How can I possibly keep my heart safe from this woman when she continues to surprise me, and continues to push me into uncharted territory? Every experience with her is like having it for the very first time.
I’m beginning to want everything with her. Even though we did things backwards by marrying first, I want to date her, to get to know everything about this amazing woman.
That’s what I’m going to do. Tomorrow night, I’m taking her on a date. A real one, with flowers and everything. It’ll be a surprise.
CHAPTER 13
Ravenna
“This is my favorite room,” I murmur against Cian’s chest, where we lay on the plush area rug in front of the sofa. “I could stay here forever.”
“If you love this library so much, then I’ll give you a key. Which reminds me… how did you get in here? I’m sure I didn’t leave the door unlocked.” Cian gazes curiously at me, and my cheeks flush.
“I have a secret. Something I’ve never told anybody about before.”Except my twin sister, of course.
“Oh? Do you trust me to keep it,broc meala?”
My stomach flutters as I confess, “I do.” I mean those words with all my heart. In such a short time, that we’ve spent mostly together, I’ve come to trust this big Irishman. He may be all scowls to the outside world, but to me he’smi Irlandese.
“Then tell me your secret.” He smooths a strand of hair behind my ear.
“I picked the lock with a bobby pin. I learned how when I was thirteen and since then I… do it sometimes.”
“Like when there’s a locked door in the way of satisfying your curiosity?” He arches a blond brow.
“Exactly.”
“You’re full of surprises.” His lips touch mine in the gentlest of kisses and I melt. “And so very clever. That skill takes practice, and much patience.”
“You’re not upset, or angry with me?” I wasn’t sure how he’d react, but indulgent wasn’t my first guess. My father would have been furious, and Matteo would have found a way to use my skill for his own benefit.
“Of course not. I will never be angry with you for telling me the truth. Honesty, remember? I value it above all else. Pick any lock you want, just tell me you did it. Always tell me the truth and we’ll have no problems between us.”
My breath catches in my throat. I need to tell him who I am. I need to come clean before it’s too late.
Isn’t it already too late?
My lips part then close, then part again. I must look like a fish out of water.
“What is it,broc meala?”
“I have to tell you something.” I sit up, my brows pinch together. “But I don’t know how or where to start...”
He props himself up on one forearm, his muscles flexing. “Start at the beginning.”
“Right. I suppose that would make sense. The beginning.” I lick my sore, puffy lips. “On our wedding day at the church—” My phone rings, drawing my attention. It’s in my dress pocket. I ignore it, letting it go to voicemail. “At the church, I?—”
My phone rings again. Whoever it is really wants to reach me. Urgently.
“I’m sorry. It could be my mother.” I crawl over to my phone just as it rings for a third time, showing an unknown number. Cautiously, I answer. “Hello?”
“Ven?” Muffled sobs sound through the line. “Help me. I’m so scared.”
My heart twists in my chest, and my stomach drops. “Elena, what happened? Where are you?”
Cian’s questioning gaze cuts to me. In that instant, I realize my mistake. Her name slipped off my tongue. But my sister’s safety is more important to me than covering up my lies, so I focus on the situation at hand. Consequences will no doubt come later.
“I-I don’t know where I am. He s-shoved me out of a van and told me to call home on this burner phone. Can you come f-find me? I’m s-scared.”
