“If it makes you feel better, I don’t plan on going back by myself.”
“I would fucking hope not.” Mercer gave me a look that said he’d be punishing me later.
Thighs squeezing together, I tried to keep my arousal under control considering we weren’t alone. “So, why is Lavinia picking them up from a motel?”
“It’s well known that they’re our friends, and with the accusations against us it’s becoming a witch hunt.” Mercer rubbed the back of his neck and sighed heavily. “Better safe than sorry.”
Lavinia cleared her throat. “And I’m picking them up personally because Gears knocked one of my guys unconscious when I sent a team. Apparently, he didn’t pass her mysterious test, so she was convinced he was there to kill them. Knocked him out and hightailed it to a different motel. This time, I’m hoping for no hiccups.”
I grinned. That definitely sounded like the cocky, casually aggressive female alpha I’d met that night. “Got it. I understand now.”
“I’m assuming we’re mostly caught up now?” Lavinia asked. “Because if we’re leaving here in a few hours, I should help Violet start packing.”
Silence descended over our table.
Violet stared at Lavinia, wide-eyed and confused. “Packing?” she asked timidly.
“Yes. To move to the Alfieri estate with us, of course.”
I glanced between Lavinia, who looked fully confident as usual, and Violet, who was obviously befuddled by the turn of events. “Lav, did you ask her if shewantedto move in with us?”
“It makes the most sense. I didn’t think it would be an issue.”
“You’re kind of ignoring the fact that this is Violet’s home and she’s lived here for years. Moving out so suddenly might not be something she wants to do.” Mira gave her two cents.
Our older sister was beginning to see our point. I watched the realization happen in real time.
Lavinia turned to Violet. She clasped one of the younger woman’s hands in both of hers. “The family would love to have you at the house. I promise there’s plenty of room and you’ll have full access to the chefs and cleaning staff. Plus, whatever tutors you need. We’ll pay your counsellors a premium to make house calls, at least until things are a bit more stable.”
Mouth hanging open slightly, Violet didn’t say a word. She looked at West with an unspoken question in her eyes.
I prayed he wouldn’t fuck up and give her the wrong answer. My hand brushed his where it rested on my shoulder.
“If you want to come, I’d love to have you close,” West said roughly. “If you want to stay, I’ll visit when it’s safe. If you want to move out of here to somewhere else entirely, well… Uh, I’d prefer if you waited until everything had calmed down. But I’ll support that too. Whatever you want, Vi.”
Thank fuck.
He was learning.
Violet teared up and gave him a few huge nods, then grabbed Lavinia in a tight hug. “Yes, please. I’ll come. I hope I won’t be a burden—I can work in the kitchens, if you need me to. Or do landscaping. And I’ll be sure to apologize to your parents for intruding.”
“Work?” Lavinia asked, confused. “Why would we need you to work?”
“To earn my keep. I can’t afford to pay rent.”
“Rent? We don’t need you to pay rent, either.”
“Our parents won’t accept any form of payment from you, Vi.” Mira butted into the back and forth. “You can offer when you meet them, but they’ll just say no.”
Violet separated from Lavinia, sniffling and wiping at her eyes. “Alright. Well… I’ll try to convince them.”
She would not be successful. Mom was going to adore her immediately.
“Let’s get packing, then.” Mira hopped off the bench seat first. “Talia, shouldn’t you be heading to your appointment?”
I glanced over at the clock and cursed.
Damn it all, I was going to be late.
