Chapter 51
Fifty-One
Brittney
“Holy shit.”
I smirk and slide my hand on Leo’s leg, sitting in the passenger seat.
Together we gape at the villa ahead of us, surrounded by lush gardens and greenery that envelopes the soaring stone walls. The side of the home stretches down a small cliff and literally disappears into a crystal-clear lake.
“I know,” I say. “I think he bought it from, like, George Clooney or something.”
Leo exhales, dragging his fingers through his hair. He’s nervous, though he’ll never admit it. And I can’t say that I blame him. It will be the first time he and Astor have seen each other since Astor thought he killed him. If not for Cillian coming in shortly after to “clean up,” Leo very likely would have died. Instead of finishing the job, Cillian gave Leo proper medical care and took him to his home where Leo laid low until the dust settled. Meaning, Astor settled.
Sabine told me Astor cried when Cillian told him Leo was still alive. It was the next day Astor officially stepped down from his job as CEO, and decided to completely restructure his life—around his one true love, Sabine. Behind the mask Astor has worn for decades is an extremely emotional, passionate man who just wants a normal family life.
And slowly but surely, it’s happening.
I park the rental car under the port cochere.
“You ready?”
I watch the Adam’s apple bob in Leo’s neck. He grips my hand. “Yes.”
The moment the car doors shut, Sabine swings open the front door.
I gasp. “Sabine! You’re showing!”
“Come here!” We embrace for what feels like a full minute, rocking back and forth.
Astor appears in the doorway and I realize Leo is lingering behind us.
For a moment, Astor and Leo stare at each other. Then, Astor steps out of the entry, rushes across the cobblestone driveway, and throws his arms around Leo.
Shocked, Leo freezes, his eyes bugging as he looks at me.
Sabine and I laugh.
“Wow, so he’s . . .”
“Healing,” Sabine smiles. “The guy has become a daily crier.”
I laugh. “Wow, who would have thought?”
We watch Astor and Leo speak for a moment, though it’s mainly Astor talking. Apologizing, I assume. But I also know that Leo has plenty to ask forgiveness for as well. Regardless, things seem to be off to a great start.
We watch as Astor leads Leo into the home, his arm around his shoulders. Leo smiles at me as they pass.
I exhale, put my hand over my heart. “That went well.”
“I had no doubt. Come on, come inside. I’m so excited to see you . . .”
As always, Sabine and I fall into easy conversation as we step into the kitchen. Astor and Leo have poured themselves a drink and are outside on the patio, where, if I had to guess, they’ll remain for a while.
Sabine pours me a glass of wine, while she opens sparkling water for herself.
“How much longer are you going to stay here?” I ask.
“Just a few more months, I think. We want to have the baby in the states.”
“Do you know what it is?”
She smiles from ear to ear. “A girl.”
I scream in delight.
Both men rush in.
Sabine and I laugh. “We’re fine. Go away.”
Once certain we are not being kidnapped by bandits, Astor and Leo retreat to the patio. No amount of therapy will remove the innate protector that lives in both men, and that’s just fine with us.
We spent the next thirty minutes talking about all things baby, until Sabine switches up the conversation.
“Okay, tell me about you. And Leo. He still hasn’t found a job, right?”
“Right, but he’s applying every day. It’s just that his skill set is so singular.”
“Yes, most soldiers turned hitmen don’t have a wide career path.” I laugh, she glances toward the patio. “I wouldn’t worry about that though.”
My eyes pop. “You think Astor is going to offer him his job back?”
“I’d be shocked if he didn’t. Okay, what else?”
My smile turns into a squeal as I lift my left hand.
“Oh, my God, you’re engaged!” Sabine screams.
Again, both men. Again, we tell them to leave, and for the next hour, Sabine and I giggle like little girls while talking about our future.
A very bright, happy future.