Page 193 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Vito nods, before licking the blood off Ambrose’s cheek; Ambrose shivers. “You all have fucking nerves of steel. How you just stood up to your mom without herknowingit was legendary. Now, how do we tear out the fucking bitch’s throat?”

Laurent casually removes each of his rose clips one by one, clattering them to the floor with a dismissive flick of his wrist. “That fucking bitch is mymom.”

I struggle not to roll my eyes.

Laurent knows how to play Alphas. He’s been taught this his entire life.

Now, we’re witnessing a masterclass with Vito in a single sentence.

Vito’s eyes widen, before he turns to Laurent looking stricken. “Shit, sorry…I didn’t…I mean…my dad was just like your mom. He was a mafia boss, and I had to face him this one time, which fucked with my head. So, I get it—

“Sheisafucking bitch.” Laurent arches his eyebrow in a gesture that makes him look startlingly like a miniature version of his brother. He hurls the final rose clip into the fire, before tossing his long blond hair flowing free around his shoulders. He truly is stunningly beautiful. “And wearetearing out her throat — metaphorically.”

“Or literally,” Ambrose growls, before pointing at Laurent. “Stop freaking out my Alpha.”

Laurent’s lip curls in satisfaction. “You spoil all my fun.”

Vito glances between the brothers. “An Omega version of my baby. I thought that my sister’s Omega was badass but I see that he has competition.”

“Baby?” Laurent mouths at Ambrose.

Ambrose narrows his eyes. “Not one word.”

I drag Swan by the hand to kneel next to the couch.

Laurent is sprawling like an ice prince Omega with his arms around Benedict, who appears calmer now. I can hear Benedict’s soft purring.

He must trust Laurent.

I knew that they’d been in contact over the last four years, but it’s different seeing it like this.

I scan over Laurent, assessing him for injuries. I notice that Swan is doing the same.

Apart from the bruise on his cheek, he appears unharmed. But then, Olivia dresses him in high necked suits with long sleeves. She hides his injuries.

How would I know?

“How was Paris?” Swan asks.

There’s a weight of things unsaid in that question.

Laurent merely shrugs. “Magical.”

“Yeah, not what I meant.”

“Beautiful by the Seine.”

“Laurent…”

“Cold though.”

“Shut up.” I laugh, feeling lighter at last that my Omega best friend is back. “I missed you.”

And I have, so fucking much.

Laurent is isolated and alone. At least I’ve had Swan by my side.

I wish more than anything that Laurent could find his own pack and understand what true bonds feel like.

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