“And we have my security,” I add.
“Take Nikos and Steli. I insist,” Prince Stavros tells Stef firmly.
“Okay, okay. We will.” Stef gives me a sidelong glance, grinning, undaunted.
“Very good to meet you, Theo,” Princess Maria says warmly, walking us out after we finish our drinks. “Looking forward to hearing more about you.”
“Thank you. A pleasure to meet you all,” I say.
I’m reunited with my cap and sunglasses while Stef finds his. We put them on. After a quick meeting with our combined security, we head out into the sultry Kerkyra night, my heart still pounding like a wild thing.
When we’re outside on the step, more or less alone, our mouths crush against each other, his fingers on my chest.
“Did that actually happen?” I ask, still reeling from Stef’s bombshell revelation. “Am I really your boyfriend?”
“Yes,” Stef whispers, urgent. He searches my eyes. “If I’m yours.”
“Of course you are, gorgeous. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“You’re sure about going into town? You know there’s a risk we’ll get photographed together,” I tell him.
Stef nods. His gaze doesn’t waver, and his expression softens. I’m riveted. As if we’re the only ones left in Corfu. The air smells of the fresh sea breeze, and it’s quiet except for the sound of a passing car in the distance. “I know,” he says. “I’m ready for whatever comes… if you are.”
“So ready. I’ve wanted you for such a long time, gorgeous.”
“I want you too. So much.”
We kiss again, euphoric, practically giddy. It’s one less secret to keep, at least to Stef’s family. With Stef, I feel a lot less alone. Like maybe there’s a chance to get through everything, together.
And I don’t ever want this moment to end.
Chapter Fifty-Six
Stef and I keep glancing at each other, grinning nonstop, but restrained enough to keep from kissing in the street in Old Town around other people. The night is still very warm, heat radiating from the ground. We walk past storefronts shuttered for the night, tavernas and bars with people spilling into the pedestrian lanes. People walk and laugh and carry on in Old Town at night.
Following Stef’s lead, we make our way to our destination, a popular bar where some of our security has gone ahead. The lights are low, music plays, people laugh and carry on.
At the back, we have a relatively private table, with Steli and Mads at the next table drinking ouzo, and Nikos somewhere nearby. So far, we haven’t been clocked, everyone else into their own group and parties. The music thumps on, and everything feels amazing. Beyond amazing. And it’s loud enough no one’s going to overhear our conversation. Perfect conditions.
“I still can’t believe you told your family I’m your boyfriend,” I manage over our flamboyant cocktails. The shock hasn’t worn off that Stef’s come out to his family—and that I’m his boyfriend. And his family knows about us. I don’t think my grin will ever go away. I don’t want it to go away. “Did that actually just happen?”
“Yes and yes.” Stef leans back in his seat, beaming.
“I can’t believe it, to be honest. It’s gonna take a minute.” I chuckle, absorbing the sight of him. As ever, he’s delicious. And more than that, he’s mine and I’m his and everyone will know soon enough. “Fuck. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Under the table, he nudges my toe, and I nudge right back. Even through our shoes, the contact’s electric. Reassuring. “And how’re you feeling about tonight?”
“So happy,” Stef says, blissful. “I imagined this moment for ages. Telling my parents the truth about me. And then—about you.”
“And your mother?”
“I told her a couple of days earlier, I’ll admit. I was hoping she’d be on my side and help me deal with my father when I told him about us. I asked her if it was a good idea for you to come visit. And she said yes. She wanted to meet this man she’d been hearing so much about. She said I light up every time I talk about you. She’s definitely easier to talk to than my father. She also said my father would come around in time, because he wants me to be happy.”
“And Spiros?” I chuckle.
