Page 49 of The Savage

CHAPTER34

IVAN

It’s good to be home. This is probably the only place I can truly relax, knowing we are safe from everyone. Experiencing flying with Charlotte was different for me. I’ve ridden in a helicopter hundreds of times, but none were as enjoyable as that journey. The delight and laughter on her face was infectious, and I was like a kid let loose on Christmas day. I want her to be happy, to smile and to laugh. It makes me happy seeing the pleasure I can give her. Now I’m not so sure it was a good idea bringing her here because I may not like the plan Angelo has in place because this could divide my loyalties and the last thing I want to do is choose between my best friends and the woman I love.

I already know it would be Charlotte, but the last thing I want to do is lose my friends. They are more like brothers to me, anyway, and I may soon be faced with the most impossible decision of my life.

We head inside and hear Roberto announcing our arrival, and Charlotte grips my hand a little tighter for reassurance. I wish I could tell her everything will be fine, but I’m not so sure of that.

“Ivan.”

Angelo nods as we enter, standing in his usual spot beside the huge fireplace, a whiskey in hand.

He smiles at Charlotte and says pleasantly, “We meet at last, Miss. Richmond. May I offer you my deepest regrets about your situation.”

“I don’t understand.” Charlotte says nervously, and he grins, “Your marriage to the Savage, of course. As if things weren’t bad enough, you got saddled with him.”

I roll my eyes as Charlotte giggles, and I can tell she has relaxed a little.

Angelo holds out a glass of whiskey to me and says courteously, “May I fetch you a drink, Miss. Richmond? What is your preference?”

“Oh, well, a white wine would be lovely. Thank you so much.”

I share a look with Angelo, and he struggles to keep the huge grin off his face because meeting a lady like Charlotte is unusual in our lives and knowing she is my wife must be the funniest thing he’s ever seen.

As he pours her a glass, she says politely, “You have a lovely home, sir.”

“Call me Angelo and it’s not just my home, it’s partly your husband’s too, which now makes it yours.”

He hands her the glass, and she smiles, “Thank you.”

Before I can ask about the plan, the door opens and Roberto says pompously, “Don Vasquez.”

As Flynn enters the room, I wonder what he will make of Charlotte. After all, he was made to pay for her sins in Massimo’s eyes and he might be resentful of that.

I wrap my hand around her waist and say quickly, “Flynn, meet Charlotte, my wife.”

To his credit, Flynn merely smiles and, heading toward us, says in his husky voice, “I heard there was someone madder than me. I’m sorry for your burden, Charlotte.”

To Charlotte’s surprise, he ditches the formalities and pulls her in for a hug and whispers something in her ear that causes her to giggle.

“Don’t listen to him. He’s the mad one.” I growl but Flynn just shrugs and drops her a wink and gratefully receives his usual glass of whiskey.

He turns and looks at Charlotte and shakes his head. “I can see why we have a problem.”

Angelo nods. “Indeed.”

“What are we going to do about it?” I must know, and Angelo smiles in his mysterious way. “Malik has the details. He won’t be long?”

“And Alessandro?” Of all my friends, he is the one I’m most nervous about. He is my closest brother and yet I’m putting my own needs above his and Winter’s.

“He won’t be coming.” Angelo shrugs.

“Why not?” Now I’m worried and Angelo says with a sigh. “He is currently in Sicily, unpacking.”

“You mean ...”

Flynn groans. “Fuck! The poor bastard.”

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