“This family is fuckingweird.”
“Yes, yes it is, but remember to leave the ‘fucking’ part out when you tell other people about us...and that you know about your uncle’s dick.”
“I’m not telling anyone else that.”
“Good plan.”
Marcus peered across the table toward me. “So...ready to leave again?”
I burst out laughing, covering my mouth when Dom gave me a dirty look. He didn’t see the humor, but good God, I hadforgotten how much chaos followed these people around, maybe because they caused it most of the time.
“You,” Dom swore as he jabbed a finger at Milo, “are dead, got it? And now we know Elijah isn’t brave enough to save you.”
“Hey, who said anything about brave?” Elijah said with a frown. “I know how to get mine. I’m just not going to save him every time he’s...him.”
Milo turned, his eyes wide as he stared at Elijah. “C’mon Eli, don’t let him...please?”
Elijah stared back at him, and although his expression never changed, I could sense something had shifted inside him. When he sighed, I had to cover my smile as he turned to Dom. “You can get yours, but talk terms with me first.”
“He will,” I said, picking my head up and smiling at Elijah.
“Hmm, maybe I’ll talk terms with you instead,” Elijah said.
“That works too.”
Dom scowled. “Excuse me?”
I patted his hand. “I’m sure I can come up with something to make you feel like you got your revenge, but without breaking Milo.”
“I’m starting to think maybe I should just let Dom do...whatever,” Milo said, squinting at me. “You sound devious. Were you always devious?”
“He was the brains of the operation,” a new voice said softly, and I looked up.
“Oh, hello again, Arlo,” I said, tilting my head. “You look...happy.”
“Thank you, I am,” he said, walking in with the man I’d only seen in videos. There was more confidence than arrogance about Arlo now as he followed Ward, never quite touching him, as they took their seats. “It’s good to see you again, Levi.”
I’d always liked Arlo, even when he was considered a freak by everyone who wasn’t family. The softness that followed himthrough life had always been a surprisingly effective armor against the ills of the world. I had envied that about him.
“Mmm, I suppose we’re not going to get introduced then?” Ward asked, watching me with a squint. “I’m Ward, you’re obviously Levi.”
“I didn’t get introduced either,” Kayden said with a wave. “I’m Kayden. Hello, Levi.”
“Hi, Kayden, I’ve heard plenty about you,” I said and turned to Ward. “I’ve heard less about you, but it’s not really necessary, is it?”
“Ha, man doesn’t even live in the state, and he knows me,” he said, frowning. “God, please tell me you know me by my off-camera reputation and not through my mother.”
“I have unfortunate news for you,” I told him, smiling apologetically.
“Damn it all,” Ward deflated. “Hope springs eternal, but it is a fickle, tricky bitch, let me tell you.”
“Hold on,” Matilda said once all the drinks were made, and everyone returned to the table, some reaching for the covers on the trays. “I don’t get a chance to do this sort of thing, so I’m taking the opportunity.”
“Uh oh,” Dom muttered, reaching to take his own glass.
“Levi,” Matilda said, and I was sure I probably looked like a deer in headlights when I turned to stare at her. “We don’t know what happened or where you went, but I’m glad to have you back with us, however long it’s for. And I hope that, despite how...unique this family can be, you can still feel at home here.”
I tried not to, but I stared at the table. I hadn’t been ready for a typical dinner with her family, let alone for her to single me out as special. Once upon a time, I was a kid with a good, hardworking mom, but not much to speak of in the family department. She and Marcus had basically taken me in whenever I wasn’t with my mom or Dom, and while I had nevergone so far as to call them family, it had been close. And now, despite disappearing without a word, she was welcoming me back like it was nothing.
