Page 104 of Before Broken Vows
"Really?"
"Yes. It belongs to all Kastaris’s, and you're one."
"Is Mommy?"
I glance at her. Her hand rests in her lap, fingers curled slightly like she's bracing herself.
"She always was," I say, holding her gaze. "Even when she didn't believe it."
Her breath catches. Slowly, she reaches over and laces her fingers through mine. A small smile plays on her lips.
The car pulls into the driveway, but I can't look away from her.
Just as she's about to speak, one of my men opens the door and Xander hops out before either of us can stop him.
I follow out of instinct. "Hold on, buddy. Wait for us."
My men begin unloading the bags, heading toward the house. Stassi moves toward the guest wing with Xander, casting one last glance over her shoulder.
"I'll find you soon," I tell her. "I just have to take care of something first."
I create a group chat with Dimitri, Ares, and Calli as I walk into the office.
Family meeting. Urgent. Video call. 9 a.m. Chicago time.
Dimitri replies immediately.
You back?
Yes. Be here for the meeting.
About ten minutes before the meeting is supposed to start, Dimitri walks in, not bothering to knock.
"Okay, what the hell is going on?"
I look at him and gesture toward the screen. "Wait. I need everyone on this, and I don't want to have to say it more than once."
He frowns but sits down, eyeing me like I've grown another head.
I turn on the TV and cast the video call to the screen. A small phone icon pops up, and then I see Ares's face. Calli stands beside his chair, wearing workout gear and glaring at her phone.
"Okay," Calli says, bending down to look at the camera. "My trainer just got here. Is this gonna be quick, or do I need to cancel?"
"Cancel," I say.
She sighs. "Tell him to go," she shouts offscreen, then looks back at me. "This better be good, Theo. He's still gonna charge me."
"Calm down with your MMA dreams," Dimitri says, half-smiling. "You can miss one day."
She rolls her eyes. "I'm trying to take this seriously."
"Good, Calli," Ares cuts in. "So, Theo, what's going on?"
I take a breath. No turning back now.
"Stassi's back," I say. "And she brought someone with her."
They're silent. Looking. Waiting for me to continue.
