Page 173 of Savage Don

“Late?” I ask, intrigued.

Elisa looks over her shoulder at me, sly grin lifting up her beautiful lips.

“Maeve can’t stay long this morning. She—”

“I can stay for as long as I please,” Maeve interrupts.

“And keep Niall waiting?” Elisa teases.

“He’s waited this long already. He can wait a little longer.”

“Who’s Niall?” I ask.

“Her boyfriend,” Elisa giggles.

“Oh stop it, dear!” Maeve begs. “We’re too old for such silly titles… we’re lovers, simple as that.”

Every one laughs at that, and the room is quickly filled with a joyous warmth.

“Alright, lovebird,” Elisa smiles. “Get out of here already, and give Niall my regards. You two better be coming for dinner tonight.”

“Only if we can pull ourselves out of the sack…” Maeve mumbles under her breath, sending another wave of laughter crashing over Elisa and me.

“You’re too much,” Elisa giggles, waving off the little old maid before turning back around to me. “Go have your shower,” she insist. “We’ll still be here when you get out.”

Suddenly, though, I don’t want to shower. I just want to run downstairs and bathe in the warm glow of this wonderful thing I’ve found.

A family.

It truly feels like I’ve been accepted into the most loving family. It doesn’t matter that the men are ruthless mob bosses, or that some of the women are just as badass. From the moment I was introduced to them, I’ve been a part of their ilk. No questions asked.

Ray’s love for me was enough for them.

I’m part of the crew now. Part of the empire. Part of the family.

It’s the most amazing feeling.

And I know it’s going to last forever, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to savor every last bit of it, even if that means being harmlessly bullied by a precocious toddler.

The shower can wait, I want to go downstairs and be with the rest of my family.

“I think I’ll say hello to the kids first,” I tell Elisa.

“I’m sure they’d love that,” she smiles warmly.

Her warmth sticks to me as I bound down the stairs and rush past the foyer. Before I can get too far, though, the front door opens.

“Francesca!”

Sophia is the first one to greet me, and she runs forward with her arms open wide as Leo and Roman step in after her.

“Hey, girl,” I say, trying my best not to wince as she wraps her arms around me for a hug. I might be feeling better, but that doesn’t mean I’m not still all bruised up and fragile.

“You look like a million bucks,” she says, looking me up and down.

Behind her, Leo and Roman wave at me. I wave back.

“Thanks,” I blush. “Where’s Mary?”