past my security personnel. I did that not only to ensure Roxanne wasn’t in the same room as the many women I’ve fucked, but so I could concentrate on anything but her and Fien for a couple of hours.
My businesses ran like oil through an engine while searching for Fien, but now that she’s home, everything has gone to shit. My Arabian event for this month was rescheduled, a massive drug shipment is stuck in customs in Africa since my bribe was a day late, and even with Petrettis Restaurant being raided only last month, it was hit again two days ago. It is as if the universe saw I was getting slack, so they hit me with back-to-back losses to ensure I know no matter how weary I am, the Cartel never sleeps.
After tossing back a second whiskey, I place the glass down, then spin to face Audrey. “I’m about to see Fien. You can join me if you like.” I don’t know why I made my demand sound like it was an offer when it wasn’t.
Fien has warmed to me greatly the past three days, but it would be a smoother transition if our exchanges weren’t occurring with two strangers in the room with her. It’s always India and me instead of Audrey and me.
Even though India drives me bat-shit crazy, I can admit her assistance this week has been a godsend. Fien has taken a real liking to her, and since India involves me in Fien’s day-to-day activities, that fondness is slowly being transitioned to me. But, once again, I believe that would be an easier process if Audrey would step up to the plate to parent our child as she deserves.
“Fien is about to have dinner. I’m certain Rosa made enough for everyone.”
My clutch around Audrey’s waist could be classified as cruel, considering she underwent surgery only five days ago, but it makes the dismissive shake of her head less obvious.
“Here he is. Dada has arrived to eat spaghetti.” India’s head pops up from the clips of Fien’s highchair to the entrance of the kitchen, her eyelids fluttering when she spots Audrey tucked into my side. “And he brought Mommy with him. Aren’t you a lucky girl?”
I’m a hard-ass gangster in every meaning of the word, but I’d also be a lying prick if I said Fien’s giggles didn’t do weird things to my chest. Even with them being produced from India tickling her tummy, they’re still such a rarity, I drink in every one of them as if she released them solely for me.
The scent of someone in love with their perfume smacks into me when Audrey arrives at my side of the kitchen. Her eyes are on me, but her words are for Audrey. “How are you feeling? I’m a little concerned you are already up and about.”
While India guides Audrey to the other side of the garlic-and-tomato-scented space to discuss her worries in-depth, I slot onto the dining chair directly next to Fien’s highchair. “What have you got there? Spaghetti. Yum.” When I rub my stomach, she peers at me like I’m an idiot. Today, it doesn’t make me want to go on a murderous rampage. “Can I have some?”
She watches me with a slanted head and a twinkle in her eyes for a couple of seconds before she digs her hand into a bowl of mucky redness, then slams her grubby hand into my face.
I’m not the only one laughing about the mess coating my lips. The faintest chuckle sounds through the door I forced Audrey through only moments ago.
Roxanne’s giggles do a weird thing to my chest as well, but they also make me want to go on a murderous rampage. Not just because she has to watch my interactions with my daughter from afar, but because I have to be an asshole to ensure she maintains her distance.
It feels wrong using Fien to strengthen my objection, but I don’t have a choice. I’m still being fucked in the ass. My enemies are just using Roxanne against me now instead of my daughter. “How about we feed Mommy some spaghetti too?”
Fien’s eyes brighten like she understood every word I said before she holds her grubby hands in the air. She claps them together while saying, “Mama.”
I assume she’s reaching out for Audrey. Alas, it isn’t just my businesses being siphoned down the gurgler this week. Audrey is no longer in the kitchen, and India is tiptoeing across the room like she