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But I couldn’t just forget what she did to him. He was a child. Fernandina knew better. He didn’t deserve that, and he most definitely didn’t deserve the pressure of fearing the truth coming to light.

“Nirah.” He tightened his hold on my fingers. “I promise you that I’m okay.”

In utter defeat I nodded, then stopped. “Can you…” I shifted a little. “Have you talked to anyone besides your mother about it?” I asked and could feel the shift in his energy but I couldn’t hide my concern.

He averted my gaze. “No.”

I licked my dry lips. “If you think what happened is okay then…” I trailed off and his eyes snapped to me. I sighed heavily and finally met his gaze. “How would you feel if we had a son and at fifteen he slept with a twenty-one year old woman?”

Something minuscule sparked behind his eyes, but he stayed silent.

“Answer me…” I slightly tilted my head to the right.

His silence told me everything I needed to know. He’d rip anyone apart if it was his son, because deep down he knew it was fucked up.

I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around his neck. “What happened wasn’t okay, Antonio.” I kissed his temple then held him closer. “But I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk.” I reassured him and a moment later his arms snaked around me as he held me tighter. “I’ll be here,” I whispered.

CHAPTER 40

Nirah

I let out the most dramatic yawn as I sat up, stretching my arms into the air.

My eyes fell shut and I took a second to bask in the light sun rays grazing over my bare skin. My head rolled back as the tension eased out of my body.

After spending way too much time—in my opinion— recovering in this bed, I was finally back to normal and ready to explore the most breathtaking island.

I wiggled out of bed and slipped into the bathroom before skipping out of the bedroom. I wandered around until I found the kitchen. As soon as I opened the refrigerator, a wave of cool air hit me and I inhaled deeply.

I grabbed everything I needed for breakfast and dropped it on the kitchen counter before a huge flat-screen TV in the living room caught my eye. I ran over and thankfully, I could play music on it. Of course it plays music, Nirah, you married Antonio.

I inwardly groaned. Glad to see you’re still here, little voice. You thought some crazy Yakuza men poking around in your brain would get rid of me? Well, yeah, I was kinda hoping for some peace and quiet up here. I banged my four fingers to my forehead before dancing across the room.

Can’t Get You out of My Head by Kylie Minogue blasted through the place as I slid open the balcony doors across from our bedroom.

With one hand on the wall I pushed myself up on my toes to peak inside. He’s still asleep.

I skipped back into the kitchen and got started on breakfast. In nothing but my bra and panties I danced and sang around the empty kitchen.

After finishing our breakfast I plated it on a tray and half danced my way back to our bedroom.

I wiggled my shoulders as I entered to see him step out of the bathroom, a satisfied grin plastered across his face.

He plopped back down on the bed, resting both hands behind his head.

I lifted the tray in the air then turned my back on him. I swayed my hips from side to side and when he chuckled, my smile grew wider as I turned around.

I placed the tray beside him and laid on my stomach, lifting a strawberry to my mouth.

“I think we need to stay on the island indefinitely.” His eyes lowered to my mouth as I curled my lips around the strawberry before taking a bite.

“Mhm.” I hummed, slowly nodding and he leaned forward, running his thumb across my bottom lip to collect the juice.

He brought his thumb to his lips and I smiled, sitting up.

I climbed off the bed and placed the tray on my nightstand before I hurried to his side and straddled his lap. “Good morning, Mr. De Luca.” I cupped his face in my hands, pressing my lips to his.

“Good morning, Mrs. De Luca.”