“What happened tonight was not me losing control.”
Confusion flickered across her face.
“I chose violence because your grandfather was going to hurt you and Violet.” I paused. “If I had truly lost control, you would know the difference.”
Maybe that was too honest, but children—especially Aria—could feel the weight behind my words. And at this moment, it was important to be honest.
“Being dangerous is not the same thing as being cruel,” I said quietly. “Men like your grandfather hurt people because it makes them feel powerful. I hurt people when there’s no other way to protect what’s mine.”
Violet’s hand settled against the back of my neck.
“And innocent people don’t survive men like your grandfather,” she added softly.
Aria absorbed that in silence and I could practically see her trying to work it all out piece by piece.
“What if there is another option?” she murmured slowly, glancing between her brother and me.
“If there’s another option, I’ll take it.” I brushed my thumb lightly against her knuckles. “And if there isn’t, I’ll make sure my family is safe and survives.”
“And you, Dimitros?”
“I’ll do the same.”
She threw herself at me, burying her face into my chest and I hugged her tightly.
“I love you so much, Papa,” she said, her voice muffled and vibrating against my chest. “And you, Dimitros. I love you too, Mama.”
I held my daughter, one hand cradling the back of her head, while Violet moved closer. She pressed against Aria’s back and slid her other hand against my neck.
“We love you too,” Violet murmured against her head, glancing at Dimitros. “Both of you.”
All four of us sat, hugging each other and all the while rain tapped softly against the window.
FORTY-SEVEN
LYKOS
She owned my heart and my soul.
She was my woman.
Fucking mine.
And I loved her. I fucking loved her so goddamn much that just the thought of losing her brought me to my knees.
Today could have easily ended differently. She could have turned away from the violence and me. But she didn’t. And the way Aria came to terms with learning that Violet was her biological mother… Thank God.
I watched Violet sleep, her naked body molded to mine. I’d never tire of watching her. Not in one year. Not in ten. Not in fifty.
I skimmed my lips against her temple, and she released a small sigh but didn’t stir.
“You’re the force behind my beating heart. You’re my life. My everything,” I whispered against her temple. “I love you so much. In this life and the next.”
Her eyes fluttered open and our gazes connected. Confusion and exhaustion lingered in hers.
“I didn’t mean to wake you,” I murmured.
She smiled softly. “Did I dream it?” she asked.
