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“No. That’s not how he works. He doesn’t quite understand how the world now actually works. He’s stuck in the mindset of thirty years ago.” I rest my hands on his chest. “Colt, I’m not in his good books right now after what I did to Fabio. If I push him too far, I lose everything I’ve worked for. I have to tread carefully, which is why in person is better; he respects that more.”

His jaw twitches. “Everything you worked for? His empire?”

I frown. “I’m next in line to take it over, you know that. I have to prove to him I’m worthy. That’s what I’ve been doing since I was ten years old, Colt.”

He gives me a stiff nod. “And that’s your future? That’s what you want? To rule over LA?”

“Well, yeah. That’s always been the goal.”

He releases me and steps back, shoving his hand in his pocket. Why is he being so weird about this? I literally married him for this exact reason; I’ve never hidden it. I am learning that there may be a better way of obtaining this goal without losing myself.

“And what happens if he doesn’t give you the empire?” he asks.

“That isn’t an option, cowboy.”

“Well, I guess you gotta go home then,” he mutters before walking to the front door. He opens it for me and ushers me through, his hand on the small of my back guiding me to Hunter’s backyard.

The barbecue is smoking, and the evil goat and Wyatt are running around. Everyone is sitting around a ginormous wooden table, already filled with food.

“Uncle Colt!!” Wyatt screeches, making me wince as he runs into him at full pelt.

Colten laughs, picking him up.

“Daddy said you’d take me to the sanctuary tomorrow. Can you, please?”

“The sanctuary?” I ask.

“It’s basically an animal hospital. We take in animals, wild or not, and try to get them back to full health.”

“Oh, cool. Can I come?” I ask.

I want to learn more about him and his passions, outside of going down on me.

“You’re busy tomorrow, aren’t you?” he asks, eyebrow raised.

“I can leave after.”

He nods, placing Wyatt back down. “Then sure, the three of us can go.”

I slide my hand in his, and he glances down before heading over to the table.

Harper gives me a little wave; her bump is getting bigger each time I see her. Violet is fussing with her baby at the end of the table, and Jett, who is wearing another monstrosity of a shirt with peacocks on, is doing his best to help her, although it seems like he has no idea what to do. And Tate, Jett's brother, is doing exactly what I am, examining the room in silence. I’ve not seen Tate enough to even begin to figure him out.

Colt hands me a cold bottle of beer and pulls me out of a chair. His hands land on my shoulder, and he bends down. “It’s crazy here, but you get used to it,” he whispers.

I rest my head against his chest. “I’m used to crazy, don’t worry.”

It reminds me of growing up, when Mom was alive. She would host huge family parties, cousins, cousins of cousins, people off the street. Enough food to feed a village. It was the best time.

And when we lost her, we lost all the fun in our lives.

Hunter gives us a nod, and Romeo follows his line of sight. He looks at me, then at Colten without a flicker of emotion. Like I’ve pissed him off by being here. I didn’t realize he was part of the family either. I don’t know why the hell I keep seeing him here. Something keeps dragging him back; I assumed Enzo would be keeping him busy elsewhere by now.

I grab Colten's collar and drag him back down.

“What’s Romeo’s deal?” I ask.

He clears his throat. “Not a lot. Probably here to discuss business with Hunter.”