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“Welcome to the family, Isabella.”

For a second, I didn’t know what to say.

“Thank you.”

He nodded once, as though that settled everything.

The door at the back of the office opened, and Lachlan stepped in with my wrap folded over one forearm.

His attention went first to Luca, then to me, before settling on the card in my hand.

Understanding crossed his face.

“Christ.”

Luca smirked.

“It’s Saint Columba,” I said, holding up the card.

“I told her the story,” Luca explained.

Lachlan looked at me. “Oh really?”

“Enough of it.” Luca moved toward him. “I was welcoming her to the family.”

Something passed between the two men that I couldn’t quite read.

Lachlan shifted my wrap farther up his left forearm and held out his right hand.

Luca clasped it. Their grip was firm, and Lachlan brought his other hand briefly to Luca’s upper arm before they released each other.

Luca nodded once. “Take care of her.”

“Of course.”

Luca looked back at me. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Isabella.”

“It was an honor to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

He left, closing the door behind him.

I looked down at the card. “He welcomed me to the family.”

Lachlan came closer and took it from my fingers, studying it for a moment before handing it back.

“Aye. If Luca gave you that, it means he recognizes you as one of his own.”

“I liked him.”

“He’s a good man to have in your corner.” Lachlan’s mouth curved faintly. “Old-school as hell, but there’s a reason the rest of us respect him. So don’t get too comfortable with him.”

I slipped the card carefully into my phone case.

Lachlan watched me tuck it away, then leaned down and kissed me.

“Welcome to the family, Mouse.”