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He’s being pretty cagey. And cagey means I hit on something. But the thing is, I don’t know what.

Because nobody freaking tells me shit.

“I don’t know anything. I’ve just heard names in conversation, people I’ve met. It’s hard to keep track.”

This is a blatant lie, but one Dad swallows whole, because in his view, women are pretty much only useful for sex, cleaning, and socializing. I know that because I’ve heard him say it, and I’ve seen how he’s treated Mom all these years.

He’d never think I would be privy to anything important. Or that anyone would trust me to even invite me to that conversation.

But today, suddenly things take on a different feel, a different flavor, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because he called me, or maybe because I’m experiencing life outside of his cage.

I might be in another one, but at least this one has room for me to breathe.

Barely.

I paste on a bright smile and shrug. “You trained me to mind my own business. But this is my first time out of our home, Daddy,” I say. “So it’s a little scary.” Then I realize what I said. “Callahan is good to me, but I mean… not being at home, being alone, without him.”

“So he trusts you?”

Our food arrives. My stomach growls when I see the server place Dad’s filet in front of him. I grimace at the brightly colored garden salad and spear a piece of cucumber as he orders himself a drink.

“I’m his wife,” I finally answer.

“Don’t be so naïve.”

I nod slowly. “I haven’t given him a reason not to trust me. I’m being the good daughter and the good wife.”

“Good. Although,” he says, cutting a piece of steak, “I wonder how much I can trust him, how much I really need him after all. He’s not using that many contacts from his Italian side, but… then again, it’s a name that only opens doors. So what if he uses mine? What?—?”

“Dad,” I say, setting my fork down. “Callahan’s a dangerous man.”

“And I’m not?”

I force myself to smile again. “You are. But you’re also smart. I don’t think you’d take a deal you hadn’t really considered.”

“There are things he’s keeping from me. Things I need.Doors and pathways I want opened to really make moves in the European market. But if he trusts you, then we can work this out.”

My heart starts to thump. “Work what out?”

“Oh, making sure the deal I made is kept honest.”

“I-I think he’s a man of his word. He hasn’t hurt me, hasn’t?—”

“Maybe he needs to mete out some discipline,” Dad says with his fork poised in the air. “You’re suddenly very mouthy, Lucia.”

I flinch and drop my hands into my lap.

He doesn’t miss my move. “Lucia, forgive me. I have a lot on my mind. I’m asking for your loyalty to your family.”

“Of course I’m loyal.”

“Your sister would have been easier, but she’s gone.” He viciously cuts off another piece of steak. “So it all lies on your shoulders.”

“What does?” I ask as a buzzing sensation works through my veins, icing my insides.

“The loyalty to your family. The choice of your family above all others. Because I might need you to do me a favor.”

“What sort of favor?” I wish I was anywhere but here. “Dad?”