Page 75 of Savage Empire

“I think so,” I admit, attempting a half-smile. And of course I would end up in a room with thin walls. Just my luck.

“Sienna doesn’t hate me for airing her business, and Elio is going with Nico to get her out of that godforsaken house so, I can’t deny this turned out well. I’ve been trying to convince herto reach out for years. She didn’t want things to go this way, but I couldn’t stay quiet any longer.”

“You care for her,” Leon says with a smile. “I understand. And Armani has decided to tag along, by the way. He’s quite good at redirecting Nico’s more murderous moods.”

“Well, I’m glad he’s tagging along then.” I sigh. “Honestly, I wish Sienna hated her parents as much as I do, because we could have totally poisoned them with pastries years ago.”

Leon laughs.

“Also, are you crazy? I just accused most of your family of negligence, screamed at the dinner table, ruined the night, and youunderstand?” I ask with a grin. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you like the thrill of the drama, Leon Moretti.”

“I would be upset too,” he reasons, shrugging. “Melani isn’t truly an evil monster, I know you know that, even if you despise her. She’s a good wife and mother, but she hurt someone you care for. She ignored her sister when she could have saved her. I’m sure now that the rose colored glasses have been lifted, she’ll live with this guilt for the rest of her life.”

Maybe. But is that enough?

“Is it bad that I hope that’s true?”

“No.” His head shakes. “Just means you’re human.”

“A human who had four glasses of wine and not nearly enough food to soak it up.”

Leon gives an understanding chuckle. “Been there, Rayna. Been there.”

“Is your father angry with me? I would hate for him to dislike Yordan because of me.”

“He’s only upset that Sienna has been hurt when he could have helped. Since finding Jade, he’s grown even more of a fierce soft spot for abused young girls. He sees all of them as his daughter and he can’t help it. If anything, he’ll be glad you were angry enough to speak up.”

“If you say so,” I accept, though I do feel slightly better. “Dante Moretti is not the kind of man I mean to make an enemy of.”

“You definitely haven’t made an enemy of him, or any of us.”

Besides Melani, I imagine.

“I should find Apollo,” I say regretfully. “I told Sienna I would get her a time to look out for Elio if I could.”

He nods, head dipping twice. “He’s in his office. I can take you up.”

“Thank you,” I reply sincerely.

As we get to our feet, Leon pauses before heading for the door.

“It was nice to hear you speak so highly of Elio. He doesn’t have many friends, and I can tell that you two have built a quiet bond recently. He’s a good ally to have in your corner.”

I look down at my feet. “You are too.”

A beat passes between us.

“Allies, then.”

My lips twitch. “Yeah, allies.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Apollo

Leon drops Rayna off in my office without a word, opening my door and ushering her inside before making himself scarce. She rounds on the door, clearly not expecting to be left alone so abruptly.

“Traitor,” she mutters, glaring at the closed hardwood.