Page 94 of Savage Empire

“You sure it’s that simple?”

“We’re good friends, aren’t we?” I wince, feeling how odd that sounds. “I mean, I don’t want to lose our friendship. I feel like we get along well and our families are so intertwined…I like having you in my life.”

“Yeah,” he agrees softly. “We’re good friends, Rayna. I don’t want to mess it up either.”

“I’m lonely,” I admit sadly. “I think you are too? We just felt safe and comfortable for a moment, and wanted to bask in it.”

“Lonely,” Leon repeats. “Yeah. Married for years and lonelier than I’ve ever been in my entire life.”

Perhaps it’s the wrong time, but I can’t help the way I react. Walking into him, I wrap my arms around his back and squeeze.

“I’m sorry, Leon. Maybe you should talk to her?”

“Maybe,” he agrees, slowly accepting the hug. “I should probably go.”

“Text me, okay?” I ask, stepping away from him. “We can’t let this be weird. What almost happened wasn’t aboutus.It was just?—”

“Comfortable,” he finishes.

“Yeah.” I swallow. “Safe.”

We didn’t want to kiss each other, not exactly. We just felt safe enough to try and be less lonely together.

Shit.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Yordan

TheSafe Harbor Orphanagehas a whole new wing, fully renovated and upgraded thanks to Ana. She’s been working with them for months now, using her own money to help the once poorly funded charity improve.

Today’s event is meant to help the facility build a nest egg of cash so it can continue to thrive as the years go on. Well, that,andto give the kids a fun time. It is a mini carnival, after all.

The first time I met Ana Moretti at Apollo’s house, she started babbling about the event to me. The way she spoke about the kids and all the good thatSafe Harbordoes, it was infectious. The more we talked about it, the more I wanted to be a part of it.

I don’t think she believed me at first, thinking that I was trying to appease her, or showing interest so that she’d like me. But a week later, I was volunteering with her, even bringing Apollo along with me. It was just a normal day in the building, nothing special planned. But I loved it.

Ana could tell that I genuinely enjoyed helping, it felt as fulfilling for me as it did to her. So, she officially invited me to be a part of her fundraising event. And now, here we are.

The large backyard of theSafe Harborbuilding has been fully transformed into something out of a movie. Colors decorate every surface, and wild giggling fills the air. The little carnival has been a huge hit with the kids, and I can see why. I would have loved doing something like this when I was younger.

“Your-dan, up,” Leo says, tugging on my pant leg. I grin down at Leon’s son. He’s holding a tiny bag of cotton candy and has a blue ring of sugar around his little lips.

Ana told me the story of him being adopted from the place in NYC she used to volunteer at. And if I didn’t know it, I’d never guess that he wasn’t Leon’s son. Not only are their names similar, but they remind me so much of one another. Their features aren’t identical, but they have the same calm and kind energy.

Reaching down to scoop the toddler up, my heart warms as he tucks himself into my hold. The sign of trust feels natural, as we’ve spent plenty of time together this past month.

“Are you having fun, little dude?”

“Fun,” he echoes. His English is improving every day.

I chuckle at his tired sounding voice. “How much candy have you had, hmm?” I’m sensing a sugar crash.

“Candy,” he repeats, nodding with a grin. “Daddy, where?”

“You want your dad?” I swing my gaze around, immediately finding Leon close by. He’s had an eye on his son this whole time, only around fifteen feet away, standing with Cassio. “Well, I can help with that.”

Leo yawns twice on the small walk over to his father and I smother a laugh. He’s all tuckered out, either from the candy, or from running around and making friends for the last couple hours.