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I slowly dropped my head as required for a respectful nod. “Yes, sir. I will honor your request and work with him. I will also protect him with my life.”

“You’re a good man, Alejandro. A very good man. I’m proud to call you my son. Now, go be with your wife. I know you’re house hunting. Just remember the safehouse is there for a reason.”

“You anticipate vicious retaliation.”

Sighing, he nodded and glanced away. “Maybe sooner than we think.”

Why did I have a feeling he knew who was behind the attack? “I’ll keep a close eye. Thank you, Don Santorelli.”

“Don’t fail me. Betrayal is… It’s the worst thing for any family.”

“Yes, sir. I’m well aware.” As I headed for the door, my blood cooled. Betrayal was something I hadn’t thought about until the last few months. Up until then, I hadn’t cared.

But now? Now, everything was different.

After all, I was a married man.

* * *

I continued reminding myself about my marriage as Gio and I headed into the lobby of a skyscraper office building in downtown Manhattan.

“Who is this pinhead again?” Gio asked.

“Gabriel’s father.” I wasn’t in the mood to answer but so many questions. What I was about to do needed to be handled carefully and would likely piss Carmella off, but I couldn’t have Derek thinking he could waltz into her life, and now mine any time he felt like it.

Plus, his wedding card had been rude.

“An asshole?”

We strode into the elevator and I adjusted my jacket. “You got it.”

He cracked his knuckles and I chuckled. “Then we’ll have some fun.”

“Only a warning, Gio. I don’t think it’s fair for Gabriel to grow up without a father.”

“Isn’t that what you’re going to be?”

The question hit me hard. “Not the same.”

I had nothing else to say as we headed for the top floor. The man was in risk management assessment, his clients some of the wealthiest in the city. Too bad he hadn’t mitigated the risk factor prior to sending the ugly note.

Gio knew better than to push me about the subject, merely tagging along behind as I pushed my way into the reception area.

“Can I help you?” she asked.

“I’m here to see Derek Bloom.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“I do now. Where is his office?”

She was immediately flustered. “You can’t see him without an appointment.”

“I’ll ask you one more time nicely. Where is his office?” While I kept a smile on my face, I sensed my eyes were a clear indication of my intent.

The receptionist, trembling, pointed down one of two hallways. “Last door on the right.”

“Thank you very much. Oh, and we do not want to be disturbed.”