Page 70 of Vicious King

She’s clinging to me, crying, and I can’t help but join her.

“You saved me, and now you’re the reason Carson found me.” I pull back to frame her gorgeous face in my hands, wiping her tears with my thumbs. “I can never repay you.”

“You’re alive,” she says with a shuddering breath. “That’s the only payment I need. And your b-baby is safe.”

Her last words are said on a whisper, and then we’re hugging again, swaying side to side.

I never thought I’d see her again. I know that Carson told me that he found me because of her, but I don’t think it sunk in. It didn’t feel real.

But now she’s in my arms.

“We have so much to talk about,” I say quietly as I feel Carson move in behind me and kiss the top of my head.

“Why is Mommy crying?” Charlie asks someone.

“She’s happy,” Rome says, and I nod in agreement.

“I’m so damn happy.”

Diego, Mateo’s second, runs his hand down Rose’s hair, and it makes me raise an eyebrow.

Rose smiles shyly.

Interesting.

“So, who should I push in the pool first?” Charlie asks, an evil little grin on his face.

“Charles Roman St. James,” I say with my stern mom voice. “You will not push anyone in the pool.”

“Aw man.”

I take a breath and turn around and then blink quickly when I’m suddenly in Rome’s arms again and he’s practically squeezing the life out of me.

“You named him after me?” he asks, sounding almost vulnerable.

“I thought Carson would like that,” I admit quietly. “He didn’t tell you?”

“No.”

“I thought you’d like to do it,” Carson says as Rome swallows hard. “Now, if anyone else touches my wife, we’re going to have problems.”

“Oh, don’t be grouchy.” I pat my husband’s chest. “This is a happy party.”

“I brought karaoke,” Scarlett announces. “It’s a new thing we like to do, if anyone’s interested. I sing like crap, but it’s fun.”

“Do you have Fleetwood Mac?”

“I’m not a monster, of course I have Fleetwood Mac.”

I grin at her. “We’re going to be very good friends.”

“We’re sisters,” Natasha says with a smile. “You just walked into one hell of a big family, Rina. And you’re stuck with us.”

“We’re going to a concert next week,” Violet adds. “Just us girls and our guards. The boys aren’t invited. We rent out a fancy box at the Sphere.”

“Aw man,” Charlie says. “I like concerts.”

“You’ve never been to one.” I ruffle his hair. “And yes, please. I don’t think I’ve ever gone on a girl’s night out.”