Julie picked up the fork and took a bite. “It’s actually pretty good.” Julia had a hard time acclimating to freedom at the Barsetti estate. After being sold into human trafficking, Crow and I were able to free her and a handful of women. Most of them had families to go home to, but Julia was an orphan without a penny to her name. She was staying with us until she was ready to get back on her feet.
“I’m glad you like it. Crow hates it, but he’s the most stubborn man I know.”
She continued to eat slowly, taking her time spooning herself. She was unnaturally thin and I had to fatten her up as much as possible. I purposely had her spend time with the kids because their happiness was infectious. They could brighten anyone’s mood.
Crow walked into the dining room, wearing a dark navy suit with a purple tie. Like a king, he owned the room the second he walked into it. Casting a distinctive shadow on the wall, his power was unmistakable. “Cane, I said no.”
Cane followed behind him, talking his ear off. “Look, it’s just one gig. I won’t ask for your help again, I swear.”
“I’m not in the business anywhere,” Crow answered. “I told you that.” He walked right up to me with an irritated look that wasn’t meant for me. “Hey, Button.” His arm hooked around my waist and he gave me a kiss.
“Hey, Husband.”
No matter how many times I called him that, the corner of his mouth rose in a smile.
Cane continued to ramble on. “We just get in and get out. No big deal. That’s it.”
Crow ignored him and greeted the kids. First, he greeted Vanessa with a kiss on the forehead then kneeled so he could watch Constantine for a moment. “How’s my little boy?”
“It’s a plane!” Constantine scooped up the mac and cheese on the edge of the spoon then flew it into Crow’s mouth.
Crow took it then swallowed. “Yum.”
I smiled in triumph. “Everyone here seems to love it.”
Crow masked his dislike of the food then greeted Julia. “Hello, Julia.” He always stayed as far away from her as possible, not because he disliked her, but because he understood how terrified she must feel when she was close to any man.
Cane continued. “Hey, asshole. I’m talking to you.”
Crow turned on him quicker than a snake. “Don’t cuss in front of my family. How many times have I told you that?”
Cane rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Are you gonna help me or not?”
“No.” Crow didn’t show an ounce of sympathy. “I told you, I have a family now. I’m not involved with that lifestyle anymore. You can find someone else.”
“But no one has your skills,” Cane argued. “I don’t trust anyone.”
“Too bad,” Crow snapped. “Not drop it.”
Cane rolled his eyes again until they landed on Julia. When he noticed her in the room, his interest piqued. “Hey—”
“Get the fuck away from her.” Crow immediately turned into a pit bull, guarding our guest with teeth barred and his claws extended.
“What happened to now cussing?” Cane argued.
Cane took him by the arm and pulled him from the room. “Knock that shit off.” His voice could still be heard from outside the dining hall. “We rescued Julia from that operation in Russia. Don’t even look at her wrong or I swear I’ll kill you.”
“Geez, give me some credit. You think I’m gonna just whip it out and hold her down then and there?”
Julie purposely looked down at her bowl.
“Don’t make her uncomfortable,” Crow ordered. “She’s under my roof so she’s my guest. I don’t want you to even look at her.”
“What?” Cane asked. “I thought she was pretty. Burn me at the stake.”
“I might,” Crow threatened. “Now leave.”
“Wait, I was serious about the operation. I need your help.”
“Cane, how many times do I have to say this? I’m not in that line of work anymore. I have two kids and another one on the way. I’m not getting involved with that lifestyle ever again.”
“Geez, you’re boring.”
“One day your life will be boring too. And you’ll love it.” Crow walked back into the dining room and dismissed his brother. “Sorry about that, Julia.”
“It’s okay,” she whispered.
“You don’t need to worry about him,” Crow assured her. “He won’t bother you again.”
She kept eating. “I know.”
Crow returned to my side and placed his hand on my small stomach. I wasn’t even showing yet but he was excited that very shortly I would have a baby bump. Nothing turned him on more than when I was pregnant. That was probably why I accidentally got knocked up again. “How’s my little Barsetti?”
“Pretty boring.” I rested my hand on top of his. “No kicking yet. I can barely tell they’re in there.”
“Give it time. Maybe they’ll be a kicker like Vanessa was.”