“She’s a queen.” I winked at my girl. “Besides, there can only be one princess, and we all know who that is in this family."
“I guess that’s true.” Lissia let go of Sable. “But I’m so happy you’re at the main house. We could do so much damage there,especially when Ricardo is left alone with us. That man knows how to shop.”
“He won't be left alone with you often.” Marchello sat at his desk as my father quickly left the room. “You know he’s not going to be your guard again.”
“I wouldn’t trade Dom.” Lissia sat on the edge of the desk. “He’s fantastic.”
Dom had been Lissia’s guard for a few months and had a way of getting her to listen to him. We were all impressed that she didn’t try to give him the slip. After what had happened to her in Miami with Collins seemed to give her a different perspective of what it meant to be an Accetti.
That didn’t mean that any of us were going to take our eyes off of her. Lissia had the best intentions, but somehow they always got her into trouble. She kept Marchello on his toes, and now that she was back in New York, we had to be more diligent than ever when it came to protecting her.
“But Ricardo is my friend,” Lissia said. “And you promised not to scare him.”
“Chello can be a little obsessed when it comes to Lissia’s security,” I said. “That’s probably where I get it from.”
“Probably?” Lissia shook her head. “Sable, I hope you’re getting used to being a prisoner.”
“Hey brat,” Marchello said. “Don’t scare her off.”
“Aren’t they sweet?” I put my arm around Sable’s waist. “Don’t worry, Chello, Sable’s not going anywhere. She likes being with me for some odd reason.”
“I’ve always been a little odd.” Sable inched closer to me. “But I’m glad to hear Milo isn't the only one who goes insane over security.”
“Live in my head for a few hours and you’ll understand why I’m so crazy.” If Sable knew the things I’d seen and done, shewould be begging for me to send her away. “We all have to be diligent.”
“Now that Marchello is home, doesn't that mean you’ll have more resources when it comes to Medina?” Sable asked.
“In theory.” Marchello nodded. “But we can’t underestimate him.”
My father returned with a bottle of champagne and a tray with five crystal flutes. “Let’s put a pause on business for a few minutes,” he said. ”We should celebrate the return of my son and his beautiful wife.”
“I agree,” Chello said. “We’re thrilled to be home.”
“I’m glad we’re all back together.” I took the bottle of champagne from my dad and popped it open. “We’re stronger this way.”
“Agreed,” my dad said as he set the tray on the desk so I could pour everyone a glass.
“Now you can take down that scum Medina,” Lissia said as I handed her a glass. “He’ll get what’s coming to him.”
“Lissia.” My father took a glass from me. “You are to stay away from Medina. Do you understand?”
“Marchello has made it very clear,” Lissia said. “I get it.”
“Let me make it clear to you that I don’t have the soft spot for you that my son does.” He took a flute from me. “I’m going to trust that you will listen to me.”
“Yes, Daddy.” Lissia smiled.
“They have a unique relationship,” I said to Sable as I handed her a glass of champagne. “And my father does have a soft spot for her.”
Sable took the glass from me as she took in the dynamics in the room. She did a good job of not fidgeting, but she had to be anxious with all of us in one room. At least at the house she would have our suite to retreat to if she needed a break.
“Now that everyone has a flute,” my father said. “I want to welcome Marchello and Lissia back home. May none of us ever be separated again.”
“Salute.” I raised my glass. “To better days ahead.”
“Salute,” everyone said in unison.
Sable lifted her glass and toasted, but she didn’t drink her champagne. Her eyes seemed heavier than usual and her skin had lost its natural glow.
