Page 93 of The Devil's Heir

Heidi and Fran would not only have a solid roof over their heads and a job, but they would also be close to their friend and could come and go as they pleased. Aside from having Jackson, I know Lily's been lonely, and having her friends here should lift her spirits tremendously.

I plan to make her happy and ensure that she stays safe while I'm gone. The more people she has around her, the safer she will be. Her friend Fran is the perfect person to have at her side; that woman has the mouth of a sailor and doesn't take anybody's shit. She was also the hardest one to convince; it was almost like she despised this place and the Falcon name.

I understand not everyone is a fan of my family, but they still respect us because of who we are. Fran, however, isn't afraid to say what's on hermind, even knowing that I could end her life at any given time—it's very reassuring knowing she'll be with Lily while I'm gone.

I hadn't counted on having to go on this business trip, so Lily's friends coming here worked out great. This isn't a trip I would want my pauper coming on because of the nature of it. Someone fucked up, and now, I have to go clean up the mess, and it's not going to be pretty. Besides, I don't trust bringing my most prized possession into a den of vipers, and that's exactly what I'd be doing if I brought her along. As much as I want Liliana by my side, I will not put her in danger if I can help it—not even for my own selfish reasons.

I guess you could say I've changed in that aspect. Before, I wouldn't have given a shit—as long as I had a warm pussy to sink my dick in during my trip, I wouldn't have cared for my companion's life—but Lily isn't just some woman.

"Ah, I know that look, young Falcon," Lonzo muses from the seat across from me on the jet.

I brought my top men with me, and now I wish I had left my underboss back in Rushwood. He insisted on being by my side, since this was an old crime family, and he'd dealt with them in the past.

"What look are you talking about, exactly?" I lift my brow as I meet his eyes over the top of my laptop.

"It's the look of a man in love." Lonzo smirks.

I roll my eyes. "I think you're becoming senile, old man," I retort dryly.

He scoffs while his son sits quietly beside him, grinning. Scowling, I return my attention to the reports on my laptop. Comparing the most recent numbers with the previous ones, I can clearly see the pattern. The Rossi crime family in Italy has been skimming from our shipments and breaching the contract they have with us.

They've been warned one too many times, and now, action is required. I'm too busy thinking about what's to come to think about the nonsense Lonzo is spewing. My love life is not up for discussion. Unfortunately, my underboss seems to think differently.

"No, I don't think so, Jarek. You're looking more refreshed these days—like you're sleeping better. I never thought a warm cunt would ever settle you—"

"Don'teverrefer to Liliana by that name!" I bark angrily.

Both father and son chuckle at my reaction, which further pisses me off. Slamming my laptop closed, I set it aside and glared at the two men across from me.

"Deny it all you want, young Falcon, but the Bellezza has captured your heart," Lonzo states and then shrugs. "There is nothing wrong with that but be prepared for your enemies to catch wind of it. Love can be a beautiful thing, but it's also the most dangerous in our world."

"Do you not love your wife—the mother of all your children?" I glance over at Joey who turns his attention out the window.

Lonzo smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "I love my wife, yes. I respect her because of all the years and children she's given me, but our marriage was one of convenience. I've had many affairs; I will not hide that fact, but my wife knows of them all. I don't do it out of disrespect, but more for protection."

I furrow my brows at this and ask him to clarify exactly what he means by this. For me, sleeping with others while married is disrespectful. Not that I've ever had an issue with others doing that, but it's one of the reasons why I never wanted to settle down. Now, I can't imagine being with anyone else but Lily.

"It's simple. If your enemies see you enjoying the company of other beautiful women outside your marriage bed, they assume your spouse isn't all that important to you. They are less likely to use her against you. It's your children you need to worry about the most," Lonzo explains, then pats his son on the arm, smiling sadly.

Whether I understand what my old friend is saying or not, I can't do that to my pauper. Maybe it's because I despise other women; nevertheless, I've chosen my path and couldn't be happier.

My only response is, "Well, it's good that I have the means to keep Liliana safe. Anybody who tries to come after what is mine will suffer a long, excruciating death."

Father and son look at each other with a knowing smirk, but I ignore them both. Instead, I get up and help myself to the minibar. I don't want to admit that what Lonzo spoke of affected me a little. I already worry about her when I'm not around; now, that worry has grown more with my friend's words.

I toss back the bourbon and pull out my phone. After typing out a quick text, I use the restroom while I wait for a response.

ME: How's my beautiful girl doing?

PAUPER: I'm good. Did you have a good flight?

Smiling because she asked me such a simple question, I replied:

ME: I'm still on the plane. We have another few hours yet, but I wanted to check in with you.

PAUPER: I see. Thank you again for bringing my friends here. Remind me to thank you properly when you return home.

ME: Oh, you can count on it. Be a good girl while I'm gone. I'll call you tonight.