Chapter 173 Bonding
Galdino's P.O.V.
"Frank's in the back tied and gagged," Benny says. I nod and keep walking. I'm glad he's getting the same treatment he gave Enzo. I try to put Enzo on the seat next to me, but he hangs on tight, so I let him sit on my lap. When we get to the house, Benny and Dion take Frank to the negotiation room, and I carry Enzo inside. Valentina is sitting between Anushka and Dakota, crying. When she looks up and sees us, she runs over.
"Enzo, are you okay? I was so scared." She tries to take him from me, but he won't let go.
"I like Galdino. He's not mean like the other man." I smile and hand him over to his mom.
"I like you, too, kid. You and your mommy are going to stay here for a little while." Valentina looks from me to Enzo with her mouth open.
"Is everything okay?" I ask her as Dakota joins us.
"Enzo doesn't usually like men. He saw what his dad did to me before he left, so he's typically terrified of every man who comes near us." She kisses Enzo's head and hugs him.
"Where is his dad now?" I ask. Valentina looks down at the floor.
"In prison. He abused both of us and was locked up a little over a year ago when I finally had the nerve to call the police. Thank you for getting him for me and for what happened earlier. I owe you our lives." Dakota looks from Valentina to me. I can see something brewing in those blue eyes of hers.
"Parents will do desperate things for their children. You made the right choice in the end." I get ready to walk away, but Enzo stops me.
"Are you leaving? I want you to stay here." I pat his shoulder and smile.
"I'm not leaving. I just have something to take care of, and then I'll be back in. I'll come find you when I'm done." He smiles and lays his head on his mom's shoulder.
"Okay."
"Hey, little man, I'm Dakota. It's nice to meet you. Your mommy said you like to read books. I have a whole bunch of books ready for you over there by my mom." She points, and I see a stack of books on the table in the living room. Enzo looks at Dakota shyly.
"Thank you. Will you and Galdino read with me?" His cheeks turn red, and I can't help laughing. Looks like Ari may have some competition. I think little Enzo has a crush on Dakota.
"Absolutely, cutie." She rubs his head, and he giggles. We walk outside and head toward the negotiation room.
"So what do you think about Valentina?" she asks. I shrug and don't say anything.
"She's pretty, isn't she? I got her to talk a little while we were waiting for you. She's thirty-four and has no family. She got the job with Frank, not realizing he was one of the bosses for a mob family, and once she realized it, she couldn't leave. She has a cute little boy who you just saved. That has to give you an in with her." We reach the room, which is really a modified shed, and I turn to her.
"What makes you think I would even think about being in a relationship with a woman who was going to kill me?" I did notice how Valentina looked, but I didn't let on. She's beautiful, but I'm fifteen years older than she is. I'm sure she's not interested in a man like me.
"I think she's perfect for you. She's fiery and passionate. You two would make the perfect couple, and imagine the story for the grandkids about how you met." I wrap my arm around Dakota and kiss her head.
"Let's take care of one thing at a time." I open the door to the negotiation room. Frank's fat ass is tied to the chair, and he's naked. I roll my sleeves up as Dakota puts her sparring gloves on. It's time for some father-in-law and daughter-in-law bonding time, mafia style.