LOREN
Monday rolled around, and I found it odd not to be heading to the office. Between the shooting, Jude being taken, my father’s death, and the aftermath of everything that occurred, I didn’t have it in me to solve other people’s problems at the moment. I couldn’t even solve my own.
“Yes, Doris, thank you. I’ll let you know when I’m able to return. Uh-huh.” Sighing, I ended the call and stared at the device in my hand. I hated to let my clients down, but this was an ethical dilemma I didn’t have to wrestle with. I wasn’t fit to be a therapist at the moment. I had to step away.
Hands fell to my shoulders, massaging them, and I leaned back, peering up at who they belonged to. Nicco stared down at me from above, a cheeky grin on his face.
“I’ve come to distract you.”
“Oh? I could use some distraction.” I licked my lips, thinking something of the naughty nature might be just the thing.
“Hmm, now I’m reconsidering what I’d planned.” He leaned down, taking my lips with his, delivering a passionate kiss. Far too soon, he pulled back.
I found myself pouting, having enjoyed the kiss. “More,” I demanded.
Nicco chuckled, pecking me briefly. “I promised I wouldn’t get up to any hijinks but to grab you out of your wallowing, and deliver you to the distraction intact.”
“Fine. This better be good.” I sighed again, turning in the chair and stood. I left my phone on the table, not needing it anymore. Everyone I cared about was in this house. If they needed me, they could find me. One less thing to worry about. I never did like the damn thing.
Nicco linked our hands together, pulling me along. He had a mischievous smile, and I knew he was hiding something. I just couldn’t figure out if it was good or bad for me.
“First, we have to make a brief pit stop in the war room. Mas wants everyone to start giving a daily update, so we all know what’s going on. Come on, Mrs. Mascro. The King needs his Queen.”
My face blushed, and I didn’t miss how nice it felt to hear those words. I never thought I’d like being the Queen of anything, but when Nicco said it, goosebumps spread over my body at the sound. I kind of liked being all of their Queen.
We stepped into the room, and I found the rest of the guys there, along with Pixel and Cami. She smiled at me as I entered, and I returned it. Though, most surprising was discovering Jude and Imogen at the table.
“Bellezza,” Atticus said, nodding toward a seat at the front. I let go of Nicco’s hand and took it, realizing everyone was looking at me. I nodded to all the faces I loved and even saw some of the guards along the wall who looked on in reverence. It was weird.
“This is our first official house meeting, but I’d like to do this every morning where we can all briefly give an update on the assignments we’re all working on. If you’re at this table, you’re part of the family and included in the decisions that will be made. Those in this room are privy to our private matters, and anyone found sharing information outside the people here will be punished. We do not take to gossip. Our trust and privacy are worth a lot, and if you’ve been allowed into our circle, we value yours. Don’t lose that.”
He cleared his throat, and I shifted, liking how he commanded a room. Thoughts of how we could recreate that voice later drifted to my head when I realized Atticus was staring at me. It seemed non-working me was a horny bitch.
“I’m not sure what my job is now,” I said. “I’ve taken an official sabbatical from the practice and transferred all my clients except for one. I’ve made arrangements to see her off-site.” I looked around, feeling put on the spot. “I, um, that’s all.” I glanced down, feeling anything but the Queen I was meant to be now. This was why I wasn’t ever in charge. I faltered at the scrutiny.
“I might have something for you if you’re free later?” Atticus asked, and I realized the importance of his question. He was asking. Everyone else might get an order, but I had a choice. He was subtly reminding me of my position in his very Atticus way.
“Of course, Husband.” I smiled, liking how that made his ears tinge just the slightest. He cleared his throat, loosening his tie, and it seemed I wasn’t the only one who liked our new roles. He nodded to the next person, and I listened as everyone gave an update.
“Checking in with Pops and the other businesses affected by Dayton’s rampage to get them relocated and taken care of, and then checking in with the prisoners at the Warehouse. I also need to stop by city hall,” Sax said, and I realized how much he did for Atticus and the family.
I was about to step in and say I could help when Atticus did it for me. Despite Sax stating he was fine, I could tell how fatigued he was from his injuries. It would be helpful if he could lessen one thing, but something he’d never ask for.
“Monroe, maybe you could help with the city hall task?”
“Oh, yes, I could do that,” Monroe said, nodding.
“Perfect. Sax get with Monroe after this. Nicco?”
“Meeting with the Cappos—Lucca and Jasper—to get a headcount of foot soldiers. Then coordinating with Pixel on our new security measures for the house and businesses.”
Atticus nodded at Nicco, pleased with his report, moving on to Wells. He looked shocked for a moment and then cleared his throat. “Training.” He didn’t say anything else, and Atticus approved.
“How are your injuries?” he asked, steepling his fingers.
“I’m fine,” Wells retorted, his jaw tightening.
“That wasn’t what I asked. You might be okay fighting injured, but that is not something I am comfortable with. Not only are you important to this family and your wife,” he said, stressing the last word, “but to our club. If you’re not ready, then we wait. Doc needs to clear you before I sign off on you returning to training, or do you want to try that again?”