“No offense, Annie, but the last thing I think I need to hear about is my big brother’s dick,” Johanna said bluntly as she swept into the group with a tray of toasted brioche bites with dollops of crème fraiche and caviar on top. She set the tray down on the glass coffee table in front of them and settled herself on the arm of the couch where Ansel and Lucio sat. “I think, instead, I want to know more about Mr. Lucio. Ansel, being the secretive man he is, didn’t even tell me that he was dating someone new. I have to be a good sister and pry.”<br/><br/>Deandra opened her mouth to offer up a reply but Johanna shook her head, instantly shutting the other woman down. It was obvious that Johanna, despite her elegant beauty (or maybe because of it), was a very commanding figure, especially in her own household. “No more dicks. At least for now,” she added with a slightly twinkle in her eye.<br/><br/>“Lucio, so I’ve heard a few things. You’re a model, definitely not surprising, you sing, is that correct? I think I heard that little nugget floating around somewhere. I’m curious to know more about those, plus your family, likes, dislikes, hobbies. I want to know everything. And keep in mind I will certainly be judging your every word. I have to be protective of my big brother as he doesn’t know how to protect himself.”<br/><br/>“I think that’s a little unfair,” Ansel replied, an inebriated grin lighting up his normally intense features. “I’ve managed to make it to forty, haven’t I? I think that merits some credit. It’s not like I’m routinely putting myself in life-threatening danger.”<br/><br/>“Oh, I don’t mean physically protect yourself, Ansel. You get carried away with your loves, I know this. But if my feelings about this one are correct, getting carried away might not be so bad,” she said sweetly, placing a delicate hand on Lucio’s shoulder.<br/><br/>“Now, let the pretty one talk and hush, Ansel.”<br/><br/>“Johanna, are you insinuating that I’m not pretty?” Ansel asked, feigning offense.<br/><br/>“Compared to Lucio? No, you’re a troll. Now Lucio, tell me. Tell me everything, and when you’re done we can let Ansel open his splendid collection of gifts now that everyone is quite tipsy.”