Surrounding the home is a tall block wall with a wrought iron fence running along the top. From what I can tell, it runs around the entire perimeter of the property. The house is at least three stories tall.
“Nobody is getting in or out of here without my knowledge,” Kostas says. “The home is owned by a well-known politician. It’s equipped with cameras and has a surveillance room. Once Adrian sets it all up, we’ll be able to see every inch of this place right from our phones. And those fences”—he points to the walls—“they’re wired with five thousand volts of electricity. One touch and it will knock a person the fuck out.”
“Thank you,” I tell him, feeling like the weights have been removed from my chest and I can finally breathe again.
“Let’s go inside.”
The inside is completely furnished. Beautiful shades of cream and bright blue. White wash wood everywhere, giving the entire place an upscale beachy vibe. To the left is a huge living room and dining room—a massive floor-to-ceiling fireplace separating the two. To the right, from what I can tell, is the kitchen. In the middle is a stunning white wash spiral staircase that leads to the upstairs.
“Can we stay here forever?” I joke.
Kostas doesn’t laugh, though. “If you want to.”
My head whips around to face him. “Are you serious?”
“If this is where you’ll feel safe, then it’s yours.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, when it is in fact a huge deal. This house must cost millions, and he’ll buy it just because I love it.
It doesn’t matter what I ask for, he always makes sure I get what I want. He said it in his vows that he would make sure I’m always happy, and while I didn’t believe them at the time, I know now he meant them. Even back then, when we barely knew each other, he was promising to put my happiness first.
Before I can say anything back, the front door opens and in walks Mom, Stefano, and Phoenix.
“Oh, miei cari,” Mom cries out. My darlings. She runs straight toward Zoe and me and wraps her arms around us. “I was so worried,” she cries, which makes me cry.
“We’re okay, Mom. Zoe is okay.”
Zoe wiggles in my arms and her bright blue eyes pop open. She grants my mom the most beautiful gummy smile, and Mom’s and my tears fall even harder.
“Da-da-da,” she coos, and Kostas laughs. Of course the only sound she’s still making sounds like Dad.
“She already knows who she needs to call to get whatever she needs,” Kostas says, taking her from me and holding her to his chest.
I sigh, watching him whisper something to our daughter. I don’t think I will ever tire of watching him hold her.
“This house is gorgeous,” Mom says. “How long are you staying here?”
“Until we find Aris,” I tell her at the same time Kostas says, “As long as Talia wants.”
We spend the day by the pool—yes, the house has a stunning infinity pool and Jacuzzi—enjoying Zoe. Kostas frequently takes calls, no doubt determined to find Aris. For the first time in months I feel safe and don’t even bother to ask him for updates. I’m simply content living in this temporary bubble.
For dinner, Kostas has one of his men pick up groceries and Stefano grills burgers while my mom and I make the side dishes. Everything feels so normal. I know being with Kostas means nothing will ever really be normal, and there will always be threats. My husband is a powerful man who runs a dangerous organization. But seeing another side to him today—him sitting on the lounge chair in his swim trunks, eating a burger and baked beans, and swimming in the pool with Zoe—gives me hope that after we find and kill Aris, we will be able to finally start our life as a family.
After dinner, everyone leaves, and it’s only Kostas, Zoe, and me. While we were out back, he of course had her furniture brought over. Her room is upstairs, directly next to ours, but he also had a portable crib put in our room for now.
“Thank you for putting a crib in here.” I lay Zoe in her bed. “It’s going to take some time until I’m comfortable with her sleeping in her own room.” She’s been fed, has a fresh diaper, and is sucking on her pacifier, already half asleep.
“She’ll stay with us until you’re ready,” Kostas says. “But I promise you, she’s safe in this house.” He locks our bedroom door. “Come shower with me.”
When I give him a look, silently asking why he locked our door, he says, “I want to make sure none of my men accidently walk in and see my sexy wife naked. Then I’ll have to kill them.”
I laugh even though I believe he really would do just that.
With my hand in his, he guides us into the bathroom. From here, we can still see Zoe’s crib.
I watch as he pushes his trunks down his muscular thighs, and his thick cock springs free. His eyes meet mine, and the love that shines in them takes my breath away. I’ve always thought Kostas was sexy, but seeing him as a father, interacting with our daughter, makes him beautiful. And when he looks at me the way he is right now, knowing that underneath all that darkness is a lightness only reserved for Zoe and me to see, makes my heart swell.
I strip out of my bikini, keeping my eyes on Kostas as his heated gaze runs over every inch of my body. If looks could burn, I would be on fire.
“Come here, wife,” he demands. He turns the water on and steps into the shower first. There are several showerheads raining down on us, so no matter where we stand warm water hits us.
“How are you feeling?” he asks, framing my cheeks with his strong hands. Our bodies are flush against one another, and he has me backed up against the wall.
“I’m good,” I tell him honestly. My eyes flit out of the open shower and into our bedroom, thankful I can see Zoe. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to let her out of my sight.”
“Does that mean when she’s a teenager, we can keep her locked up?” Kostas asks, his lips twitching in amusement. I love every side of him. The serious, the sweet, the silly.
“Don’t rush my baby growing up.” I pout, and Kostas grins.
With his thumb and finger on my chin, he tilts my head up and his lips descend on mine. My arms cling to his neck as our mouths tangle and our tongues duel with one another. Tasting. Coaxing. Getting lost in each other. I didn’t realize how much I needed his touch, to feel him until now. We kiss until the water turns cold, and then after quickly washing our bodies, Kostas carries me out of the shower.
With both of us dripping wet, he sets me on the sink and spreads my thighs. His mouth goes right back to mine, his tongue massaging mine. His hands grip my hips, and he pulls me toward him. My hot center rubs against his pelvis. My fingers wrap around his hard shaft, and I stroke it, getting it hard, before I guide it into me.
Kostas’s mouth leaves mine to watch as he enters me slowly, filling me with every inch of him. We both watch as we become one. When I’m filled to the hilt with him, he pulls out slowly.
“Do you see this?” he asks, already knowing I do. “Your cunt was made just for me.” My insides tighten at his dirty words, and he smirks. He pushes himself back into me, hitting my G-spot.
“Faster,” I beg, desperate to find my release. My breasts are heavy and my nipples are painfully erect. I need more, but he’s refusing to give it to me.