“Eve, don’t.”
I ignore Atlas and make my way to the front. I keep Abel behind me, but I feel his head pressing into my back as he tries to look between me and Kortez.
Aldo looks exactly like what I thought he would. He’s got Atlas’s dark eyes, but his hair has begun to gray at the roots. You can tell he used to be strong in his prime, but his body has begun to lose the muscle. He’s wearing a dark gray suit with a white shirt underneath. A spot of blood stains the collar, probably from whoever he shot to get on the plane.
His head tilts to the side as he looks at me, his gun still trained on Kor’s chest. “You. I thought we got rid of you a decade ago.”
I give him a smirk, “I don’t scare easy.”
He hums and looks over to Kortez, “Hmm. You brought her here?”
Kortez’s body begins to shake as he stares at Aldo, refusing to answer his question. Atlas pushes Kor behind him as he answers his father and grabs my free hand. “I did.”
Aldo squints his eyes as he lowers his gun. “Why?”
I feel Roman’s breath against my ear as he leans forward to whisper to Atlas and I. “We’re surrounded. Don’t do it.”
Atty squeezes my hand before answering his father. “We’re engaged. We’ll be married soon.”
It’s not Aldo’s voice that answers and instead a small, excited voice coming from behind me. “You’re getting married?”
I tighten my grip on Abel as Aldo’s eyes dip down to the small hand clenched in my own. A wicked smile flits across his lips as he crouches down. “And who are you?”
Looking down, I realize he’s looking directly between Kor and I where Abel’s small face is in view. He must not have realized him before now.
“Abel.”
Aldo waves his fingers, “Come here, son.”
Kortez finally moves, closing the gap between us so Aldo can’t see Abel anymore.
Aldo chuckles and stands, looking over at Kor. “Move, Kortez, or I’ll have Zahail come in and move you for me.”
I feel the tremble go through Kortez as Atlas curses. “Come here, Bel.”
Abel releases my hand. I turn to Atlas, my eyes wide as he brings our son in front of us.
“I’ve got him, Eve.” His murmur is low enough that his father doesn’t hear as he moves closer to look at my son.
“Well, well. You’re a Valente if I ever saw one.” Aldo looks up at Atlas before turning his head to look at the still trembling Kor. “Which one of you does he belong to?”
“Me.” Atlas wraps an arm around Abel’s shoulders and pulls him close. “He’s mine. I found them while searching for Roman.”
Aldo laughs, “Yes, your cousin is always getting into trouble one way or another.” His eyes look over me and no doubt land on Ro standing against my back. “Roman, your parents will be so happy you’re home.”
Roman grunts as Aldo turns back to Atlas. “So, you brought her and your son home.” He nods. “Good thinking. The elders will appreciate your willingness to settle down. They’ve been searching for a bride for you and your brother. I’ll let them know we already have one of you taken care of.”
Anger simmers in my blood at Aldo’s words. “No.”
He looks down at me with raised eyebrows and a smirk on his lips. “No? My dear girl, I don’t think anyone has ever told me no before.” He turns to Kortez with a questioning look. “You have your hooks in both of them, don’t you?”
I don’t say anything, but he takes it as an answer, giving me a single nod before looking over at Wylder on Kor’s other side. “Who are you?”
“He’s with us.”
Atlas’s words have Aldo’s grip on his gun tightening. “Interesting that you leave to get Roman and come back with a new friend.” His eyes drop to me. “And a family.”
The cabin is quiet as he mulls over his words. “Well. They’ll be at home at the estate; I have no doubt. Come, let’s get you settled in.”
