Page 54 of Fall of a Kingdom

She clenched her fists in her lap. “I think I finally get it.”

“Get what?”

“Why men need a good brawl sometimes.”

I smirked. “It’s what comesafterthe brawl that I look forward to.”

She beamed and her eyes slid down my naked chest. “Yeah. Theafteris always pleasurable.”

Chapter19

BARRETT

I looked downat the baby sleeping against me. I hadn’t been able to put Piper down yet since we were in the early stages of bonding. I wasn’t her blood, and I didn’t want to do anything to interrupt her attaching to me. I felt her curl into my body; she was a comfortable weight against my chest. “We should’ve gone home. Taken the boys and given you your space back.”

Ash waved her hand. “We’ve destroyed your peace often enough, what with our brood.”

“You’ve never had a food fight in my kitchen.”

“Truth. I’ll send you the cleaning bill.”

“Why? You can afford it,” I said with a grin.

“Also truth.”

The children had been bathed and put to bed more than an hour ago. The men had congregated in the private study where they were drinking, smoking cigars, and talking about all the things men talked about when they were alone.

Ash and I had taken over the den, giving them privacy, but the truth was we enjoyed being alone, too. There were some things you could say to another woman that you never wanted to share in mixed company.

“Strange,” I murmured, taking a sip of my scotch.

“What’s strange?” she asked.

“I was just thinking about the luxury I’ve grown accustomed to even though I know where the money comes from. I mean, Flynn has earned his wealth through illegal dealings. It’s blood money.”

“Not just Flynn,” she pointed out. “You, too. You’re involved now. Hell, you call some of the most dangerous criminals in the world your best friends and confidants.”

“Aside from Sasha, who is my best friend and confidant?” I asked with a raise of my brows.

She gave me a sneaky smile. “I know you keep in contact with Mateo.”

“Business, only.”

“The man sends you Christmas flower bouquets every year.”

I rolled my eyes. “And I give them away every year.”

“Angelo Moretti sends you wine and the world’s finest limoncello, hoping you’ll throw Flynn overboard for him. How did you ever manage to get the leader of The White Company to fall in love with you, anyway?”

“Can’t tell you,” I said. “I’ve been sworn to secrecy.”

“Hmmm.”

The only other person who knew what went on between me and Angelo Moretti was Sasha, and that knowledge would follow him to his grave.

“I only want my husband. Now and forever,” I promised.

“My brother’s marriage failed because of you.”