Page 24

Just before they launched a full-scale attack, our server came over, leaving me uncertain whether to feel embarrassed that he’d overheard Avra’s announcement or relieved to escape further questioning.

Thinking it was wise to let them wait, I grinned and told the server, “I’m starving. What’s the house special today?”

After ordering, Avra frowned at me from behind her menu and whispered, “Don’t think you can escape answering our questions.”

“As if I would ever believe there was even a chance.”

Just under two seconds after our server departed, Laya moved, focusing entirely on me. “Spill it. I want every detail. And how long have you been keeping this from us?”

I groaned, running a hand through the tangle of my hair.

Avra leaned close, concern creasing her forehead. “He didn’t take advantage of you, did he?”

I threw up my hands. “No, my God, stop—please!” My pulse flipped under my ribs.

“Then what happened?” Laya demanded, folding her arms. “Are you going to leave us in suspense?”

I sighed. “It was me. I’m the one who came on to him.”

Avra’s mouth fell open. “You did?”

I shrugged, my cheeks burning. “I took the lead. Pushed him, made the first move. He hesitated, tried to slow me down, but I wouldn’t let him. I might’ve even…scared him a little.”

The look of utter disbelief on Laya’s face was almost comical.

“What?” Avra asked.

“I’m sorry, it’s just the image of Leon, the big, bad mafia boss with the terrifying reputation, looking terrified of our little Cali!”

“Yeah, you’re right, that’s pretty funny,” Avra agreed, smirking.

“I did hear another rumor that Leon was a very considerate lover, despite his reputation for needing to be in control at all times. Apparently, he has a dominant side, but maybe he doesn’t carry that into the bedroom with him,” Laya said.

I pressed my palms to my temples, willing the teasing away. “Okay, that’s enough. I don’t need a play-by-play of his other…interludes. Thank you very much.”

The last thing I wanted was to imagine him leaning close to someone else, tracing her jawline with his easy confidence. A hot twinge of jealousy flared in my veins, and the thought of murdering every one of them filled my mind.

I took a deep, centering breath and pushed those thoughts away.

Wow. I never realized I was so possessive.

I shifted, the fabric of my jeans bunching at my hips, and wondered if this constant fear of being handled too gently would ever fade.

Would he always treat me like I’d crack if he breathed too hard?

My pulse thundered. How could I show him I wasn’t fragile and could take the weight of his dominance?

And what if he refused to hear the real me, the parts of me burning with wild cravings I barely understood myself?

What if these restless urges never went away?

A soft rustle beside me pulled me out of my spiral. Avra’s dark brows drew together as she adjusted on her seat, her black curls brushing her shoulders.

“Did you tell him, Cali?” Avra asked in almost a whisper. “Does he know the details?”

“Yes, he does,” I affirmed. “He was very kind, listened, and never made me feel judged. Since then, he hasn’t changed. He’s genuinely delightful to be around. In all honesty, I can easily imagine falling in love with him.”

“Wow,” Avra said. “When did you realize all this? ”

“The first day I met him, if I’m being quite honest.” I smiled at the thought of that first day. “I’d been so nervous. Cynical. Defensive. But as soon as he arrived, everything just seemed to fall into place between us. It was like meeting a long-lost friend.”

“That’s so sweet,” Laya said.

Avra leaned forward. “I wish you’d said something to us sooner. You could’ve avoided the Dominic disaster.”

“I don’t think I realized it myself until later,” I said. “It didn’t take long, though.”

“I’m so happy for you.” Avra smiled first at me, then at Laya. “I’m happy for all of us.”

“Look how far we’ve come,” Laya said as she lifted Constantine from the carrier beside her and hugged him close to her chest. “I’m proud of us and everything we’ve achieved.”

“Me too,” Avra agreed.

Their confidence was like a steady flame, and I yearned to be just as unshakeable. I watched them side by side, one cradling new life, the other leaning in to share my joy, and felt my heart swell. I could be this strong too.

They were both going to be amazing mothers, and I was happy to get to watch them raise happy little humans.

“Are you aware that Leon called Eli, Cali?” Avra asked.

“Did he?”

“Yes.” She rubbed her swollen belly. “He was asking about Elias’s father.”

“Why?” I whispered. My pulse thumped in my ears .

Avra’s gaze never wavered. “Leon told Elias he’s located Ozias.”

When Leon had asked me if I’d rather receive Ozias’s heart as a gift or cut it out myself, I wasn’t sure if he was being serious or not.

But if he’d gone so far as to consult with Elias about it, then perhaps he was.

A bolt of surprise echoed through me. Did he truly mean to cut out the man’s heart?

Laya raised an eyebrow. “What does he need Ozias for?”

I exhaled, tension rolling out of my shoulders. “He says it’s a wedding gift.”

They looked over at me.

“What kind of gift?” Avra asked.

“I can’t say.” I shrugged.

Maybe it was noble of him to dare to take such an extravagant step, but I wasn’t going to be the one to tell anyone, not even my sisters. The fact that they were very perceptive, though, still existed.

“Don’t you want to be the one to exact revenge on that prick?” Avra asked. She peered directly into my eyes, and it was apparent she knew what Leon was planning.

“I, for one,” Laya said, “would love to watch you slit that bastard’s throat.”

The image of Laya tenderly holding her infant child and making such violent statements was stark and amusing to me.

“Don’t worry, darling sisters. You can be assured that my fiancé asked about my preferences and is committed to appropriately handling the situation.

I would be lying if I said it wouldn’t be a pleasure to watch him work. ”

They laughed, and I joined in, even if it was about a very dark subject. We all exchanged knowing glances, the unbreakable bond between us pulsing.

“Looks like the old Cali is coming back,” Laya finally said.

“No, I don’t think so,” I admitted. “It’s a new and improved Cali you’re seeing. But it sure is nice to be surrounded by people who understand every version of myself.”

“We love all the versions of you, always, Cali.” Avra reached over and squeezed my hand.

“I love you both too.” A surge of love washed over me.

“I’m so fucking happy you found someone who cares about you and understands you,” Laya said. “Leon is going to be a wonderful husband for you. He’s already showing it.”

“Yes, he is,” I said, my heart skipping a beat at the thought of him ripping out Ozias’s heart and bringing it to me.

It was so medieval and primal and savage.

And so damned sexy, it made me wet.