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“This smells absolutely delicious,” Dante says, sitting on Gideon’s right as Sebastian takes the left.
“Wow,” Sebastian says as I place a full plate in front of him. “I haven’t had a home-cooked meal in…” He frowns. “Well, ever, I don’t think. Mum was a buy frozen and heat quickly woman.”
“Well, as long as you are all here, enjoying this good food, why don’t you have a talk, hmm? Catch up, clear the air, and all that.”
Dante catches my eye. “Bribery? Nice, Isla. You’re learning.”
“Not bribery. A companion to your conversation.”
“Thank you, Isla. It looks wonderful,” Gideon says quietly.
I take that as my cue to beat it. As much as I would like to mediate this conversation, none of them will say shit while I’m there. I know it, they know it, so I might as well bugger off and start cleaning this immense castle while they hopefully sort out their issues.
“Oh,” I say as I reach the door, “If any one of you throws a punch, draws a knife, or shoots anyone, you will never be fed by me again. And if you don’t think that’s a threat. Start eating.”
“You don’t need to convince me,” Gideon says, tucking in. “Fuck me. Is there more?”
“Maybe after you’ve talked. Be good boys now.” I waggle my fingers and blink as Dante’s face lights up.
“I like the mother hen touch. It reminds me how empty and sad my life has become.”
“I know how to take care of people. It’s my job, my calling, so you do your part, and I’ll do mine.”
“I’m convinced,” he says with a slow smile before he starts eating.
Sebastian is already halfway through his, which makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
“Bye now.”
Disappearing back to the kitchen, I grab the box and go upstairs to find Sophia’s room to leave it, and then I get started on my duties, shaking my head in disbelief that I’ve only been here a few days. It feels like forever, and I can’t help the thrill that skitters over me when I think about all the excitement that has happened.
“Now whose life is sad and empty,” I murmur, but I don’t care. I actually feelhappyfor the first time in I don’t know how long. And nothing is going to ruin that for me.
Wincing as I know I just jinxed the shit out of myself, I forget everything as I get to work.
44
GIDEON
“Idon’t even know where to start. This is your thing, so one of you needs to get it over with.” Isla’s threat hangs ominously over me and my stomach. I need her cooking, and I need her.
“I’ll go,” Sebastian states. “My thing involves both of you, and yours is just between you two, so it makes sense.”
“So practical,” Dante drawls. “Since when?”
“Since I grew up, you dick. Now listen up. I’m pissed that you killed my dad and took what was mine.”
“Hang on…”
“Wait,” he says, holding his hands up. “My turn. I’ve got the fucking conch.”
“Hated that book,” Dante mutters.
“But for the sake of Isla,” Sebastian continues, “I’m willing to make a deal, a compromise, if you will.”
“I’m listening,” I growl.
He shovels the last of his breakfast into his mouth, and I wait for him to finish impatiently.
