Page 150 of Santiago's Conquest (Four Dark Horsemen 1)

But he only slightly nods at me, and I understand the gesture at once.

Pick your alliances and loyalties well, Briseis.

As I look around the family that Santiago gifted me with when he married me, from his parents and sister to his best friends, I know these are the people who will stand by me through anything.

Who will protect me no matter what.

Their love and loyalty are not based on some thing; they love you, because one of their own chose you, and as such, you become part of the family.

I chose my loyalties right.

They all live on the dark side… but their dark side has so much love in it.

And that’s all that matters to me.

Santiago

As my family showers Briseis with love and attention, I walk outside and close the door behind me.

My three best friends stand around me, and Florian updates me on the latest news, since I’ve been stuck in the hospital for the last twenty-four hours. Although the doctors said they didn't know what kind of damage was done to Briseis’s body or brain, they kept her overnight and ran different tests while placing an oxygen mask on her, as her lungs might not have worked properly.

During this time, the zookeeper informed me Leo made it through surgery, and now we just have to wait to see if he can get better. I believe in my lion though; he’s a survivor.

Arson and Callum stayed by my side, waiting until the doctor cleared her and told me she just needs rest. They might never consider me a friend, but I’m so thankful they showed up when it mattered the most.

And that’s our relationship, right?

Be there when shit hits the fan, because our memories will always be the glue keeping our loyalty intact.

“We destroyed the place after finding the paperwork with his business partners’ names. We sent it to the cops from an unrecognizable server, so they should drag down the rest.”

“Any kids?” I ask, hating only one thing about finding Andreas just now. Kids still suffered because of his madness.

Octavius shakes his head. “Not here, but in the warehouse he has in New York, there were kids. Lachlan took care of that.”

I sigh, relief slamming into me finally that this situation is over, and I put my hand on Remi’s shoulder, watching his expression and not finding any pain. “Are you all right?”

He grins. “Si. No major arteries touched. They had to get the bullet out and yelled about not walking, but I’m fine.” Although he says these words, I see a light sweat on his forehead and his heavy breathing.

Carefully, I give him a man hug, slapping his back, and whisper, “Thank you for taking a bullet for me.” Even though I don't say more, I tighten my hold on him, because I’m thankful for so many things when it comes to him.

If he had given up on me all those years ago, I would have been all alone in this world and never knew what it’s like to be secure in the knowledge that your best friend will follow you to the ends of time.

“Always.” He leans back and then announces, “Octavius, take me to my room, because I’m going to swoon at Florian’s feet, and people might think I have a crush on him.” He grabs his chin, squeezing it. “After all, he’s so pretty.”

Florian flips him the bird while Octavius and I share a laugh before he drags Remi to the other end of corridor.

“I’m gonna go too. Need to finish the hospital paperwork on Remi and then pay the bills.” Florian slaps my arm and heads to the elevators, leaving me standing alone where I can hear Briseis laughing in her hospital room, which, in turn, produces my own smile.

My wife.

It’s short-lived though when the door opens and my eyes meet my father’s, who addresses me as he’s always done over the last sixteen years. I’ve never, ever willingly started a conversation with him. “Your mother would like some coffee. I’m going to grab it downstairs. It’ll probably take me a while, so you can go back inside. I won’t be there to bother you.” He moves in the same direction as Florian.

Is this what he thinks? That I left the room because he was in it?

What else could he think though?

I’ve given nothing but grief to my own father, who I’ve punished for something that was out of his control.

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