Page 21 of Serpent & Saviors

He shook his head and chuckled.

I grinned in response. “I’ll fill Marcus in on the plan.”

“Then I guess you’d better get to it,” Ivan said, looking at his phone.

I whipped out mine and quickly sent Marcus a text letting him know to bring Victoria by later. I still wanted her to come to Nan’s, but I didn’t want to be in the car with her right now. Then shot one over to Nan, letting her know we were on our way.

While Ivan headed to the car, I slipped back inside the suite and grabbed some clothes to change into. I’d shower at Nan’s. As we drove over, my thoughts kept returning to the blonde beauty.

Maybe this would somehow give me space to apologize for my behavior last night. I’d royally fucked it up from start to finish. In the car, when Victoria spoke about Rachmaninoff, there was such joy in her voice. Taking her to my grandparent’s house was the perfect solution.

A few years back, Nan purchased a piano at auction, paying an exorbitant amount for the privilege of owning it. It was an antique, old, but in pristine condition. I didn’t know the history, nor could I appreciate it the way a true artist would.

But maybe Victoria could. The only thing I knew about it was that the sound was nothing short of magnificent. But my skill level didn’t extend beyond a few simple pieces I vaguely remembered from lessons I took years back.

“Someone is excited we’re here,” Ivan said, notching his head toward the porch.

We’d pulled up, and my Nan stood there waving happily. I couldn’t help but smile. Her silver hair framed her face in a neat style, and her casual outfit gave off an effortlessly elegant vibe that I knew and loved.

“Ivan King,” she exclaimed as I stepped out. He was already bending to hug her. “You made it,” she gushed.

“Of course, I had to fight my way to the top of the invite list,” Ivan teased, making my grandmother beam.

“Don’t be silly, you’re my favorite King,” she said sweetly.

He chuckled loudly as we walked into the foyer. Immediately, I noticed there was a lot of activity going on. You’d think they were having a party of some kind. My eyes narrowed as I kissed Nan on the cheek.

“What’s going on?”

Then I heard her voice.

“If it isn’t the long-lost man-child, come home. Are you here to critique my latest work?” Charlene de Wolfe, my grandmother’s long-time interior decorator, sauntered over. In her six-inch Louis Vuitton heels, no less. “Oh, who is this?” she purred, winking at Ivan, causing Nan to laugh.

“Charlene, he’s off the market and very much in love,” she said with a pat on Ivan’s hand, her face softening when she mentioned love. “How is that lovely girl of yours today? Any happier about her trip with Sophia?”

“Nope. She was sulking when I left.”

Her eyes twinkled. “Oh, dear. Well, maybe she and Isabella can pop on over when she’s back. With the remodel going on, I could use—”

My chest tightened. “Nan,” I began, keeping my voice even but firm.

She looked at me with a raised eyebrow, sensing the shift. The woman was determined to renovate the house despite the many conversations we’d had. And the look on her face said it all. She was relentless when she set her mind to something.

I sighed. I’d seen more than my fair share of memories here. Many of them weren’t the kind I liked to revisit. From the towering ceilings to the grand staircase, from the Brazilian cherry hardwood floors to the sprawling acres that stretched out behind the mansion.

It was all there, and with it came distant, haunting memories. Her heart was in the right place. But no matter how much I tried to remind her, she wouldn’t let it go.

She also didn’t like being told ‘no’.

“Andy, I’ve told you repeatedly what my plans are. This will be your home one day. It’s bigger than the one you’re currently in by a long stretch. Since the five of you—well six now with Pasha—are determined to live under one roof, you’ll eventually be bursting at the seams in your place in no time. Isn’t that right, Ivan?”

One glance at him said it all. He smirked. “It’s true, Counselor. She’s right in a thousand ways. Just think of the babies.”

“Yes, Andy, think of the babies. Speaking of that.” She looped her arm through Ivan’s.

“We’re working on it. As soon as we can get Kinsley on board, we’ll start pumping out those great grandbabies for you. I promise,” Ivan said, giving her another hug.

“I know you will. I have all the faith in the world. It will happen when the time is right.”