Page 21 of Heart of a Villain

“Eesh?” Joel called. “Look who’s finally here, babe.”

Sayeda headed over while Mike and Gage took her spot, flanking Rafael on each side.

Eesh turned around.

And they froze at the same time.

They had the same eyes, eyebrows, complexion, hair texture, lips, nose, and ears. Overall, their physical differences comprised probably less than two percent of their faces.

They were related.

They had to be.

If not sisters, cousins. If not cousins, they shared a not-so-distant ancestral branch.

“Mama, she looks just like you!” Theo said, now cradled in Xara’s arms on the sofa. “Right, Mama?”

Ayesha handed the baby to Joel.

Without thinking, Sayeda pulled Ayesha into a hug and squeezed, and hugging Ayesha made her feel like a five-year-old consoling her toddler sister after a bee sting. Growing up an only child under her cousin’s protection, she’d never felt the need to be the guardian.

Already, that was starting to change.

“Um, where are my manners?” Ayesha said, halfway releasing her, dabbing at the corners of her eyes. “Jules, you haven’t met Wren or Adrían yet, have you? Wren is Larke’s younger sister, and that guy over there,” Ayesha extended an arm, “is Adrían.”

“That’s quite the grand introduction,” Joel said, eyes narrowed.

“Joel, you’re my honey, my baby, my boo, my love, my everything, my morning, and my sun.”

“So, what, Adrían’s your moon and star?”

Ayesha waved Adrían over, shaking her head with a quiet laugh. “Hey, Adrían? Come here a minute? I’d like you to meet my sister, Sa...Juliana.”

Adrían walked over.

Sayeda reached out for a handshake, and when his large hand swallowed hers, she felt a spark. But it wasn’t the kind of spark that made people think they were romantically compatible with someone on a molecular level. It was a glint of familiarity. Of a time in her life when pain, anger, and hate didn’t comprise so much of her existence.

“My parents are in the guest suite at our place,” Joel said. “But, if you’re okay with it, there’s an entire guest house on the property. Adrían, Wren, and Giorgio’s brother, Thanasis, are all staying there, so you won’t be alone.”

“She’s staying at a hotel,” Rafael barked. “Introductions are over, so Juliana will be leaving now.”

Mike frowned.

Xara nuzzled Theo’s face as if making sure his closed eyes meant he’d truly fallen asleep.

“Man, fuck you,” Mike spat.

“Who do you think you are talking to?” Rafael countered.

“I’m looking right at you. Who the fuck do you think I’m talking to, the walls? Adrían, take our lovely guest over to the house so she can get situated.”

Rafael reached toward his waistband, but Julien had confiscated all weapons at the entrance to the property. It had been impressive to watch. Somehow, they’d known not only how much he carried but where he carried them.

“Do you people know who I am?”

Dez snorted. “Yes, we do.”

“And no, we do not care,” Julien added.

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