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He has absolutely no idea how true that is.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

JENSEN

I take another pull of my beer as Immie squeals and splashes with Fern. They’ve been pushing each other off the floatie for the past fifteen minutes, and I don’t know who’s enjoying it more, me or them.

It’s not lost on me that I see her differently now—older, wiser, womanlier. Her tits bounce with each breath she takes, and I long to feel them in my hands, to toy with her nipples as I suck on her flesh.

Immie is different here at Sal’s and when we’re alone—she’s more at ease and not the same uptight, on-edge girl she is around Amanda.

It’s something I’ve considered before but never let myself dig any deeper as to the why, and I was wrong to do that. In truth, I was burying the fact that my wife and adopted daughter didn’t get along and how big of an issue that actually could be.

“Did something happen between the two of you?” Miko asks from beside me. His gaze ping-pongs from me to Immie, and my spine bolts straight.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I take another drink of my beer.

“You’re looking at her differently.”

“You’re too assertive,” I snap back.

“So that’s a yes?” His eyebrows dance.

I continue to drink my beer, and Zane throws his head back on a deep laugh. “It’s not a no.”

“Can you get the wife off the scene first?” Sal queries and lifts an eyebrow in my direction. “I can start the divorce proceedings for you today. Or we could dispose of her if you think she’s going to become a problem.”

My eyes dart to his. “No, don’t do that. I need to speak to her first. I owe her that much, at least.”

“You owe her nothing.” He wafts his hand. “She must know it’s coming. As soon as Immie turned eighteen, it was always going to happen. It’s not like you promised her forever.”

He’s right, I didn’t, but was it always going to happen? I’ve never considered Immie as anything but someone I want to protect until recently.

I lift my shoulder. “She’s always been deluded; it wouldn’t surprise me if she says she’s in shock by a divorce.”

“I wasn’t aware a divorce was an option for someone in the Mafia?” Zane queries.

“It’s not like Jensen has been present. La Familia considered him dead, for Christ’s sake. Besides, he’s not in line for succession, and I’ve okayed it with Vinny already,” Sal says, as if I don’t exist.

I’m the second-from-youngest son in the family at thirty-four, with Zane being the oldest and heir, followed by Massio.

“Have you been using protection?” Sal asks, and I scowl at him. Who the fuck does he think I am? I’m not some dumb teenager; I’ve always used protection with her. Especially after discovering how much she fucks around. Not to mention, Miko gave me the shot to administer while she was sleeping to be extra cautious.

“Of course.” I nod and take another drink.

“Is Immie aware of your change in feelings toward her?” Sal asks, and I scan Immie. Damn fucking right, she’s aware. She glances over her shoulder and smiles at me, and something inside me settles. She’s my girl more than ever before.

“She knows,” I confirm, causing Zane to chuckle.

“About time my boys got their shit together.” He claps his hands. “We’ll have a house full of kids by this time next year. I’ll give Vinny a run for his money.” I snort a laugh. He and his brother, Vinny, have always been competitive. “I’ll become a papi again. Maybe this time, I will get to enjoy them.”

“Or you could just have your own kids?” Zane says.

Sal wafts his hand. “I’m too old for that shit. I just never got to see Fen and Fern grow up.”

Zane leans forward; his eyes are full of enthusiasm. “Does that mean you’re planning on retiring soon?”

Sal takes a pull of his cigar and blows out the smoke. “Not yet. Though the sooner I have more grandkids, I might be more encouraged.”