Today, we were back in the small chapel where Estancia Valentini Deltetto Stone would be baptized in front of the same family and friends that were with us on our wedding day—plus a few more.
Our beautiful baby girl, who looked so much like her mother, was blessed with two sets of godparents—my sister and her husband, and Edge and Lucia.
Pia worried the priest wouldn’t allow it, but Maria assured her he would. “We’re Valentinis,” she’d said, and my wife nodded.
My best mate, Edge, was here today, with his wife, Rebel; Decker was here too with Mila and their baby. The only person not with us was Rile.
I found myself feeling melancholy in his absence. “He’s a wanker anyway,” said Edge, bumping me.
I laughed. “How’d you know I was thinking about Rile.” He pointed at my bottom lip that I was brushing with my index finger.
“Bloody hell,” I muttered and then sheepishly looked about to see if anyone heard me. “He was here for the wedding.”
“Sorry again we couldn’t make it, mate.”
I shook my head. “You’re here now.”
“She’s beautiful,” said Edge, looking over to where my wife stood holding our baby girl.
“They are.”
“I’m happy for you, Grind,” said Edge, squeezing my shoulder. “You’re a different man.”
I shook my head. “I’m the same man. I was only different when Pia and I weren’t together.”
“Hello, my friends,” I heard at the same moment another hand clamped my shoulder.
I spun around and awkwardly hugged the man who had become a dear friend. “You made it. Welcome.”
“Excuse me.”
Edge and I stood together and watched as Rile greeted every woman there by kissing the back of their hand.
“One day he’ll meet his match,” I muttered.
Edge turned to me with wide eyes. “You haven’t heard?”
“Heard what?”
“He already has.”
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Keep reading for a short excerpt from
the next book in the
Invincibles Series.
Riled
When I close my eyes, your voice floats through the jet’s white noise and settles on my heart like a cold mist. And then you’re gone. Always gone before I can make sense of the words you so desperately want me to hear. I stop short of crying out for you to say it again, beg like I always do, for you to stay with me and never leave.
I wait for the pain as it claws its way back into my soul. There’s comfort in the familiar. At least I know I can feel…something. My eyes fill with unshed tears, and I murmur your name. Celestina. More than my northern star, you were my sun, my moon, my universe, my guiding light. Without you, I’m lost. So lost.
Forcing my eyes open, I look out the plane’s window as we begin our descent to Mallorca, the island that has become my home because it’s where you rest and will, for all eternity.
I stayed in my seat while the Bombardier taxied from the private runway to the hangar it shared with the much larger planes the DeLéons kept at their disposal. Part of me wished I could tell the pilot to turn around and take me back to Italy.
I stood, stretched my legs, and peered out another window when I saw my valet pull the black 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL out of the same hangar where the plane would sit until the next time I needed it. I smiled when he lowered the top; it was perfect convertible weather—sunny but not too hot. Mid-May truly was the best month on the island.
I took one step down the plane’s ramp when I was overcome by what felt like a hurricane-force gale, yet the air was completely still. I gripped the railing with one hand while I rubbed my temple with the other as the message came through, loud and clear.
Kensington is in danger.
Available now for pre-order.
Riled
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Also by Heather Slade
THE INVINCIBLES
Available Now!
Book One: Decked
Book Two: Edged
Book Three: Grinded
Coming Soon!
Book Four: Riled
Book Five: Smoked
COCKY HERO CLUB NOVELS
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Book One: Undercover Agent
Book Two: Undercover Saint
Book Three: Undercover Angel
Book Four: Undercover Devil
KB Worlds Everyday Heroes
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Book One: Handled
BUTLER RANCH
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Prequel: Kade’s Worth
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Book One: Brodie
Book Two: Maddox
Book Three: Naughton
Book Four: Mercer
Book Five: Kade
Butler Ranch Boxed Set: Books 1-5
K19 SECURITY SOLUTIONS
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Book One: Razor
Book Two: Gunner
Book Three: Mistletoe
Book Four: Mantis
Book Five: Dutch
Book Six: Striker
Book Seven: Monk
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Book Eight: Halo
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE SECTION 6
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Book One: Shiver
Book Two: Wilder
Book Three: Pinch
Book Four: Shadow
Military Intelligence Section 6 Boxed Set: Books 1-4
COWBOYS OF CRESTED BUTTE
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Book One: Fall for Me
Book Two: Dance with Me
Book Three: Kiss Me Cowboy
Book Four: Stay with Me
Book Five: Win Me Over
Cowboys of Crested Butte Boxed Set: Books 1-5