind sex with another human being. My job and its hours have sucked all possibilities from my life, but that was okay. The children were worth it. The children were worth everything.
I let out a resigned sigh and got out of my car. I made sure nothing was visible that would look like it was worth stealing and pulled my phone to take a picture. I made sure it was time and date stamped, so I could show my insurance in the event I returned tomorrow and my car was vandalized. I