Page 26 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins

“It means he’s a good soldier. Too good, perhaps.”

I have no clue why being a good soldier would put a man under suspicion for stalking me, but I have to trust that Nic knows what he’s doing.

Max rises from the couch and goes to his desk, picking up a folder. “Nic pulled these from cameras near your home." He hands them to me. The images show men I don't recognize lurking in cars, walking past my building. My skin crawls thinking of them watching me, watching my children.

I shuffle through the surveillance photos, but none of the faces trigger recognition. “I remember seeing an SUV outside a coffee place, but I didn’t recognize it or the men.”

“It’s probably one man. Build seems to be the same for all of them. In some ways, that’s good news and what takes Rinella out of the running as he’s not a man to do his own dirty work.”

“It’s good news that only one man is stalking me?” I ask, a little annoyed that I should be happy about that.

“It means there’s only one man to catch. If I were stalking someone, I’d use a team of men to do the job.”

“So this isn’t a conspiracy against Nic? It’s some wacko focused on me?”

“It could be about Nic. What better way to get to him than through his family, and you’re easier to get to than Bella and the kids.”

I rise from the couch having my answers. Sort of. I know what Nic is doing, although there still aren’t answers about who. “I assume you’ve been watching for anything here in Las Vegas.”

“Everything has been quiet here. Whoever it is doesn’t know where you are or?—”

“They’re making plans… figuring out how to get to me here.”

He approaches me. "That's not going to happen, Gia. I won't let it."

"Thank you, Max. For all of this. For protecting us, giving us a safe place.”

“Of course.”

“I am grateful, but you don’t have to give us so much of your time.”

His head tilts to the side, his eyes narrowing like he doesn’t like what I’ve said. “What do you mean?”

“The shelter and protection are enough. Everything else… well, it’s too much to ask of you?—”

"Too much?" His voice cuts through the quiet office, sharp and harsh. "What exactly is 'too much’, Gia?"

I take a step back, startled and confused by the sudden anger radiating from him. "I just meant?—”

"The security? The playroom? Making sure your kids are safe?" He steps closer, his presence filling the space between us. "Tell me which part is too much for you."

My mouth goes dry. This isn't the controlled, distant Max I've grown used to. This man's eyes burn with an intensity that makes my heart race.

"That's not what I—I only meant we're imposing on your life, your space. You don’t have to?—”

"Imposing?" He laughs, but there's no humor in it. "You think that's what this is?"

I can't read the emotions crossing his face. Anger, frustration, something else I can't name.

"Max, I don't understand why you're so upset."

He moves closer, close enough that I can see the muscle working in his jaw. "No," he says, his voice low and tight. "I suppose you don't."

9

MAX

I’m fucking pissed, although I’m not sure why. I’m a little worried I’ve had one drink too many and my inhibitions are down.