Page 62 of Merciless Obsession

“I was young then. I’m older now and know better.”

“This girl, the blogger girl, what if she’s not trustworthy? You need to be careful who you bring around the family. Not everyone is built for what we do. She’s known for exposing, correct?”

“Only those who deserve it. We’re off her radar now and she’s working with us. Like I said, this isn’t like the other time. Ziora’s a sure thing and she’s mine. No one’s going to take her from me.”

Dad sighed. “Ezra, she’s not an object. You are aware of that, correct?”

“She’s my toy but also my future wife. We have an understanding with one another.”

“Your toy,” he muttered and dropped his head with a slight shake.

“I’m not putting any of us in danger. I’ve already assured Nazai. River can stand down too. He won’t have to play damage control this time either.”

“Bring her over.”

“What?”

“The girl, Ziora. Bring her over. I want to meet her. Get a read on her myself.”

“Padre.”

“No exceptions, Ezra.” By his tone I knew he wouldn’t budge. Even if Ziora wasn’t after our family anymore. I wasn’t sure how she’d feel about coming face to face with my dad.

“A’right I’ll bring her over.” I nodded.

“Good. Good. I want you to keep a level head with this one, Ezra. Do not go off the deep end like last time. I love you, son, but we both know how you can get. When you set your sights on someone you can be irrational. Especially when things don’t go your way.”

“I got it under control.” My voice came out tighter than before.

Dad let it go. My muscles were tight now. Hearing anyone trying to downplay what me and Ziora were building didn’t sit right with me. It wasn’t something for anyone but us to understand anyway.

“Now what else did you want to talk about?”

“Oh right.” I licked my lips and shook the stormy clouds forming in my mind away.

“It was nothing.”

“You sure?”

I bobbed my head. “Yeah. Just some trivial stuff.”

He kept his eye on me before sighing. “Yeah, okay.” He reached for his glasses, setting them back on his face.

“I know Mama cooked recently.” I stood.

“You boys always thinking with your stomach. You used to eat us out a house and home.”

“I’m a grown man with a healthy appetite.” I started for the back of the house in the direction of the kitchen.

“Oh, by the way, the police commissioner… he’s still useful right?” I asked.

Dad was silent for a second before responding. “He is. Do you need me to set something up?”

“I just need his number; I can handle the rest.” I continued out of the living room.

I would show both my dad and River I had control now. Whatever doubt they had in me would be a thing in the past once they realized Ziora was meant for me.

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