Page 62 of Lorenzo & Lily

Lorenzo pulled out his phone. “Why didn’t Rio let me know?”

Eddie gestured to Lily and Liliana, who were standing with Rebecca. “He probably thought you’d be too busy with their arrival, and didn’t want to disturb you.”

Ethan pursed his lips. “I also hate to say it, but I think you’ll need to call off your meet tonight. If the press are as bad as Alex says, there’s no way you’ll be able to make it past them to take a meet, and chances are you could be followed even if you did.”

Lorenzo felt panic start to skitter towards the surface, as the feeling of being boxed in started to take over.

You aren’t trapped.

This is not the jungle.

He glanced over at Lily and started to feel better, at just the sight of her.

Then he glanced at Liliana, his little light, and his body relaxed.

He turned back to his brothers; none of them seemed to notice his brief struggle. It wouldn’t be the first time. “I understand what you’re saying, but I think we need to have the meet. The country knows there might be an impending strike. My going to the docks would not be unexpected, no matter what time of night.”

Nate turned to the Marcello. “Paget’s in town now, isn’t he? Undergoing talks to supposedly stop the strike before it starts?”

Marcello nodded.

“Then why don’t we use that? Lorenzo should technically be there, since he does manage Valleria’s largest port.”

Marcello pursed his lips. “He should, but as part-owner in a shipping company as well – even one focused on charity work – that creates a conflict of interest for him. If the strike happens, he can step in but, anything before that would likely be seen as royal overreach.”

Alex quirked a brow. “We’re the monarchy; nothing’s out of our reach.”

Marcello shook his head. “Perception, big brother. You know all about that.”

“Oh, that I do. Which I why I think I’ll go with you tonight.”

Lorenzo blinked, then thought of Rebecca. “Alex, what about–”

“The royal plane was called back to Valentia by Cat, so I’m assuming all our sisters will be descending on you earlier than expected.”

Alex grinned at Lorenzo’s whispered curse.

“Rebecca and I will stay a bit longer and, if need be, we’ll drive back. The drive only takes a couple hours or so anyway. I’ll go with you.”

“That means a full royal escort, and a lot of splashy pictures in the press tomorrow,” Eddie said.

Alex nodded. “So be it. We won’t hide, and we won’t be bullied. All of this will die down as we get closer to Christmas and the new year. The press have short attention spans.”

“It won’t be short tonight,” Lorenzo murmured.

“You still need me there?” Ethan asked.

Alex shook his head. “Take a break, enjoy one of your last nights on land.”

“All right. The meet’s set for ten, and I’ve set dinner earlier at six-thirty, since that’s when Liliana typically eats. I want to make sure she’s settled for the night before we leave. I’ll give Peter and the others a heads up that we may be a little late, just in case it takes longer to leave the castle than anticipated.”

He caught sight of Liliana rubbing her eyes. He didn’t know if she napped, but he’d check with Lily. “I’ve got to go. We all set for now?” His brothers nodded and he walked to his little girl.

He picked Liliana up and she settled her head on his shoulder. He gently rubbed her back as her little arms wrapped around his neck. “How’s my darling girl doing? Did you enjoy meeting your uncles?”

She nodded, then mumbled something.

“What, Liliana?”

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