Captivated Desires

19

Reign nodded, understanding the question I had about the future. He had thought a lot about what would happen when Lionel grew older and became the Don. "I was thinking that we could start preparing him slowly once he turns 18 years old," he said, his tone serious. "He'll start learning about the business, the responsibilities involved, and the ins and outs of being a Don."

"What about the training? Didn't your father start you like at 16 for physical?" I asked as I took a sip of water.

Reign nodded, a small frown on his face as he recalled his upbringing. "Yeah, my father started training me physically when I was 16. He wanted to make sure I was prepared for the life ahead of me, and that I would be able to stand my ground if necessary."

He sighed softly. "I don't want to put that kind of pressure on our son so young," he admitted. "But I also know how important it is to be strong and capable in this world. It's a tricky balance."

"I think when Lionel does turn 16, we'll introduce him to some light physical training," he continued. "Not to the extent I went through, but just enough to make sure he can defend himself and be strong. But we'll also make sure to focus on other aspects of his development, like education and emotional intelligence," he said, his tone determined.

I just nodded "I don't even know why I ask half of this Mafia stuff confuses me," I replied.

Reign chuckled softly at my words, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Don't worry, it's alright," he said, gently placing a hand on my arm. "I know it's a lot to take in and understand, especially when you're not familiar with this world."

He looked at me with a warm, reassuring smile. "And that's why I'll make sure to explain everything to you, no matter how many times you ask. I want you to be informed and understand what's going on in our world."

He squeezed my arm gently, his touch firm and protective. "And if you ever have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to talk to me about it," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "I'm here for you, and I want to make sure you feel comfortable and secure in this life we have together."

"What about Levi? Will he just do his own things?" I asked.

Reign nodded, taking a moment to think about the future of our youngest son. "Yeah, Levi doesn't need to worry about the whole Mafia life if he doesn't want to," he said with a small smile.

"We'll let him pursue his own interests and career paths, without any pressure to join the family business if he doesn't want to," he explained. "As long as he's happy and doing what he loves, that's all that matters."

He paused for a moment, his expression serious. "Of course, I'll still make sure to teach him the basics of the world we live in and the importance of being strong and capable," he added. "But I don't want to force anything on him. I want both of our sons to have freedom and choice in their lives."

"I think Lion will understand more and that means he can finally stop having that feeling of you not wanting to spend time with him," I finished breakfast.

Reign nodded in agreement, a pang of guilt hitting him as I brought up the topic of his young son's feelings. He knew that Lionel had been struggling with feeling like Reign didn't spend enough time with him, which had been a source of tension and friction between father and son.

"Yeah, I think you're right," he said quietly, his gaze fixed on me. "Lionel is a smart kid. He'll understand my responsibilities and the demands of running the organization. And I'll make sure to spend more time with him, so he doesn't feel like I'm neglecting him."

He let out a sigh, a hint of self-reproach in his expression. "I should have made more time for him before, but I was so caught up in the work and the responsibilities," he admitted, his tone filled with regret. "I'll make sure to do better in the future, for both him and for you."

He let out a sigh, a hint of self-reproach in his expression. "I should have made more time for him before, but I was so caught up in the work and the responsibilities," he admitted, his tone filled with regret. "I'll make sure to do better in the future, for both him and for you."

He reached out and gently took my hand, his touch gentle and affectionate. "And thank you for bringing it up," he said, his voice soft. "Sometimes I get so caught up in everything, I need someone to remind me what's truly important."

I looked softly into his eyes "You're a great dad and husband so don't forget that," I reassured him.

Reign looked into my eyes as I spoke, his heart swelling with love and gratitude for my words. Hearing me reassure him that he was a great dad and husband meant everything to him, and it helped to ease some of the guilt and self-doubt that had been weighing on his mind. 

He squeezed my hand gently and smiled softly. "Thank you," he said quietly, his voice filled with affection. "I don't always feel like it, but having you by my side makes everything feel more bearable."

He leaned in and placed a soft, tender kiss on my forehead before continuing. "I'll always try to be the best husband and father I can be, for you and our kids," he promised. "And with you by my side, I know I can do it."

He let out a soft sigh, feeling a sense of comfort and contentment wash over him. "You're my rock, you know that? You always keep me grounded and remind me of what's truly important in life."

Reign leaned down to kiss my lips gently, his mouth moving softly against mine. His touch was gentle and affectionate, a silent declaration of his love and devotion to me.