Page 19 of Blood for Blood

Luna and Aurora,

We’re really sorry that we had to leave so early in the morning, but we really hope that you can both understand the urgency. As usual, we’re not sure how much we can communicate while we’re gone. The new security guards have been given the run down on what’s going on. I know that both of you are independent and capable of looking after yourselves, but for the love of all that is holy, don’t leave the house without at least four guys. If you leave together, take eight. There will be no less than twenty men at the house at all times. We love you both and can’t wait to be home and done with this shit.

Mateo and Lorenzo

I fold the note back up and place it on the island. This kitchen was one of the first things Luna and I fell in love with, on the inside anyways. We were happy as can be when Mateo told us he bought the house. It’s large and modern, but still has an old school charm. It’s one of those homes that normal people drive past and think ‘Damn. I would hate to be the one cleaning that place.’

The kitchen feels unusually large today, but I know it’s just because I’m missing the guys already.

“Fuck yes, he’s back!” Luna shouts as she runs from the kitchen.

“Who’s back?” I call out to her, but she doesn’t respond. A few moments later, she returns with a massive man whose arms are loaded with grocery bags.

“Aurora, this is Gordon.” She proudly announces. “He doesn’t talk much, but he says he’s a wizard in the kitchen.”

“Chef Gordon?” I raise a brow at her and chuckle. “Seriously?”

“Ironic, isn’t it?” She laughs as she takes a seat at the island. “He’s going to cook brunch for us while he’s here.”

“Why exactly is he here?” Sitting on the stool next to her, I give her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Did they hire a random ass chef for us? Like we can’t cook for ourselves?”

“I’m here for security.” Gordon clears his throat before continuing. “When I retired from the army, I became a chef, but I still do odd security jobs from time to time.”

“Oh.” The math is mathing, because everything about this man SCREAMS military; from his buzzcut, to the shirt tucked into his khaki shorts.

“Do you want us to put all these things away?” Luna asks, pointing to the grocery bags spread along the counter.

“I can manage, I’m sure.” His blue eyes shine when he looks at the two of us. “I’ll get it done and start on lunch. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”

“Let’s go see if we can get in touch with Nyx yet.” I roll my eyes, amused. “They should be done fucking by now.”

Chapter 13

Lorenzo

After the girls head to bed, Mateo and I talk in the kitchen for a while before going to sleep. There’s no way we could have had this conversation around the girls, Luna would be beside herself. I don’t like keeping things from her, but this needs to stay a secret until we know one way or another what is going on.

“We have to at least discuss the possibility that Mathias knows about Leo.” Mateo’s voice breaks through my thoughts and I let out a breath while mulling over his words.

“If he knew about him, he would’ve made a move by now.” Placing my elbows on the island, I rub my temples. This type of shit always gives me a headache. “What would he gain from waiting all this time? It’s been seven years.”

“I don’t fucking know.” He groans, slamming his hands down on the island. “I don’t know the reasoning for half the shit Mathias does. Most of it never makes sense.”

“Have you talked to Amara at all?”

“Yeah, I spoke to her just last week.” He pulls the fridge open, grabbing a bottle of water. “Everything seems to be fine. She hasn’t mentioned anything out of the ordinary; just the usual updates.”

“Amara knows what to watch out for.” I reassure him. “If she thinks for even one second that someone is on to her, you know damn well she’ll call.” That seems to ease some of the tension I feel rolling off of him.

“You’re right.” He sighs, pulling his phone from his back pocket and sending a message to someone. “I sent a text to Gordy. Hopefully he’s able to pull some guys together by morning.” As soon as the words are out of his mouth, his phone pings and a smile stretches across his face. “They’ll be here by six am.”

“Good.” Grabbing his hand, I pull him up the stairs behind me. “Let’s see if the girls are still awake. I could go for a nice distraction.” He huffs a laugh, but doesn’t say anything as we walk into the bedroom.

“Damn.” He grabs my hip, spinning me to face him. “Looks like it’s just us tonight, Zo.”

“Oh, how awful.” I fake disappointment, but I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my face.

He seals his lips to mine in a dominating kiss, which I happily submit to. He walks backward, pulling me out into the hallway with him, not even bothering to pull the door shut behind me, just chasing his lips as he continues down the hall to the spare room.

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