On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

Molock, slowly strolling through the pile of burnt corpses and debris, invisible to all, removed the souls of the fallen mortals and Shayds, even some of the lives that were lost from the warriors that fought for the island. Reaching toward his belt, removing a small Rubik’s cube-like box with intricate carvings and demonic sigils, he turned its top as if it were a puzzle box designed for a Hellraiser Demon. Once it opened, creating a dull light form within, he held his hand above it, allowing the box to absorb the souls that hovered in small white orbs. Grinning, he listened their shrieks and screams before they faded as the box sealed, spinning its top into a locked pattern.

“My Lord will be pleased.” the Sumerian grinned, placing the box back in its place on his belt, “Hello, Azir.” he muttered over his left, broad shoulder.

“What are you doing here, Demon?” the Nubian demanded firmly.

Turning, Molock observed the Jinn standing a few feet away with his hand placed upon the hilt of his sheathed Scimitar.

“Hello again, diapers.” Molock mocked, “It’s been a long time. You what, this tall…” he held out his right hand, measuring three from the ground, “last time we met?” he lowered his hand, placing it upon the hilt of his own elaborate Scimitar.

“Fortunate enough for me, I don’t remember you.” Azir barked in a smug tone, “Now answer me, Demon…what are you doing here?” he stepped forward, “Were you involved in all of this chaos?”

“I don’t answer to you, diapers.” Molock groaned deeply, “And why I’m here, I am only performing my duties as assigned, I am Death am I not?” he bowed mockingly, “I was invited here by the lovely, little Yzavela herself.” he finished, “That is why I am here.”

“You tricked her into his access, surely she wouldn’t have done such a thing recklessly.” Azir argued, “And the magic protecting the island would have never allowed a being such as you onto its shores. If you are so wise, surely you must know this.” Azir snapped firmly.

“Well…” Molock shrugged casually, “she doesn’t seem bothered by my presence, nor does anyone else, and I haven’t brought harm here, I have no reason to. Not unless I am given a reason.” he flashed Azir a sinister grin, “Besides, I can go anywhere and everywhere I choose.” he looked around, “Not even your magic is strong enough to forbid my access and presence.”

“Perhaps not, but I am warning you, Demon. If you harm her, or if you have intentions to do so, I swear I will…”

“What! You’ll do what, hmm?” Molock mocked deeply, “Banish me?” he scoffed, “Even though you’re five hundred years, not even you are strong enough to perform such a banishing spell, even with your kin. So, if I were you Azir Jaheem-Zuberi…” he stepped forward, “and I am not, I would keep your threats to yourself, because clearly you’re forgetting that I predate all Jinn bloodlines, even yours.” he squinted his dark eyes that quickly shaded red, “Remember that.” he nodded, then eerily turned his head, hearing his Master’s call, “I have to go.” he bowed smugly then as he straightened his posture, adjusting both his Scimitars that hung off his belt, he disappeared in a swirling red flame, leaving behind the scent of sulfur.

Removing his hand off the hilt of his own weapon, Azir huffed and frowned with worry about the Sumerian’s intentions. Nothing, or no one can banish an ancient of such power, except for the ancient, and forbidden volume, the Book of Solomon, but it was kept and buried in a secret place where NO ONE could, or would, ever discover it.

Later that morning, 4:30am, I laid tossing and turning, having all of the events that happened, racing through my mind. Turning over, my eyes watched as Anthony slept soundly, and peacefully. Leaning over, I placed a soft kiss to his lips, then slowly crawled out of the bed and sat in the chairs by the patio, beginning to flip through the pages of my journal that seemed to have recorded everything that’s happened so far. I raised my eyebrows in surprise for it recorded everything, all of the in between moments too, between Anthony and I, which I had found a little erotic. Biting my lip, glancing past the binding, I smiled for it made me want him but I let him sleep. Continuing to flip the pages, there were conversations between Axeon and I as well.

“Hmm, interesting.” I muttered softly, “You’ve recorded everything, which isn’t creepy at all. I should be careful what I do in the shower, or bathroom.” I joked, then watched as words etched themselves on a blank page, “Depends on what it is.” I repeated the words verbally, “Okay, now that’s just creepy.” I closed the journal, then glanced at the bed, watching as Anthony stirred, turning over, lying on his back. Placing the book on the table, I stood then approached the bed, and climbed in, snuggling close to Anthony who turned, holding me close.

Looking at the clock, it was 1:25pm.

“Ready?” I adjusted my bustier, turning to Anthony.

“Whenever you are.” the Italian answered, lacing his boots.

“Good.” I nodded, then glanced toward Zanzabarr and Abraxas, “You two, come on.” I gestured a hand toward the door, watching as the wolf and dragon shrieked and barked. After the night we all had, I worried about them for they slept soundly without stirring much, or even needing to relieve themselves, “And you?” I reached out for Anthony’s hand.

Grinning, he reached out, gently taking her hand in his. Following her down the hall, they greeted residents before venturing down the stairs, finding Lady D and Hiromi sitting at the kitchen table with Katrina and many others that had helped with some of the clean-up efforts.

“Good morning.” I greeted them softly, “Or good afternoon.”

“Good whatever.” Hiromi raised his cup of tea.”

“Morning, sweetheart.” she kissed her daughter’s cheek as she leaned in quickly, sharing a brief hug.

“Where are you going looking so lovely?” Hiromi wondered.

“Um, nowhere.” I looked down at myself, “This is how I dress on a daily basis.” I studied my steampunk outfits with buckles, studs and chains within reason, and in feminine taste with the blouse and boots, “I can say the same about you.” I returned the observation, gesturing at the Asian man dressed in an elegant two-piece Asian pantsuit, and my mom who wore a plum dress with flowing sleeves and train hem, “Where are you off to?”

“Nowhere.” Hiromi grinned cheerfully.

“Would you like some tea?” Lady D offered.

“I’m fine, thank you.” Anthony softly declined, “I actually need to go visit Thomas and Louisa, make sure they’re all right.” he nodded, “I didn’t get much of a chance last night because everyone was just too exhausted.” he glanced down at Yzavela, “Later, my darling.” he gave her a soft kiss on her lips.

“Later.” I patted his chest, then watched as he slowly strolled across the lounge with his masculine stride and strut, “Mm-mm.” I moaned softly, then turned back to my mom and Hiromi, “Sorry.” I grinned.

“For what?” Hiromi looked at her, “You are happy, I don’t see what is wrong about that, hmm?” he sipped his tea, finishing it one gulp.

“He’s right.” Lady D approved, “Tea?” she offered a cup.

“No, I’m also fine, but thank you.” I declined, “I have a meeting with Azir in the Jinn, then I have to make some calls.” I complained, “I’ll just grab something from the kitchen up there.” I leaned in, hugging her quickly once more, “I want you to enjoy your day, go shopping or whatever.”

“Go shopping or whatever.” Lady D teased, “Right, sure thing.” she grinned, shaking her head.

“You know what I mean.” I shook my head in reply, then turned. As Zanzabarr and Abraxas, who shifted into another wolf, strolled ahead, I followed them down the path toward the manor then gasped, for it was now daylight and I could see the damage that had been caused; I could see the debris laying among scorch marks in the grass but had managed to damage the iron gate surrounding the manor that luckily, hadn’t been damaged, “Well, there goes that.” I sighed, approaching the gate, seeing the fountain as well ,wasn’t damaged. Smiling, frogs grew frightened of my passing by, jumping back into the water. They created small splashes and plops along the surface, swimming among the Koi fish that crept along the surface, searching for food, “I know, give me some time and I’ll you some food.” I spoke to them, gently reaching the tops of my fingers across the surface, feeling their little mouths smacking for food.

“Mother?” Abraxas whispered.

“Yes?” I glanced down at the second wolf that shifted into the small dragon, perching on the ledge of the fountain.

“What happens now?” the Zyphyn tilted his head, studying her.

“I don’t know.” I answered truthfully, “One day at a time, I suppose. Come on…” I reached out my arm, allowing the dragon to crawl his way up onto my shoulder, “comfy?” I grinned, watching as he shifted his talons, avoiding their sharpness from digging deeply.

“Yes.” Abraxas purred.

“Okay.” I turned, approaching the manor’s front doors that were left open, allowing fresh air to fill the foyer, lounge and dining hall. As my heels echoed across the floor, I was about to place a foot on the bottom steps, when I heard faint voices creating a chorus from the dining hall. Turning toward the doorway, peeking my head around the corner, there were Sarah, Jonathan, Caleb, Wyatt and Justin; they were still dressed in their pajamas. Glancing down at myself, feeling a little overdressed, I pushed the thought aside approaching the nearest table, “Hey, guys…” I greeted, studying their faces, “you look how I feel.” I joked, sitting next to Sarah and Jonathan, who sat with messy hair.

“Yeah, sure.” Sarah mocked, “Coming from the one who is always so dressed up like she’s…” she mockingly waved her left toward her.

“Excuse me?” I asked, then glanced toward Jonathan, “Like what?!”

“So bloody fancy all the time, and look good without makeup?” she complained.

“Genetics, I guess.” I gently slammed my hand on the table, “And yes, I dress like this everyday because that’s just me, always has been.”

“I don’t mind.” Caleb added with a friendly, but flirtatious wink, “I love it actually, hugs every curve and shape.”

“Um, thanks?” I blushed.

“I don’t mind either.” Jonathan added, hoping to ease the tension between the two women. Gulping quietly, he changed the subject, “How’d you sleep?” he looked at Yzavela, “Restless?” he glanced at the others sitting at the table.

“Not a wink.” Caleb combed his fluffy bangs back off his forehead, “Justin and I were at the hospital all night and morning.” he sighed.

“How is Nick?” I worried.

“He’s coming back.” Justin answered softly, “But still not a hundred percent, you know?” he shrugged, “That f*cking thing almost killed him, all because he was protecting us.” he looked at Caleb worriedly.

“That’s Nick, honorable and loyal to the end.” Caleb muttered with affection for his friend.

“What was it like?” Sarah wondered.

“What was what like?” Caleb sneered at her, “Watching our friend get his life sucked out of him, with no way to stop it?! Piss off…” he hissed, abruptly pushing himself away from the table.

“Really Sarah?” Justin hissed, leering at her, “Insensitive much?”

Watching as the Wraiths stood, leaving the dining hall, Sarah let out a few faint squeaks, wondering what she said that caused such a blunt reaction.

“What did I say?” she looked at Jonathan, Yzavela and Wyatt.

“It’s what you didn’t say.” Wyatt moaned, then stood, walking over toward the Wraiths that paced nervously.

“Honestly Sarah, think before you speak.” Jonathan too, stood.

Sarah huffed, then looked at Yzavela.

“Don’t look at me.” I argued, slowly standing. Veering around the table, making my way toward the Guardians, I didn’t apologize for Sarah’s outburst for it wasn’t my place, instead I asked about how the cleanup efforts went, “I saw the grounds were cleaned on my way up here.”

“It went all right I guess, I mean despite the minor outbursts from Leonus of course.” Wyatt shrugged, “But that’s nothing new, Derek put him place more than once, almost shifting to show an act of such defiance for the red ape.” he huffed, “But…” he cleared his throat, “the debris was piled up outside the gates per your instructions, and as I’m sure you can see by the smoke outside, it’s fading into only a memory.”

“An unsettling one, but nothing can erase what happened last night.” Caleb muttered softly, “I mean, is this what it’s going to be like if it happens again, but on a grander scale?” he fretted worriedly, “We’re not equipped for this.”

“Perhaps not, but at least we know for sure they’re coming and have every chance to be prepared for it.” I placed a hand on his arm. As I looked into his wide, dark eyes, I offered a faint grin, “And we have the element of surprise by knowing what they’re planning, so I think that above all things, give us the advantage here.”

“She’s right.” Justin nodded.

“But believe me, I’m just as scared sh*tless as anyone else.” I moaned.

Erik stood in the foyer, watching his friends when he sensed a swift presence appear behind him. As he turned, there stood the Jinn in the lounge, dressed in their elegant tunics and vibrant colors.

“Jinn.” he greeted, as the men and Natash approached.

“Demon.” Natash slurred.

“Good morning, or should I say afternoon.” Azir groaned, walking past the young man, entering the dining hall.

Walking past him, Natash eyed him up and down, letting out a soft HMM before looking away.

“What’s this, a pajama party and I wasn’t invited?” she teased softly.

As some that returned to the tables, or stood by the windows, turned toward the entrance of the hall, they gazed upon the Jinn looking like regal dignitaries making their grand presence known. Their dress had made some feel shabby and out of place.

“Sorry.” Jonathan mumbled.

“Don’t be.” Azir grinned, “But that is not why I am here, so perhaps we can change the subject yes?” he grinned, approaching the table.

“Yes please.” Sarah complained, combing her blonde hair behind her ears, showing off pink Pearl earrings that were a gift from Jonathan.

“Dear girl, I love the Pearls.” Natash sat beside her, “They’re lovely.”

“Th-thank you.” Sarah gushed, “They were given to me by someone special.” she inconspicuously glanced at Jonathan who looked away.

“I see.” Natash smiled, then began placing fruit and buttered toast on her plate, giving her watchmen a break from their duties, instructing them to enjoy the pleasantries.

“Yzavela…” Azir announced telepathically, knowing the half-breed could hear his words as she stood across the table with Caleb, “after this gathering, I would like to speak with you about when you would like to deliver the…uh, package.” his golden eyes stared at her.

“Um…” my dark eyes widened, almost spitting out my drink of orange juice, “right.” I coughed it down, forgetting that was the term we had agreed upon for the heads. Placing the glass on the table, and clearing my throat, I looked at hi, nodding quickly.

“Are you all right?” Caleb looked down at her.

“Y-yeah, it just went down the wrong way.” I slapped my chest.

“Morning.” Erik entered the hall. Taking a seat, after greeting Justin, Wyatt and Jonathan, he sat at the table, repeatedly glancing toward Yzavela but she paid no attention to his presence as she listened with much focus, on what Caleb whispered in her ear.

“Yeah, sure.” I nodded, looking at Caleb, “Um, maybe later though.”

“Okay, I’ll see to it then.” he winked, then turned away with Justin.

“All right, Azir…we can have that talk now if you’d like?” I looked at the Jinn.

“If you’re done here?” the Jinn wondered.

“Only if you are.” I grinned, seeing he hadn’t touched his plate.

“Perhaps.” he nodded, then veered around the table, picking at the fruit piled on his plate, “After you.” he gestured toward the foyer.

“Guys, I’ll catch you later.” I looked toward Jonathan and Sarah.

“No problem.” Jonathan waved.

“Zanzabarr, Abraxas…” I clicked, “come.” I clapped my hands. As the wolf and dragon adhered to my commands, I followed after Azir as he led the way up the stairs to the study.

Nathan yawned, roughly running his hands through his messy hair. As he shuffled down the path, leading to the manor, he caught sights of scorched grass and smoke rising above the wall. Frowning deeply, he paused on the path, looking around, seeing lingering pieces of the debris scattered by the gates.

“Wh…” he muttered, “what the bloody hell happened?” he felt lost.

“Oi, move it…” Leonus’ guff voice shouted, pushing the young man aside as he stomped down the path ahead of him.

“Leonus, what happened?” he followed after the Scotsman.

Scanning the young man with shadowed under his blue eyes, dressed in slightly wrinkled clothing from the day before, Leonus scoffed as he continued on ahead, leaving Nathan’s questions unanswered.

“Leonus!” he called out after him, “Come on mate, what happened?”

“It’s not my fault you were passed out from a drunken stupor, boy. You reek of whiskey and cannabis.” he sniffed the air.

“To each their own.” Nathan shrugged, “But seriously though…” he wondered curiously, “what happened here?” and just then, he heard Sarah’s voice shouting his name. Glancing across the estate toward the manor, he could see her standing by the grand front doors.

“Perhaps your wee runt of a sister can inform ye.” Leonus mocked, then turned away, continuing down the path.

Nathan groaned, running around the Scotsman, quickly approaching the manor. Greeting Sarah with a faint grin, before he could mutter a word, he grunted, feeling her punch his shoulder with one hand, then slap him across the back of the head with the other.

“What the bloody hell is that for?!” he growled aggressively, glancing at her, “Sarah, what the f*ck was that?!”

“Where were you last night?” Sarah argued, folding her arms quickly, then glanced past his shoulder, watching as Leonus approached.

“You’re not the first to ask me that, but I uh, had other matters that I needed to tend to.” Nathan eyed her up and down, “And I’m sure you could have used me last night, in any way you wanted.” he slowly reached out, gently stroking her cheek, but she roughly brushed his hand away, “Okay then.”

“Let me guess, your other matters are smoking, drinking and sex?! Or jerking off to your porn!” Sarah protested, “You disgust me.”

“That’s not what you keep telling yourself.” he moaned, leaning in. Making sure there was no one else around to hear his next words, he whispered them in her ear, “You want me, when you want me that’s a fact, but whenever I want you freely, I revolt you. Which is it, love? You can’t have your cake and eat it too, although…I wouldn’t mind.” he pulled away, looking into her wide, blue eyes, “And yes, that was exactly what I was doing. Smoking, drinking, and jerking off to my porn.” he mocked smugly as if proud of himself and his actions, “But honestly, what happened out there?” he glanced toward the estate, “I asked Leonus but he’s not telling me anything.”

“You’re hopeless.” Sarah complained, brushing past him.

“Sarah!” he called out after her, but she ignored his pleas, “Sh*t.” he grunted, shaking his head. Combing his blonde hair back, then fixing his shirt, making it was tucked in for a presentable appearance, he let out a deep sigh then turned, entering the manor. Veering around the table in the center of the foyer, toward the dining hall, those sitting at the tables were disgruntled to see his presence, “Good morning.” he mocked.

“Where the hell have you been?” Jonathan argued, standing from the table, “We could have used you, Sarah could’ve used you last night.”

“Sure she could.” Nathan raised one of his plucked eyebrows.

“Jonathan, don’t.” Erik interfered, “He’s not worth it, he never is.”

“I’m guessing this about delivering the heads to Drakuul.” I asked as Azir and I entered the study with Zanzabarr and Abraxas, “God, that sounded a lot better in my head than it did a loud, sorry.” I smirked at the Jinn.

“I will admit and say that that sentence was unsettling yes, but your meaning was perceived as such, and yes, that is why I wanted just this moment to speak with you.” Azir adjusted his tunic, laying the plate on the ledge of the desk, “When would you like to do this, and how will you go about performing this task?”

“I was thinking about delivering it, or them, maybe tonight. Most, if not all, of the Guardians are complaining about having the bin on the wall, the Ravens that survived the attack are trying to peck away at it, wanting to get inside to eat the, uh…” I paused, studying Azir who gulped awkwardly, pushing his plate away, “sorry.” I grinned.

Clearing his throat, adjusting his tunic once more, the Jinn spoke in a soft, but elegant voice.

“I must admit that the image in unsettling to imagine, but I can meet you in the center of the maze tonight at the witching hour.” he made the suggestion, “Once everyone on the island has retired, and at what better time than that hour, hmm?” he tilted his head curiously.

Tapping the pen against a stack of folders, I felt nervous of the deed that we would be performing, knowing we would have to venture, or return, to the boundaries of the Great City that I swore to never go back to.

“All right, three sharp. Center of the maze, it’s a deal.” I nodded, “I will however, bring someone else.” I laid the pen down alongside the folders.

“Very well.” Azir nodded.

“All right then.” I nodded affirmatively.

Later the day, visiting my mom in her room, I explained to her the details of the plans that were set in motion.

Worrying greatly, Lady D didn’t want her daughter anywhere near the Great City, but came to trust the Jinn and definitely Abraxas, so having them in her company, put her mind somewhat at ease, but she worried nonetheless.

“I’ll be fine.” I reassured her, “Trust me, I’ll be fine and I would be stupid to say that I’m not scared because I’m terrified going back, we swore to never go back and now here I am…doing the one thing that I swore not to do.” I sighed, “But if worse-comes-to-worse, Azir and Abraxas have been instructed to return here in case something might happen, but I’m not planning on it.”

“Don’t say that, please.” Lady D reached for her daughter’s hands, “I know it’s something that you need to do, and something that I never expected to see you do, but please…be careful.”

“I will.” I leaned forward, giving her a comforting hug.

“I wonder if our home still stands.” Lady D muttered, pulling away.

“I don’t know.” I wondered, looking at her, “Maybe I’ll fly over and take a look, hmm?” I joked.

“That’s not funny.” Lady D argued, “What about Anthony, have you told him about this, how does he feel about it?”

“I haven’t told him yet.” I bit my lip.

“Wh-why? You know he would want to know, and be there no less.”

“I know, and that’s why I haven’t told him yet.” I pondered, “I don’t want him getting too close to this.”

“Getting too close to this?” Lady D complained, “Sweetheart, you’re engaged…he can’t get much closer than that.”

“Married.”

“I’m sorry?”

“We’re not engaged, we’re married.” I mumbled.

“Wh-what? Since when?” Lady D frowned, looking around, “Have I missed something, clearly I’ve missed something.” she exaggerated.

“No, it’s just something Anthony and I did for us. It was after the…” I quickly relayed to her the conversation that he and I had before we married each other, “and that was it, not exactly the most romantic moment but for Anthony and I, it was in every way.” I grinned then I glanced down at my ring, giving it a brief twirl around my finger.

“I see.” Lady D nodded, “Well, as long as you think it’s best for you, I couldn’t be happier for you. Truly.” she smiled, offering her a hug once more, “And Thomas, does he know?”

“Anthony told him and Louisa, you can imagine how that went.” I let out a soft chuckle.

“Oh, I’m sure I can.” Lady D smiled.

“Anyway, I uh…should get to RP&V, make sure none of the owners, vendors and shopkeepers are giving Thomas an aneurysm about the damage that might have happened during the ships’ debris. Would you like to come, or are you staying in for the rest of the day?” I then stood, tugging at the hem of my bustier, finding myself primping, or fluffing, something everyone seems to do when they’re nervous.

Remaining silent, watching her daughter grow nervous, she grew yet again, another faint smile, then glancing at her feet, she declined the offer, for she was going to meet with Katrina and the other witches or warlocks to discuss things of the magical variety.

“I will keep you posted as to what we discuss.” Lady D stood, then she too, adjusted the skirt of her dress. As she walked her daughter to the door, she offered another hug then watched as she slipped out of the room with her wolf and dragon in her company. Slowly closing the door, she leaned her back against it, sighing heavily with worry.

Walking through the lounge, venturing outside, I followed the path to the garage, retrieving one of the Jeeps. Greeted by Samuel Benard, Beth’s brother and one of the island’s top mechanics, I had hoped the debris didn’t damage the garage, only smoldered rooftops and some chipped stone but nothing too grand that needed immediate fixing.

“We’ll manage it fine, love.” he smiled, “Don’t worry.” he placed his hand on her shoulder, “I’ll have one of the Jeeps brought to you now.” he grinned, then turned, calling out to the men that tended to all of the vehicles, “Oi, I need one of the Jeeps!” he waved his hands.

Plugging my ears fro his boisterous voice, another Scotsman wasn’t what I needed booming in my ear right now. Nodding, I slowly and inconspicuously slipped outside, waiting for the Jeep. Offering a grin, and appreciative nod, I made sure both Zanzabarr and Abraxas were settled in the back seat before driving down the path and through the gates. Taking the slow drive across the vast island, seeing nothing but open land in both directions, showing the indescribable size of this place, I smiled then glanced ahead, seeing RP&V in the distance. As I followed the winding shape of the road, parking outside the wall of the village, no sooner did I step foot out of the Jeep, was I abruptly, and loudly bombarded with questions, pleas and complaints. My eyes scanned all of the residents and visiting shopkeepers standing around, then veering through the crowd, I could see Thomas toward the rear with Anthony and Louisa, who attempted to settle an argument.

“All right, all right…everyone, please just calm down!” I pleaded in a loud authoritative voice, “Shouting at me all at once isn’t going to get us anywhere so please…just shut the f*ck up!” I steamed fiercely, then listened to the faint gasps and shock as the men and women all backed away, “One at a time…” I looked around, controlling myself.

After hours of coming to agreements, and settling refunds for all of the shopkeepers and vendors that wanted to leave the island, I needed a drink and I’m not the type of person that used alcohol to solve the issues, but sitting outside the pub at one of the small tables, it was all I needed in that moment. Raising my gaze, listening as Thomas and Louisa, with Anthony not too far behind approach, I sighed softly as I greeted them with a smile.

“Need one too, huh?” I teased.

“More like two.” Thomas moaned.

“You most certainly will not.” Louisa argued firmly.

Anthony chuckled softly, then leaned in, kissing Yzavela gently. As he looked into her dark eyes, he could see fear and worry in them. He ran his right hand down her back, while his left reached forward for her small hands that trembled in her lap.

“Are you all right?” his soft, Italian voice reached out telepathically.

“Yes and no.” I looked at him, staring deeply into his eyes, “I’ll tell you later, hmm?” I finished, gently stroking his face.

“Si.” he frowned, then grinned.

“You and your Ma-ma must come by for dinner.” Louisa announced, as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, “Hmm?”

“We would love to, thank you.”

“Excellent, are you and your ma-ma allergic to anything specific?”

“My mom no, but I’m allergic to lemons.” I muttered, with a shrug.

“So are the twins.” Thomas added.

“Perfect.” Louisa clapped her hands, then glanced at Thomas.

Anthony and I watched as the Giovanni husband and wife shared an affectionate kiss, then glancing at one another, we too shared a tender moment before leaning closely into each other’s embraces.