Page 71 of Lethal King

And it’s not just because I have little to show for my absence.

My cousin, Bianca, is married to the man who used to work with Rozalia and Tytus.

Gabriel Reca.

Their adoptive brother.

I’ve been meaning to talk to him about his former ragtag family. But the opportunity just hasn’t come up yet.

And I’m not sure I want to bring it up. How am I going to pay attention to him when I could be playing with little Jakub or catching up with Bianca instead?

There’s only one way to find out.

“Take me to them,” I hear myself say.

“Right this way.”

Leading me around another corner, Maksim stops at the library door. Immediately, I go to open it up. But my hand freezes on the handle.

From the other side of the door, I can hear the sound of a laughing baby. It’s followed by Bianca’s trademark giggle.

The innocence is palpable.

Do I really want to drag them into my mess right now?

I’m not given a choice.

It’s like the three of them can sense I’m here. And before I can pull the door open, it’s done for me.

Just like that, Gabriel Reca stands in the doorway. Big and tall and dark. He’s a man I’ve fought to the brink of death. A man who I’ve tortured. A man I’ve hunted.

A man I’ve welcomed into my empire… and my family.

“You look like hell,” he smirks.

Like it’s instinct, our hands grasp around each other’s wrists for a firm shake.

“That’s because I’ve actually been working,” I shoot back.

“You wish work was as hard as raising a child.”

“I really don’t.”

“Rian!” Bianca’s voice is as sweet as any melody. And when she comes racing up for a hug, even her possessive husband steps aside.

“Glad to see Gabriel hasn’t ruined your spirit yet,” I play, allowing myself to hug her back.

“Only corrupted it a bit,” she giggles.

I can’t help but roll my eyes. The last thing I want to hear is how some guy has corrupted my cousin—even if he is slowly becoming a real friend. And she is already a complete badass.

“How are you?” I ask.

“Pretty good. Missing the west coast. But obviously it wouldn’t be smart to travel right now.”

“You’ve done dumber things,” I note, gesturing over to Gabriel.

“Well, yeah, obviously,” Bianca laughs. “But I’m a mother now. I have to be responsible.”