“You have to eat,” I say, shrugging. “I fed the kids. They’re working their way through a gallon of ice cream now.” She laughs a little, genuinely, and then raises a hand to her mouth in surprise – like…like that’s the first time she’s done that since she found out that he’s dead. And she wasn’t a
“I’m not a monster, Iris,” Christian repeats, a little frustration coming into his voice as well. “I’m just doing what I need to in order to keep us safe.” “And do you seriously think that Giana is the threat?” I snap, turning towards him with a frown. “A woman who just lost her husband, her life,
“Where are Nico and Frankie?” I ask quietly. “They’re doing their jobs,” he replies, his slightly raised eyebrow letting me know that I don’t need to know any more than that and shouldn’t ask. But it has the opposite effect. “Christian,” I groan, leaning hard against the counter as I shake my he
“A woman who betrayed me, who tried to get me to marry a girl who would spill my secrets to her my entire life.” I shake my head, not giving in to it. “Not a sin worth losing her home.” “You have to get tougher,” Christian says, his voice hard. I just purse my lips and take a long sip of my wine
About an hour later, after making Lucy and Bianca their plates and cleaning up the kitchen, I’m doing as instructed. Laying in bed, staring at the ceiling, a full glass of wine on the bedside table. The television is on – but honestly, I have no idea what is even playing. I have no real interest in
It takes a moment before I decide what I need. “Tell me,” I whisper. “What’s coming next.” Christian stays still for a moment before he nods, shifting and opening his arms to me before he begins. I accept the invitation, moving eagerly to press myself against his chest. He folds those arms warm
I wake up far earlier than Christian does. Or, well. Perhaps “wake up” is a loose term here, as I’m not sure that I actually ever fell asleep. But there comes a point when the windows shift from black to the dark, eerie blue of dawn and I know that sleep has eluded me for the entire night. So I
He smiles again, though I can see him fighting it, as he gives me a grateful nod. “Well, if it would be no trouble, ma’am, then sure. A cup of coffee would do me good.” I smile back at him, pleased at the idea of doing something good, and start down the stairs into the dark kitchen. I turn on so