Page 131 of Savior

She scoffs. “You leave your brother to me.”

Her stern face is one I’ve seen often. One that saysshe won’t be challenged.

“If you think you can handle him,” I joke, smiling for the first time in forever.

When she pokes me, I pull away and laugh. “If I could handle your father, I think I can handle his sons, don’t you?”

I nod.

A sadness spreads between us, and my smile falls.

“You truly think I made the right choice?” I ask her.

Her renewed smile is filled with light and love. “I do, my love. I do.”

It makes assurance blossom in my chest. It makes me feel validated, even if I feel like I’m in limbo until I get her back.

“Well, I need to get inside and get things tidied up. I have dinner with Ardesia tonight to discuss what he found out about Sloane.”

“Go, go, don’t let an old woman keep you. Good luck on your first day of classes next week. Call me and let me know how they go, hm?”

I lean over and kiss her cheek softly, lingering to inhale her perfume for strength.

“I love you, Mama.”

“And I, you,” she replies as I push into the chilly air.

Once I’ve got my boxes inside, I lock up and look over the expanse of the apartment.

Mama had ordered furniture delivered yesterday, and she even arranged it. John had brought me a bed and furnishings for the bedroom.

And to my surprise, he hasn’t prodded me for info on what happened or why I left the church as if he expected it to happen. I don’t know if I’m relieved by that or angered even more.

Either way, they rallied and helped me get my life in order when I was sure it would crumble and crush me.

Now, I need to get my girl.

Then, I’ll be set.

Ardesia Ricci livesin the most lavish apartment I’ve ever seen. Marble floors and granite counters look to be shined and polished daily. The table has six chairs, but only three places are set for dinner.

“You can put the wine on the table,” Brynne calls from the kitchen, and I do as I’m told.

Ardesia comes down the hall in slacks, a button-up shirt, and dress shoes. Even dressed down, he looks every bit the part of the powerful Don he is.

“Oh, you’re here. I didn’t hear the door,” he says, waving me toward a drink cart in the living room.

“Dinner will be done in twenty!” Brynne yells.

“Thank you, bunny!” Ardesia calls back, and her head shoots out of the door, a deep rouge on her cheeks.

“Not in front of company,” she mouths, and I can’t help but smile at their banter.

They have a love that some search lifetimes for.

I also can’t help but let jealousy brew in my chest.

“You said you had something you didn’t want to discuss over the phone?” I ask him about the forgoing pomp and circumstance and getting down to business.

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