Page 67 of The Devil's Heir

Liliana

The days following my son's birth were the hardest. Between not having Jarek here for the birth of our child and knowing that he married that bitch, Carmen has had me in a depressed state.

Joey did find out through talking with his father that Jarek believes me and our son to be dead. Lonzo doesn't know why Jarek agreed to the marriage as of yet. Carmen is keeping Lonzo far away from her new husband. For some reason, she won't share why she's doing it with the underboss.

I've been too weak to come forward and too busy ensuring that my son stays happy and healthy. Jackson has been by my side during this time, and I'm not sure I would have been able to remain as strong as I have had he not been with me.

A week after I gave birth, I decided to name my son.

After all, I couldn't keep calling him Sweet Boy.

He looks so much like his father that it makes me miss Jarek even more.

If I've learned anything after everything that has happened, it was not to jump to conclusions.

So, I'm giving Jarek the benefit of the doubt that he made the decision to marry the bitch for a good reason.

That being said, I am still looking forward to having a future with the devil—once we figure this shitstorm out.

I wanted to give our son a piece of his father, so after talking with Joey, I decided to name our son after his grandfather, Jarek's father. Keirnan Falcon is going to grow up strong and healthy. If I have any say in it, he will know the love of his mother and father.

It's been a little over a month, and I'm closer to coming forward. Lonzo has been working with Jarek's allies behind the scenes, and although they know Jarek is alive and well, his allies have noticed a change and know that something isn't right with the Falcon heir.

The only real ally that Carlos Greco has is Rossi, which is nothing compared to the crime families siding with the Falcon family.

I may have thought Jarek was the devil, but it seems that although he is a ruthless businessman and crime boss, he does have the trust and loyalty of many others because of what he gives back in return.

I never asked what it was he gave back because, quite frankly, I don't want to know.

The only thing that matters is that the other families are on our side and will help in any way they can.

"Lily?" Zita's voice stirs me from my thoughts.

I turn toward the doorway to my room and find her smiling.

"Yes?"

"Joey has asked me to come find you. He would like to speak with you about something." Zita takes a few steps into my room. "I can stay with Keirnan if you'd like."

"No, that's fine. I'll take him with me. He's been a bit fussy this morning," I tell her, even though it's not true.

Although I've become somewhat friends with the woman, I still can't trust her completely, and I will not leave my son with her unattended. I think she sees through my lie because she gives me a sad smile and a slight nod before disappearing from my room.

I carry Keirnan in my arms as I approach Joey's office on the first floor. The door is open, but I still knock and await an invite.

"Come in and close the door, Lily," Joey orders gently, waving me in.

His tone has me on high alert—he's got bad news for me.

"What is it, Joey?"

"I've debated telling you, but I didn't want your wrath coming down on me if you found out and you didn't hear it from me," he states with a hint of a smile to lighten the mood.

"Okay, so tell me. You're making me nervous." My voice is clipped.

Sighing heavily, Joey blurts, "Something is wrong with Jarek."

"What do you mean?" I ask, taking the chair in front of his desk.

"My father has eyes on Jarek since he isn't allowed near him, and he's been informed that Jarek is very sickly. He looks worse than when they let him out of his cell."

"Why would he be sick? I don't understand?" I ask worriedly.

"The maid seems to think that he may be getting poisoned to keep him weak," Joey explains.

I can see in his eyes that he's concerned for his best friend. I can't break down right now—I need to be strong to help in any way I can.

"So, what are we going to do?" I ask, straightening up in the chair.

"Liliana—"

"Don't you dare say that I can't help! I think it's time that bitch knows that she has no rights over the Falcon Empire. Jarek has an heir who will receive all rights…" I tell him.

"She may decide to kill Jarek immediately and then search for your son," Joey states, concerned.

"Well, it's time you let our allies know we are alive and well. They will protect Keirnan. I don't care about myself as long as he's protected."

"You know damn well that Jarek will have my ass if anything happens to you," Joey groans.

"I really don't think he's in a position to do any of that. Do you?"

"Maybe not right away—"

"Let's worry about it when the time comes, then." I cut him off, not letting him finish what he was going to say.

"I don't know, Lily…"

"There's nothing to think about, Joey. I'm coming forward with or without your help with the others. I'll find my own way to protect Keirnan."

"Jesus, Jarek was right—you certainly are stubborn." Joey sighs.

"Aw, Jarek said that about me?" I ask, amused.

Joey's gaze is sharp, but I catch the moment he gives in. His shoulders sag slightly as he sighs. "Fine, but you better listen to everything I tell you to do, Lily. Got it?"

"Yes, Joey—I promise."

A grin spreads across my face as I push to my feet and head for the door. "I'll lay Keirnan down for his nap, and then we can get started on the planning."

As I walk out of the office, I hear Joey's low grumble when he says, "He's going to fucking kill me."

My grin only widens, but I make a mental note—I'll ensure that homicide never happens. Joey's a good guy, all things considered. Over time, he's become a friend of sorts, and of course, I'll do my best to protect him from my devil.

The heads of five crime families joined Joey in an undisclosed location an hour from where we're staying. It took a lot to convince Jackson to stay behind and protect Keirnan, but eventually, he agreed.

I remain hidden in a connected room where the meeting occurs. I can hear everything being said, and from the sounds of it, all five bosses are on our side so far. However, Joey hasn't gotten to the part where I'm still alive.

We discussed this beforehand, and on cue, I enter the room. Five pairs of eyes fall on me, and instantly, I feel the air shift. They think I'm a threat. Joey feels it, too, and rushes over to me.

"Before you jump to any conclusions and draw your weapons, she's not an enemy," Joey states.

"Who is this donna?" A short, stout man with a balding head asks, scowling. "And why was she spying on us from the other room?" Two others mumble words and nod in agreement with his questions.

The two other men stare at me in disbelief. They know who I am because they were at Jarek's dinner party a while back.

"Miss Sumner, isn't it?" The taller of the two asks hesitantly.

"Yes. I'm Liliana Sumner, mother to Jarek Falcon's heir," I confirm.

"That's not possible," the stout man states. "You died after the explosion."

"She didn't," Joey replies, adding, "We faked her death because she was in danger, Ricci."

"And the heir?" the Ricci crime boss asks.

"Alive and perfectly healthy. Liliana gave birth a month ago." Joey takes on a look of pride, almost as if he is the proud father.

"Incredible!" Sala, I believe his name is, states before a broad smile stretches across his face .

"So, you're saying Carmen Falcon schemed with Rossi to take out the heir and capture Jarek?" one of the unknown men asks.

"If you don't believe me, Fiore, you're more than welcome to pay Carmen a visit yourself.

Ask to see Jarek. I bet she makes an excuse as to why you can't see him, and if, by chance, she does allow it, you will see that what we say is true.

" Joey glances at me as he finishes his little speech, and I give him a reassuring nod.

"Please," I speak up. "We need your help to get Jarek out from under Carmen's thumb. She's killing him, and once he's gone, she's going to run his empire into the ground. Is that what you really want?"

Joey looks at each man. "Marino, Ricci, Sala, Gatti, and Fiore. I called upon you because you are Jarek's most trusted allies, and he would do the same for you if you ever needed it."

All five men scan the room before their eyes settle on me. Marino steps forward, his eyes sharp. "Do you love Jarek Falcon?" he asks.

I meet his stare without hesitation. "I do. Very much."

His expression doesn't change. "And you'll do whatever it takes to get him back?"

I square my shoulders, my resolve unwavering. "I will," I declare—no matter the cost.

They all study me unblinkingly, as though they may miss something otherwise. I look each one in the eye, keeping my resolve strong, until finally, they begin to smile one by one.

"You will make a great wife for young Falcon." Sala grins.

The word wife surprises me, and I clear my throat. "Marriage has never been discussed…"

"Trust me, Lily," Joey says from beside me, adding, "It's been Jarek's plan all along to keep you by his side. Did you not know this?"

"I knew he was obsessed with me, but…"

Laughter erupts inside the room.

"Oh, young love is always funny to watch," Gatti states. "Obsession is always the first indication that there will be a future marriage. At least when you're a part of one of the families."

I swallow hard and smile slightly, not knowing how to respond to this information. I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit, but I'm willing to see how everything goes once we get Jarek back.