“They’re like sitting ducks in there,” Gabriel pushed back.
“The members are vetted,” Wolf said. “I’ve got a security team as well.”
The brothers exchanged glances.
“I’ve got eyes on Simone,” Luciano said. “The women are safe.”
Wolf gestured toward the stairs. “Gentleman, sis. I’ve got a table waiting in my lounge.”
“Did your parents leave?” Gabriel asked as they climbed the newly carpeted stairs to the second floor.
“They’re having dessert at their table,” Halston replied.
“How was the reunion?” Gabriel asked.
She smiled, the joy on her face quelling his anger. “It was great.” At the top of the stairs, she kissed him. “Thank you for keeping me safe from that lunatic.”
“Always,” he replied as he clasped her hand in his.
Wolf led them down the hall with its dark tapestry wallpaper and low-lit chandeliers. Into the lounge, they went. More old, dark things. Gabriel wasn’t into vintage or furniture that looked like it had passed its expiration date.
He would have a drink with his brothers, his fiancée, and his future brother-in-law. He’d accept Wolf’s olive branch like a Santini, and he’d move on with his life. He’d see Wolf at family gatherings, it would be a non-issue. Nothing and no one would ever be more important to him than Halston… and any children they might be blessed with having.
Six upholstered chairs were perfectly placed around a vintage mahogany table with oversized claw feet.
More old furniture.
As the brothers filed in, Wolf extended his hand and shook each of theirs.
“Luciano, a pleasure. Greystone, thank you for your service. Teddy, appreciate you being here.”
When Gabriel passed him, the two men shook hands. “Gabriel, thanks for putting my sister first.”
He didn’t need the kudos, but he acknowledged Wolf with a nod. Poking the bear would turn this non-event into a shit show. Gabriel’s goal? Get through the next hour without incident. For someone who loved being the Agitator, he’d be stealth.
He loved Halston. She adored her brother, so he’d do the right thing… for her.
A server outfitted in a tuxedo bolero, black dress pants, and crisp white shirt carried a sterling silver tray with a bottle and six glasses. “Santini Whisky.”
One by one, they pulled a crystal glass, until Greystone.
“Sparkling water.”
“Yes, sir,” said the server who hurried off.
Wolf leaned back, crossed his legs. “I’m Halston’s younger brother, Wolf Devereux. First, congratulations to my sister and Gabriel on their engagement. Since we’re going to be family, I thought I’d get everyone together.”
Gabriel’s hackles calmed. The tension that lived in his shoulders eased a little. Maybe he’d been wrong about Wolf.
That sounds like an olive branch.
The server returned with a bottle of sparkling water and a crystal glass for Greystone. He twisted open the bottle, poured the bubbly liquid, and set it down.
Wolf raised his glass. “To family.”
The group toasted, sipped their beverages.
“I have a crazy story I want to share with all of you,” Wolf began. “I’d hoped to tell Halston before now, but her life gotkinda crazy.” He peered across the table at her. “Sorry to spring this on you, sis.”