Page 238 of Power
Luciano was angry.Stupid fucking Willie Boy was trying to exert his power from the shadows. He wasn’t scared of Willie Boy, but he was concerned for his family. Rather than wait for Willie Boy to strike, he would put out feelers and track the son of a bitchdown. Shouldn’t be hard. If he did bolt to Vegas, he’d be acting like he was a Santini somebody.
He’s a nobody who’s accomplished nothing. He shames the Santini name.
As the conversations continued, Luciano shifted his attention to Simone. She was talking with Evangeline, but she glanced over. They shared a smile before she returned her attention to her friend.
She was his second chance at having a full and meaningful life, and he wasn’t going to let a scumbag like Willie Boy ruin another moment of their evening.
After the servers cleared away the first course, Liv asked everyone what they were grateful for. “I know it’s not Thanksgiving, but we can show gratitude on any day.”
“I love that, babe,” Jericho said. “Why don’t you start?”
“I was thinking we should offer up something different than what we usually say?—”
“So, not me?” Jericho teased, and the group laughed.
“I’m so grateful for my husband, but this year, I’m grateful for my children. Liam accepted our foster children, Owen and Layla, with such grace. He shared his toys, he was so friendly and excited when they came to our home.” Liv smiled. “He was so loving toward them, I couldn’t believe it.”
Jericho swiped the tear from his eye. “I’m grateful for you, Liv. You handle our children with so much love and you take every chance to show them how to treat others with kindness. I’m out there taking out the monsters and you remind me that there are amazing, good people in the world.”
She put her hand on her heart.
One by one, the conversations of gratitude continued.
“I’m grateful that Evangeline and I run our home for runaway childrentogether,” Sin said. “To do it right, we have to put in a lot of time. We don’t have children of our own, butEvan works hard at Develin, then puts in time at The Center. She believes that all these kids—no matter what life has thrown at them—can be productive adults. I love you, Evan.”
“I’m grateful for my girlfriends—” Evangeline said.
“What about me?” Sin asked, and the group laughed.
She grinned at him. “I adore you Sinclair Develin. You know that. Every single one of you has got my back and I’ve got yours. I’ve called Providence at three in the morning and she’s been there for me. I’ve reached out to Liv countless times and she’s been my rock.”
Evangeline smiled at Simone. “Your turn, Red.”
Simone glanced around at everyone. “I’m grateful to Z. He sent me on a mission that led me back here, to all of you. I wasn’t sure returning to an organization I love was possible, but here I am. I’m also grateful to Providence and Cooper for giving me a second chance. And I’m grateful for the friendship I had with Frederica. I miss her, but I feel her with me, especially when I think I can’t do something. I hear her cheering me on.”
She rested her hand on Luciano’s thigh. “You’re up, baby.”
This is my opportunity.
“I’m grateful to Z as well,” Luciano began. “He put Simone in my path, and we took it from there.”
“Brit and I had no idea our dad played a part in your lives,” Addison said.
“Z is always there behind the scenes, like the puppet master,” Sin said, and the group laughed.
“I thoughtyouwere the puppet master,” Dakota said to his twin.
“Turns out, the real puppet master is Luciano,” Sin said.
More laughter erupted.
“Simone, the night we met is unforgettable,” Luciano continued. “Being with you is the best part of my day. Falling in love with you has been intense and beautiful. I know we’ve beenworking nonstop, but I wouldn’t change anything, except for the death of your friend, and all the Operatives.”
She acknowledged him with a nod.
He knelt beside her.
Gasps filled the room, then silence.
