I knew I’d have to explain my actions to Lillian. I just wasn’t prepared to do it now, in the limo on the way to the airport. “Baby.” I reach for her hand again. “I promise you I’ll fill you in on all the details, but please, can we have this conversation once we are settled safely in Virginia?”

Lillian sighs deeply, giving in to my request. When she relaxes back into her seat, curling into my side once again, I know I’ve bought myself a few hours of reprieve before I must tell her everything. I just haven’t figured out exactly how to do that.

I’ve spent the last several days putting multiple security measures in place. With Angelo’s help, I’ve been able to set up the tiny cottage on my property for Lillian’s mother. I’ve also increased security around my property two-fold. Angelo and his father have started peace talks with the Westies, or so I’ve been told by Angelo, but I also don’t expect that to happen overnight, and honestly, they may never work this out.

What I’m not sure how to explain to Lillian is why Angelo will be living with Bethany and Peanut. When it comes to the both of them, I have a weakness. Although my money can hire a multitude of skilled professionals, what I need is a trained killer to protect them. That’s what Angelo is, a protector and a killer. If Lillian’s life was entrusted to him, then I know I can trust him with what is precious to me. He’ll protect Bethany and Peanut the same way he protected Lillian.

I hadn’t expected Angelo to accept my offer when I presented it to him. After all, his loyalty is and always will be to the family, not to me. But Angelo will always put Lillian first. He knows that if anything happened to Bethany or Peanut, I’d be devastated, which would, in turn, hurt Lillian. I know it was solely for that reason that Angelo agreed to take on the responsibility. He’s still looking out for her even though she’s now mine. I fear that having Angelo around and involved in Lillian’s life again has the potential to stir up old emotions. Whether those are good or bad or how they will affect Lillian, I haven’t yet been able to deduce, but it is a risk I’m willing to take.

Two armed men with AK 47s stand guard at the entrance to my home. Once on the property, we pass several other guards. Lillian glances at the armed men and then turns to me, raising an eyebrow. “A little excessive, don’t you think, Lincoln?”

After growing up with the mob, how could she feel six armed men are excessive? “No, Lillian, it’s not excessive. These men are here to protect you and your mother. This is all part of what I’ve been doing over the last few days. If I have to hire ten more to ensure not one hair on either of your heads is hurt, then I will.”

Isabella, Lillian’s mother, glances at her daughter. “He’s right, Lillian. We can never underestimate the Westies.” Her hand reaches out, taking hold of mine and squeezing. “Thank you, Lincoln, for taking me in. No one would have faulted you if you had left me under family protection in New York, but you bringing me out here to be with my daughter during this time means the world to me.” Before I can acknowledge her, Isabella releases my hand, retreating into herself as if no one else were in the car with her. I expect Lillian to question me further about the measures I’ve put in place, but she doesn’t. This buys me yet another delay in having to explain why Angelo will be here in Virginia with us.

Once inside, I introduce Isabella to Gerard. Gerard is head of security and her personal bodyguard. “Isabella, Gerard will be at your service. He will be stationed here on site with his team and will be available to serve you and Lillian 24/7. Don’t let his kind face mislead you. Gerard spent eight years as a Green Beret before starting his own security company. He may look innocent, but he will slice the throat of anyone who means you harm.”

Gerard’s six-foot frame towers over Isabella as his hand reaches out toward to her. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Vicci. Just pretend I’m not here. I’ll stay out of your way for the most part, but if I feel you are in danger, I will expect you to follow my commands.”

“Nice to meet you as well, Gerard.” Isabella reaches out to shake his hand. “Call me Bella, please. Do you mind showing me to where I’ll be staying? I’d really like to be alone for a bit.”

“Certainly, Mrs. Vicci.” Gerard catches himself, quickly acknowledging his mistake. “Bella, follow me, and I’ll show you to your cottage.”

As they turn to exit, leaving Lillian and myself alone in the den, the sound of gunfire resonates throughout the house. I hear bullets ricochet off the front wall. “Everyone get down!” Gerard yells, forcing Isabella to the floor behind the couch. I hunch over, taking Lillian’s hand in mine and pulling her toward her mother. Lillian reaches for her mother’s hand, and we all run for the safe room located behind the bookcase.

“Stay in there until I come for you,” Gerard roars.

“How the fuck is this even possible?” I holler back

“No fucking idea. Heads are going to roll for this. Now, get inside that room and don’t come back out!” Gerard shouts as he runs for the front door.

Once we’re inside, the safe room door locks securely. Surveillance equipment allows me to scan various parts of the estate. When I had this room added, I had envisioned its necessity to protect my grandfather. Never had I ever dreamed I would need it to protect the woman I love.

Inside, Lillian and Isabella sit on the leather sofa tucked into the corner of the room and stare at the wall of monitors that give us a firsthand look at what is happening outside. Against the back wall is a marble wet bar, fridge, and microwave. Next to the bar is a set of stairs that leads to an underground living area that includes a bathroom and two bedrooms. The three of us watch anxiously as gunfire passes between my security team and the thugs dressed in black. Isabella stands and walks closer to the monitor that overlooks the backyard. Her hand immediately rises to her mouth. “My God, that’s Enzo.”

Lillian stands, rushing to her mother. “What? You’re right. What the hell is he doing?”

We all watch apprehensively as the man Isabella and Lillian identify as Enzo makes his way up the yard from the water. His gun is drawn, and he opens fire on my security team.

Angelo had warned me that there was a possibility of there being a mole in the family. It appears we now know who that mole is. Reaching for my phone, I dial Angelo and wait for him to answer. When he doesn’t, I decide it’s best to leave a message.

“Angelo, we’re under fire here on my property. The ladies are safe, don’t worry, but we know who your mole is.”

Lillian pulls the phone from my hand. “Ang,” she says frantically, “it’s Enzo. He’s here.”