Page 8 of Midnight Salvation

“The wolves are at our door,” Lucas said. “I tried to stay on the side-lines but now I must immerse myself in my old life. Ash will travel with me to Rome while Lucrezia is here in your care. If the Council wants a war, then they will receive one with my blessing.”

Xavier’s eyes widened in shock. He had always stood at his uncle’s side.

“You have a pregnant wife, Xavier,” Lucas continued. “You are needed here along with Jordan in case anyone finds your location. Ash is the first man brave enough to steal one of my daughters. He now needs to take his seat at my table.”

I had no fucking idea what he was talking about, and quite frankly, I preferred the angry Lucas who put a gun to my head. Never once had I asked to be his heir, and yet, he seemed to think I was trying to get a seat on his shadow council.

“I have another meeting with Dad tomorrow,” I pointed out in the hope of excusing myself.

“We will fly out when you return,” Lucas said, waving his arm. “I have several phone calls to make to ensure the safety of Sofia.”

“I have a team on their way to Aberdeen,” Jordan added. “They will make discreet enquiries and have eyes on Sofia’s apartment.”

“And what am I supposed to do?” Xavier demanded.

Lucas’ lips curved up into a terrifying smile that made my sphincter muscles clamp. “You need to ensure that Hugh is assured of your loyalty. You gave him access to the contents of Cassandra’s safety deposit box. He would think it strange if you didn’t follow up with him and enquire to his discoveries.”

It was true. I’d asked Dad for his help with it the same as Xavier. The difference between us was that I tended to leave it until Dad came back to me for information, but Xavier tended to constantly seek answers.

“I’ll contact Dad tomorrow,” Xavier muttered.

“Looks like I’m about to get myself a fiancée,” I said. “I hope she never bumps into my wife.”

Lucas chuckled. “My girls can be a little feisty when provoked.”

My eyebrows hit my hairline. That was an understatement. Lucrezia had stalked me with predator precision until I fell under her spell. No matter how much I resisted, she burrowed deeper into my soul until I could barely breathe without her.

“You do own shares in a jewellery company,” Jordan pointed out like an asshole. “You could get a discount on an engagement ring.”

I rolled my eyes before I saluted him with my middle finger.

“Do you even have a wedding ring?” Xavier asked.

“My wife is a jewellery designer. What do you think?”

Xavier grinned and shrugged. “Technically it would be tax deductible for your business.”

“I doubt the number of diamonds in Lucrezia’s wedding ensemble could be written off as a tax expense,” I replied. “My wife didn’t just design herself rings, she has a necklace, bracelet, and earrings to match.”

“That’s my girl,” Lucas said with a satisfied nod. “Only accept the best.”

“Well, I better go and organise this shitstorm for Dad,” I said, pushing myself to my feet. “I need to start to divert all his attention away from us and place it firmly in another direction.”

“Wait!” Lucas held his hand up. “I know I revealed the news of Lucrezia and Ash, but their relationship is secret for a reason. It would benefit no one in this house to know they are married, but I wanted you both to know, as Ash has shared his life with you both.”

“Lucy is my little sister,” Jordan said. “Hurt her and I will kick your ass.”

“No offence, Jay, but she’s my wife. Interfere and I’ll do more than kick your ass. I have no problem with body fluids on my boots.” I didn’t wait for a reply, stalking from the room to the sound of Lucas’ chuckle.

I was too pissed off to go upstairs because I didn’t want Lucrezia to see me in a bad mood. She didn’t deserve that. Xavier’s garden was beautiful with the scent of flowers in the breeze. I wanted somewhere like this for Lucrezia—a place she could call home and be given free rein to design. The moon hung low in the sky, reminding me of the conversations I had with her at the start of our relationship, both of us staring at the sky from different places across the globe.

“Papa texted me and told me you had a row with Jordan.” Her arms snaked around my waist and she pressed her head between my shoulder blades.

“Lucas decided to tell the guys about us and I’m sick of people giving me relationship advice.” It sounded petty, but I didn’t tell the guys how to treat their women.

She moved around until she was in my eye line. “You don’t need to explain our relationship to anyone,” she whispered. “I know how you feel and that’s enough.”

My gaze dropped to my tiny, fierce wife. “I’m just trying to keep you safe.”

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