Page 104 of Deception & Desire

Isabella scoffs, her blonde hair tied back in a loose braid, starkly contrasting her sleek designer outfit. “What are you talking about? I’m never putting this one down.”

She nuzzles into Liza’s chin, staking her claim as the favorite aunty.

I tilt my head at her fondly. “Do you think you’ll have another?”

Isabella laughs. “I think we have our hands full with these four, don’t you? Besides, I think this is the perfect opportunity for us to open a bottle of wine. Can’t do that if you’re pregnant.

I can practically feel myself salivating. “Dear God, I haven’t had a drink in almost a year. Please tell me you have tequila.”

“Mia!” Cas lets out an undignified squeak.

I stick my tongue out at her. “I worked in a bar, Cas. Come on.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Isabella winks at me as she places Liza gently on the floor by a cooing Irina.

I settle back into the couch as Cas shakes her head, though I can see a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

From the next room, the low murmur of voices carries to us. The men are discussing business despite Leon insisting he wasn’t going to talk shop tonight. But we all knew better.

“They’ll be fine, you know?” Cas says, catching the direction of my gaze. “Together, they can take down anything.”

I look at her and smile. “I know.”

For the first time in a long time, I truly believe it.

Isabella returns a moment later carrying—bless her soul—three shots of clear tequila with matching wine glasses on a tray. A bottle of red wine is tucked haphazardly under her arm.

“Tadaa!”

“Issy, you are a godsend,” I laugh as I take my shot when offered.

Cassandra leans over and taps her glass against mine.

“To survival,” she says with a grin.

“To family,” Isabella counters, lifting her glass.

“To the future,” I say softly, my gaze drifting to our children.

We down the shots, and I try not to grimace as the liquid burns down my throat. I could have sworn this tasted better a year ago.

“Ugh!” Cas moans. “Never again. Issy, please pour me a glass of wine so I can at least pretend to be civilized when I drink.”

I laugh as she continues to complain. The children around us are delighted by the warmth and love of our words, even if they don’t quite understand them.

After a while, the low murmur of voices from the next room stops, replaced by the creak of the door opening.

I glance up just as Leon strides into the room, followed closely by Teo and Rocco. Leon’s presence fills the space effortlessly, as it always does, his chocolate eyes scanning for me first.

When he finds me, his lips twitch in a small, reassuring smile, before he walks over to drop into the seat next to me. I curl into his warmth immediately, his arm stretching over my shoulder.

“Sorry for leaving,” he murmurs as he kisses his temple.

Teo clears his throat, his hands clasped behind his back. Despite his usual air of easy confidence, there’s a weight to his expression tonight.

“Ladies,” he begins, nodding at each of us, “I hope you’re enjoying yourselves. I hate to interrupt, but we have an announcement to make.”

Isabella raises a brow. “An announcement? Teo, why are you being so formal?”

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