Page 74 of Savage Empire

And then, she breathes a heavy sigh.

“I don’t know how he’s going to get me out of here without hurting my father. He’ll never let me leave. Mother will probably try to have him executed for daring to disrespect her authority as my parent. You should tell him not to bother. It’s too much to ask.”

“Trust me, S. I couldn’t convince him to change his mind even if I tried. He’ll be there and he’ll get you out. I don’t know how, but these Moretti men are crafty. Trust me, I know. I’ve been trying to despise them in your honor for over a week now and it feels like years. Instead, I’ve befriended two of them, and allowed Yordan to become utterly attached to the whole lot of them.”

“I want to hope that you’re right.” She gulps. “That he’s really coming and that everything is going to change now. But I can’t allow myself to believe it. The hope will crush me if you’re wrong.”

“You’re getting out of there,” I say firmly, wishing I could hug her. “You don’t need to hope. You don’t need to do anything but sit back and watch it happen. I can’t wait to see you again, S. I’m so happy that you don’t hate me and my big mouth.”

“Rayna, if you’re right and this is happening, I’ll kiss you and your big mouth.”

We’re both hit by a sharp laugh, chuckling into each other’s ear.

“I understand why you couldn’t stay quiet, because if the roles were reversed, I don’t think I could keep quiet either. I would be just as angry, and probably just as mouthy. That’s whatfriends do. We lash out at anyone who hurts the people we care about.”

Half of the weight in my gut eases, and I thank the stars that I have such an understanding best friend. Truly, Sienna might just be one of the strongest women I’ve ever met.

“I’m still so sorry,” I admit, whispering. “Even though I know this is going to work out for the best, and I’m so glad to get you away from them, I don’t know that I’ll ever get over this guilt. I promise I never meant to betray your trust, I just had to speak up.”

“It’s okay,” Sienna returns. “I…I think I’m excited. I don’t want to let myself hope but, I’m not sure I can help it.”

“If there’s any man to trust with your hope, it’s Elio,” I tell her gently. “He’s got this soft presence, S. I feel like he’s made himself my friend without requiring any effort on my part. And honestly? I think he might jump in front of a bullet for Yordan. He’s just good.”

Apollo is too, I add silently.

Not to mention Leon…

Really, I can’t deny that every Moretti has gone out of their way to make us feel safe and welcome. Melani and Cleo excluded, but Cleo hardly speaks and I came in with a preconceived hate for Melani.

“I think—” She hesitates, breathing hard. “I think I’m going to pack a bag. I’ll cry if I have to put everything back, but I want to be prepared.”

I smile softly, proud of her vulnerable words. “You should definitely pack that bag. Why don’t I let you go? I’ll check in with Apollo and see if he can give me an ETA for you, okay? I’ll keep you updated with texts, and you call me if you needanything, okay?”

“Okay.” She breathes shakily.

“I mean it, anything, S. I’ll have my phone attached to my side at all times. I’m here for you, Yordan too. I’m sure he’d love to hear from you.”

“Will do, Regina.”

I smile into the phone. “Speak soon, Rachel.”

She hangs up after a beat of silence, and I do the same. Leaning back, I slide down the wall, softly falling to my butt.

“She doesn’t hate me,” I whisper to myself, wiping my face with the back of my hands. “I didn’t ruin everything.”

I’ve sufficiently dried my eyes when I hear the door creek open. I open my mouth to tell Apollo I need a minute, when I see blonde hair.

“Hey,” Leon greets softly.

“Hey,” I return, feeling relieved that he doesn’t appear pissed off.

“Mind if I join you?” he asks, nodding to the empty floor beside me.

“You’re asking me if you can sit on the floor of your childhood home?”

He chuckles at the confused look on my face. “It’s always nice to ask.” Without further invitation needed, he sits next to me against the wall, leaving about a foot of space between our thighs.

“So, that was a lot,” he starts, and I chuckle at his awkward wince. “I won’t lie, I overheard a bit of your phone call. You picked one of the few rooms that wasn’t soundproofed, unfortunately. Are you okay?”