ROMEO

by Ruby Rowe

  Dom’s expression hardens. “Cut the shit, Griffin. Why are you being so damn cordial?”

  “I want to work this situation out. The one with me guarding Ms. Lane.”

  Sitting back in his chair, he takes a drink and stares me down.

  “Her pussy better not have been your breakfast.”

  “Dom, I told you how seriously I take my job.” In life I’m honest to a fault, so lying to him is killing me. I hate liars, but keeping Ava safe comes first. It’s too soon to tell him the truth.

  “What news do you have for me?”

  “Ms. Lane doesn’t believe Mickey DeLuca is involved in any illegal activity, so I imagine he’s only gambling for his own gain. He’s an addict.”

  “That’s good to hear, but is it enough to prove he’s not a threat?”

  “I’m going to New York with Ms. Lane in a few days for her sister’s wedding. Teddy, Mickey and most of the Leoni family will be in attendance. I believe I can find out more about their dealings while I’m there.”

  With his forehead wrinkled, Dom sits up and rubs his chin.

  “I don’t know about that–you going there alone… It’s dangerous. What if someone figures out your identity? You’ll be a sitting duck.”

  “Everyone will be too distracted by the wedding to focus on Ms. Lane’s bodyguards. It’s a perfect opportunity to eavesdrop on conversations, and I won’t be alone. I’m taking a large team of guards with me, and we all have each other’s backs.”

  My uncle rubs his chin again. “It does sound like the perfect opportunity to spy. You can see if the family has grown and find out how many soldiers Teddy has.

  “I heard some young schmuck named Victor is taking over as boss. I don’t know him, so you could tell me how dangerous he seems and whether he’s smart or not.”

  Taking another drink, he sets his glass down and comes around his desk. “Stand up.”

  I do as he says, and clasping the back of my neck, he brings me in close. It takes everything in me not to put up my defenses and back away.

  He pats my cheek, and looking me in the eyes, he says, “You have my permission to go. I’m proud of you for stepping up and helping this family. Your father is smiling down on us at this moment.

  “If you get in a bind, you call us. I’ll send my guys up there immediately.” He pats my face a little harder. “Like I always knew you would, you’re becoming one of us. It’s in your blood.”

  I swallow down the bile rising in my chest. Letting me go, he smiles. “Now, go see your Aunt Patty in the kitchen. She’s baking up a storm today and wants to send you home with some of her macaroons.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll be back next week to give you an update.”

  He grins, and his eyes show a depth of admiration and gratitude that I’ve never seen from him before. I can’t deny that a part of me likes it. I hate that I want that approval, but he’s still my uncle, and I’m sick of being the black sheep of this family. Today, I’m not.

  After I see my aunt, I head back to Ava’s. It’s my day off, but I have a surprise for her. Since Holly knows Ava and I are together, I used her help to make today happen.

  I can’t wait to have Ava to myself, away from the guards and cameras. It’s a place where Holly, Janelle and Kellen can’t come barging in. No, tonight, Ava’s all mine.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Griffin

  I enter Ava’s home and find her on the phone in the family room. She holds a finger up, signaling for me to wait a second. Her eyes are bright with optimism, her smile radiant, and whatever the other person is saying seems to be making her happy. She soon ends the call and grins at me.

  “Griffin, hi.”

  “Hi, baby.”

  “That was a potential agent, and the call went well. I’m supposed to check in with him again in a week.” She wraps her arms around my neck. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”

  “I have a surprise for you.”

  “Really? I like surprises.”

  “I’m taking you for a ride on my bike.”

  “No way.”

  “I even bought you a helmet.”

  “Stay here. I have something for you, too.” Ava takes off from the room barefoot. I’m anxious since we’re on a tight schedule, but I try to be patient since she’s so damn cute. After a couple of minutes, she returns with a gift bag. “I can’t wait for you to open it.”

  “You didn’t need to get me anything.”

  “Remember when I told you I was at the Harley store to buy you a present?”

  “Ah, right.” I smile as I pull out something leather and eye it. “Damn, this didn’t come from the Harley store.”

  “No, I didn’t get it that day, but I did use their resources to find a guy who makes custom riding jackets. I wanted you to have something one of a kind.”

  I rub the material between my fingers.

  “Damn, I’ve never felt leather this soft. What’s the meaning behind the patch?” I examine the words, along with the design woven into it.

  There’s a white and black eagle over the grey background, and the words honesty, honor, integrity, loyalty and respect are centered beneath it, almost like they’re in flight with the eagle.

  “The words represent you. If I were to describe Griffin Scott to someone, I’d tell them he’s honest, loyal and trustworthy and deserves the highest level of respect. It’s an honor to know you.”

  Beaming with pride, she blushes from her declaration. “I wanted to put kind on there, too, but it didn’t seem tough enough for a biker’s jacket.”

  As she stares at me with her round emerald eyes, I feel both lucky and shitty. Lucky that she sees the man I strive to be, and shitty because of where I come from. Getting emotional, I hug her and blink a few times.

  “This is amazing, and thank you. It’s the best gift anyone’s ever given me.” I let her go and give her a kiss. “I hope my other surprise can measure up.”

  “Wait,” she says, frowning. “We can’t go for a ride. The paparazzi have been staked outside the gate since the party. They’ll follow us for sure, and it’d be dangerous.”

  “I planned a way around that. Holly’s making an anonymous call to the tabloids that you’re going somewhere for dinner.

  “Harold’s going to drive her off the property, and the paparazzi should follow. The town car windows are so tinted that they shouldn’t discover it’s not you. As soon as they leave, we’ll take off on my bike.”

  “It’s sweet how you planned this. I’m so excited.”

  “Then get upstairs and change into some jeans, and grab a jacket, too.” She claps with excitement, and I swat her ass before she hurries out.

  I run my fingers over the patch on the jacket. It’s another reason why I’ve got to tell her about my family soon, and I pray she believes me when I swear that I’m not a criminal.

  Ava

  I return to the family room wearing the broadest grin.

  “I’ve used a decoy before to outsmart the paparazzi, but for some reason, I feel more rebellious this time. Maybe it’s because I’m sneaking off with my bodyguard boyfriend.”

  “Boyfriend. I like the sound of that.”

  I consider talking to him about when and if we should let everyone know. I mean, I do want to go public with our relationship at some point, and I hope he feels the same, but I hold off bringing it up since I don’t want anything to interfere with the fun we’re about to have.

  Griffin holds out my cell phone and says, “This was buzzing on the table.”

  Taking it from him, I swipe the screen and see that Sydney sent me a message.

  Sydney: Want to hang out tonight?

  Me: Sorry, Griffin and I are going for a ride on his bike. I’m so excited.

  Sydney: Where is he taking you?

  Me: I don’t know, but we’re using Holly as a decoy to get away. I’m such a rebel. Lol.

  Sydney: Be careful, girl, and give me a call tomorrow.

  Me: I will.
>
  Griffin parked his bike at the back of the house where no one could see it from the gate. We walk to it, and picking up a helmet from the seat, he hands it to me.

  It’s shimmery and dark purple, and I love it in an instant.

  “Thank you. This is getting real, and I’m nervous.”

  “Don’t be. I’m a safe driver, and I’ll be extra careful with you on the back. Let me show you the bike and get that helmet on you.”

  Griffin spends a good twenty minutes getting me familiar with his Harley and how to use the Bluetooth headsets. It’s cool to see him talk about something with so much enthusiasm.

  Holly pulls in the driveway, and Kellen appears. He must’ve known she was on her way up. She gives him a quick peck before she strolls over.

  “Hi,” she says.

  “I heard you were in on my surprise.”

  “Yep. Are we ready to do this?”

  “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

  “Have fun.” She walks over to the town car, and Kellen holds the door open for her. I imagine he’s riding along to be sure she’s safe.

  Once they’ve been gone a minute, Griffin talks to one of the guards through his mic.

  “We’ve got the all clear. There were only three vehicles, and they all followed Harold.” After he helps me with my helmet, he picks up his and climbs on the Harley. “We have a bit of a ride, and remember to hold on to my waist,” Griffin says, and once we pull out, flip down the face shield.”

  “Got it, boss. Let’s go.”

  ***

  After about a forty-minute drive, Griffin pulls into a driveway in Malibu and parks up close to the garage door. Climbing off the bike, I feel the need to stretch. I remove my helmet and straighten my waves, and once Griffin’s removed his, I grin at him.

  “I never grow tired of seeing The Pacific Coast Hwy, and it was an extraordinary view on the Harley.” I look around at the house. “Whose home is this?”

  His mouth quirks. “It’s mine.” I feel him take the helmet from my hand as I stare at the home. “Come on. Let’s go inside before one of my neighbors sees us.” I follow him in and come to a stop in the family room. “Ava, what’s wrong?”

  “Your house … it’s oceanfront. I feel foolish.”

  “Why is that?”

  “The apartment at my home is so small compared to this.” I stroll over to the windows across the back of the room and eye the deck and rocky cliff before I gaze out at the ocean. “This place had to have cost a fortune,” I mumble.

  Coming up behind me, he hooks his arms around my waist and rests his chin on my shoulder.

  “I don’t mind the apartment. I’ve grown accustomed to staying everywhere but here.”

  “No offense, but I didn’t imagine you having this expensive of a place.”

  “For years I’ve had little free time to spend my money, and I have a good income.”

  I squirm to turn around and face him. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I give him a kiss.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have implied that you couldn’t afford it, but I have a feeling I pay you less than Mindy did.”

  “A little, but this job has amazing perks.” Winking, he gives my ass a squeeze, so I roll my eyes and smile.

  “I guess I can’t argue with that. Show me the rest of this impressive pad. I’m eager to see it.” Taking hold of my hand, Griffin leads me through his place.

  The kitchen is spacious with light oak cabinetry and an island. The family room is cozy with beachy colors, and I’m surprised after he shows me three spare bedrooms upstairs.

  What does he need all this space for? Of course, who am I to judge? I have an abundance of space for only me.

  “And this is the master bedroom.” He opens the door, and when I spot the wide sliding door that opens to a balcony, I head straight for it.

  The curtains are pulled back, and the view is incredible. Like the family room, it overlooks the ocean. This place has to be worth a few million, so I’m wondering if he inherited money, too.

  “I love it.” Turning back, I notice clothes and bags on the black comforter of his bed? “What’s all this?”

  “I had Holly hook me up with items for you. I thought you might like to stay the night.” Strolling over to the bed, I peek in the bags.

  “I don’t know. See, I’ve got this new boyfriend, and he’s over-the-top possessive. He’d probably whip my ass if I stayed with you.” Eating up the space between us, Griffin yanks me into his arms.

  “Your boyfriend would like to do more to your ass than whip it.” Biting my lip, he drags it through his teeth. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me, too. There’s only one problem; I’m starved. Do you have any food in this joint?”

  “Yes, and believe it or not, I do know how to cook.”

  “Another surprise. You’re such a mystery, Mr. Scott.” A flash of discomfort flickers in his eyes.

  “Actually, I need to tell you some things about my life, but let’s wait until after dinner.”

  “That’s fine. I’m more interested in watching you cook.”

  “Woman, you’re helping me.” Entwining our hands, he pulls me behind him and all the way down the stairs. “We’re making pizza, and I bought every topping imaginable.”

  “This is going to be fun. I have a monstrous kitchen, and I seldom think to use it myself. You’re making my life way less boring, which is exactly what I wanted.”

  As he makes trips back and forth from the refrigerator to the island, I think about how much he means to me, and I can’t refrain from voicing my feeling today. “Actually, you’re turning out to be everything I ever wished for.”

  He stops and gazes at me. “Please hang on to that thought, OK?”

  “This is about our talk, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, it is, and I need you to keep an open mind.”

  “Come on. Just tell me now.”

  “After dinner. I’m enjoying this meal with you first. Then, we’ll talk, and it’s going to be fine for us to do that in one of my favorite places because we’re not leaving here until everything is OK between us.”

  “Good thing I trust you so much. It puts my mind at ease. All right, let’s make pizza, and it better be New York style. It’s the best.”

  “You Wall Street trader, how have you not learned to appreciate our abundance of fresh toppings?” He exhales this beautiful laugh that’s too short, and although I’m worried about the talk that lies ahead, I do trust that he would never try to hurt me.

  I’m clinging to that as I watch him in his tight jeans, smiling as he prepares to cook. Undoubtedly, his snug black t-shirt will be covered in flour soon.

  Ava

  “That was delicious, even if it was piled high with an excessive amount of fresh ingredients.” Leaning my head against Griffin’s shoulder, I squeeze his knee.

  We’re sitting on his deck, and his arm is snug around my back against the loveseat. “Oh, but prepare for me to be pissed at you if I can’t zip my dress up at Angel’s wedding.”

  “What’s she like, your sister?”

  “Well, she’s not like me. She’s accepting of the Leoni business, whereas I’m not. She’s also boisterous, mouthy and self-absorbed. I can’t remember a time in my life when she asked me how I was doing. Ever.”

  I shrug. “Maybe it’s because she’s jealous. She knocks my life, but I think it’s only because it’s not hers. It’s why I’m patient with her.

  “Anyway, I’m glad I have Mom here in Los Angeles and good friends like Bonnie and Sydney. It helps fill that void. I do wish Angel and I were closer, but I don’t see that ever happening. We’re too different, and so are our lives.

  “You’ll see the stark contrast in only a few days when you get your first taste of the mob life. Speaking of which, you might hear things in New York that you shouldn’t, and I need to know you’ll never share them with anyone?”

  Removing his arm from around my shoulders, he shifts away to see me bette
r.

  “That has something to do with what I needed to talk to you about.” I move, too, and turn my body sideways to face him. He slides a hand over his dark hair, seeming more nervous than I’ve ever seen him, so I take hold of his hand.

  “Whatever it is, tell me, and we’ll work through it.”

  “My last name isn’t supposed to be Scott. That’s my mother’s maiden name.”

  “Then what should it be?”

  “Look, after I tell you, please let me explain.”

  “You’re scaring me.”

  Pulling his hand away, he cups my face.

  “Because of my job, I didn’t think I’d ever love anyone, but you changed that, and it’s why I’ll do whatever it takes to hang on to you, so please promise to hear me out.”

  “I promise. Now, tell me.”

  “My last name should be Golino. I’m the son of the late crime boss Gabriel Golino.”

  My mouth opens and shuts. I pull back from him and ball my hands into fists.

  “You have three minutes, Griffin: one to help me understand why you took a job with a different mobster boss’s daughter, one to explain why you didn’t tell me this when I hired you, and another to convince me why I shouldn’t walk out your door and never speak to you again.” Tears coat my eyes, and I hate how much I’ve cried lately.

  “Our fathers were friends for years and even worked together. Before Gabriel died, he told Teddy that if he ever needed help, to contact me. Your dad was concerned about Romeo and wanted the best guard protecting you, so he hired me.

  “I didn’t tell you who I was for two reasons. One was because Teddy didn’t want you to find out he’d hired me, so I did what he instructed. I thought I was only going to protect you, not fall in love with you.

  “Two, in my mind, I’m not a Golino. I distanced myself from them as soon as I turned eighteen. I love my father, but I’ve never condoned my family’s crimes, and you already know me well enough to believe that.

  “I’m coming clean so that you never stop speaking to me. I’m betraying your father because I refuse to lie and lose you. I’m not a mobster, Ava. I’m a guy who had the misfortune of being born into a family who makes poor and evil choices in life.