Page 72 of Midnight Salvation

“That depends on the boys. This war is balanced on a knife edge. One wrong step could kill them.”

A shiver rippled down my spine. “That’s my husband you’re talking about.”

“And you should know by now that I’m robust.” A familiar deep voice sounded behind us.

I spun to find Ash standing with his hip propped against the doorframe.

“I didn’t want Lucrezia involved in all of this,” he said and nodded at the board. “She’s still recovering from the infection in her shoulder.”

That bullet had contained several toxins when all my results came back. It took the doctor a while to get the infection fully under control, much to the constant rants of my overprotective husband.

“Stop fussing, Ash. Papa found me in here and it was me who first made the zodiac connection.”

He wandered across the room, his arms snaking around my waist to tug me against his chest. His chin rested on top of my head. “You should be resting,” he chastised me.

“If you want me to rest, then don’t go out and risk your life.”

He groaned when Papa laughed. “Fuck my life,” Ash muttered against the back of my head.

I shrugged. “You married me, so the law says you have to put up with my nagging.”

He chuckled and tugged me closer. “Harold texted me. He’s coming over shortly.”

“Why’s he texting you?”

“Because you were attacked outside his premises. I made it very clear to him my thoughts on that.” The independent woman in me wanted to protest against his words, but the victim of crime was glad that someone was looking after her.

“Harold is a friend.”

“Harold is a business acquaintance, Lucrezia. He is paid for the services he provides.” There was little point in arguing with him when he was in this mood.

“What happened today?” I changed the topic of conversation.

“Have you been baking?” Ash was playing me at my own game.

“There are caramel squares sitting in the kitchen for you.”

He kissed the top of my head and released me. “I knew there was a reason I married you.” He left the room and Papa followed him, taking up my conversation about what happened earlier.

I studied the board for another few minutes before I followed them out of the room to get ready for Harold arriving. I was in yoga pants and a sloppy T-shirt that I changed for jeans and a floral silk blouse that was still lose against my shoulder. My hair was piled on top of my head in a messy bun since my arm didn’t work very well above my head to try a more elaborate style at the moment.

Ash sat munching on a huge traybake that he had cut himself at the counter, a coffee beside him when I made my way downstairs.

“Did you put a pot on?” I asked since Harold would be here shortly.

“Lucas sorted it since he hates instant coffee.” Papa snorted at Ash as if by using the word he had committed blasphemy.

“Are there any caramel squares left for our guest?” I teased him as he bit into another corner.

“Nope. He can have the cookies. You made these for me.”

The front door opened, and the sound of male voices floated up the hall. Ash stood up, lifted the rest of his traybakes, and set them into the cupboard before he returned to his seat.

“Look who we found outside,” Xavier said, nodding to Harold who was carrying a Peli case with him.

“Hey, Harold.” I gave him a small wave.

“How are you feeling? I came out of my shop when I heard the shots, but you were already injured.” His gaze moved to my shoulder, which said he’d obviously seen my injury and all the blood.

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