“Your secret is safe with me, Matt. I didn’t hear anything,” Alexander said in assurance, amused at Mathew’s predicament. He knew the latter wouldn’t want to upset his son.

Mathew shook his head and breathed out a silent laugh before muttering a thank you while Alexander laughed at his expense.

“You know how important it’s for me. I wouldn’t want to lose my little buddy’s trust,” Mathew admitted, sounding nervous. He wouldn’t have broken his promise to Hunter if he could hide it from Alexander, but there were rules. The mafia lord had to know everything about his sons, no matter how essential or silly it was.

“Of course, Matt. I know how much Junior trusts you, and so do I and Felicity,” Alexander spoke, appreciation evident in his voice of tone. Mathew sighed in relief. As long as Alexander had his trust invested in him, Hunter shouldn’t find any reason to doubt Mathew’s loyalty.

“Thank you, brother and good luck with keeping your mouth shut then,” Mathew said, teasing Alexander and a laugh followed right after. He meant to say if only Alexander could hide it from Felicity.

“Alright, now don’t fret too much about Jackson. I’ll track him down soon, brother. But for now, what do I do with his father?” Mathew asked into the phone, the amusement in his tone from earlier suddenly shifting to fury as he eyed the man in question.

Alexander knew how much Mathew loathed the thought of selling the human body for sexual pleasures. So, it was clear what Mathew expected in an answer.

“Go ahead, Matt. You’re free to do as you wish,” Alexander declared. He could envision the smile spreading on Mathew’s face after hearing his word. “And, Matt, thank you,” Alexander said before disconnecting the call.

Though Alexander didn’t elaborate on what he was thanking Mathew for, he knew Mathew would understand. He didn’t need to explain it.

Alexander would never forget to appreciate how Mathew had dedicated his loyalty to the Carlo family only because Francesco had once saved the boy’s life. Since then, his only priority had always been to keep the Carlo family’s heir safe. He had been through so many obstacles on a personal level in the process. However, nothing changed his priority or his loyalty.

Both Alexander and Felicity knew Mathew would sacrifice his life in the blink of an eye to save their son’s life if needed, and they were thankful for that. They could sleep peacefully at night only because they had Mathew to guard their son. Though Mathew never expected anything in return, Alexander still conveyed his gratitude every single time.

At that moment, Alexander briefly remembered the absence of Sebastian beside him. Another of his loyal friend had sacrificed his life for his family’s sake. A mere thank you wouldn’t suffice to convey gratitude for everything Sebastian had done for them.

‘God, what could I do to bring Sebastian back to life?’

Alexander suddenly felt suffocated, remorse squeezing his chest painfully. Reflexively, he turned, looking for his Felicity, his sunshine, the anchor to guide him through the dark shadows clouding his senses.

Meanwhile, Mathew pocketed his cell phone and undid the top two buttons of his white shirt. He shook his collar as if irked by the sweat caused by the heat. Leaning his hip against the table, he crossed his ankles and undid his cufflinks one after the other in a slow lazy movement before taking out his gun tucked into the back of his waistband.

The pleased smile on Mathew’s face broadened into a grin while he pulled the trigger in the next second.

As soon as Alexander ended the call, Felicity arched her eyebrows, a silent command for her husband to speak. However, her gorgeous hazel eyes widened in alarm as soon as she discovered the despair in Alexander’s eyes.

“What’s wrong, Alexander?” Felicity asked in concern.

Alexander shook his head, clawing his way out of the dark abyss, the light in her eyes pulling him out of the hellhole and guiding him back to his paradise.

Smiling at her, Alexander pocketed his phone and offered his hand for her to take.

“I already told you everything is fine,” Alexander said, pulling her into his arms. Felicity let him find his peace and held him in her tight embrace until the stiffness in his shoulders eased, and he relaxed in her arms.

“I don’t like it when you hide things from me,” Felicity said, pulling away from the hug to scowl at Alexander in discontentment.

An affectionate smile filled with love and gratitude found its way onto Alexander’s face.

“Don’t worry, angel, you made everything alright. You always do. I’m fine,” Alexander assured before he captured her lips with his. He hissed at the stinging pain when Felicity bit his bottom lip a bit hard. He felt her smile against his lips.

Alexander pulled away, a scowl taking over his face while he playfully glared at her. Grinning goofily at him, Felicity kissed him again.

“Is my little troublemaker bringing his girl home?” Felicity stated more than asked, her lips brushing over Alexander’s with each word.

Her question effectively took his mind off whatever unpleasant feeling bothered him a while before as she cleverly changed the subject. Alexander stared wide-eyed with his jaw dropped in stupefaction. He seemed tongue-tied, making Felicity laugh in amusement.

“Close your mouth, Alexander. You’ll catch a fly,” she said, bringing her index finger under his chin to help him shut his mouth, laughing all the while at his dumbfounded expression.

Fond and smitten, Alexander watched her gorgeous smile while she brushed his hair back with her fingers before leaning up to kiss his forehead. It was her way of healing his pain, and Alexander couldn’t thank his luck enough for blessing him with her presence in his life.

“You witch, how the fuck do you know everything with such accuracy before I could voice it out? Did you put a spell to invade my brain or something?” Alexander asked, marvelling at her mastery of seeing through him like a mirror. Felicity bumped her forehead to his, giggling at his fond smile and affectionate gaze.

“Did you think you could hide it from me?” asked Felicity, pulling Alexander out of his office by his shirt’s collar. “I don’t need witchery to know what my boys are up to because I know all three of you like the back of my hand,” she whispered on her way out as if sharing a secret with him. Alexander looked at her only to find her rudely smirking at him.

“You sure do,” agreed Alexander, nodding his head, a smile tugging at his lips as well.

Sleeves rolled up, muscular forearms on display, Alexander was busy, his hands expertly manoeuvring his car through the traffic. The driver wasn’t even surprised when his boss asked him to step down. Alexander always drove by himself when he was with his wife. He briefly glanced at Felicity every now and then while she kept speaking enthusiastically.

Ever since he confirmed the news of their son bringing his girl home, Felicity was on cloud nine, grinning and laughing in delight. She spoke animatedly, using hand gestures and all. Her high-pitched tone proved how excited she was. Not that Alexander was complaining, he would do anything to keep that happiness intact on her face forever.

“Alexander,” Felicity called, seeming thoughtful before she continued. Alexander hummed his response while focusing on the road ahead. She turned in her seat to directly face her husband. “I’m wondering,” Felicity paused again as if to confirm he was paying attention. “Would they be sharing a room or,” she paused once more when Alexander sighed audibly.

She frowned, noticing the scowl taking over Alexander’s face. He appeared annoyed for some reason.

“Felci, how many times have I told you to give him some privacy? He is adult enough to decide for himself, so please stop meddling in their business,” Alexander remarked, disapproval lacing his tone. Felicity crossed her arms defensively, eyeing her husband with the same displeased scowl he directed at her.

“Yes, I’m aware he’s an adult, but we can’t say the same about the girl,” Felicity pointed out. Alexander didn’t look at her, but the way he furrowed his eyebrows confirmed he processed the meaning behind her point. “I recall you said she’s the younger sister of one of his friends, which means she’s probably younger than our boy,” she specified.

Alexander shook his head in annoyance. He once again tried to explain to Felicity that the kids might not appreciate it if she interfered too much in their personal affairs.

“Junior is sensible and mature enough to distinguish between right and wrong. Trust him, Felci, and it’s their preference, not ours,” Alexander stated firmly. Though Felicity’s worries were thoughtful and rational, Alexander still thought it would be wise to give the children some space. They were grown-ups, after all.

He heard Felicity sighing a bit loudly before she spoke her agreement. She shrugged as if admitting defeat.

“All right, I give up. They can share the bed if they would like to,” Felicity said. Alexander glanced at her right in time to notice the delighted smile lighting up her face. Well, he didn’t have to wait much to learn about her exciting thoughts because she voiced them in the next second.

“Alexander, I have an idea. What if we married them off as soon as they arrived? Then they can happily share the bed all they want, and I get to keep my daughter-in-law with me,” Felicity declared, seemingly too satisfied with her conception.

Alexander whipped his head in her direction, too shocked at what she suggested.