Broken Kingdom (Corium University Trilogy 3)

His smile widens. “And welcoming you into the family. You’re one of us, a Diavolo, just as much as you’re now a Rossi. Tonight only makes it official. I hope you’re ready to get to know a lot of people because they’re all dying to get to know you.”

There goes my makeup. “See, it was a good thing I recommended waterproof mascara.” Scarlet hands me a tissue, and I can’t help but laugh. It’s all so funny and so overwhelming and so touching at the same time. My eyes scan the room, taking in the array of people here to celebrate us.

“Aspen, let me formally introduce you to my brother, Nic, and his wife, Celia.” Lucas gestures toward the table, where a man who looks eerily similar to Lucas sits. His dark eyes scan me from head to toe. He’s got his hair slicked back, and his sleeves rolled up, showing off the intricate tattoos on his forearms. Nic’s features are almost cold, but when he smiles, the unsettling feeling in my gut diminishes. Beside him sits his wife, her silky brown hair falling down her back in gentle waves. Her features are striking, her heart-shaped face one you can’t look away from. She smiles, and her eyes brighten with joy.

“It’s so nice to meet you. I’m so excited to have another woman in the family.”

Family… I almost can’t believe it. Every day I wait for the moment when I find out this was all a dream.

“I’m happy to be a part of it and can’t wait to make memories together.”

“Oh, sweetheart, you’ll have lots of time to make memories, and believe me, memories will be made. You’re married to a Rossi, after all.” Another beautiful woman I have yet to meet chimes in, a glass of champagne in her hands.

“Aunt Keira, what’s that supposed to mean?” Quinton teases.

“Yeah, what’s that supposed to mean?” Damon, Xander’s brother, interjects. I’ve heard his name in conversation often and seen him a time or two. His dark eyes are as menacing as Xander’s, but where Xander has an edge about him, Damon seems chill.

“Aspen, this is Keira and Damon. My aunt and uncle. They can be a little odd sometimes,” Quinton adds, smirking.

Damon flips him the bird, and my grin widens.

“Can we get through one dinner without someone flipping someone else off?” Ella scolds Damon from across the table, her motherly voice making me giggle.

“Sorry, but it’s his fault,” Damon exclaims, and Quinton, of course, rolls his eyes.

“Never a dull moment,” the person beside Damon adds, and my gaze moves to him.

Even knowing all these men are older, they don’t seem to appear of the age they should be, each appearing younger than the next.

“That’s Roman and Sophie, Ren’s parents,” Quinton explains. “You met them at the founders’ ball.”

Yes, a night I would rather forget. “It’s nice to officially meet you.”

The apples of Sophie’s cheeks grow flush, and she beams at me from her seat. “We’re so happy to see you again, the elusive girl who won over Quinton’s heart.” She bats her eyes, and Roman lets out a gruff laugh.

The man is built like a brick house, his arms huge. In fact, his entire body is huge, and I imagine I’d find myself trying to hide behind Quinton if he was standing.

But there’s something about him, something that says as dangerous as I know he probably is, he’s also kind.

“It’s very nice to meet all of you, and thank you for doing this for us.” I’m so happy I could cry, again.

“There’s one more thing,” Lucas says. “It was always your dream to become a doctor, and I want to make sure you know that’s still possible. I asked Dr. Lauren if she would mentor you and get you set up for medical school if that’s something you still want to do?”

“I…” I stumble over my words. “Of course. I’d love that. It’s always been a dream of mine, and I can’t believe it’s even an option now.”

Lucas smiles, but I can tell something is lingering beneath the surface. “Nothing is out of reach for you, Aspen, and if I’m being honest, I don’t think it ever was.”

After hours of eating, drinking, and being pulled from one conversation to another, I need a breath of air. There’s a terrace beyond the ladies’ room, and it happens to be empty when I come out after freshening my makeup. I decide now is my chance and duck out before anyone sees me.

The night air is soft and gentle. I pull in as much as I can, filling my lungs. This is my life, right at this moment. I want to soak in every bit and not forget a single thing.

Especially once a pair of arms snake around me from behind. “Caught you ducking out on our guests.”