The Enforcer or The Mafia Prince

Chapter 39

Knowing that the Dunns trusted her gave Jessica warm and fuzzy feelings. She smiled, feeling happy in her heart. It was good to know she was trustworthy and helpful. Tristan noticed the joy on Jess's face. She was adorable.

"Do you want kids, Tristan?"

"I do, but I'm not sure if I should," he responded. Jessica knitted her brows together, not understanding his response.

"Why shouldn't you have kids?"

Tristan swirled his wine glass, contemplating how to answer Jessica. He took a sip. Would she understand if he told her the truth?

"I," Tristan hesitated, "I don't want my kids to grow up the way I did."

Jessica held his hand over the table and asked, "What do you mean?" Tristan looked heartbroken. It pained her to see him this way. Jess wanted to comfort him in whatever way she could.

"You know I lost my mother. By now, I'm sure you know how," Tristan's mouth etched a grim line across his face. The stony look did nothing to lessen his handsomeness. "I know my father cares about me. I wouldn't call it love, though. I think that he's more preoccupied with his legacy than he is with me as a person. I don't want to raise my kids only for them to think they're tools or that I don't love them. Since I'm going to inherit the family business, I worry that having kids would be selfish." Tristan took another sip of wine. He didn't meet Jessica's eyes.

Selfish.

There was that word again. Was that word following Jessica wherever she went? Jess didn't reply and chewed her food in silence. She took in the room around them. Selfish. Was Tristan selfish if he didn't have kids, or if he did have kids? It would be selfish to impose his will on them. Children are children, but they're still people with unique wants and desires. If he didn't have kids, the O'Sullivan legacy wouldn't have someone to carry it after him. Did Tristan even want control of the O'Sullivan group?

"If you did have kids," Jessica posed the question. "Would you force them into the O'Sullivan group, or would you let them follow their own path?"

Tristan didn't hesitate. "I'd want them to follow their own path. Do what makes them happy. But I doubt it'd be possible."

"Oh?"

Jess took a sip of her water. It'd sat for so long next to her wine that the condensation left a ring on the tablecloth. The imperfection looked out of place.

"In the type of work that we're in... the fact that the family is intrinsically linked to its success and longevity." Tristan struggled to find the words. "Even if I encouraged them to go their own way, other families would see to it that they don't venture far. Safety is never a guarantee. They could travel the world, and, in an attempt to hurt me, someone would hunt them down. I don't think I could live with myself."

For the first time, Jessica saw the little boy hidden under Tristan's countenance. He was stuck at ten years old, scared and heartbroken that his mother was gone. Did anyone know how Tristan struggled with his existence? Did Ciaran know what being an O'Sullivan meant to him? Did Declan? Jessica wondered if anyone cared enough about Tristan as an individual to see what she did.

"Tristan? Do you want the O'Sullivan Group?"

Tristan gulped down his wine. Jessica watched his throat bob up and down.

"I'll never put the families that work for mine in a position to be afraid for their survival."

Jessica thought about the Dunns, Emma's parents, Gia and her family... so many people relied on the O'Sullivans. Jess could understand that Tristan felt trapped. He could walk away from the O'Sullivan group, but even if he gave it to someone else, he'd never feel safe. She didn't respond to Tristan's comment. What could she say? I'm sorry? That's noble of you? Anything she could think of would sound shallow or insincere. A somber silence was the only thing she could offer.

"Let's change the subject. We need to look like we're happily in love, remember?" Tristan's half-hearted smile travels to Jess's face.

Once they dropped the topic, the magic of Ever seeped back into Jessica's soul. Their meal was delicious. It was truly a fantastical experience. Afterward, the couple went next door. After was the complimenting cocktail lounge associated with Ever. Inky blues and purples intertwined with gold. Jessica felt like she was walking in twilight, as though it were a place. They sidled up to the bar and took a seat. The bartender was friendly despite their business and recommended a champagne cocktail. Jess took a sip, unsure what to expect. She licked her lips. It was delicious.

Tristan watched Jessica try her drink. When her tongue darted out to lick the remnants off her lip, he couldn't resist. Tristan had to try it too. He leaned forward and kissed her. Surprised, Jessica stood stiff at first. His sudden display had caught her off guard. Still, something was different about this kiss. The others they had shared were passionate and needy. This. This was deep, affectionate. She began to sink into his lips. Jessica felt Tristan place his arm around her and pull her a little closer. She raised a hand to his cheek. Her heart thudded as his cologne tickled her nose. He was kissing her like she was all he needed to make everything go away.

"Ahem."

A voice cut through their moment. An older, portly gentleman with thinning gray hair was standing close by.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you two. I'm trying to get my check."

The couple looked over their shoulders. They realized they were blocking the gentleman and the bartender.

"Oh," Jessica blushed, "we're so sorry. She leaned away so the man could reach past them."

"Mr. Boerson," Tristan asked. Jessica's eyes went wide. There was no way.

"Oh, Tristan, son. How'd your father? This must be the young lady you've been all over the news with." The men shook hands.

Was he playing with them? Had Greg told his father about her? Had the tabloids shared her name? Jessica hadn't thought to look. Sure, her parents and Drea had mentioned the papers, but they already knew her. Jessica chastised herself. She should have asked.

"Yes. Mr. Boerson, please meet my girlfriend, Jessica Hernandez. She's a student at the University of Chicago."

Mr. Boerson turned toward Jess. "Your name is Jessica Hernandez." It was a statement, not a question. He frowned. Jess immediately understood that Bill knew who she was.

"That's correct, sir. It's nice to meet you." Jess reached out her hand to shake his. Bill hesitated but didn't want to appear rude in public.

"Judging by your reaction, I assume you've heard about me from your son." Jessica's smile didn't reach her eyes, nor did Bill's.

"Gregory has mentioned you from time to time." Bill signed his receipt and passed it back to the bartender. Before he could leave, Jessica called out to him.

"Mr. Boerson. There's something I'd like to discuss with you in a more professional setting. I don't want to ruin your night. How about we arrange a meeting?"

Again, Bill hesitated. He didn't want to find this young woman charming. She'd broken his son's heart. For months all Greg would talk about was this young woman and her refusal to date him. Now, here she was, with the O'Sullivan boy.

"What could we possibly have to discuss?" Bill continued to smile. Anyone out of earshot would assume it was a pleasant interaction.

"Mr. Boerson, you don't want to discuss your son here in the bar, do you? I'll do so if you wish, but I'm sure you'll find it'd be better to discuss behind closed doors." Jessica didn't lower her eyes from the older man. She'd made up her mind about how she'd proceed.

"I don't know what you mean." Bill turned to leave.

"You want me to mention to the entire lounge how your son assaulted me?"

Jessica's voice was low, and she was standing now. This was her opportunity to make a first move. She wasn't going to let it go.

Bill stopped walking. Gregory did what? This was the first he'd heard about this. The accusation felt surreal in this romantic space. Bill was stuck. He could give in to the little girl and feel like she'd gotten one over on him. Or, he could let her say whatever she liked about his son in public. Mr. Boerson didn't like either option. But, if he agreed to her request, he could ask Gregory about it before they met again. Ms. Hernandez wouldn't have the upper hand anymore. Right now, all she had was the element of surprise.

"Here, Ms. Hernandez," Bill said as he removed his wallet from his pocket. He took out a business card and passed it to her. "Please meet me in my office tomorrow at one. I'll have a brief window of time to speak with you." Bill turned to leave. This time Jessica didn't stop him. Tristan let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. This was not how he wanted the interaction to go. He'd have to rearrange his schedule tomorrow. There was no way he'd let Jessica meet with that old toad alone.