Page 114 of Syndicate of Sin Bundle

She wants to start creating art again? What happened? For years, she had been adamant about not wanting to paint or draw or even sketch. She thought that being part of the family meant that she had to give up that part of herself.

“Do you think it’s a bad idea?” she asked, glancing down at her lap. “I mean, I don’t—”

“I think it’s a great idea,” I said, sinking my fingers into her thigh. “Let’s go.”

“Right now?” she asked, eyes wide. “I thought you had work.”

“I can make time for you,” I murmured against her lips, sucking her bottom lip into my mouth and gently tugging on it. “But why the sudden change of heart about it all? I thought that you didn’t want to do art anymore.”

“Yeah, but …” She glanced toward the window and smiled to herself. “Sage and I were talking while we went to the museum, and I sorta mentioned that I’d be interested in sculpting. And she thought I should try it out. So, I’m going to. Is that weird?”

Heat surged through my body, my lips curling into a smile. Sage had done this.

I would have to plan something nice for her later.

“No, of course it’s not weird,” I said. After scooping my wife’s hand in mine, I tucked my gun into my waistband and walked with her to the office door. “Follow me, doll. We’re going to get you those art supplies so you can create something amazing.”

21

sage

Constantino: Can you make sure Laila eats tonight?

After turning off my tablet, I slid it into my purse and grabbed my phone from off the wooden table at the coffee shop. I had been here for hours, and Mr. Riccardo the Bodyguard looked pissed off that I hadn’t bought him another cookie.

Me: Sure! Does she like anything specific?

Constantino: Nothing specific.

Constantino: She’s sculpting at our place. When she used to paint, she’d forget all about the time.

My eyes widened. Laila is sculpting? I almost couldn’t believe it. When we had gone to the museum, she had seemed like she’d never pick up art again, like she desperately wanted to start back up but feared what everyone would think of her.

Constantino: Thank you for that, by the way.

What is he thanking me for?

Me: For what?

Constantino: For urging her to pursue art again.

Warmth spread throughout my body, and I couldn’t stop the grin that spread across my face. Did I inspire Laila to buy a bunch of art supplies and start working on her next piece? Does she really value my opinion that much?

“Maybe I’ll see you around?” Poppy asked when I stood.

I smiled. “Yeah, definitely. I’ll probably be here tomorrow too!”

“Great.” She beamed. “I’ll see you then.”

Once I grabbed my iced tea from the wooden table and wiped the wet residue off with a napkin, I took my purse and nodded to Riccardo, who stood with his empty cookie plate. He followed me down the stairs and to the exit, licking his lips.

“Do you want another one?” I asked before we left.

“Another what?”

“Cookie.”

“No.”

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