Page 136 of Redeemed (Dirty Air 4)

“Her past doesn’t change the fact that you’re not her father. Nor does it mean you should keep the truth from her. I gave you a day to sort this out, and you didn’t.”

His eyes slide from me to his fisted hands. “I’ve been thinking.”

A cold feeling sweeps through me. He can’t be stupid enough to actually suggest what I think he wants to.

“What if—”

Yup. It’s official. He downgraded from being an idiot to brain-dead. “No.”

“Hear me out.”

“No. Hell fucking no. That’s wrong on so many levels, I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

“But what harm would it do? He was my twin, and she’s my niece. She deserves to have someone take care of her. Her mother”—he shudders—“she’s disgusting.”

“I’m well aware of how awful that woman is. Trust me. I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with her myself. But she’s not going to bother her anymore. And Matteo, you can’t pretend to be someone’s father! No. That’s not an option.” I can’t believe his plan after all the trouble he gave me the other day about confessing his identity in the first place. How can a situation that was already terrible to begin with get progressively worse by the day?

Someone put an end to this nightmare. Either that or a bullet to my head would be merciful.

He clasps his hands together. “She wouldn’t have to know.”

“I couldn’t live with myself if she didn’t know the truth.”

“Do you love her?”

I don’t hesitate. “Of course I do. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”

“Then don’t make me destroy her. Think about what the truth would do to her.”

“That’s all I’ve done. And it’s the only reason I would say no to your idea in the first place. I love her too much to let you lie to her for the rest of her life.”

He shakes his head. “You’re making a mistake. You and I both know that an uncle can’t replace what she has been desperately searching for.”

“What people want isn’t always what they need. She’ll understand that eventually. But telling her the truth is non-negotiable. If you don’t do it, then I will, and my version won’t be as forgiving of your mistakes. You get me?”

His eyes darken. “Are you threatening me?”

“Read into it however you want. I’d do anything to protect her, even if it’s from you. And you not telling her the truth and filling her head with false stories is not what we agreed on. You’re doing more harm than good, and if you continue, I’ll have no choice.”

“The stories were all real. I just pretended they were from my perspective instead of my brother’s.”

My jaw ticks. “Matteo.”

“Okay, okay. I get it.” He focuses on his hands.

I stand. “Good. And I mean it, Matteo. You better tell her next time.”

“I got it.”

I nod my head, pleased with his submission. This isn’t about what either one of us wants. Chloe is old enough to make decisions on her own without either one of us playing God. There’s only one man calling the shots from upstairs and he does a fine enough job screwing up everyone’s life without us interfering.

My phone rings, interrupting my breakfast with Chloe. “Sorry, give me a second.”

She nods and takes a sip of her juice.

I answer the call and pull the phone up to my ear. “Hello.”

“Santiago, it’s James.”