Page 68 of Mafioso's Muse

She was silent a moment. ‘When will I be allowed to go to my apartment?’

His hand went to her leg. ‘When it’s safe.’

A few minutes later, the cityscape gave way to large homes and leafy streets. Vaughn didn’t relax until they pulled into the driveway and the gate closed behind them. The front door opened, and his mother came out. She descended the front steps, enveloping Willow in a hug.

‘Talk about baptism by fire,’ Paula said, drawing back to look at her properly. ‘You look utterly exhausted.’

‘I just came from the studio,’ Willow replied. ‘I’m in desperate need of a shower.’

‘Let’s get you sorted, then.’ His mother hustled her inside, saying, ‘I’m sure you have a million questions. I’ve been there.’

He was grateful for his mother’s warmth, because he was too on edge to give Willow what she needed in that moment.

Vaughn stopped at the portico when he heard his father’s voice inside. He was speaking with Antonio and members of the bigger family in the living room. Vaughn remained outside, smoking and listening.

‘I’ll pay them this time,’ his father said, ‘but I don’t pay them to save your arse. I pay so the girl is safe.’

The girl he was referring to was Willow. Vaughn closed his eyes and pulled deeply on his cigarette.

‘I’m done with them,’ Antonio assured him. ‘No more gambling.’

‘You better be fucking done.’ That was Angelo speaking, his father’s closest friend, who made no secret of the fact that he was tired of cleaning up Antonio’s messes.

Vaughn smoked another cigarette before finally going inside. He had planned to go to the living room, but then he spotted his mother coming down the stairs. Suddenly, he felt the need to go see Willow instead.

‘She’s frightened,’ Paula said as they met on the staircase. ‘Tell me you can see that.’

Her words were like a punch to the heart. ‘At least she’s safe.’

Paula gave his arm a gentle squeeze. ‘Willow needs more than physical protection. She needs emotional safety too. It’s not enough for you to protect her from threats. As I often have to remind your father,be gentle.’

He nodded, then continued to the guest room, where he sat on the bed and waited for Willow to come out of the bathroom. She emerged wearing leggings and a jumper, her hair wrapped in a towel. She stilled when she saw him there.

‘Hey,’ she said.

Vaughn opened his arms to her, and she came and climbed onto his lap. ‘Are you okay?’

She rested her head on his shoulder. ‘I need to feed Frank. Wednesdays are one of his food days.’

‘I’ll send Finn.’

She looked up at him. ‘I really can’t go home tonight?’

It was clear she didn’t understand the seriousness of the situation. ‘No.’

‘Can you at least tell me why?’

He breathed in her soapy scent. ‘I’ve told you everything I can. The less you know, the safer you are.’

‘Okay. I trust you,’ she whispered. ‘Please don’t break that trust.’

His arms tightened around her, drawing her closer, so close her breath slowed. He immediately loosened his grip.

The sound of cars arriving out front had Vaughn looking to the window. The flash of blue and red lights had him standing and carefully placing Willow on her feet.

‘Is that… are they police lights?’ she asked, taking a step back as if they were there for her.

‘I need you to stay here,’ he said firmly as he headed for the door. ‘Don’t leave this room.’