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“Not just you,” I added shamelessly.
With the convoy visible in his wing mirror, Enzo asked, “What’s with the entourage?”
A line of SUVs followed us after I picked Alisa up. Ilya wasn’t kidding about security. Part of me wanted to floor the gas pedal, but Alisa didn’t deserve what would follow.
“It’s because of me,” she took the blame, confirming what we already knew.
Mischief played on his face as Enzo joked, “Maybe he’s afraid you’ll run.”
“Maybe he should be.” Alisa seemed deep in thought before she added, “But I won’t. In case you were worried.”
Her face fell as I watched her reflection in the rearview mirror, wondering who she was trying to convince: us or herself?
“When should we expect the rest of the Galkins?” I asked their youngest sibling.
“They’ll meet us there.”
I nodded in acknowledgment.
Reaching into the back, I held up the bribery for Enzo. “Coffee and Iris, as promised.”
How he managed to eat the pastry without getting crumbs on himself was impressive, but the price of seeing him smile was worth all the crumbs he’d leave behind.
As we left the hustle of the city and drove closer to the coast, the conversation eased. While my fellow passengers discussed the engagement party or how the Italian pastry was baked, I remained silent, focused on the road.
The lives we lived were opposites.
Both Enzo and Alisa had grown up in families with deep ties to the underworld, surrounded by people they could rely on, people who guidedthem through the important stages of life. They’d been part of the group from the start.
While death and questionable circumstances followed me, I still fought to find my place.
I would never hold anything against them. We all had our demons. But there were moments, brief glimpses, when the distinction became clear.
I knew I was different, yet somehow, I also felt the same.
Our destination was a house made for hosting. The open-plan main floor offered stunning views of the ocean in the distance. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in the light, and a sliding balcony door in the middle connected to the back of the property, where a backyard with a heated pool and jacuzzi awaited. A roofed patio featured a dining table and bar. The sleeping arrangements were more than enough, with five bedrooms and attached bathrooms to choose from. On top of that, Enzo had his own upper floor, a private apartment within the house.
I knew too much about the kind of parties he hosted, but I restrained myself from thinking about the past events as I entered the lavish space.
Alisa disappeared for a moment to freshen up after the ride.
Enzo was still roaming around the kitchen when I teasingly asked about the sectional couch placed in front of the windows. “Is it safe to sit there?” I pointed toward the furniture, scrunching my face in the best way I could.
“Hilarious,” he retorted. “I tell you too much.”
A grin played on my face. “Yeah, you do. I’ll never look at you the same.”
I shrugged dramatically just as Alisa walked back into the room, setting her handbag on the nearest counter. Overhearing our conversation, she eyed the couch curiously. “Why wouldn’t it be safe?”
“Jesus Christ,” Enzo muttered, and it took all my willpower not to burst out laughing.
“I’m going upstairs to make some calls.” Before he moved, Enzo pointed toward the pantry. “Staff stocked the fridge. Rooms are ready. Pick one.”
I glanced at him in mock disappointment. “In my head, I gave you half an hour before you disappeared.”
Enzo ran his hands through his dark hair, messing up the long locks. “Making the calls now means more freedom later. And after the week I had, I plan on getting wasted and sleeping on the beach.” The sound of his shoes clicking faded as Enzo turned back with a mischievous grin. “Preferably naked.”
“I take it all back,” I called out, too busy taking in the space.