Page 141 of Sienna Rossi: Beyond Shattered Trust

Heaven is nowhere to be seen; Enrique is holding one of his pups whilst Grandpa Al holds the other, a huge grin on his face as he stands beside Enrique, for once, not criticising his son-in-law.

Both of them just look far too big to be holding the tiny babies. I can’t help but giggle at that. Look at him, becoming a grandfather.

As if sensing me watching, Grandpa Al looks up and motions me over with a jerk of his head. I walk over to them and look down at the two cuties. They really are such adorable babies!

“I was saying to Enrique they look more like us Rossis than him,” Grandpa Al says, pointing at Leandro’s nose.

I raise an eyebrow. “I think they look like Enrique,” I say cheekily. Enrique smirks.

“See? I told you so.”

Grandpa Al frowns. “You’re supposed to be on my side,” he grunts, placing his arm around my shoulder and kissing the top of my head.

“I always am, but I have to be honest,” I whisper, making Enrique snicker.

“Well, either way, they are some cute little fuckers,” Grandpa Al says proudly as he looks between the twins and then down at me sharply. His eyes find my mark, and for a moment, he stares at it before a deep frown settles on his face as if just remembering Jayce. “Where is he?”

He doesn’t need to say who he’s talking about.

“Around,” I say.

He’s about to say something else, no doubt to complain about Jayce, when Aunty Kiara calls him. I take the chance to slip away, walking through the crowd, exchanging small talk and greetings with anyone I pass. Several of our friends and acquaintances from the Academy are here, like Shahira, Charlotte, and Artemis, but despite the huge number of guests, two people are notably missing: Theo and Dante.

“I’ll see you later,” I say to Artemis and Brock, deciding to get myself a drink. It’s quite warm tonight. I weave my way through the crowd in the direction of the drink table, only to see Dad standing there with Jayce.

“… your father was saying you want to step up,” Dad’s saying. He’s holding a drink in his hand, whilst Jayce, whose back is to me, has one hand in his pocket.

My breath hitches as I look him over. He looks as sexy as ever, his jeans hugging his thighs, his shirt is fitted nicely, pulled taut over his biceps. Both men turn to look at me, and I walk over to them, not knowing what to do with my hands, feeling so self-conscious under Jayce’s gaze.

Dad smiles at me as I reach them, preparing myself for Jayce to excuse himself.

“What are you two talking about?” I ask.

“I was just asking Jayce about his future plans,” Dad says, placing his arm around me and looking at Jayce.

Jayce nods. “That’s the plan, once things are sorted with the dome. That’s the priority right now.” His gaze flicks to mine; for a moment he holds my gaze, his eyes once again dipping to my plunging neckline before he turns towards the drink table and picks up a glass, downing half of it in one go.

I smile slightly. “Do you mean you want to take the title of Alpha?” I ask. Will he ignore me in front of Dad? I’m at least hoping he doesn’t.

“That’s the plan. I’m old enough, and I think I know the next few steps I want to take in life,” he replies to me. For a moment, I almost think he means me from the way his voice softened, but that’s wishful thinking.

“That’s good to know; you’ll make a great Alpha, and I think that would be great for Uncle Liam, too. You’re also turning twenty-one tomorrow,” I answer.

Twenty-one already.

My stomach somersaults as I remember the last birthday we celebrated together – mine. It’s the how that makes my core clench with desire.

“Well, I’ll let you both enjoy the evening. I will see you both soon,” Dad says as he kisses my forehead before patting Jayce on the shoulder and leaving us both standing there.

“Want a drink?” Jayce asks.

“Oh, yes, that’s actually why I came over here,” I admit, blushing lightly.

He reaches for a cherry mocktail, and I smile. My favourite.

“Thanks,” I say when he holds it out to me.

“Anytime,” he murmurs, looking away.