Page 48

She winked at me, and I knew she was thinking the same thoughts.
As she sat beside me, her thigh pressed warmly against mine beneath the table, a subtle yet electric connection sent my mind wandering to places it shouldn’t go, not at this moment anyway.
The room buzzed with the gentle coos and babble of the baby nestled next to Laya, who juggled doting on him and nibbling at her meal.
Watching Laya and Nikolas interact with their child stirred memories of my own chaotic yet cherished family dinners. The way they seamlessly blended affection and responsibility resonated deeply with me, and it stirred a hopeful vision of the future I yearned to create with Calista.
Ever the devoted family man, Nikolas moved with an understated yet constant vigilance, his attention focusedbetween Laya and Constantine, ensuring their well-being. His love for them was palpable, a quiet intensity wrapped around him like a heavy coat, signifying the weight of his dedication. It was the kind of love that spoke volumes without uttering a word. I felt a similar gravity when Cali was near, a protective instinct that settled into my bones.
The thought of how this feeling might intensify if we had a child together sent a ripple of unease through me. The instinctual drive to protect Cali was already a powerful force within me, and the idea of adding a child—our child—could push me into an obsessive spiral.
“So, Leon, I’m curious where your family stands these days,” Nikolas inquired, his tone steady but probing.
“My family is just me,” I responded, my voice tinged with the familiar ache of loss that struck my heart like a piercing needle.
“Of course, I understand.” Nikolas nodded. “I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. I was referring to the Boscos syndicate as your family.”
“I’ve managed to uphold the power my family wielded before they were cruelly taken from me,” I said, my words edged with determination.
“Are the Kotas and Gekas families still loyal to the Boscos name?” Nikolas continued, his gaze steady and unyielding.
I wasn’t surprised by his focus on those particular families. The Kotas and Gekas were woven into the fabric of the Boscos lineage through my mother’s side. My uncle, my mother’s eldest brother, sat at the helm of the Kotas family, apatriarch with a commanding presence. My great-uncle Nimo had once led the Gekas family before his marriage. His wisdom and influence were legendary.
In our world, familial connections forged by marriage or birth held an inviolable sanctity. The Boscos family was renowned for upholding these bonds with unwavering loyalty. Uncle Nimo, in particular, had been a vital pillar during my rise to power. As one of the biggest investors in the Boscos empire under my leadership, he had guided me with a steady hand, filling the gaps in my knowledge that my father, taken too soon, hadn’t been able to impart.
“Yes, they’re my extended family, after all,” I answered. “And, with my impending marriage to Cali, those two syndicates and territories that they rule will now be loyal to the Vitalis family, as well.”
“I’m glad we can depend on their partnerships,” Laya remarked. “This only adds to the strength of the power we’re creating.”
Cali flicked a lock of her hair over her shoulder and shrugged, her pendant swinging against the silk of her dress.
“That’s good,” she murmured, voice hushed. “Nothing in our world is certain. The more people we have behind us, the better.”
I studied her, wondering what she meant.
Instead of prying, I tucked the question away for later.
I sensed she was referring to the protection of having multiple allies standing behind you. The world we lived in was violent and dangerous, spilling blood to sate their hungerfor power. Trust lived on a knife’s edge here, and reputation turned on a whisper.
Even murder.
We were all well aware of that fact. Each of us sitting at that table had experienced a great loss, except for Constantine. I studied his tiny body, in awe that he had no idea what kind of life he’d been born into. As the son of a Vitalis sister, he was a tiny human in great danger and would grow to be a man with great power.
Either way, seeing how his parents adored him, I knew he would grow up knowing he was loved. My parents had instilled that same sense of adoration in me, and not a day went by that I didn’t miss them tremendously. Constantine would no doubt love his parents as vehemently as I had loved mine.
I was certain they would safeguard one another against any violent plots our enemies might be planning.
I looked over at Cali, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of her. I planned to protect her just as fiercely. Nobody would ever get near enough to her, or our future children, to harm a hair on their heads.
“We’re looking forward to you joining our family, Leon.” Laya smiled over at me before glancing at her sister.
They beamed at each other, seeming to engage in a silent conversation with just their eyes. I loved the closeness they shared. It told me that Cali was capable of understanding the importance of family. It showed me that she would take the responsibility of being a wife and mother as seriously as it warranted.
“Calista chose well.”
“Thank you, Laya,” I said. “I’m honored to become a member of the Vitalis family, and I vow to you that I’ll take excellent care of your sister.”
“I have no doubt,” Laya replied. “Even though she’d argue she can take care of herself.”