Page 21 of The Devil

He crosses his arms over his chest and leans back against the counter. “Evinka and I grew up in an orphanage.”

I nod. “I’m aware.”

“You and I have similar pasts, Enzo.”

I shake my head. “I beg to differ. You had food, clothes, water, and a roof over your head.” My gaze meets his. “You had Evinka.”

He thinks for a moment, then nods. “All true.” Uncrossing his arms, he pushes away from the counter and comes closer to me.

I know he hates interacting with people. Maybe more than I do, so I take it seriously when he places his hand on my shoulder and a sincere expression settles on his face.

“You’re not alone, Enzo. We all came here to show you how important you are to the alliance. Santiago is right. No man is an island. Let us be the family you never had.”

“Family is overrated.” It’s my go-to response, and I regret the words once they hang in the air between us. Shaking my head, I let out a sigh. “I trust the alliance.”

Santiago appears in the doorway while brushing his palms against each other to get rid of some dust.

“I know, but we can give you so much more,” Dominik continues. “Camaraderie. Someone to lean on when things get a bit tough.” He gives my shoulder a light shake. “This alliance has held strong for over five years, Enzo. Let us into your life. You won’t be disappointed.”

Santiago comes closer, his expression serious. “You’re already family, brother. Stop being stubborn and accept it.”

We hear a car’s engine, and I say a silent prayer of thanks for the interruption because I need time to think about everything Dominik and Santiago just said.

A moment later, we hear Leo asking, “Where’s everyone?”

“In the kitchen,” Santiago replies.

“Which is where?”

Dominik walks to the doorway. “Over here.”

When Leo and Cassia come in, carrying bags, I gesture at the island in the middle of the kitchen. “Thanks.”

They set everything down, then Leo comes to shake my hand. “How have you been?”

“I’m good. You?”

“Same.”

Cassia steps closer, and I keep my touch gentle when I shake her hand. Since she took over as the head of the Greek mafia, she’s proven herself as a formidable fighter. It’s earned my respect, which I don’t give away easily.

“Never thought we’d have a barbecue with you,” she mentions as she glances over all the meat. “Anything I can help with?”

“No, thanks. You must be tired from traveling.” I look at Santiago. “Did you find a grill outside?”

He nods. “And chairs.” He tips his head toward the door. “Come, I’ll show everyone where we’ll be sitting.”

I pick up the plastic container holding all the meat and follow Santiago out of the house. We follow the wrap-around porch until we reach a veranda where he’s set up everything. I place the container on one of the chairs, then tell him, “You can start the grill while I fix the salad and get us something to drink.”

“No alcohol for me,” Cassia mentions. All our eyes snap to her, and she lets out a chuckle. “Yes, I’m pregnant again.”

The other three men congratulate her, and when it’s my turn, I ask, “Why are you here? You could’ve sent Knight in your stead.”

She looks me dead in the eye as she replies, “This is a family matter, and I’ll be damned if I sit on the sidelines. Besides, I’m only three months along and can still kick ass.”

I take in the determined look on her face, then nod. “Okay.”

Without another word from me, I turn around and head back into the house. I quickly empty the shopping bags and notice Cassia got everything for a Greek salad. I toss the ingredients together in a bowl and place it in the fridge.