Xavier (Vigilance 4)

“Right.”

Lance held out another piece of fruit for the monkey. “He’s really nice. Do you want to hold him?”

I shook my head. “No thanks.”

“Your loss. You got a good team here, X. They’re impressive.”

“Damn right they are.”

“I’d like to see them in action in the bayou. I bet they could hold their own against the gators and all the crazies out there.”

I raised a brow. “You’re referring to others as crazies?”

“I’m far from the craziest member of my family.”

“I’m not going to spend too long thinking about that.”

He grinned. “Probably best. Do you mind if I stay the night and head out first thing?”

“You’re telling me your plans this time?”

The smirk on his face reminded me how insufferable he was. “I needed a sense of who you really were. I couldn’t get that if I announced my presence.”

Once again, I questioned whether Remington had told him my real identity. If so, nothing in his demeanor gave him away, and I doubted he’d be good at hiding things considering how much alcohol he’d consumed.

Lance tilted his head toward where Emilio stood. “I hope you’re not planning on doing something foolish like sending that boy on his way.”

“I have no intention of discussing Emilio with you.” I cursed myself as soon as the words were out. I was using my imperious Carrington voice when I didn’t want Lance questioning who I was.

He held up his hands. “Don’t get all offended. How about I just tell you a little story about my father? You know Bebé?”

“I heard a little about him from Lucien.”

“Complimentary I hope.”

“It wasn’t uncomplimentary.”

Lancelot chuckled. “I like you.”

“You’re growing on me,” I said. “You saving my life helped.”

“It usually does. My father fell in love when he was in his early twenties, but he was already deep into the family business.”

I nodded, intrigued despite myself.

“While he wasn’t the oldest son, he knew his father had plans for him, and it was possible he could end up as head of the family one day. He pretended not to feel what he did for his woman. He sent her away because he thought his life was too dangerous for her. He didn’t give her the choice of whether to take that risk. Men of his generation, especially in our kind of family, never did. But he never forgot her. His marriage to my mother wasn’t a love match. It was all about family alliances. They got along just fine, but there wasn’t any great passion between them.”

He paused to feed Tony a piece of melon and take one for himself. My drink was empty, and I wanted another, but I had to know how the story ended.

“When my mother passed away, Papa kept thinking about the woman he loved. Eventually, his sister convinced him to find her. They’ve been married twenty-two years now, and he loves her more each day. That’s goals right there, having a love like that… If you have the chance, take it. Not many people are going to find that for themselves. I figure I never will, probably Remy never will either, but I sure as hell wouldn’t turn it down if I had it.”

It was one thing when wisdom came from Devil. I’d gotten used to his occasional moments of seriousness and learned to listen to his warnings, but I sure as hell never thought I’d be taking advice from Lancelot, yet here I was about to do just that. “Thank you.”

His eyes widened. “Damn, I didn’t expect that. You’re welcome.”

“Enjoy yourself. Stay the night and leave whenever you want.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. Maybe one day I’ll actually like you.”

He laughed. “I won’t hold my breath.”

I sought out Emilio. He was next to Giorgio, shifting from one foot to the other. I could tell he’d had all the socialization he wanted, and so had I.

I had no intention of spending the night getting drunk with my team. I was going to take my man to bed and make sure he really believed I loved him like I said I did.

“Come on,” I said, grabbing Emilio’s arm, unconcerned that Giorgio was in the middle of a sentence.

“Wow,” Giorgio said. “You’re not even going to acknowledge me. You do have it bad.”

“I’m taking Emilio upstairs, and I don’t want to be disturbed unless another band of assholes comes to attack the island, even then, I think you can handle it.”

“I could. I’m more worried about keeping this bunch in order.”

I snorted. “I should probably leave Niall in charge, but what the hell. Do your best. Just don’t bother me.”

Giorgio laughed as we walked away, and I knew he’d tell the others what I’d said. They’d be teasing me about it for a long time to come, but I didn’t give a fuck.

When we reached the bedroom, I led Emilio to the sofa rather than the bed. As much as I wanted him, I knew we needed to talk first. He needed to know it hadn’t just been the rush of the moment that had made me tell him I loved him. I also had an idea to propose, one that would make it easier for us to be in a relationship. I would need to discuss it with my team, but I didn’t think they would object.