Page 31

Brooklyn

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

"I'm so nervous," I say to my sister Madison over the phone.

"Put me on speakerphone, or you're going to be late."

I follow her advice because, honestly, I'm cutting it close. I’ve showered, but I’m still in my silk robe. "Should I wear makeup?"

"Want some advice? Just be yourself, Brooklyn."

"He's been with beautiful women. I looked him up online."

"And you're beautiful, too. Besides, none of them ever made it to 'girlfriend' status."

"That only raises my expectations, Madison."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," I reply, pulling out a black slip dress I bought years ago but never had the chance to wear.

"Are you sure about this?"

"I am. I mean, I’d have to be crazy not to feel a little scared, right? Athanasios is . . .a lot in every sense: intense, gorgeous, sexy . . .but I can't turn my back on this attraction. I’m trusting my gut, and it’s telling me to go for it."

"Then go. Stop feeding your doubts. Anything worthwhile gives you butterflies."

"I never felt butterflies with Moses."

"Never?"

"No. I liked his company, found him attractive, and felt flattered by the attention from an older man, but even in the beginning, he never made my heart race. When Athanasios looks at me . . .God, I feel warm all over."

"That’s physical attraction."

"Yes, I know, but it’s not just lust. I can’t explain it—or maybe I’m just not ready to think about it yet."

"I think that’s a flaw we both share: overthinking. Just go. Enjoy yourself, have fun, and tell me everything later."

"Everything? No way." I laugh.

"Not the sex, silly. But I want to know if he treated you like the princess you are."

I hear a knock at the door. "I have to go, Madison. I think Eleanor needs to talk to me. I'll be fine. I promise."

"Love you, sis."

"Love you too."

I hang up and head to the door. When I open it, Silas and Soraya are standing there.

"Mommy . . .night," they say, almost in unison.

"They wanted to give you a kiss before bedtime," Eleanor explains.

I crouch down to talk to them. "Good night, my loves. Mommy loves you so much."

They throw their little arms around my neck, and for a moment, as I feel their warmth and smell their sweet baby scent, I question what I’m doing.

I take their hands and walk them to their room. After tucking them in, I say goodbye to my mom.

"Brooklyn?" she calls just as I’m about to leave the room.

"Yes?"

"Don’t overthink this."

"Madison said something similar."

"If you’re unsure about going, call and cancel."

"No. I really want to go. If you need me, will you call?"

"Of course, but we’ll be fine. If you’re not coming back, just let me know."

"I’m not . . .” I start, feeling my cheeks heat, but she cuts me off:

"Just text me so I don’t worry, Brooklyn."

"Okay," I reply, practically rushing out.

I finish getting ready at the exact moment my phone lights up with a message from Athanasios saying the driver is waiting outside.

I step outside with shaky legs, my hands cold with nervousness about seeing him in about thirty minutes. But nothing prepares me for the sight of him standing near the car.

"Hi," I say.

He walks over to me, and without warning—and completely indifferent to the people around us—pulls me into his arms and kisses me.

It’s nothing like our previous kisses; this one is possessive, as if he’s marking me.

I surrender without resistance. I don’t want to resist—I want him to keep making me feel like my feet aren’t touching the ground.

My heart pounds against my ribs, and all the fear and doubt I’d been feeling throughout the day vanish like magic as his sensual mouth teases me and his rough tongue claims me as his.

I moan, pressing my body against his solid chest, and I think that’s what finally makes him aware of our audience.

"We need to talk," he says.

I pull back to look at him, the enchantment of seconds ago transforming into apprehension. "Did something happen?"

"Yes. We uncovered some things about your past."

"We?"

"The Kostanidis brothers, their cousin, and I."

"I don’t understand."

"I don’t want to talk about it right now, Brooklyn. I want to take you to my place and lose myself in you, but I promised never to lie or withhold the truth. I keep my word."

"What you’re going to tell me . . .will it hurt?"

"Yes."

"Could it put my children’s lives at risk?"

"Absolutely not. They’re safe. I’ll protect them."

"But is there danger?"

"Maybe for you, but I just arranged for another dozen bodyguards. They’ll not only guard the house but patrol the surrounding streets as well. Your family is safe."

"Then whatever we need to discuss can wait. I don’t want what I’m feeling right now to be tainted by what happened in the past. And I think if we talk about Moses, it’ll ruin our night. I’ve suffered enough. I want the dream tonight, Athanasios. Just the dream."