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I shiver at that. I’m sitting across from a pretty prominent serial killer, and I still can’t help but feel nothing but love and warmth from him.
“My world is dark, kid.” His lip curls up into a sad grin.
“I know, Aros. I’m living in it.” I find his hand and squeeze it again. “Who would’ve thought, though…”
“Hm?”
“…This is where I belong.”
He huffs at that. “Not if your father has anything to say about it.”
“Screw him. Once he’s safe and sound back in his job, he can screw right off.”
“You’re mad,” he says the obvious. “Don’t be.”
My blood boils thinking of how stubborn my dad is. “He’s not grateful. His head is thick.”
“It’s because he’s doing his best to keep you safe and teach you his ideals,” Silver says, and I’m shocked to hear the words. “I’d give anything to guide my daughter, to live out the years where I can teach her how to survive the world.Don’tbe mad at Patrick. He’s a good man.”
“He doesn’t think the same of you. He’s blind,” I say.
“As are you.” He leans close. “I just told you in so many words that I’ve slain countless fathers, as is the way in my old world. If I were Patrick? I’d say the same to you.” He leans back in his seat. “Not to mention I have twenty years on you. Alifetime, Quinn.”
Whenever he says my name, I tingle in the worst ways.
“Cut it out,Aros. We’re a little past that, don’t you think?” I tilt my head. “I know what you’re trying to do. Let me down easy so you can make your poetic exit to find your late family.” I grit my teeth and hold his gaze. “Your story is haunting. And I feel for you. And I love you. But it’s not over. That cruel hand of fate isn’t without its other side, the one that led you to your second life… with me.”
He’s awestruck by my words. He can’t even hide it.
“It’s stupid and ridiculous, and makes no sense that we’re sitting at this table for any other reason than you being my sugar daddy, but that’s not what this is. Iloveyou.”
He sighs, breaking eye contact.
He’s not saying it back, and I know why—trying to break it off so I can move on after tomorrow.
Going to be stubborn like another old man I know? Fine. I’ll just have to remind him why life is worth living, even after suffering something so tragic.
I poke my head away from Silver and wave down the waiter. “We’re ready to order.”
Chapter 27
Arosso
Sitting in the quaint Mediterranean restaurant,Athena’s Delight, in a back section with a few tables, I can’t believe I just confessed my darkest memory to her. No one has ever heard it from my mouth. Just describing the memory of finding my wife and daughter in that state, murdered, opens up a whole can of worms I stuffed deep down. The don forced me to call it into the cops so not to raise suspicion that I might have done it.
Getting the police involved in my line of work is sacrilege, but that’s usually because innocent life is off limits. Not for me, I guess.
I blame a lot of it on how Don Gio used to operate. He was an awful man with dark tendencies. I paid a price for his business. The ultimate price.
“What would you like to order?” The waiter focuses on Quinn.
“Oh, I’ll have, hmm. The filleted branzino, and he’ll have the lamb chops,” she says, causing me to furrow my brow. “And, mm. Bring us a bottle of Chardonnay, please. This one will do.” She points to one on the list.
“Very good, Miss. Be right back with that bottle.” The waiter walks away.
“Always wanted to be that annoying date who takes control of everything.”
“You did it so naturally, I figured it’s just who you are.” I laugh low.