Page 141 of He Who Sleeps

"Well, if you're ever out my way, hit me up and I'll get you VIP access," Victoria gave him a genuine smile. "I've never had family to spoil before. It would be an honor."

She listened to them talk, Leo engaged with Carlee about something having to do with her own schooling and she leaned into Finn and whispered, “This is going really well. I mean we had a hiccup with Fiona freaking out but Easton fixed that. He’s getting all the cuddles later.”

"One of them was always going to freak." He shrugged. "They love you. And serial killers are a lot to swallow. If I'm honest, I'm surprised Fiona was the only one that freaked."

“Carlee is too much of a free spirit to freak out. This is like everything she’s ever wanted, you know? Vic, she’s freaking, but she’s more quiet about it. Fiona has always been the biggest passion of all four of us.” She ran her hand over his stomach and sighed. “But I have hope we will be able to count them among The Order sooner than later. All of us wanted to belong growing up, and having just us... It feels good to know they have the opportunity to be cared for like you guys care for me.”

"Oh, they'll be cared for, all right," Finn chuckled with a smirk. "Carlee is absolutely going to find herself with a group or two."

“She is eager.” She chuckled. “Thank you for this, and for wanting to meet them. I know this was hard on them, and you guys.” She nuzzled his throat. “But it seems to be working out.”

“Hey, Pet, you didn’t tell us that Easton’s show is coming up and it’s you!” Carlee said. “We are so coming down for it.”

Petra laughed. “I mean, you kinda had to meet him first,” she said and snuggled closer to Finn. “Everything else, okay?” she said softly, her conversation directed back at him. “I know you’re taking on so much, but are you okay, my love?”

"I'm tired," he admitted. "But once the new council is elected and running and have approved all the suggestions the accountants have made, there'll be a lot less on my plate and I can start to relax." He sighed. "I feel jealous of the others sometimes," he told her. "Since everything went down, they've all been able to come home with you and have some quality time, while I've been running around like a headless chicken fielding calls and emails fourteen hours a day. I miss you."

“I miss you, too. Maybe we need some Finn and Petra time, just us.”

"The results of the elections are coming in tomorrow," he told her. "After that, I'm giving them a week to get up to speed on the mandate and the education package, and then I'm backing off and they can deal with it on their own." He smiled tiredly. "And then you and I can leave our phones and go away somewhere for a week. Just us."

“That sounds like heaven, baby. Someplace warm maybe?” The idea of being naked with him with sun-warmed skin did something to her.

"How about a beach somewhere in South America?" he suggested. "Sun, sea, sand, cocktails on command...?"

She nodded, “Hell yes, and sexy little bikinis.” She brightened. “Can we maybe see the compound in Peru? Kildare said there’s a well there...we should go and pay our respects.”

"Sure. There are nice beaches in Peru and I'm sure they'd appreciate a visit from the high priestess."

“I mean, yeah but...I more just want to pay our respects to him. Seeing as he’s the reason why we are together.” She nuzzled his throat. “You know...we have some time...before dinner I mean. Feel like a nap with me?”

"Always." His smile was love mixed with relief. He really was exhausted.

She kissed him softly on the cheek and then stood. “You guys enjoy, I’m taking Finn for a much needed nap for both of us.” She looked to Vic and Carlee. “You guys going to be okay?” In answer, Carlee made finger guns at her.

"Yeah. I'm going to have tea and then I'll go check on Fi," said Victoria. "It looked like she was brewing a doozy."

She nodded. “Great. So? Dinner in a couple hours, yeah?”

They left the living room, Petra leading Finn up to her room, and smiled at him. “That went really well,” she said softly. “And I know things are just going to get better from here, for us and for them.”

"They will," he said firmly. "I know it."

They gained the room and she slipped out of her flats, padding into the bathroom. “Get settled, my love. We have a couple blissful hours of sleep on the horizon,” she offered and heard the door open. Looking out, she saw Kendrix walk in.

“This a private nap party or can anyone join in?”

"Bed is big enough for team napping," Finn said with a grin. "Just promise you won't snore."

“Jack snores,” Kendrix said as he jumped on the bed. She loved that her largely serious and severe lover was relaxing more with her. “Get that sexy ass in here, Petty...” He grinned. “I’m sure Finn doesn’t wanna cuddle with me.”

Five minutes later she was out of the bathroom and settled between the two of them, Rix snuggled to her back while she was curled against Finn’s chest. “Bliss...” she murmured as Rix splayed his hand on her belly.

"Agreed." Contented, Finn closed his eyes and sleep was quick to come.

“You think this would be where we ended up when you unmasked us?” Rix asked softly.

“No...but I hoped. This is more than I could dream of.”

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