Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
“Okay.”
He runs over the lawn, pumping his little elbows. Since I’m back, he’s eager to obey and please me.
Dante takes my cover-up from the chair and hands it to me with a tight jaw. He watches me with heat burning in his eyes as I pull the sheer fabric over my head.
He waits until I’ve tied the string in the front before he says, “Don’t prance around in front of my men like that.”
My agitation mounts. “Is this our house, or isn’t it?”
His jaw bunches. “Of course it is.”
“Then it’s for your men to respect my privacy.”
He narrows his eyes. “Did he bother you?”
If I say yes, Dante will punish Kent. Knowing my husband, there’s a good chance that Kent won’t live to see another day. I don’t want to lie or defend Kent, so I only say, “I didn’t appreciate his attitude.”
Dante tilts his head, coldness washing into his tone. “Did he put his hands on you?”
My husband’s cold fury is far more dangerous than his explosive rage.
“He didn’t touch me.”
He steps closer to me, putting our bodies flush together. “Did he make advances?”
“No.”
“Tatiana.” Dante cups my face. The gentle act belies the violence that’s like a live volcano inside him, ready to erupt. “Did he disrespect you?”
“I think he was just testing me.”
A calculated look sparks in his eyes. “Testing you how?”
“To see if I’m a worthy match for you.”
Noah returns with the ball, holding out his arm. “The thorns scratched me, and I didn’t cry.”
I expect Dante to praise him because that’s what my father always did with Leander. He constantly reminded my brother that real men don’t cry.
Instead, Dante surprises me by saying, “It’s all right to cry. That’s what kids do when it hurts.”
Noah puffs out his chest. “I’m brave.”
Dante’s lips quirk. “That, you are.”
When he looks back at me, some of the tension has left his face. “I’ll have a word with my men about your privacy.”
After kissing me on the lips, he saunters away, no doubt to confront Kent in his study. I glance at the window, almost expecting Kent to be watching us, but the blinds are closed.
When Dante is gone, I rinse off with Noah in the outdoor shower. I did put a thick layer of sunblock on both of us. My pale skin and the sun aren’t friends, and I want to protect Noah from developing skin cancer later in his life.
Once I’ve dressed him, I take him to the kitchen for a glass of water. Emily is deshelling peas at the table. An aroma of lamb roast with rosemary and thyme hangs in the air, Dante’s favorite.
I hang our pool towels over the drying rack in the scullery before grabbing a banana from the fruit bowl. “Do you need a hand?”
Emily waves me away. “You should rest. This is my job.”
I peel the banana and give it to Noah. “I have time.”
“Maybe another day.” She eyes me uncertainly. “I suppose I’ll return to the condo soon, so you should make use of me while you can.”
“I wanted to ask you about that. You answered when I called. I assumed that meant you’re still working at the condo, but why? Dante told me when Leander moved out and it came onto the market, he bought the property. But why stay on if no one lives there?”
She clears her throat. “I’m taking care of the upkeep.”
“I wonder why he bought it?” I mumble to myself.
“Maybe for investment purposes.”
“Oh.” I frown. “Dante didn’t tell me why he’s keeping it. He probably did, and I don’t remember. I meant to question him about it, but so much has happened since… you know.”
Appearing uncomfortable, she focuses on her hands as she deftly pushes the peas from their shells. “Since your accident.”
Noah hands me his empty glass. After putting it in the dishwasher, Noah and I head for the playroom.
Jazz passes us in the hallway, her face flushed with excitement.
I pause. “Good news?”
Shrieking, she jumps up and down. “They want me to audition for a leading role in Chicago.”
“Oh, Jazz, that’s wonderful.”
“The director saw me at the audition for Arabian Nights. He asked for me by name. Can you believe it?” Her brow pleats. “Actually, it didn’t go that well at that audition.”
“That’s good, right?”
She makes a show of biting her nails. “It’s the opportunity of my life.”
Giggling, Noah points at her animated expression. “Your face looks funny.”
She bends down to his level and makes big eyes while asking in her monster voice, “Am I good?”
He laughs louder. “Stop it, Jazz. You’re making my tummy hurt.”
“We have to celebrate.” Jazz has been trying for a big part ever since she graduated from the performing arts academy.
She straightens and holds up a finger. “Shit, no.” Slamming a hand over her mouth, she says, “Sorry, Noah. If you repeat that your mom will have to wash your mouth out with soap.” She drops her hand. “No celebrating until I actually get the part. You don’t want to jinx me.”