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“Wow, look at the gate,” he says with excitement. “Super cool.”

I grin at him and reach over to smooth down the hair that’s already messed up. At least he didn’t get syrup in it this morning.

“I wonder if we have a class hamster,” he says, his eyes brightening at the thought.

“As long as that class hamster doesn’t come home with you, I hope all your wishes come true.”

Bacon snickers in the front seat. He and Ricky are driving us, and Charlie’s guards follow behind.

“Remember, don’t try to get away from Tony and Clyde, okay? They’ll be hanging out, but they won’t sit next to you or anything like that.”

“Okay.” Charlie shrugs, and then we’re pulling up in front of the school. We’re not the only ones in big black SUVs, and I see that we’re also not the only ones with security up the ass.

And honestly, that makes me feel better.

I’ve never worried about Charlie’s safety at school, but we also didn’t live with a Mafia king before. And I know firsthand how ruthless his enemies can be.

An hour later, after Charlie waved and never looked back and we’re headed to the main road, I decide I need to distract myself from wallowing all day until it’s time to pick Charlie up.

So, I shoot a message off to the wives group chat.

Me: Hi, everyone! Just dropped Charlie off for his first day of school and I need a distraction. Who’s available?

Responses come in quickly.

Lulu: I just got the baby down for a nap, and I’m going to sleep. Sorry, I’m boring!

Scarlett: I have Rapture meetings all day. Damn it!

Natasha: I’m with music students today. Sorry, guys!

Violet: Rose and I are headed down to the gym to spar. Wanna kick the shit out of something?

I grin because yes. I really do.

Me: Perfect! Where are you?

Violet: The gym in the basement of King of Spades. Come on over!

“Ricky, take me to the King of Spades, please.”

He lifts an eyebrow and glances my way in the rearview. “Does the boss know?”

“I am the boss, Ricky.”

He nods and then huffs out a chuckle. “Yes, ma’am.”

“But I’ll call him.”

Both men in the front seat seem to relax at the last statement.

“Are you okay?” Carson asks in greeting.

“I’m a little sad, but I’m fine. Charlie is thrilled. I’m heading to the King of Spades to work out with Violet and Rose.”

I can hear him walking on the other end of the line, then a man cries out and a door closes.

“Uh, what the hell are you doing?”