“Okay, I’m not granting world peace. Everybody chill. I just...” I trailed my finger over the marble as I contemplated. “I like him.Reallylike him, and that’s very rare for me. And your husband thinks he has a thing for me.”
“Yes, he’s told me,” Bianca said, her honey-flecked eyes shining. “And I really hope it happens, Katia. Leo used to piss the hell out of me, because I always knew he informed for Victor and for Michael, but he’s really grown on me lately.”
“I’m glad to hear it. He can be a bit grumpy, so I get it.”
“Um, grumpy-growly men are the best,” Alexis said. “I have one myself, and I assure you, it’s extremely hot.”
Laughing, I nodded. “Truth, sister. So, we’ll see where it takes us, but I have a feeling he’s never going to make a move, so the ball’s in my court.”
“Uggh, why are men so daft?” Alexis asked.
“They can’t help it, dear,” Bianca said, putting on mitts and opening the oven to pull out the lasagna. She set it on the stove and shrugged. “They’re all well-meaning idiots who try their best.”
“Ah, just in time to hear another one of my wife’s glowing compliments,” Michael’s deep voice muttered as he and Nickentered the room. They both approached their partners and planted firm kisses on their lips.
“I’m beingverycomplimentary,” Bianca said, rising to her toes to give him another peck on the lips. “I’m going to be on my best behavior tonight.”
“And that means she opened a fantastic bottle of wine,” Michael teased, nipping her lips. “Is there any left for me?”
Bianca winked and trailed to the corner of the island, pouring two glasses for Michael and Nick. Michael gave a quick toast before we all clanked our glasses.
“How are you feeling, princess?” Nick asked, his tone filled with concern as he touched her belly. He placed his palm on the cute bump, love evident in his expression as he gazed at her.
“Fine if you don’t mind swollen ankles. I hate being puffy.”
Nick’s lips twitched. “You’re gorgeous, and I like your swollen ankles.”
Alexis glanced at me. “He’s a keeper. See? Grumpy can work out just fine.”
Nick frowned. “I’m not grumpy. I just told you you’re beautiful, woman.”
Patting his face, she flashed a cheeky grin. “Okay, you win.”
“Were we fighting? I can’t keep track half the time.”
I snickered, loving their interplay.
Eventually, we moved into the dining room and had a fantastic dinner filled with wine, laughter and great food.
When the hour turned late, I hugged everyone, feeling full and sated as Michael walked me outside.
“Are you okay after visiting Elena?” he asked, stopping beside one of his cars as Chris waited behind the wheel. I’d wanted to call an Uber, but Michael had insisted that Chris drive me home.
“I’m fine. Leo really helped me through it. He’s amazingly supportive. I never realized howdeephe was.”
“Alexis told me you and he are going to surveil the hacker tomorrow,” Michael said, disapproval in his tone. “I don’t like it, Katia. I know Leo can protect you, but I don’t want you getting hurt because of me. We have some intel on where several of the high-ranking bratva members will be tomorrow, and all of my men are assigned to surveil them. Otherwise, I’d send Joaquin and Enzo to help you.”
“You’re right that Leo will protect me,” I said, cupping his arm. “And I know it was dumb of me to go to the apartment building by myself. That’s why I’ve agreed to let Leo help me.”
Michael arched a brow. “Is that the only reason why?”
Breathing a laugh, I shook my head. “You’re worse than Alexis and Bianca. See you at the club on Monday.”
He crossed his arms, silently watching me as I opened the door.
Turning back to face him, I lifted a finger. “And no, it’s not the only reason. I like him, okay? Don’t make it a bigger deal than it is. I mean it, Michael. Good night.”
A slow smile crept across his face as Chris began to drive away, and I could tell he was happy for me. Now, I just needed to see if Leo was as on-board with moving to the next level as I was.
