“Are you okay?” I rubbed her back with my free hand.
“Yes, I’m just a little overheated.” She set her glass on the tray. “I’m going to excuse myself for a few minutes. Stay here and enjoy this reunion.”
“I can go outside with you so you can get some air.” I kissed her cheek. “I don’t mind.”
“Don’t be silly.” She squeezed my hand. ” “I’m going to the restroom. I’ll be right back.”
She hurried out of the office a little too fast for my liking. I fought the urge to follow her because I didn’t want her to think she couldn’t pee without me hovering.
Something was definitely off. I had been too protective these last few days and she probably needed space. I wanted to make her feel comfortable, but with so much turmoil going on with Medina, I wasn’t doing a great job of hiding my aggravation.
Some days, it was better if I shut down and concentrated on business. I didn’t mean to put a wall between us, but maybe that was how she felt. I’d have to find a way to rectify that.
As my father and brother played catch-up, Lissia joined me by the window.
“Is everything okay between you and Sable?” she asked. “She seemed a little overwhelmed.”
“Wouldn’t you be if you were her and thrown into a room with all of us?” I finished my champagne. “Our way of lifetakes some getting used to. She didn’t grow up surrounded with guards, guns, and enemies at every turn.”
“She seems up for the challenge. She’s with you, isn’t she?” Lissia patted my arm. “She really likes you.”
“I really like her.”
Sable had my whole heart. There wasn’t anything I wouldn't do for her. That included sending her away even if she couldn’t understand why I had to do it. I’d rather have her hate me forever. At least she would still be alive.
“She’s changed me in ways that I never thought I wanted to be changed,” I said. “I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve fallen hard.”
"I can tell, wild man.” Lissia laughed. “She’s tamed you. I love that for you.”
“Marchello hasn’t tamed you.” I pulled her into my side and kissed the top of her head. “I love that for you.”
“I’ve missed you,” she said. “I’m so happy to be home.”
“I’m glad to have you here.” I let go of her. “I think you’ll be good for Sable too. She could use a friend.”
“Do you want me to go check on her? Maybe she could use that friend right now?”
“If you don’t mind,” I said. “It’s probably nothing, but I worry about her. I’m trying not to smother her.”
“You’re sweet.” She kissed my cheek. “Go talk to your dad and brother. I’ll find Sable.”
“Thank you.”
“You owe me something pretty and expensive from that boutique.” She waved at Marchello. “I’ll be right back.”
She hustled out of the room with the boundless energy she would have if Louis Vuitton dropped a new bag to their VIP customers. No one could stop Lissia when she was on a mission.
“Is she going to spend money already?” Marchello asked. “Why is she in such a hurry?”
“She’s always ready to spend money.” My dad ran his hand along his jaw. “Don’t let that one go. We need her.”
“I don’t plan to.” Chello stood from his desk. “I’m not leaving the two of you anytime soon either. We have to take control of this Medina situation.”
“We’re not letting you go anywhere.” I went to the liquor cabinet. “Now that we have a few minutes to ourselves.” I grabbed the black bottle of exclusive vodka. “We should ditch the champagne.”
“I could use a shot of that.” Chello pointed at the bottle. “We have some business to discuss. Milo has briefed me on Medina and the alliance he’s building with the other cities.”
I brought the bottle to the desk and poured the first round of shots. “Now that you’re home, we can get a fresh perspective on things and come up with a solid plan to eliminate all threats.”
