Page 62 of Velvet Chains
She pouts. “Spoilsport. Fine, keep your secrets. But I expect a full report later.”
I shake my head, marveling at her audacity. Only Ser would demand dick details in the middle of a mafia stronghold.
“Speaking of later,” I say, eager to change the subject, “where are James and Lucas?”
Ser’s expression softens at the mention of her family. “Out like lights in the guest room. That private helicopter ride really did a number on Luke’s sleep schedule. Poor little guy was tuckered out.”
I smile, picturing my godson’s cherubic face relaxed in slumber. “He’s gotten so big. I can’t believe how much I’ve missed.”
Ser reaches over, squeezing my hand. “He’s missed you too, Lu. We all have. When you disappeared…”
Her voice cracks, tears welling in her eyes. I feel a stab of guilt, knowing how much worry I must have caused her.
“I’m so sorry, Ser. I never meant to scare you. Everything just happened so fast, and I didn’t know what to do, and…”
The words pour out of me in a jumbled rush, all the fear and confusion and uncertainty of the last few weeks finally spilling over.
Ser listens, her face a mix of sympathy and concern. When I finally run out of steam, she pulls me into a tight hug.
“Oh, Lu. What a mess you’ve gotten yourself into.”
I cling to her, taking comfort in the familiar scent of her perfume, the steady beat of her heart against mine.
“I don’t know what I’m doing, Ser,” I whisper, my voice muffled against her shoulder. “I’m in so far over my head, I can’t even see daylight anymore.”
She pulls back, cupping my face in her hands. “Hey. Look at me. You’re Laura fucking Anne Thompson. You’re the strongest, smartest, most resilient person I know. If anyone can handle this, it’s you.”
I let out a watery laugh. “I think you’re confusing me with Wonder Woman.”
Ser grins. “Nah. Wonder Woman’s got nothing on you, babe. I mean, have you seen your ass in that dress?”
I slap her arm and pull a face.
“But seriously,” she continues, her eyes glinting with mischief, “you can’t just leave me hanging like this. I need details, woman! How’s the sex? Is he as good in bed as he looks? Does he do that thing with his tongue that makes your toes curl?”
I feel my face flush, memories of Victor’s skilled mouth and hands flooding my mind. “Ser! I’m not going to give you a play-by-play of our sex life!”
She pouts. “Why not? I tell you everything about me and James!”
“Yeah, and I keep telling you I don’t want to know!”
Ser laughs, unrepentant. “Fine, fine. Keep your sexy secrets. But just know that I’m living vicariously through you, so you better make it good.”
I roll my eyes, laughter swelling in my chest. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
Ser always knows how to do that. How to make even the darkest situation seem a little bit brighter.
I’m still giggling when the door to the sitting room suddenly swings open.
And in walks Victor.
Oh, shit. How much did he hear?
From the smirk on his face… I’m guessing enough.
Double shit.
Chapter 26
