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“That fucking cunt is one of my major contributors to my mother’s charity. Show some respect,” I snarled, as I smiled and waved at another familiar face.
“She’s still a cunt.”
“Illyria!”
Turning, I smiled at the familiar and friendly face as I rushed through the crowd to hug Linsey Duchene Van Otto, the head of Duchene International and the wife of Vicious, a member of the Soulless Sinners. Following the tragic murder of her sister Davina, I had the pleasure of meeting a sweet woman who had taken over Duchene International. A quiet woman, Linsey preferred a quiet life where she could raise her three nieces and Vicious’ daughter, Elizabeth.
“Thank God. A friendly face,” the beautiful woman hugged me.
I laughed.
“I know. The vultures are out in mass tonight. I didn’t think you would make it. How are the babies?” I asked, as Maxim shook Vicious’ hand. Linsey recently gave birth to twins at the Soulless Sinner’s clubhouse. It was all anyone would talk about when the news hit the papers.
“Growing like weeds. You must stop by and see them.”
“I know. I will make time next week. I could use a break from all of this,” I smiled, then added, “You look amazing for a woman who just recently gave birth to twins.”
Linsey blushed. “They keep me busy, but tonight, I am off duty. Mrs. Alice offered to watch the kids so I could come here tonight. I wasn’t going to leave you alone with wolves all by yourself. But did you have to invite everyone?”
“It was either invite them all or face the wrath of Bunny. That is a drama I don’t need. Besides, you know how they all like to talk. I figured if they had front row seats, there would be no speculation.”
“The rumor mill is going to run rapid tomorrow. I don’t envy you.”
I laughed. “If that was all I had to worry about.”
“Got a hug for your sister-in-law?”
Turning, I gasped as my brother Giovanni stood behind me with Layla. I hadn’t seen her since Giovanni whisked her and the kids away to the island.
Hugging her tightly, I held on longer than I should have because when I released her, her eyes narrowed, “Sweetie, are you okay?”
Quickly blotting my eyes, I nodded. “I’m just so happy to see you. I’ve missed you.”
Meeting Layla for the first time was a life-changing moment for me. As I looked at her, an overwhelming sense of love washed over me, and I couldn’t help but admire her strength, resilience and her remarkable ability to persist through any challenge that came her way. Despite the challenging life she had before meeting my brother, Layla was determined to take control of her future and not let her past dictate her present. With my brother at her side, Layla finally found the love and happiness she always craved.
I wanted so much to be like her.
She was the sister I always wanted.
“I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I wasn’t going to let Gio stop me from being here for you.”
“I could have,” my brother muttered, kissing her forehead. “But I hate telling you no.”
“How are my nephews?”
“Getting more and more like their dad every day,” Layla smiled, before she turned to Maxim. “Uncle.”
Maxim stiffened beside me. It was after the attack on my family compound in Chicago that Maxim learned his younger sister Dominika gave birth to two children after she disappeared, shortly after they arrived in the states. Layla and Dylan were the only family Maxim had left and while Maxim acknowledged them in public, he refused to seek any relationship with them.
“Niece.”
“Have you reached out to Dylan yet or are you still refusing to acknowledge him?”
“He’s a pain in the ass.”
“Yes, he is. A lot like you. But he is your nephew.”
