Page 36 of Savage Empire

Despite some of the strange placement for things, I couldn’t deny how extensive the provided supplies appeared to be. Apollo must have told whoever shopped for him to buy anything thatcould be used in a kitchen, and they took him entirely too literally. Just for serving and eating alone, I have multi-sized cups, mugs, plates, bowls, spoons, forks, and knives.

There are enough pots and pans to run a commercial kitchen, not to mention all of the utensils for stirring, scooping, frying, baking…the works. The appliances are even more ridiculous. Aside from the common stove, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, and coffee machine, there’s loads of little devices hidden away in a vast cabinet. An expensive stand mixer, a waffle maker, an air fryer, a pressure cooker, and a fucking panini press just to name a few.

It’s overkill times a thousand, and I hate that I love it. I could make anything at the drop of a hat, without having to find some creative way to do it with a pan on the stove. I don’t even want to know what other surprises this apartment has in store for us. I feel like there could be gold bars in my bathroom cabinet at this rate.

Once I finished, an immediate temptation to whip up some kind of pastry or simple sweet for when Yordan returned set in, but it was almost too overwhelming to act on.

I’ve always hated this kind of mood, when there’s a million things youcoulddo, and you want to do something, but the motivation somehow slips you by. It happens to me more often than I’d like to admit. So instead of testing out my oven, I’m sitting on the couch, drinking a smoothie and watching a movie that lost my interest twenty minutes ago.

My mind is too busy wondering about things that I can’t witness or control. How are things in Chicago? Is Federico’s family on a rampage? Does Abramo truly not care about what Yordan did? Is Yordan okay with Apollo and Elio? Is he having fun? Are they going to feed him lunch?

“Ughhh,” I audibly groan, running a hand down my face. “You need to do something, Rayna. You’re a capable adult, you can entertain yourself while Yordan is gone. He’s fine.”

Hearing my voice, hearing the words trying to reassure me, it doesn’t help one bit.

“He’s fine, but you’re not, you crazy bitch,” I mumble. “Talking to yourself like a whacko cannot be healthy.”

Flipping over on my stomach, I grab my phone and swipe open the screen, hoping to see a text from Yordan.

No notifications.

“Of course,” I huff, dropping the device once more.

I’m about to bury my face into the cushion to scream or cry or I don’t know, something dramatic, when a few short knocks startle me from where I lay. A hit of unease sinks into my gut, as the reality that I’m all alone becomes dangerously clear. If it were Yordan at the door, he could let himself in. He has a key.

Why didn’t I ask him where he put his gun?

Why didn’t I demand that Apollo give me one as well?

My phone pings with a text before I can decide how to proceed.

Leon

Sorry if I’ve startled you, it’s just me at the door. I should have had security ping you first.

My shoulders drop in immediate relief, and I hop off the couch, clutching my phone close. Approaching the door, I quickly rise up on my tip toes and check the peep hole. Sure enough, Leon’s familiar features meet my eye. And he’s not alone, in his arms, the sweetest small boy rests his head against his father’s shoulder, cuddling close.

Fumbling to unlock the several latches, I try not to make the man wait any longer. I’m not sure why he’s here, but I doubtit’s to cause me harm while he’s carrying around his toddler. Perhaps I wouldn’t trust a strange man with a child, but I saw Leon with Leo before, and he’s an undeniably loving father. He’d never put him in harm’s way.

Swinging open the heavy oak door, I muster my best smile. “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

“My fault,” Leon replies, not at all looking put out by the small wait. “I should have called first. Leo and I were in the area…”

“Please,” I rush out, stepping aside. “Come in.”

As the second eldest Moretti son and his child step over the threshold, I shut the door behind them, making sure to turn the locks.

“Uhm, Yordan isn’t here,” I say awkwardly. “He left with Apollo and Elio awhile ago.”

“You didn’t want to go with them?”

My nose scrunches on instinct. “And spend more time with Apollo? No thanks.” Once the words leave my lips, I internally facepalm. “I mean…shit, I didn’t mean to insult your brother to your face.”

Leon chuckles. “Believe me, it’s fine. We came to see you, as it is.”

My lips part, surprise filling me. “You did?”

Leon arches a brow, looking strikingly like Apollo with the smooth action. “Is that so shocking?”