My brow furrows. “You want to go… sightseeing?” That’s the least Cian-type activity I can think of doing.
His pale blue eyes light with amusement. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure all of those New England history books you have piled on your nightstand aren’t there for decoration. You’re always reading about the area, I thought you might like to see it in person. More than just Manhattan.”
My lips part in shock. I didn’t realize he paid that close attention to me and my reading habits.
A frown creases his brow. “If that’s of no interest to you, we can always?—”
“No, I want to. I just didn’t think that you would find any of this interesting.” I don’t want him to be bored out of his mind.
His features soften. “I’ll be perfectly happy listening to you talk about all these places and the bits of trivia you’ve read about.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. Stop worrying so much,broc meala. We’re on vacation. We’re going to spend our days exploring this island, and our nights cozied up by that fireplace.” He tilts his head toward the stone hearth.
I relax, taking him at his word. It just feels so strange to be put first. To have a whole weekend planned around what I find interesting, without having to feel guilty about it.
Stepping closer to my husband, I beam up at him. “Thank you. This is…” My heart warms. “I can’t wait to do this, I’m so excited! Martha’s Vineyard is one of the oldest British colonies, after Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay of course, and I’ve been dying to visit one day.”
“Good. Now go get ready, there’s a tour of some old church starting in an hour.” He kisses me once before sending me off.
Giddy, I go in search of the single bedroom and my suitcase. I’ll have to dress warmer if we’re going to be out in the elements.
This is a dream come true. The island’s only accessible by boat or plane, and although I could have taken the ferry over from Cape Cod, my parents never agreed to let me go. Plus, I don’t know anyone who enjoys history as much as I do, and I’ve never really wanted to go alone.
With this trip, Cian’s given me much more than he realizes. Purple tulips, a chance to indulge my interest in history, and a distraction from incessantly worrying about Elena’s flight to Italy.
CHAPTER 27
Ravenna
Our getaway was lovely, but as soon as we’re home, I realize how much I miss Elena. This place isn’t the same without her. Even though she refused to leave her room, I knew she was close by and that proximity eased some of my worry. Now she’s on the other side of the Atlantic.
I check in on my sister, probably one too many times, to make sure she’s settled in okay. Elena arrived safely at great aunt Antonia’s house in Parma, Italy. There, she’s under Pontrelli protection for the duration of her stay. I hope our extended family takes good care of her.
“You’re crowding her from four thousand miles away.” Cian arches a scarred brow.
I set my phone on the bedside table and snuggle into my husband’s tattooed body, taking comfort in his heat. “I know. It’s just that she’s the only close family I have left now that my mother, father, and brother are all gone.”
His muscles flex, turning to stone. “I’m sorry I had to be the one to take them from you,” he says quietly.
I sit up, peering at him. That’s an apology he said he’d never give me. But I’m sure I heard him right. My pulse flutters.
“I’m in no way trying to make you feel guilty. They were messed up people and my life is so much better without them. I can’t even begin to…”
“I know.” Cian clenches his jaw. “For you, I’d kill them all over again if I could. But I’m still sorry that I took your family from you.”
“Thank you for that.” I lean down to kiss him when my phone chimes five times in a row with incoming text messages. I reach for it.
Sophia
He did it to me again.
Sophia
I’m supposed to be on a date with Nik right now and he just texted to postpone. Again!
Sophia
