Page 113 of The Hermit

“What’s the deal with Enzo?” I ask no one in particular.

“From what I’ve gotten to know about him, he’s a lone wolf. I’m actually surprised he joined the alliance,” Leo answers. “Almost as surprised as when you called for an alliance to be formed.”

Being a hermit, I can understand that.

Our attention turns to the construction site, and while we inspect every nook and cranny, we discuss where something has to be changed or added.

The entrance hall will have a lot of light streaming in via floor-to-ceiling windows.

I take a few extra minutes to look at the East Asian architecture that will be able to handle strong winds on the island.

“So this will be our new sanctuary?” Grace asks.

“Yes. Once it’s completed it will have a serene feel to it.”

“Which I’ll disturb with parties,” Santiago chuckles.

“God help us,” Leo mutters, a smile tugging at his mouth. “Let’s see what the security building looks like.”

We head down the path and find Evinka giving orders via Alan, who’s translating for her.

“The wall needs to be three meters high,” Alan tells the site manager. “It’s going to be covered in monitors, so make sure it can take a lot of weight.”

Watching Evinka give one order after the other via sign language, my worry eases, knowing she’ll have the island up and running in no time.

“That’s one hell of a second-in-charge you have there,” Cassia mentions.

I nod. “I’m very lucky to have Evinka.”

As we stare at the area where the boardroom will be, I say, “We’ll get a round table.”

“Don’t you think it would be awesome to have chairs like the ones in Game of Thrones?” Santiago asks. “But instead of swords, the backrest can be made of machine guns.”

“Jebat,” I mutter while shaking my head. “No, definitely not.”

He gives me a look that says he doesn’t care what I say, he’s going to have the fucking chairs made.

When we all head back to the beach so we can enjoy refreshments, Enzo joins us again.

I wait for everyone to sit down, then ask, “Any sign of the bratva?”

They all shake their heads, then Leo says, “They’ve pulled out of Italy.”

“Greece, too,” Cassia adds.

“For the time being,” Enzo mutters. “They always come back.”

True.

“We’ll deal with them one war at a time because there’s no getting rid of the entire bratva,” Santiago says.

Turning my attention to Grace, I ask, “Do you want something to eat?”

She shakes her head. “I’m still fine after the huge lunch we had on the yacht.”

I lean in and press a kiss to her temple. “We’ll leave soon.”

“You’re doing much better being among people,” she mentions softly.

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