Page 113 of Dark Desires

EPILOGUE II

ISABELLA

The private plane touches down with a smooth bounce on the runway in Sicily, and I look out the window to take in the sweeping view of the Mediterranean. It’s breathtaking, the kind of picture-perfect scene that makes you forget for half a second about the Chicago winter we’ll be returning to.

Domenico, my little boy, with his father’s piercing blue eyes, lets out a delighted squeal from his car seat. He looks happily out of the window, as if he wants to make sure I see it, too.

“Yeah, baby, I see it,” I say, smiling at him. “We’ll be close enough to dip your toes in soon.”

Alexei, sitting across from us, closes his laptop with a satisfying click. “You’re supposed to be relaxing, not looking like you’re planning another takeover.”

He smirks. “Just making sure everything’s running smoothly while we’re away.”

I grin and roll my eyes. “We’ve got a whole family to watch over things while we’re gone. The world can wait for a bit. Now comeon--you need this trip as much as I do, even if you won’t admit it.”

He reaches forward, taking little Domenico’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

“We’ll see how I feel after a little beach time.”

The truth of the matter is that I’m thrilled. After over a year of only speaking to Steph over Zoom, I’m finally going to see my cousin in person.

Once we’re off the plane, we’re whisked away in a sleek black car to the villa. It’s as stunning as I imagined—terra-cotta rooftops, whitewashed walls, and flower boxes at every window.

We approach the door and knock. It opens; a guard on the other side gestures for us to enter.

Alexei’s arm slips around my waist as we step inside, Domenico in my arms.

The sound of laughter echoes from the courtyard, and I know instantly who it is. My heart skips. “Is that?—?”

“Hey!” shouts a familiar voice. “We’re in back! Come on out!”

“It’s her,” Alexei confirms, giving me a soft nudge toward the door.

I step out into the sunlight, and there she is—Stephania, radiant as ever, lounging in a wicker chair with Omar beside her. The sight of them makes my throat tighten.

“Cuz!” Stephania calls out, standing and opening her arms wide.

I don’t even think. I run to her, and we collide in a hug that feels like it’s been a century in the making.

“You’re really here,” I whisper.

She pulls back, her hands on my shoulders. “And so are you. Look at you! Glowing like always.”

We both laugh, tears threatening to spill as we hold on to each other. Omar steps forward, giving me a polite nod.

“Good to see you, Isabella.”

“Good to see you too, Omar. Still managing to put up with her?”

Stephania rolls her eyes. “He’s lucky to have me.”

“You’re right about that.”

She turns her attention to Domenico. “And here’s the little man! Gosh, you’re handsome!”

Domenico responds with one of his big, adorable smiles.

“This is your Aunt Steph!” I say. “She is very excited to meet you!”