Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Once I returned from Angelo Giordani's luxurious prison, Ryder kept a close eye on me. Some might find it oppressive, but I find myself grateful for the depth of his love and even his controlling nature. It's because of him that I've never feared for my life or my children's. But at the same time, Ryder has taken a step back from the famiglia to be with his family more, and I'm more than grateful for that.
"There's only two hours left until my party, Mama!" Piero tugs on my floral dress.
Ryder and I share a conspiratorial smile. We've had to bend the truth a little and pretend this party is for Piero too. We told him he's celebrating the one-year anniversary of being a big brother. It's adorable how happy that made him, and he even told us in his most serious voice not to get him any gifts, and to get things for his little brother instead.
Today is all about family and the many happy years we'll spend together. But for me, this is the best moment – right before the party starts, alone with my sons and my husband. I'm grinning ear to ear, appreciating every second I get to spend in the company of my three favorite people in the world.
"Thank you," I whisper in Ryder's ear as we walk outside into our gardens. "You've made this day unforgettable."
"Every day with you is unforgettable," he mutters in response, leaving a soft kiss against my lips. Our little boy makes a face, making me laugh out loud.
"You don't like it when Papa kisses your mama, Piero?" I tease him.
"No!" he crosses his arms and looks at Ryder with jealous eyes. "Mama is mine."
Ryder laughs, handing over our younger son to me and leaning down to kneel next to Piero. "You're just as jealous as I am, little man. But don't worry. One day, you'll meet a girl just like Mama and she'll be all yours."
Piero gives him a suspicious look but is distracted the next moment when Ryder asks him if he wants to play in the maze.
We've taught them not to be afraid of its dark hedges, and a year ago, Ryder put up signs that led inside and out so there's no fear of them getting lost. We play this game all the time – get lost amid the green leaves and heavily scented roses in the maze and play hide and seek.
Our nanny takes Massimo from my hands and motions to the maze. "Go play with them, signora. I can watch the little one."
Reluctantly, I glance at my beautiful baby boy whose eyes are getting heavier. He's sleepy... "Okay. Just for a little while."
I slip into the maze behind my husband and son and follow the sound of their happy laughter. I allow myself to get lost between the greenery, even though I know the way in and out of this maze by heart now, despite the signposts. The sounds of Ryder and Piero fade away and I'm lost in my own little world.
In moments like these, I can almost feel Nicoletta next to me. Her phantom fingers wrap around mine and she invites me deeper into the maze, giggling as I follow behind closely, always trying to catch up with her.
A few years ago the memory would stun me, hurt me. But not now. Now, I smile and take Nicoletta's hand, allowing myself to get lost in the sweet memories of her girlish laughter. I follow her deeper into the maze, and for a second, I can almost believe we're children again, carefree and without a fear in the world.
My body bumps into a mass of muscle and I gasp as a palm covers my lips. Shivering, I look up into my husband's eyes, softly smiling behind his hand as he motions for me to stay quiet.
"Hide and seek, remember, Aurora?" he asks me softly, and I nod, mesmerized by his eyes.
I will never get over this man. Not that I'm trying. I'm happy spending the rest of my life as his loving wife.
But there's something about this moment that transports me back to the maze on the Bernardi property. The way Ryder took me back then... he owned my body. And he still does.
He seems to be getting the same idea and our gazes connect, eyes burning brightly with inextinguishable fire and passion. He takes his palm off my mouth and covers my lips with his instead. His kiss soon grows demanding and I give in to it, allowing my resolve to weaken as he deepens our kiss and claims every last thing I have left to give.
"You're mine," Ryder whispers against my mouth, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ears. "You'll always be only mine."
My eyes twinkle as they meet his, teasing him. "Your what?"