Page 35 of Love & Power

“Remember when you asked how you could manage running two families? Well, I believe you just found yourself a contender for being a steward,” Atticus informed me.

Sipping the water, I leaned back, sinking into the couch. “You know I really should be prepared for shit like this by now. Seriously, how many surprises can one household have?”

“I don’t think you actually want to know the answer to that,” Jace muttered. “In my experience, once you find a few skeletons in the closet, you stop looking for more.”

Hound looked up from his notes, frowning. “Interesting, that would make me dig deeper so I would know exactly who I’m dealing with. Speaking of, what’s Zani’s last name? I’m guessing it might not be Raffa, being a second cousin.”

“Briffa,” I replied. “Zani Briffa.”

“Huh, interesting it’s so close to Raffa,” Hound commented, writing the name down. “Wonder if it originated because of a bastard child since they can’t take their father’s name.”

We all just stared at him for a moment until he looked up. “What? I like the History Channel, so sue me.”

That hit me just the right way, and I couldn’t stifle my laughter. “Oh my God, that wasn’t at all what I thought you’d say.”

“Hey, you start watching documentaries on some of these royal families and tell me they don’t make your life seem boring in comparison,” Hound said defensively. “Okay, well maybe not you, Luna, there are far too many similarities to those back in the day.”

“Man, just think if they made her life into a movie?” Braxton added. “It would be one hell of a thriller.”

We all started to laugh when Braxton started listing who he wanted to play him in this made-up movie. I didn’t notice Boykov made an appearance. “Lady Astin, I believe Miss Foxxx has arrived to collect you.”

Glancing at my watch, I hadn’t realized so much time had passed. “She’s right on time,” I remarked. “So here’s the pressing question… are you going to join us or hand the job off to someone else?”

He leveled a look at me that gave me all the information I needed to know—he was definitely not coming along. “Thad and Gemma will be going with you. It is my opinion that neither of the ladies are ready to be on their own protecting you. They need to work on some areas before I can feel confident in their skills.”

“Whatever you say, Ralph, you’re the one who knows what it takes to deal with me,” I teased, reaching out a hand to him. “Just don’t get upset when you hear how much fun Ivy and I had today without you.”

Boykov pulled me to my feet and smirked. “That will just have to be a sacrifice I bear.”

“Look who’s got jokes today.” I laughed. “I’ll meet Ivy outside. I know Gramps won’t want her to come inside.”

He nodded and left the room as silently as he arrived. Turning to my guys, I kissed each of them, knowing I’d get shit if I didn’t. “Try not to have too much fun without me,” I warned.

“Babe, that’s what we should be saying to you,” Jace countered.

Ryker grabbed my hand, drawing my attention. “Promise me you won’t let her talk you into doing anything too crazy without us there.”

“Guys, she wants to go for lunch. Just how much trouble do you think we’re gonna get in?” I asked.

“Moonflower, tell me that wasn’t a serious question,” Hound challenged, crossing his arms. “If you look in the dictionary next to a trouble magnet, your picture would be right there. I love the fuck out of you, but damn, something always seems to happen around you.”

Rolling my eyes, I blew them all a kiss. “Love you guys… see ya later. Call me if shit hits the fan.”

“She just walks away from us so easily. How heartless,” Braxton commented loud enough for me to hear.

I just gave them a wave as I headed for the front door.

fifteen

“Astin,” Frediano called.

I spotted him stepping out of another room farther down the hall. “Good, I caught you before you left. Here, I wanted to make sure you had these before you went out.”

Curious, I waited for him to reach me, handing over a black metal credit card, a keyfob, and a cell phone. “What’s all this?”

“The cell phone has all the numbers you could possibly need if you get into trouble, and it’s encrypted so it can’t be traced. It also has a Nepreeian number so you don’t have to worry about service here. The keyfob will generate a code to let you into any of the Raffa properties should you ever need to use one at a moment’s notice. I feel like I don’t need to explain the credit card, but the important thing to note is there is no limit,” Frediano shared. “Everything is yours now, Astin.”

Frowning, I looked from the card back to him. “Everything? What about you? Don’t you need money to live off of?”