The Don’s Venom

Chapter 7

(Lily)

The morning air had a crispness to it that reminded me of change as I stood by the SUV, little Giana’s backpack in hand. She went back in to grab something and was now running back with a huge smile on her face as she hopped into the backseat.

I’d just settled into the driver’s seat when the door opened and Marco slid in beside me.

“Hey. Morning,” he said in a low but friendly voice.

“Good morning. I wasn’t aware you were coming with,” I stated.

“Uncle Marco likes to take me to school sometimes when he’s available,” Giana explained with a delighted smile.

As the car engine hummed to life and rolled down the long driveway leading out of the Gigante Estate, I marveled at the beautiful sight of the gated estates tucked in the beautiful landscape that is Hidden Hills, Los Angeles.

Gianna leaned forward in her seat, her tone light but with a hint of mischief. “So, Lily, have you told dad about the park?”

Marco blinked. “What Park?”

“Lily promised to talk to dad about giving me permission to go to the amusement park with my friend,” she stated confidently.

I caught Marco’s amused side glance. “What? She really wants to hang out with her friend.”

“There’s a reason Kieran said no in the first place. It’s too dangerous.”

“But you promised, Lily,” Giana protested, crossing her hand over her chest.

“And I will fulfill it. I’ll try to convince your dad.”

Marco smiled, leaning back in his seat. “I doubt he’ll agree but there’s no harm in trying.”

I glared at him. “You’re not helping.” Meeting Giana’s disgruntled look through the rearview mirror, I assured, “I made you a promise and I told you, I don’t break my promises. I’ll speak to your dad and promise him that we’ll be careful. And your uncle Marco and I can take you for extra protection.”

Marco threw his hand up. “I’m not about to get shot down by Kieran.”

“Language,” I breathed out, looking at the man who was supposed to be Kieran’s toughest soldier flashing a silly smile at Giana.

Marco shrugged casually. “Look, truly If anyone is going to get Kieran to change his mind, it probably will be you. So, try your best. If he agrees, I’ll clear my schedule for my little one.”

Giana’s face lit up. “Really uncle?”

“Really.”

I rolled my eyes, but deep down, I appreciated the vote of confidence. “Fine. We have a deal then.”

Giana chuckled excitedly. “Thank you. Thank you. You’re the best. Both of you.”

We pulled up to the front of the school, and Giana, quite the confident kid unbuckled her seatbelt and grabbed her things.

I made to get out, but Marco’s hand stopped me. “This is where you stop.”

Giana smiled and alighted the vehicle. “Bye Lily. Bye Uncle Marco.”

I turned to Marco with a questioning look on my face. “I’m supposed to be with her at all time.”

“Kieran wants her to have a childhood as normal as possible. Having a bodyguard lurking outside her classroom is not normal.”

“But it’s safe,” I argued.

“She’ll be fine. She has a pager and instructions to click on it if anything out of the ordinary happens. And she’s a smart girl.”

“Fine. But I want to know which classroom is hers so that I can keep an eye on it from out here.”

Marco chuckled. “Always the protector, huh? Were you like this at your old job?”

I hesitated, my eyes peeled in Giana’s direction. I blew out a breath that I’d been holding when she walked safely into the school and disappeared into the distance.

Turning back to Marco, I caught him staring intently at me.

“What?”

“You’re fiercely protective. So, I asked if that’s how you always are of if it’s because of your history with Kieran, which by the way I’m curious about. How did you two know each other?”

I didn’t reply. Not because I couldn’t but there was something in Marco’s voice. Something that felt more personal than I was used to.

“I’m just doing my job,” I finally said.

If he got the hint, he totally ignored it as his gaze turned even more curious. “What’s your story?”

“How do you mean?” I asked.

“I know you have a past. Outside of this.”

“Everyone does.”

“All I’m saying is everyone has a past. A story about how they came to be here. I, for instance, was born into this life but you chose to be here. You could have rejected the job. You could be working anywhere else.”

“There aren’t many places that employ female bodyguards,” I responded simply.

“Now that’s shitty. But I insist that there’s always more to people than what they show on the surface. You’re kickass in combat, beautiful and kind too. I’ve seen you with Giana and in just a few days, you’ve managed to lower her guard. That’s impressive.”

I could have deflected. Could have closed off. But there was something about the way he looked at me- honest curiosity, like he really wanted to know, that made me pause.

“Want to know something interesting?” I asked, watching his every expression closely. “I used to fight.”

His eyebrows raised. “Like in a professional league.”

I shook my head. “Underground rings. No rules. Just fists.”

His eyes deepened with renewed interest. “That sounds like a hell of a story. How long did you do it?”

“A year. I wasn’t bad at it either. A few underground rings, small competitions, enough to almost make a name for myself. I used to take on large men and whoop their asses,” I smiled as some memories came to mind. “The raw adrenaline, the unfiltered violence. It was nice for a while.”

“I doubt you can take me though,” Marco said casually.

I laughed, a little more out of surprise than amusement. “Is that so?”

His eyes gleamed with cocky confidence. “I’m just saying. I’ve engaged in my fair of fist fights and I don’t think you can take me.”

“I sense a challenge. Just don’t feel bad when I have you flat on your back.”

“You can have me flat on my back anytime you want, darling,” he said in a clearly jesting voice. “But seriously, next time you’ve got a free day, let’s put it to test. I’ll give you a run for your money. And winner gets a reward. If I win—”

“It’s not going to happen,” I said confidently, suddenly enjoying this odd man’s presence.

“Hear me out first. If I win, you have a drink with me.”

I leaned closer to him with a daring look. “And if I win?”

“Whatever you want. But you don’t even need to win for that.” A warm blush crept up my face as his eyes bore into mine. “I already will do anything you ask.”

A small smile tugged at my lips. This will be fun.