“But you didn’t drive the car. It was the bodyguard’s job to protect Emma and take her home safely. You couldn’t have known that he’d crash. You tried to fulfill your duty to the Outfit like your father probably expected from you. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Danilo’s smile was grim. “I still feel like it was my job to keep my sister safe. She loved ballet so much, and she was really talented, and then in one moment, it was taken from her without any fault of her own. All because the bastard of a bodyguard felt provoked by another driver and chose to participate in a street race. The asshole had drunk alcohol.”
“What happened to him?”
For a second, harsh brutality reflected in his eyes and I knew the answer. “He got the death he deserved, begging for mercy but being denied just like Emma’s denied a normal life.”
I squeezed his hand. “Emma is such a positive person. She’s strong. She’s taking it with so much grace. I doubt she blames you.”
“She doesn’t. She’s told me that repeatedly, but like you, she’s too kind for this world, Sofia.”
I pursed my lips. “Being kind doesn’t mean being blind to the truth. You weren’t guilty. End of the story.”
“You don’t seem to leave me any choice but to take your word for fact,” he said with barely hidden amusement.
I braced myself on his chest, trying to look stern. “That’s right. I’m putting my foot down.”
He shook his head, chuckling. “I guess then I have no choice but to listen to you.”
I leaned forward and kissed him.
“Do you miss her?” he asked carefully.
He didn’t have to say her name for me to know he was talking about Serafina. I was taken aback by him bringing my sister up. So far, he’d avoided her like the devil avoided holy water.
“Yeah, sometimes. Especially at Christmas or birthdays, but sometimes just in ordinary situations, but it’s okay. She’s got her life, and I’ve got mine.”
I waited for his anger, because it usually came quickly when Las Vegas was mentioned, even just in passing. I considered telling him the truth, that I’d talked to Fina on the phone a few times, but then chose not to do it. He’d take it as betrayal, which was another reason why I wasn’t sure if I could talk to my sister again. “What about you?”
His brows furrowed. “Why would I miss her? I never spent time with her. I have you, and I don’t want anyone else.”
I leaned against him, soaking up his words eagerly. They were said without hesitation.
Goosebumps pricked my skin from the cool breeze. Danilo stroked my arm. “Should we go in? You’re cold.”
“No,” I said quickly. “Let’s stay for a little while. It’s too beautiful.”
Danilo nodded, peering down to me. “You’re absolutely right.”
The sky was cloudy, and dark gray clouds pressed closer on the horizon. After a lazy breakfast in bed, Danilo and I headed out for a walk through the forest before the sound of thunder drove us back to the lodge.
The second we were inside, the sky opened and heavy rain fell.
“Perfect fireplace weather,” Danilo said, kissing my neck possessively before he headed into the living room. I smiled as I watched him stack logs of dried wood into the fireplace. I changed out of my hiking clothes into a more comfortable wool sweater and a skirt before I went back downstairs
“I’ll grab a few snacks for a picnic on the floor,” I said in passing and headed to the kitchen. I returned fifteen minutes later with a tray of champagne, assorted berries, Belgian chocolate truffles and French cheese. The fire blazed in the fireplace and Danilo had gathered the sheepskin rugs around the chimney.
My stomach somersaulted as I walked toward him, my hunger from earlier forgotten. I set the tray down on the floor and smiled at my husband. He took my hands and kissed my palms. We sank to the ground, my back against Danilo’s front, his legs to either sides of me and snacked on cheese and fruit. Eventually, Danilo opened the champagne and we sipped at it.
Danilo kissed my throat, then gently pushed down the neckline of my sweater, revealing my bare shoulder. His lips brushed over my skin. “You are impossibly beautiful, Sofia. Every inch of you.”
“Really?” I whispered. Danilo had called me beautiful before, but after the years of self-doubt I couldn’t hear it often enough.
Danilo met my gaze with determination. “Really. I’ll have to tell you more often.” He kissed the top of my arm. The logs crackled as the flames ate away at them and soon warmth cocooned us. Rain lashed almost angrily against the French doors and the lake seemed pitch black, but from the inside, well protected and warm, the sight was mesmerizing.
His hands found their way under my sweater, fingertips swiping over my naked belly. My skin constricted under the gentle touch. Danilo slowly pushed my sweater up over my head. I wore only a skimpy lace bra beneath. “Let me admire you, Sofia.” He pushed gently until I reclined on the cushions he’d spread all around the sheepskins. I forced myself to lie still, my arms stretched out leisurely above my head.
For so long I’d felt inadequate, but looking at Danilo now as he drank in my body, I didn’t doubt his desire for me.
Danilo shook his head. “I wish you could see yourself through my eyes only once, then you’d never doubt my desire for you again.”
I stifled a smile as he voiced part of my thoughts.
Danilo bowed low over me and kissed me. I wrapped my
