Page 144 of Duty

John stiffened, and his jaw flexed at that question. “Is that all any of you ever think about with me? If I’m okay, if I can handle myself, if my shit is taken care of? I am fucking fine, Dad.”

Too loud, John.

Everybody looked their way.

“I only came here to make one fucking thing clear,” John said.

Lucian put a hand up to stop anyone from coming closer—like he knew without having to look that at least one of his brothers were about to come to his aid. He was right, too. Dante had moved closer, but stopped at Lucian’s raising hand.

“And what’s that, son?” Lucian asked.

“Remember, it’s not my loyalty in this family that ever needs to be in question.”

John spun on his heel, and headed back for the entrance of the ballroom. Lucian gestured at an enforcer across the way, and pointed at his son—a silent order to follow John, which the man did without question, and quietly. How long he would be able to tail John was anyone’s fucking guess, though. John was sneaky and sly like that, but especially when he was paranoid as hell.

Then, Lucian’s sharp gaze turned on Andino as Giovanni joined his son’s side. Anger, and fear swirled in the man’s eyes, although his outward appearance remained stoic and calm.

So was the way of a Marcello man.

“What haven’t you been telling me about my son?” Lucian asked quietly.

Like he already knew …

Andino looked in the direction John had gone. “It’s a recent thing—he’s not well.”

“Obviously.”

“I was trying to keep an—”

“I don’t give a shit what you were trying to do,” Lucian snapped. “You’re going to tell me everything, and you’re going to do it now.”

“We will,” Gio said.

Lucian cursed under his breath. “You knew, too?”

“Andi came to me; I was trying to help.”

“It’s my son, Gio.”

Giovanni nodded. “I know.”

Except … Andino was Gio’s son, and they all had to have priorities. Even if no one wanted to admit it.

“Someone start talking,” Lucian said darkly.

“Yes, please do,” Dante added, staring hard at Andino.

Well, this was going to be a long night.

Great.

• • •

Andino sent another text to Haven even as he pulled his Lexus to a spot in front of her house. Snaps jumped forward from the back to put his big paws on the center piece between the front seats. His tail went wild—knowing Haven was going to be around soon, and recognizing her house.

The dog did love her.

It amused Andino to no end.