Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
“I might’ve had it hemmed,” I say innocently, which isn’t true, but it’s funny. I’m also wearing a new pair of sneakers he bought me recently too, one of a growing collection. I’m going to need my own shoe room soon enough. “How’s work been?”
“Quiet,” he says. “The way I like it.”
“Lovely. Let’s get going before you start seriously fondling me in this alley.”
“What, a man can’t grab his wife’s ass in public these days?”
“It smells like garbage.”
“And your point? I’d gladly fuck you here and now.”
“I know that,” I say, kissing his jaw. “That’s what I love about you, big old horndog.”
“Not my fault that damn uniform is sinful. I swear, Demetrios knows what he’s doing.”
I swat at his chest. “He makes his daughter wear it, you goon. It’s just traditional.”
He laughs and leads me to the car. The doors pop open and I climb inside. I catch him wave to a worried-looking Alonzo, who visibly relaxes once it’s clear Evander isn’t angry.
My husband gets behind the wheel. “Ready?”
“Take me home.” I lean my head back, smiling as he pulls into traffic. “I have something to tell you. Something I think you’ll like.”
“Oh, really? Tell me now then.”
“No, sorry. You have to wait until after we eat with your mother.”
His eyebrows raise. “Then why tease me, asteraki mu?”
“I want you suitably excited, but if I tell you now, you’re going to make me skip dinner.”
“Let me guess. New lingerie? Oh, you’re in a blowjob mood, aren’t you?”
“No and yes, actually, but that’s not it.”
He gives me a low chuckle. “All right then, wife. I’ll wait patiently.”
“Good boy.” I pat his thigh happily.
Chapter 61
Camille
Dimitra leans forward across the table, smiling happily. Helen, Lycus, and Evander are all listening too. “He said what?” Dimitra asks.
“Seriously, Old Harry said he was open for business. You should’ve seen Ophelia’s face. She called him an old pervert and everyone went nuts. Those geezers made such a ruckus, it was hilarious.” I beam at my mother-in-law as she covers her mouth and laughs.
She’s still in all black, but these days there are splashes of color, like she’s beginning to thaw from a long freeze. Tonight, a pink scarf is wrapped around her neck.
When I first met Dimitra, I never would’ve told her a dirty story like what happened back at the diner. But the more I’ve gotten to know her, the more I realize she appreciates humor, even the dirty kind.
“I like that girl,” Dimitra says. “She needs to come around more often.”
“Please, Mother, don’t encourage her,” Evander says with a sigh. “I think Phel is going to drive me insane.”
“You just can’t handle her teasing, brother dearest,” Helen says and winks at me. “I like Phel. She’s welcome whenever. Don’t let grumpy-fuck keep her away.”
“Grumpy-face?” he grunts at her.
“I like that,” I say, batting my eyes at him. “My big grumpy-fuck.”
“It does suit you, dear,” Dimitra says.
“God damn it.” Evander takes a long sip of whiskey as I laugh with his sister and his mother.
We spend the meal swapping stories. Mostly small talk, mostly nothing special. We do this once a week at least, every Sunday, though I eat meals with Helen and Evander most nights. Lycus shows up occasionally, and so does Dimitra, but we make sure to have everyone together on Sundays. Even though Lycus technically isn’t part of the Kazan family, he’s a steady presence, and Helen seems to enjoy having him around. If at least so she can eat off his plate and make fun of him.
“Seriously, Helen, fork to your damn self,” he grumbles at her.
“What? You’re barely eating, you skinny asshole. Give me that.”
“I swear, I’ll stab your fingers.”
“Try it. Go ahead.” She grins at him and snatches a piece of broccoli.
Lycus sighs and scrapes a hand through his hair.
I sit back and watch my friends and family. Dimitra smiles at Evander, and he smiles back. There’s a fondness between them now, a softness that wasn’t here when I first came to the house. Things have been so calm without Sophia and Anissa, and though I know Dimitra misses her sister, she’s been thriving ever since they were banished. I haven’t heard anything about them, and I haven’t asked. Some part of me is smart enough to leave some things a mystery.
“Everyone, a toast,” Dimitra says, raising her glass. “To the Kazan family. To Evander, the lord, and his wife. To Helen, my loving daughter, and Evander’s loyal friend, Lycus.”
“And to you, mother,” Evander says.
We cheers and drink as dessert comes out.
When the plates are cleared and I kiss Dimitra on the cheek, I take Evander’s hand and he leads me out. I can hear Helen sniping at Lycus, and Lycus getting increasingly annoyed. “They’re going to kill each other,” I comment.
“My sister is relentless,” Evander agrees.
“But then again, Lycus seems to enjoy it.”