I rubbed my hand through my hair before leaning back in the couch. “Yeah. Why do you say that?”
“I had my doubts about your plan, having Tatum present during Ricardo’s interrogation. But it worked.”
“Too bad she fainted twenty minutes later.”
He snorted. “I’m surprised she didn’t faint right there on the spot. She’s a fighter, Castello. A real strong woman.”
“I know.”
He leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees. “She would make a great wife, Castello.”
My gaze shot to his. “What?”
“You heard me.”
I got up from the couch and grabbed a glass, pouring myself a stiff drink of bourbon.
“You do love her, don’t you?”
I swallowed then glanced at him before turning my gaze down to the glass in my hand. “Since when does love have to do with anything?”
“Since everything you’ve been doing lately is because you’ve fallen in love with her.”
I turned to face him. “What do you mean everything I’ve been doing lately?”
He got up from his chair, the smug grin still on his face. “This is my house, Castello. Not much happens around here without me knowing.” He poured himself a drink. “I know you had an entire wardrobe bought for her and sent up to your room. And I also know that the reason you pushed her today with Ricardo wasn’t only to prepare her, but to give her what she needs. Revenge.”
I continued to watch him as he took a sip of his drink.
“And the real reason you decided to be the leader of this family, to go up against your brother, isn’t because of some ego trip where you could show Vico your balls are bigger than his.”
I couldn’t help but snort at his choice of words. “But my balls are bigger than his.”
“That might true.” He saluted me with his drink. “But you and I both know the reason you stepped up as acting Boss is because you know it’s the only way you can give Tatum the protection she needs. The security.”
Observant motherfucker.
“That doesn’t change anything.”
He took a seat again, and I sat down across from him.
“You’re right. It doesn’t. In fact, I for one think it was a very wise decision you made.”
I cocked a brow. “You do?”
“Yes.” He leaned back. “Tatum is no ordinary woman, Castello. She might not know it, but she was born to rule. She has a rare inner strength that will help her turn her pain into power. You will find no better match for yourself, and if an old man’s opinion is still worth something, I’d tell you to marry her tomorrow.”
I downed the rest of my drink. “Slow down, Uncle Gino. I have no plans of getting married.”
“Why not?”
I balked at his blunt question. “It’s complicated.”
“And byityou mean Tatum.” It wasn’t a question.
“Uncle Gino, just spit out what you want to say. You know I hate it when you talk in circles.” I placed my glass on the table and settled into the couch, curious as to what my uncle’s motive was around this entire conversation.
He eyed me speculatively before too placing his glass down. “Fine. I’ll be frank.”