Page 103 of Forged

Violette watches me over the rim of her cup, amused.

“So, why are you here this early, looking like someone rearranged your life overnight?”

I exhale slowly. “Neomi and I met someone.”

She doesn’t look surprised. “Well, that would certainly explain the dramatic entrance.” She sets her coffee down on the counter and folds her arms. “Tell me about him.”

“His name is Gabriel Santori.”

“And?”

“He’s a trader. Stocks. Moves around a lot.”

Her head tilts. “Does he plan on maintaining his vagabond ways?”

“I’m not sure.”

Her eyes narrow. “So, we don’t know if this would be long term.” She sighs. “Lars, I know you’ve been prone to surface level relationships in the past, but how would this work within your marriage?”

I run a hand through my hair. “Neomi was the one who brought up the idea. Yes, I like Gabriel as much as she does, but we’re just settling into our relationship and now we’re thinking about bringing another person into it?”

Violette studies my face carefully, the corner of her mouth beginning to curl. “Your girl has an adventurous streak. Good for you, Lars.”

I cringe. “Please keep this conversation just between us.”

She waves me off. “You know I’m a vault when it comes to something as serious as this.”

I rise from my chair and start pacing around the kitchen. “I’ve kept myself safe for years and now suddenly, I have a woman I’m falling in love with and a man that I am far too curious about. I feel like I’m out of my mind.”

Violette stands and walks to the coffee maker to refill her mug. She turns back to face me and a cheshire grin is spreading on her face.

“You’re falling in love with her?”

I didn’t mean to say it out loud, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

I am falling in love with her.

What started between us was chaotic, reckless and unplanned, but slowly, it’s became something real. She’s in my home now, in my bed, woven into my routine in a way I didn’t see coming. When I’m away from her, I miss her. Not just the physical pull, but the sound of her voice, the way her presence settles something in me I didn’t realize was restless. She’s driven, honest, and so goddamn beautiful. And for the first time in a long time, I can see something ahead of me that doesn’t feel temporary.

I drag my hand down my face and let out a breath. “Yeah, Vi,” I say, quieter this time. “I am.”

She sets her mug on the counter, and she wraps her arms around me in a hug, “Oh, Lars. That makes me so happy. You need someone who’s your equal and I think you found her.”

Violette squeezes me tighter and I exhale, the tension in my shoulders easing. She’s been the closest thing to a mother I’ve had since I was ten years old. She expects a lot from Enzo and me, but she loves us just as fiercely. After my mother—Enzo’s father’s sister—was killed by her boyfriend, Violette took me in without hesitation. My life before this house had been chaos, the kind of instability that leaves a young child waiting for the next disaster. But here at the estate she gave me strength, structure, and the peace of a home that wasn’t filled with fighting and tears. From the moment I moved into a spare bedroom across from Enzo, she treated me like one of her own.

Over the years she became the one person I could always come back to when things went sideways. When the mess with Leilani blew apart more than just my pride, when I spent too long trying to figure out where I fit inside the family organization, Violette was the one who listened. She never judged me for the mistakes I made, even when they were spectacularly stupid. She loved me through every bad decision and never hesitated to give me an earful when I deserved it.

We tease each other constantly, trading sarcasm the way some families trade affection. But beneath it, there’s never been a question about what we mean to each other. I might joke about her meddling, but the truth is simple.

I owe her my life.

“What am I going to do?” I whisper over her shoulder.

She releases me and looks up, brushing my hair from my forehead. “Your focus is your wife until you both decide that changes. But Lars, don’t do anything you don’t want to do. If it’s too soon, that’s okay. But…” She pauses, becoming serious. “Just make sure you keep a clear head and set clear expectations—with themandyourself.”

I nod and look around the kitchen, letting her words settle.

“At least he’s not a foreign diplomat, and Enzo won’t get any calls from government officials this time.” I smile, trying to lighten the mood.