Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 110771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 554(@200wpm)___ 443(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
“What are you thinking, Helena?”
“I’m not ready for what you’re asking. With the history we have, I’m not sure I ever will be. I don’t really know you, Marco.”
His eyes close and I get the distinct impression that I’ve hurt him. That leaves me feeling funny and definitely not in a good way. “Imagine how it feels to be me, Helena. All these years, I’ve not been allowed to be who I am to the point, I’m not even sure I know.”
Before I can think about it, I lean down and put my forehead against him, and I close my eyes as my hand seeks out his and I hold it tightly. I don’t know what to say, but I have to at least offer him silent support.
Luckily, I didn’t have to say anything because our food arrived. He gave me a look, telling me to decide. I had a feeling that I knew what he was hoping I’d choose, but that was not going to happen. I settled back in his lap and sighed. “I hope you’re prepared, because I’m hungry,” I warn him. He laughs and shakes his head.
In the end, I spent the rest of the night in the most expensive restaurant in Athens, sitting in Marco’s lap and having him feed me dinner. I felt everyone staring at me, but I found I was having such a great night, I didn’t care.
Chapter 14
Marco
“Someone sure is smiling this morning,” Elias says, coming out on the terrace where I’m sitting with the pastries the cook brought out for breakfast. He still uses a cane to get around. He came close to dying—closer than I can handle thinking about.
I roll my eyes. “What are you doing here? I thought you, Gio, and Sebastian were checking into a hotel while we started the remodeling?” I ask.
I sound like an asshole—which admittedly I am. Still, after my date with Helena last night, I wanted to be alone with her for breakfast. I smile as I think about last night. Having her in my arms last night soothed parts inside me that have been raw and bleeding for a fuck of a long time. We had fun together. I have never had fun in my life, but Helena laughed, we spoke without fighting, and—most importantly—I know she was feeling the same thing I felt. The two of us fit. We kissed in the limo on the ride home. I could tell she was nervous. If I pushed it, I could have had her. Part of me regrets that I didn’t do that last night. Hell, today, I still can’t say why I called an end to the night. I just know that when Helena and I finally come together, I want her to be completely sure. I don’t want to leave room for her to have regrets. I need this from her, because once I allow myself to claim her, I’m not letting her out of my bed. She will be there every night and will not be returning home. Fuck no. She will be mine--completely.
“Earth to Marco. Come in please,” Elias says, and I flip him off.
“I have a lot of work today,” I grumble, even though we both know work is not what is on my mind. “Is there a reason why you are busting my balls this early?”
“It’s fun,” Elias says, making me shake my head.
Of all my brothers, my father left deeper scars on him. To even see him joke like he is right now, is good. Any other day, I would celebrate it. Yet, today, I want time with Helena alone. As if just the mere thought could make her appear, I hear the clicking of her heels hit the tile. I turn my gaze toward the door expectantly. Hunger has me in its grips when I look at my fiancée. She was beautiful last night, beyond beautiful. Today she is wearing a pale green jump suit that clings to her body. It’s casual, but on her would look good no matter where she was or what she was doing. Her hair is sleek and straight and pulled high on her head in a flowing ponytail. Her steps slow as she gets to the table where Elias and I are sitting. She gives me a tentative smile that is full of nerves. Before I can order her to come to me and give me her lips, she looks at Elias. Her face immediately softens and jealousy fires through me with the force of a desert sandstorm.
“Elias! I was wondering if I would get to see you while I was here.”
“After the nightmare you lived through, I didn’t figure you’d want to see me again, Helen.” My mouth tightens when I hear him shorten her name the way my sister does.