Page 36 of Devil's Iris
“It’s fine,” I say, clearing my throat again.
We eat in awkward silence after that, the only sounds the clinking of utensils against plates. She’s the first to break it.
“I should go home after breakfast. My mom is probably worried. Last night was the first night I didn't spend at home.”
Her first night away from home? What kind of life has she lived where she’s never had a sleepover, never spent a night somewhere else?
I nod, not mentioning that I had Michael break into her phone last night to get her mother’s number.
She didn’t seem too worried about her daughter spending the night with some strange man on the line. Although, to be fair, the woman sounded stoned out of her mind and in no shape to worry about anyone. She probably won’t even realize Leni wasn’t home. Hell, she probably won’t even remember I called.
Seriously, what was it like for her growing up? Has her mother always been like that? What about her brother? How come she seems to be the one carrying the burden of the family?
I’m suddenly very curious about this woman who’s about tobe my wife. I gave my man her info last night to dig into her background, but now I’m actually eager to get the report.
“I think you should move in with me today.” That house won't be safe for her anymore. Once word gets out that she’s mine, she might have a target on her back. The fuckers who can’t get to me might try to use her instead.
“What?” Her voice is choked.
“Your mother and brother are moving to their new house today. It doesn’t make sense for you to move there with them just to pack up again next week,” I explain, not wanting to scare her by going into the dangers. She asked about my enemies last night, but I don’t think she fully realizes what she’s getting into.
She gulps. “Don’t you think we’re moving too fast?”
Not fast enough.I shrug and continue my meal. She’s quiet for the rest of breakfast, lost in her thoughts, and I don’t push for conversation. When I’m done eating, I put the plate in the dishwasher before excusing myself. It’s almost time for my call with my brothers.
I set up my laptop in my home office and join the video conference. I’m the first one in, which makes me smirk—so much for them giving me so much shit. NowIget to dish the shit out.
Rafael joins next, then Maximo, with Michael dragging in last.
“Nice of you to grace us with your presence today, Romero,” Maximo says, pushing his dark hair out of his face, those darker eyes glinting with amusement.
“Shut your trap.” My warning only makes him grin. “How’s Elira?” I add, partly to distract him, but also because I’m genuinely curious. She announced during the New Year dinner in February that she’s pregnant, and since then Maximo has been hovering over her like an overprotective mother hen.
“My wife is none of your business,” he starts, but then his entire demeanor softens. “She’s glowing. I think once we havethis baby, I’m going to knock her up again real quick. It agrees with her.”
My lips curl in disgust.I shouldn’t have asked.
“How are your territories?” Rafael steers the conversation to business—where it should be. Normally, he’s patient with our banter, but today his silvery eyes are sharp with impatience. I wonder what’s crawled up his ass.
“What? No hello, how do you do? You don’t want to talk about our feelings?” Michael snickers. Rafael glares at him, but the fucker is unfazed. He runs a tattooed hand through his hair, brushing back the blond strand falling over his temple.
“Ha. The girls keeping you up all night have you talking delusional,” Rafael says flatly. “Do I look like I give a shit about what you dumbasses feel?” By girls he means Michael’s twin daughters. Before any of us can reply, he continues. “Anyway, it seems there’s relative peace in your boroughs for now, so let’s move on to the next topic.”
The conversation shifts to serious business. Maximo updates us on the weapons shipment that got delayed last year thanks to Emily’s interference before she became Rafael’s wife. “It should arrive any day now.”
“Good.” Rafael nods, then locks eyes with me. “Any closer to finding Katie?”
The four of us are all actively searching for her, but I’ve come the closest. With Julian DeMarco dangling leads about her potential whereabouts under my nose, everyone assumes I’ll be the one to find her first.
“Not yet,” I say. “I have a meeting with DeMarco tomorrow, and I’m going to make it clear I’m done letting him jerk me around. I want you guys to reach out to his secretary about potentially joining his campaign team.”
“No fucking way. I hate politicians.” Michael’s disgust is immediate.
Maximo looks equally disgusted. “It doesn’t mean weactually have to join the fucking team, right? You’re the charmer of the group, Rome. You’re the only one who could survive in that glittering world of lies.”
“No, you don’t have to actually sign up.” I have no intentions of playing his game either. “But dangling what he wants while I deliver my ultimatum might finally get him talking.”
“What ultimatum?”
