Gaton knew Elijah’s reputation and he knew that wasn’t going to fly. Still, Gaton was dumb enough to do it and that meant he had a plan in place. Elijah suspected Gaton aligned himself with Paolo. Elijah had already taken steps with the council to let them know he was taking over the Arnotto territory on Siena’s behalf and Alonzo would be running it. He had even intimated that when the time was right, the territory would be Alonzo’s alone and he would remain as a consultant and friend, a business partner, but Alonzo would have complete control once he knew the ropes.

He’d announced his engagement to Siena and the papers for the license were waiting for her to sign. The notary would be there that evening and they’d both have the papers signed so in seventy-two hours they could be married. He’d arranged for that too. In Jake’s home. Emma and Catarina there, Jake and Eli with Drake as well. He was putting a ring on Siena’s finger, and the rest of the world could deal with it.

She wasn’t having his babies without a ring. And he didn’t want to go five minutes longer than necessary before it was done and she was irrevocably his. He heard her come back into the room and he turned. Somewhere she’d found his shirt. He didn’t like her wearing anything to bed. He knew he never would.

He loved feeling her soft body, with all those lush curves pressed tight against him. He liked to put his mouth on her breast and feel the way her body went damp for him as he drifted off to sleep. She always gave him that, but when he left their bed before her, she always put a shirt and panties on.

“Have fun with your girls, baby,” he said, turning to her. Taking her into his arms. Holding her close. He loved holding her. She was small and perfect against him. He’d never in his life considered he’d have someone like her as his mate. Someone decent. Someone innocent. Innocent and wild. He brushed a kiss on her head. “I love you, mi vida. More than life. I love you that much. Never forget it.”

She went up on her toes and pressed kisses along his jaw. “Come home to me, Elijah. You stay safe and come home to me. I need you. We need you.” She narrowed her eyes. “You get me?”

His own words. He smiled down at her. “Yeah, baby. I get you. Get in bed and let me tuck you in. I like knowing you’re in our bed and sleeping peaceful. Keep your cell on you.”

“Um, just in case you don’t remember, my cell is toast. You threw it. Broke it to bits. I haven’t replaced it because—well—I haven’t thought about it.”