Page 17 of King

“His full name is Lucas Roman Cole.” Violet cups her son’s cheek and smiles.

“I see. So this marriage would mean what to the Familias?” Bruno frowns at my question.

“Would you really not marry him because of them?” The question is so direct it takes me off guard.

“Of course I’d marry him. I just need to know the danger I’m putting us and our child in first.” His whole demeanor changes at my answer.

“The baby you carry will be the closest to a grandchild I will ever have. Unless my brothers decide to procreate, Lucas will inherit my businesses and seat.” He turns away from me to stare at his godson.

“Have you told her anything?” Lucas sighs and rubs the back of his neck.

“I was getting to it.” I put the gin down before I do something I may regret.

I walk back into my studio apartment and pace, rubbing my back. The heavier the baby and my breasts get, the worse the pain becomes. I’m not sure if I’ll make it another three months.

“Come πολυαγαπημ?νος, sit and put your feet up. It will help ease the ache.” Violet lets me to the couch, where she fusses with the pillows to make me comfortable.

“What does that mean? I’m afraid Greek never came as easy for me as English, French, and Spanish.” Violet nods, but Lucas answers for her.

“πολυαγαπημ?νος means darling, Baby.” Oh, my, does this family love their nicknames?

“Will I need a Venn diagram to learn the family dynamics?” Bruno laughs while Lucas rolls his eyes.

“I’m just wondering what other surprises you have to drop on me before we walk down the aisle.” Secrets would fit better, but I hate those, so I’m going to choose to believe this was just an oversight on his part.

But as his cheeks turn red and his eyes roam the room, looking at anything and everything but me, I know he’s saved the best for last.

“Out with it already,” I hiss, wishing I hadn’t left my gun across the room.

“Men,” Violet says, sitting across from me, slowly crossing her legs and folding her arms over her chest in irritation.

This can not be good.

Violet has never been anything other than a warm, kind woman. I have never seen her lose her temper or, hell, become upset. Of course, she’s angry, and that fills me with rage.

I want to defend her like she was my own mother. I guess in a few hours, she will be. My eyes tear up, but I fight them back. I glare at Lucas, who is finally watching me again. He’s grinning from ear to ear as he looks between his mother and me.

“You would kill for her, too, wouldn’t you, Baby?” I nod.

“In a heartbeat. That includes anyone in this room that is a danger to her.” I glance at Bruno so he gets my point.

“Trust me, she may look docile, but Violet Cole does not need you to be her champion. She’s a vicious little thing when she needs to be.” Bruno chuckles as he sits next to the woman giving him the cold shoulder.

“Enough with the delays. Tell me what I need to know.” I lost all my patience and tried to stand.

Lucas gently holds me down and joins me on the couch. He takes my hands in his and takes a deep breath.

“For Christ’s sake, I’m retiring. It’s my wedding gift.” Bruno says, rolling his eyes.

“Come again?” I must have misheard him.

“I’m naming Lucas Capo as soon as you’re married.” Bruno suddenly looks very tired.

“You’re sick.” He smiles sadly.

“No, he’s dying. I’m giving it all to you. I want nothing to do with the mob. But lucky my wife does.” Lucas eyes me closely.

“Thank you?” The room grows quiet.

---