Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“Are you sure you remember our relationship, okay? Because you’ve been a lot nicer since waking up.”
“Maybe I realize that time can be fleeting now, too.”
I reach up, rubbing the back of Niko’s neck as he leans down, putting his forehead against mine. “I know you’re tired and running on empty but hold it together just a little longer for me. You’re not alone now, Em. I’m here.”
His words make my heart clench in my chest. I’ve waited days—weeks to hear that. “I just wish I could tell my father how grateful I am because I really do love you, Niko.” I pause, sniffling as I try to hold it together. “I’m sorry I ran away when Katherine answered your phone. I shouldn’t have. Truthfully, I made my mistake before that. I should’ve gone to Greece with you.”
“No,” he says adamantly. “If you had been hurt, I couldn’t have handled it. “
“Careful, you’re starting to sound like you might care about your wife,” I tease.
“Something like that.”
We look up as Antonio enters through the side door, pausing to check on me. “Are you okay?”
“I’m surviving,” I tell him with a forced smile. He holds my hand, kissing the back of it.
Niko growls under his breath making Antonio laugh. I bite my lip not to laugh with him as he goads Niko. “Down boy.”
A noise at the back of the church has me peeking behind me. My whole body starts to tremble as I hear her cries. She’s really laying it on thick.
“That’s my father’s so-called sister. They’re here,” I hiss.
“Show time,” Antonio croons.
“Let’s just get this over with,” Niko says, steeling his nerves and looking stoic as ever. “I need to take Emilia home. She’s been through enough.”
Antonio moves to my other side. Niko leans back in his chair towards me as far as he can.
“Remember. She’s mine,” Niko growls.
I glance over at Antonio who winks at me. He knows riling up Niko is what Niko needs just as I need the lighthearted distraction before having to deal with my aunt and Dante. I feel sorry for Angelina. She’s a good person who has really had a rough life.
“Shit,” Niko curses under his breath. I put my hand on his thigh, squeezing it to remind him we’re a team.
I watch him push himself up, to his feet using the cane. I told him it didn’t matter if he was in the chair the whole time or not, but he insisted that it did, so he brought his cane. Now using that for his sole support it takes him a minute to square his shoulders. Only by the tension in his jaw, can I see that he’s struggling.
Dante, my cousin Angelia, and my aunt walk up to the front, close to where Niko stands.
My aunt puts her hands on her hips, looking ridiculous. Her wide black hat has a black veil that she’s pulled away so I can see her disdain. There’s not one tear on her face. Not one spec of makeup disturbed by her so called pain. Her red hair is frizzy from being over permed and dyed to hide the gray. She’s got enough makeup and Botox that her face looks almost contorted. My cousin is vastly different from my aunt. She has red hair that’s straight and brushed until it glows. Her body is slim, though she wears clothes that hide the shape of it. She has on a silk black dress that’s respectful and muted—completely opposite to her mother’s elaborate mourning clothes. She has on little to no makeup, which is her norm. She has a jagged scar that travels from her ear down across her cheek and further to her chin. She’s always been so self-conscious about it. I think that’s why she agreed to marry Dante in the first place. She didn’t think a man would ever ask to marry her. I don’t think she realizes how beautiful she is regardless.
Speaking of Dante, the pompous asshole stands there in his regular, dark gray, pinstripe suit. Of course, he’s wearing a Rolex and rings on most of his fingers to show off his supposed status. They make me sick with the exception of Angelina.
“You will have to tell these others to leave, Emilia. The front row is for family,” she huffs, clearly put out.
She looks down at me, all but ignoring Niko.
“We are his family,” he responds, sardonically. I smile. I really do love him.
“I don’t believe I was talking to you. Why are you even here? You let my brother die. You can’t truly believe Emilia would marry you now.”
“Niko and I are already married,” I announce. You’ll have to find another seat. The people my father cared about most are right here. That doesn’t include you, Aunt Racine.”
“How dare you talk to me like this! I’m his sister. Of course, you would find a way to disrespect the family and your father all at once,” she says, pursing her lips as she glares at me. “I told him far too many times that he spoiled you and look, even at his funeral everything is about you.”