Page 43 of These Sinful Kingdoms

“Thank you. So, are you in agreement with us? You will accept the help and make plans to go direct to Rocco and finish this and get more training in as well?” he asked and I glanced at Kenji and Caleb, knowing that he meant for them to do it as well. Kenji grinned and I knew he was more than happy to dive in. Caleb hesitated then nodded once.

“Yes. We are all in.” I said as Declan pulled over his laptop.

“I’ll send you everything we have so far. I am aware that Kenji is good with computers, will you be the one handling this?” He asked and I watched the shock and then pride in his face as he stood taller, a nod of encouragement coming from Luca.

“Yes.” He said and Declan motioned for him to sit down.

“Do you mind if I slip out and speak to Elsie? I want to give her my congratulations and maybe work out their schedules too.” I waited as Benjamin nodded.

“Sure. We will give Luca and Kingston everything you need and make time to go over the plan of attack with Rocco. I know Elsie is dying to speak to another woman about this.” He laughed and I understood where she was coming from.

Having so many men around was intense, I was just beginning to understand that now in my own life.

I found Elsie and Serena at the table talking quietly. Elsie’s eyes lit up when she saw me.

“He told you?” She said and I leaned over to kiss her.

“Congratulations, Elsie. I’m so happy for you.” I whispered as she hugged me. Serena was smiling but there was something in her eyes, something that I understood. Longing.

“Hey. Stop, Serena. We have you booked into the clinic. It will be okay.” Elsie said, wrapping an arm around her.

I frowned at Serena who wiped a tear from her cheek and nodded.

“I know. You know I am so happy for you. I just didn’t think it would be so hard.” Elsie smiled and poured some tea from a teapot in front of her.

“I get it, girl. I never thought I could have a family either. You don’t have to explain it to me.” Elsie gestured to the chair, and I sat down as Serena sighed.

“We have been trying for a while. Well, Dante has been trying since the moment we started sleeping together.” She laughed softly when Elsie rolled her eyes.

“But nothing. I have always had issues with my cycles, PCOS, and all. It’s been a little defeating and the longer it goes on, the more desperate I am getting.” She took a sip of the tea, and I reached out to squeeze her hand.

“I can understand that. I may have a son, but I would like another, and I didn’t think I would be in a position to have a family. Now my age is like a ticking time bomb in my head. It’s hard. I don’t have the same issues as you do, but I can understand it. I had a c-section with my body, and I am not sure if it was because of the surgery or if it was just something I had already, but I have endometriosis. Mild, luckily but it’s there all the same and I was warned it could affect my fertility.” I found myself confessing everything to them, things that I had pushed aside and locked away out of necessity.

“If you wanted, I could organize an appointment for you at the clinic as well. Dr. Applegate is the best of the best.” Elsie said and I shrugged.

“I don’t know. Things are so new with everyone and with what is going on right now, I don’t think it is the right time. Even if Luca is determined to breed me as he says.” Serena laughed.

“Oh, I feel that. Dante is the same. He is obsessed with the idea of knocking me up. I have to admit, it is kind of hot though.” I nodded, surprised at the turn of conversation.

It was Elsie who recognized first that this was going down a path I didn’t want to continue right now.

“So, since they have decided we need to learn to protect ourselves better, we should figure out the best times. Do you have a preference?” Serena pulled out her phone.

“I can work around the two of you.” I found myself feeling more at ease than I had in a long time. The company of two women who understood my world and the complexities of the relationships that we had.

This is what I needed, knowing I had the support of people around me to step up and do what needed to be done. Take the Moretti seat.

Chapter twenty-two

Kingston

“Go!Shoothim!Shooooothim!” Fabian yelled as we walked into the house. Luca and I stared at each other before panic set in. Was someone in the house?

I rushed into the room Fabian had set up as his own, to find Agatha and Fabian sitting on his bed with headphones on and playing his game.

“I got him! Did you see that shot? Right between the eyes!” Agatha cackled as they high-fived.

“You’re a better shot than Kingston is.” Fabian teased as he saw me, gun drawn and glaring.

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