Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad by Scarlett Rossi
Chapter 205 -

James.

I didn't know what was on Becca's mind, but I knew it would be of no help to the family. We needed stability right now. She could argue all she wanted about how me being the Don didn't offer that, but what was I to do?

It was my responsibility, and here I was. It wasn't like I was trying to seal Alessandro's fate where he would end up in my shoes. I was actively looking for solutions, which were more viable than her idea.

A charity in Guatemala. What had gotten into her? I wasn't sure, to be honest, but it made little to no sense.

We'd need to adapt to an entirely new place. I hadn't been in Italy my entire life, granted, but it wasn't completely different from the United States.

Guatemala? It would definitely be culture shock and inconvenient to adapt to. Plus, how was I going to rise to power again with a new business? Would anyone even hear of me in that area? Becca did mention a charity component, which was interesting.

But how much of a difference did she expect to make with said charity? I sat at my desk in my office, shaking my head, baffled by everything that had gone on. That hot, angry sex had been tantalizing and fun, but it didn't clear my head for what our future would be if we went through with moving there.

My focus needed to continue to be on my duties here, helping Alessandro avoid my fate, and of course, getting to Ronaldo. Those tapes were not a complete solution. He needed to be hunted down and brought to justice.

I wanted to put a gun to his head myself, but that would get me in trouble with the law because they were watching us all carefully now. No, I needed to leave him there like a steak placed on a plate in front of a wolf. Law enforcement could do my job for me if I set up things right.

If they didn't f*ck up. I reached up and rubbed my temples, scrolling through messages and other information on how the plan would be proceeding. It wasn't the best solution, but it was one. A lure tactic, of sorts, with a trap at the end. An email notification caught my eye, one that I clicked on. My younger cousin, Giovani, was on this case like a bloodhound to a scent. I had to hand it to him; he helped me out immensely on this hunt, and didn't seem to be hitting his limit anytime soon either.

I read what he said: 'Hey, James. Ronaldo visits the office 204 in the location circled on this map almost daily at this time. We think he's visiting someone specific. We're going to be diving into who, ensure this pattern is efficient, then decide how to tip off the police.'

I sighed in relief, once again realizing that he was an expert on getting information that I didn't seem to get my hands on. Always eager, too, a good quality to have in this business. I typed out a reply, a confirmation, and thank you, before leaning back in my chair again.

I was starting to notice Giovani taking initiative. He was excited to please me, often being the first to suggest he should do something. He could be a contender for taking over the family business rather than Alessandro.

My attention would be on him, for sure, as time passed. I typed out more ideas and tasks for him and my other people in regard to Ronaldo. That bastard wouldn't be able to run forever. I'd make damn sure of that.

When I finished up, I swapped tabs to my business, focusing on that. I had many connections and was eager to rise to power. Becca had more money in this relationship at the moment because she's sold my business, which was just fine. However, I intended on getting some more of my own, as well.

I didn't think there was a rift with Becca big enough that I would need to worry. She was set on this charity plan, for whatever reason, while I just wanted to settle in a place I knew we could be comfortable.

Plus, my ties to family may have been a bit strong. I knew that, in the end, we would be safe here even if the mafia was involved. I'd argued profusely that I wasn't tied down by my past.

Yet here I was, the Don, as it was my responsibility. After what happened in New York with the Cartwrights and Stepford wives, it was necessary to be here. I had the support system we so desperately needed with everything coming up, and could replace stability. Somehow.

I gritted my teeth, hoping Becca would eventually come to understand that and drop this ridiculous notion of going off to someplace in the world where we would need to deal with a host of new problems we didn't know how to handle. At least, in this situation, we were used to it.

I continued to type out some plans on the computer, switching back and forth between a conversation with Giovani and setting up plans for my business. I had to succeed, somehow, and these setbacks were just that-setbacks. These kinds of problems didn't last forever, and unlike what Becca had stuck in her head, we were not staring into the maw of the beast. I couldn't get her to understand that now, but I knew I could maybe make cracks in her stubbornness in the future.

After a sigh, I settled on typing up more plans for intercepting Ronaldo, getting his location in several areas that would occur consistently. I sent messages to my people, wanting them to investigate the situation more before moving out. Once we handled Ronaldo, that would be one less problem, and maybe Becca could relax a little. Though, I had a feeling that wasn't what was hanging her up. Me being the Don, and Alessandro's fate if I didn't replace a replacement? That was definitely it.

More connections were made, more plans, and finally, I felt my stomach rumble. I exited my office and entered the kitchen to get myself some tea. Becca was sitting on the couch and watching something. She turned her head to look at me. Her expression wasn't something I could easily read, though I figured she wanted to say something. "Hello," I said, cautiously. "Want me to make you something?" She shook her head, and I nodded, leaving her be.

After a few minutes, she did speak up, asking, "How is the Don situation and hunting down Ronaldo? Or your business?" She didn't sound too invested in either topic, so was probably trying to just strike up conversation.

"I am making plans for both," I said slowly. "I'm focusing on many connections which will be helpful in a rise of power in these parts. As for Ronaldo, Giovani is helping out quite a bit. I'm leaning on him often, I'm replaceing. There is a chance I could consider him to take over for me."

At that, Becca brightened. She made her way to the kitchen, putting a pot of hot water on the stove to get herself some tea. I noticed some hesitance still, but her mood was brightening, so there was that. I chanced leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek, something she accepted.

She said, "That's wonderful news. I really don't want that life for Alessandro. He should be able to choose his own path. And... I want us to be a family without worrying about it. Nothing bad has happened over the past few days. In fact, it's been a relief, wonderful, even."

I noticed her words were a bit half-hearted, so I pressed. "You don't sound so sure," I observed, continuing my work on the stove. I was making myself a simple breakfast that wouldn't require a huge amount of effort since I wanted to get back to work for a few hours after this. I didn't want to bother any of the chefs at the moment.

"Nothing bad yet," Becca muttered, shaking her head. "But something could always come up. There's no equivalent of the Stepford wives here, which is nice. You and all of your connections may bring more problems here, though." I sighed, realizing we were on this again. So many problems that I'd found solutions for. I wished she could understand we were getting a handle on things as opposed to going backward. Rather than scrutinize this, I just nodded. "I'll do my best to avoid that."

"I hope so," Becca muttered. She began setting up a cup for herself so she could pour tea. She was definitely frosty toward me given our fight and how I hadn't listened regarding her silly charity plans. Something which still made little sense to

me.

I asked, "How has Sophia been doing with the kids?" wanting to change the subject, but also legitimately curious on the matter. When I visited Daliah and Alessandro between working and building things up, I noticed they were very happy and healthy. It made my heart sing.

Becca confirmed my impression by saying, "Oh, Sophia's been wonderful." Her tone was gushing in a good way, at least. "She's been having a wonderful time with the kids. We spoke a few hours ago. She's in there playing with them right now."

"Glad to hear it. Sophia has always been a very kind, gentle person. I was surprised when she suggested she could temporarily help us with this, but then again, maybe I shouldn't have been," I said, giving a smile.

Becca nodded, going over to get some of her tea and pour herself a glass. She seemed deep in thought and melancholy as we spoke, causing me to let out a sigh. "You're still upset that I called your idea stupid, aren't you, Becca?" I asked. She nodded, saying, "I am. The idea isn't stupid, James."

"It is idealist," I said, then added, "Which tends to be rather illogical. We would have to adapt to something entirely new. The kids may grow up in an area not as safe. After all of our moving about, I think we should settle down."

"I want to settle down," she said with a sigh. "And start on that dream. We can settle down there. I am capable of doing research. We are capable of adapting. Italy and its way of life are different from where we came from as well. You haven't been here your entire life and are new to it, too."

"I'm tired of moving and guessing to see where we may belong. We finally have the kids, and now we should be a family," I said, though I kept my voice steady rather than raising it. I reached up and pinched the bridge of my nose, wishing she would just try to understand where I was coming from.

"Well, I'm tired of being constantly worried for my children's futures," Becca said with a sigh.

"Thankfully, I am looking into that. Like I said, there may be someone perfect to take over for me and ensure Alessandro will not be stuck in this like I was," I said. Hopefully, my assumptions about Giovani would prove correct.