Page 71 of Taking His Heart

“Idiota.” Elias shakes his head at Aiden.

“Okay, that one I got, and I agree. He is a bit of an idiot, but at least he’s a cute idiot,” Faith tells Elias.

“You think he’s cute?” Elias asks her.

“I mean, in the way you’d think a stray puppy is cute, the kind you’d want to bring home and take care of.”

“If this is your way of asking to take me home, Faith, I’m not that kind of guy. I have a three-date rule,” Aiden says.

“Are you sure? I could take you to my grandfather’s house and introduce you to the cute little pigs he has,” Faith says.

Daniella and Aurelio both laugh, obviously at some kind of inside joke no one else is privy to. The sound of heels clicking against the tiled floor has everyone’s heads turning in the direction of the entryway.

Elias is on his feet, a pistol in his hand, and I don’t miss the way he angles his body in front of Faith. Interesting. Elias is protective of his family, but I’ve never seen him care to protect anyone who isn’t related to him in some way.

I stand and then sit again when I see my Aunt Lailani stroll in as if she owns the place. “Your security sucks, De Bellis,” she says to Aurelio.

“They just let you in?” Aurelio lifts a curious brow at her.

Aunt Lailani laughs. “Let me? They don’t even know I’m in here. Again, your security sucks.”

Elias walks over and hugs our aunt, his gun back in its holster under his jacket. “How was your flight?” he asks her.

“Long. What’s been happening here? I hear you have a knack for making strange men obsessed with you, Daniella.” Aunt Lailani walks over and sits next to my wife.

“I don’t know why,” Daniella says.

“Well, I can’t do much about protecting you from this one.” My aunt points to me. “You already went and married that problem. But the other guy, I’ll be sure to take him out for you.”

“Um, thank you?” Daniella replies, unsure what to say to my aunt’s comment.

“You’re welcome.” Aunt Lailani turns her attention to Faith. “I’m Lailani, and you are?”

“Faith Williamson, Daniella’s friend,” Faith replies.

“I think it would be best if you went home, Faith. Some conversations are best kept within the family,” Aunt Lailani says.

Elias spits out a string of rapid Spanish at my aunt. I have no idea what the fuck he just said, but it did make our aunt look at him quizzically with a small smile on her face.

“Interesting,” she hums.

“Drop it,” Elias tells her, this time in English.

“Okay, I’m not sure if anyone has told you this before, but it’s really rude to speak in a language the entire group doesn’t understand. I’m sure you’re used to being an A-grade ass and all, but around here, people have manners.” Faith stands. “It’s okay. I have to go anyway. My dad wants me at the club tonight. Something about important guests coming in. Probably some rich assholes with no manners either. You know the type, right, Daniella?”

“I do.” Daniella laughs. “Have fun.”

“Wait! I wanna go to this club of yours. I’m coming.” Aiden jumps up from the table. “Besides, Aunt Lailani’s here. These guys don’t need me anymore.”

Faith considers my brother for a moment before shrugging her shoulder. “Fine, you can come with me.”

Elias silently stands and follows the two of them out the door. “Well, that’s… worrisome,” Aunt Lailani mutters while watching them go.

“Why?” Daniella asks her.

“Because I remember the bloodshed his father caused when he met Evie. The world does not need to see that again.” Aunt Lailani shakes her head. “Anyway, what do you know about this crazy ass who’s out for your blood?”

“Aunt Lailani, seriously?” I groan. “She doesn’t know anything. She’s never even seen the guy.”