Page 37 of Serpent & Saviors

Meaning?

BLADE:

The same one he swore Alek wore for weeks before Kinsley agreed to go to the gala event.

I chuckled loudly.

COUNSELOR:

Pretty sure that was the reason we hired him to begin with. Perceptive bastard.

BLADE:

Should I tell Mrs. Patterson to set additional plates?

COUNSELOR:

STFU. I’m not looking to upset the applecart. Not to mention she has a kid.

BLADE:

I said plates (plural). Just let me know, Brother. Love you.

COUNSELOR:

Same.

I took several cleansing breaths, calming my racing heart. The thought of Victoria and her son sitting around the dining room table at home was wreaking havoc on my emotions. I walked down the hall and into the dining room.

Victoria’s eyes rose to mine, and a mix of emotions stared back at me. The rollercoaster of the last few hours hadn’t done a damn thing to take away from her beauty.

“You ready to go?” I asked.

She and Nana both rose at the same time. My grandmother approached Victoria. In her watery blue eyes was endless sympathy.

“I’m so glad we reconnected. I’m extending my home to you and your son. If you’re ever in need of a place to land, we will be here for you. I mean it.”

Tears welled up in Victoria’s eyes as Nana wrapped her arms around her.

“Thank you for everything, especially the piano. I can’t tell you how much it means to me. I’d love to bring Declan here one day so you can meet him. You’d love him. He’s nothing like Cam—”

“You’re right, I will love him. He’s yours, and that’s all that matters,” Nana said firmly.

Victoria’s voice broke, and she sobbed, “Your kindness means the world to me.”

“You’re going to come out of this stronger than ever. Don’t forget you’re not alone in this. Andy and I won’t let anything happen to either of you.”

Victoria nodded, and we left. I took her hand in the car and rubbed her palm. She sighed and leaned her head against my shoulder, then eventually fell asleep. I hated to wake her, but we’d arrived back at the hotel.

Her cheeks bore the faintest blush of sleep, eyes heavy with remnants of exhaustion. She blinked several times. I led her to our suite and opened the door. She stepped inside and twisted her hands. Strands of her honey-colored hair framed her face, and a few rebellious ones clung to her cheeks.

She flashed me a shy smile, her lips full and inviting. Her slender fingers reached up to push the wayward strands away from her face. I got to it before she did. I tucked it behind her ear, reveling in the flash of her graceful neck.

“I know it’s been a really long day, but we need to talk,” I said, trailing my fingers down her cheek.

She sighed softly and leaned against my hand. “Okay,” she hummed.

“Pasha is going to join us.”