Page 129 of Beneath Scarred Vows

Katerina laughs. "The monster is still there," she says, smiling. "I just happen to love him too."

Another kick from our daughter, stronger this time. Katerina winces slightly.

"She definitely has your temper," she says, rubbing the spot where our daughter just made her presence known.

"And your timing," I counter.

We stand there together, watching our guests mingle in our garden, the setting sun casting everything in a golden glow. I never imagined this life—never thought I deserved it.

Katerina shifts against me, and I tighten my hold.

"I love you," I say against her hair, words I rarely voiced before her.

She turns in my arms, rising on tiptoes to brush her lips against mine. "I love you too," she says.

We stand for a moment, taking in the party.

"Sorry to interrupt this absolutely charming moment," Calli appears beside us, champagne flute in hand, "but it's time to steal the mother-to-be." She hooks her arm through Katerina's, flashing her most dazzling smile. "We have games to play, presents to open, and men to mock in their absence."

"Is that really necessary?" I ask, not wanting to let Katerina go.

Calli rolls her eyes dramatically. "It's tradition, brother dearest. Besides," she leans in, "I have it on good authority that I'm a shoo-in to win some prizes, so we gotta go," Calli says with a wink. "Now, if you'll excuse us."

Katerina gives me an apologetic smile as my sister drags her away. "Save me if I'm not back in an hour," she calls over her shoulder.

I watch them go, and I can't help but laugh at Katerina's slow pace and Calli chattering animatedly beside her.

"Oh God, are you whipped," says a voice behind me.

I don't need to turn to know it's Dimitri. "Careful, brother, or you'll find a woman too."

"Me? Maybe for the night," Dimitri says with a smile. "But a woman can't hold me down."

I'm about to respond when I notice Theo approaching, phone in hand, expression stern. I know that look. It's the look that means blood will be spilled.

Dimitri notices it too. "What's wrong?"

Theo reaches us, sliding his phone into his pocket. His jaw is tight, shoulders tense. "Just got off a call with our contact in Athens," he says, voice low.

"And?" I prompt, already figuring out how to keep whatever this is away from Katerina and my unborn child.

"I'm flying out tomorrow," Theo says.

"What?" I say, shocked.

Theo looks around. "I've been thinking about some things these past few months."

"What things?" Dimitri asks.

"About what Katerina heard when Sebastian had her. About him saying, 'I shouldn't have trusted him' and 'he lied.'" Theo's eyes lock on mine. "There's more, stuff I'm not ready to lay out just yet, but…" He pauses, choosing his words carefully. "I don't think the Athenian Warriors were the endgame. Something deeper has been moving this whole time. The shooting. The kidnapping. Even Dad's death. Someone's been pulling stringsbehind the scenes, feeding low level men like Sebastian lies. Setting them up to take the fall."

His voice drops even lower. "This isn't just about power. It's personal. And whoever's been bankrolling these gangs? They're not done yet. But I'm going to find them."

"Fuck." Dimitri exhales sharply. "You think someone else is pulling strings?"

"I know someone is," Theo confirms. "And I think they've been doing it for a long time. I think Dad's murder was part of a long strategy we haven't seen the outcome of yet. I think it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better. And I think our family is going to be a main target."

I stare at my brother, processing his words. If what he's saying is true—if Sebastian Makris was just a pawn, and they kidnapped Katerina on behalf of someone else—then the danger isn't over. It never was.