Page 26 of Vengeance

“Well,” I say putting on the infamous flirty charm that Addy Bianchi is known for, “I had help.”

“Yes. I’m sure.”

Translation, he knows that this little war against him doesn’t just begin and end with me. He knows he’s missing something, and he’s not going to kill me until he knows exactly what. That gives me time.

“The night is still young,” I say. And then I make a gamble. One that might help me or doom me. “Perhaps, you’d like to continue celebrating with me tonight at our Long Island estate.”

Both Eileen and Bella look cautiously at me and Pray, but I can tell they both agree with my invitation. We can’t stay here. And we can’t let Pray take us anywhere where he might have set a trap. There’s no telling what’s neutral ground with the Russians apparently on Pray’s side.

At least back home we have the advantage. The extra weapons. Security masquerading as servants and nannies and landscapers. We know every exit, every extra hall, and every hiding place. If Pray messes up, we’ll be more prepared to take advantage of it there. And more important than that, it’s private and away from prying eyes. Just like Pray would want.

Then I add, “We can talk more about my business and future plans.”

Pray gives me a long look, no doubt calculating whether he should accept this invitation just like I calculated inviting him.

In the end he says, “This is far past this old man’s bed time, but I suppose one night of indulgence won’t hurt.”

I give him a bright smile and say with a thick Italian accent that’s no longer expected of me after all these years, “Excellent.”

The ride back to the house is long enough that it’s possible Viper is in the city already. But I also know not to put all my eggs in one basket as the old saying goes. While a body double got in the car with us pretending to be Bella’s husband, Bond, he went to make sure our family’s private jet is ready in case we need to make a quick exit out the country. Hopefully, it won’t come to that. But just in case.

When we arrive at the house, like they always do, the children meet us at the door. Even though it’s well past their bedtime even for a weekend. And for the first time, the allowance of Lady and Leon having all the freedom they want in their own home comes back to bite me in the ass.

To their credit, Leon and Lady immediately pause upon seeing Stephen Pray. I’ve kept most aspects of our family business from them so far, but they are very aware of who Stephen Pray is. They know he’s a dangerous man, that he’s their archest enemy, and that their number one job if they ever run into him is to get away.

They have enough sense to know that they shouldn’t run away in this moment, but I don’t miss the questioning look they shoot me before a change comes over Lady.

She’s always had a very uncanny inclination toward lying and acting and violence. A lot like her father.

“Sorry,” she says to me, pretending to be bashful. “We didn’t know you were bringing anyone else home.”

“You should be in bed,” I chide. Normally I wouldn’t. Normally I would let them linger and then let them follow me to my room while I undressed and they asked me questions until they feel asleep on my bed.

Seeming to comprehend that something is drastically wrong, neither argue and start to go back upstairs, until Pray steps forward and says, “Wait, Addy. I think this would be the first time I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in the same place as your children. If you don’t mind. I’d like to formally meet them considering I probably won’t be here in the morning when they wake again.”

Leon and Lady look to me for the cue on what to do. I simultaneously have every reason to send then upstairs and every reason to allow Pray to meet them. Sending them upstairs would keep them out of Pray’s devious and observant gaze but also make him suspicious about why I’m so eager to keep them away from him. Besides the obvious, of course. Keeping them with me would allow him to get a good look at Lady and Leon. A good chance to see Viper’s face on Leon and Phae’s face on Lady.

“Sorry,” I end up saying. “They really should be in bed. Perhaps you may be able to stay in a guest room and meet them in the morning?”

He’s not going to stay. He’s going to be gone long before morning and so will we if worse comes to worst.

I see the question in Pray’s eye but ignore it as I watch Lady and Leon follow my cue and go back to their room.

Bella and I then lead Pray to the sitting room as Eileen follows.

“Actually, if you don’t mind Isabella. I’d like to talk to Addy, dear, myself.”

It’s not a question. Bella exchanges a look with be before saying, “I’ll go make sure the children are in bed.”

What she really means is that she’ll get them ready in case we have to make an impromptu exit.

But while Bella is glad to and does leave, Eileen doesn’t go anywhere. Pray gives her an expectant look to which Eileen gives him her usual taciturn expression and says while nodding to Pray’s own guard that’s sitting inconspicuously in the corner of the room, “If he gets to stay, I get to stay.”

I don’t know what Viper has been paying Eileen all these years, but whatever it is, she needs a raise. Because she’s loyal to him and his orders as ever. Even when he’s not around to see. Pray doesn’t make a fuss about it, but he’s clearly not happy about it.

We both stare at each other for a moment, not breaking each other’s gaze, waiting on the other to start talking. Not even moving. Both our hands clasped in our laps. The only time I almost falter is when I feel my stomach contract with another false contraction. At this point in my pregnancy, they almost always hurt but have never been labor. So I don’t worry about that as I keep my eyes on Pray.

Finally Pray smirks, and I know he’s about to talk. But why have I feel like I’m the one who has lost this stalemate?

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