Page 236 of Power
“There they are!” Carrera broke away to greet them.
After saying hi to him, Simone walked over to speak with Evangeline, Providence, and Liv.
“Congratulations,” Evangeline said. “Providence was just telling us how you jumped back in full throttle.”
Simone smiled. “Red’s back, baby.”
“We told the guys we wouldn’t talk shop—” Providence murmured.
“I know my husband,” Liv said, “and he’s over there talking strategy.”
“Same,” Simone said. “Luciano’s obsessed with the Day of Destruction. He’s been totally focused on chatter on the dark web. And he’s been talking with someone at The Agency.”
“I think Sin has been on some of those calls,” Evangeline added.
Slash and Danielle joined them.
“What are we talking about?” Slash asked.
“What we’re all talking about,” Simone replied.
“The Day of Destruction,” Danielle said.
“May thirty-first doesn’t leave us much time,” Providence said.
Emerson and Stryker walked into the private dining room and joined the group.
Jericho whistled. “Hey, fam, everyone’s here. Time to get our Christmas Eve luncheon started. First, welcome to Carole Jean’s, mythree-Michelin-starred restaurant.”
The group applauded.
“The chef has prepared a five-course meal,” Jericho boomed. “You better be hungry.” He gestured to the tables. “Please.”
Simone made her way back to Luciano. After kissing her cheek, he seated her, then sat beside her.
Luciano raised his champagne flute. “Per chiudere gli amici che sono famiglia.”
“To close friends who are family,” Carrera translated.
They clinked glasses, sipped the champagne.
“Red, are you joining Luciano on any of his jobs?” Sin asked.
As Simone regarded her man, she smiled. “Depends on who he’s going after.”
“I’m sure Simone can be persuaded to join me,” Luciano said.
“I’m in if it’s the terrorists,” Simone said.
“I think we’re all-in on that one,” Jericho replied.
“Hell, yeah,” Slash added.
Luciano’s phone buzzed. After reading the text, a growl shot out of him, and he showed Simone his phone. It was a text from Willie Boy.
I lived in your shadow my hole life. No more, cousin. I will have my revenge. Everyone thinks I’m too stupid to do anything right. I’ll prove you all wrong!
“Are you worried?” Simone asked.
