Bump.
What the hell was that noise?
Bump. Bump. Bump.
I got up and went to the door but found the hallway empty. Next, I went out to the window, pulled apart the drapes, and opened the windows that led onto a balcony.
The sun hit my eyes and I blinked against its brightness, waiting for my sight to adjust. There was nobody around. A few men patrolled the property, but that wasn’t what caught my eye.
It was a beautiful, picture-perfect view.
I inhaled a deep breath, letting the scent of the sea, lemon, and olives seep into my lungs before I turned around and rushed to get ready.
Once showered and dressed, I made my way down the stairs and into the dining room. Lykos was already seated at the head of the table, discussing something with Salvatore in Greek while Dimitros pretended not to eavesdrop and Aria ate her breakfast. Or more like shoved her breakfast around her plate enthusiastically.
“Dr. Freud,” Aria squealed as he jumped down from her chair and ran over to me to hug me.
“Hello, sweetie.”
I smiled and hugged her back, my insides shuddering with delight. There was nothing I wanted to do more than hug her and listen to her talk. I wanted to make up for every moment and word I’d missed over the past decade.
My eyes eventually rose to glance at Lykos, and I found all three pairs of eyes watching us.
“Good morning, Violet,” Salvatore greeted me, flashing me a smile. His easy charm couldn’t hide the ruthlessness I could sense rolling off of him. He might be easygoing, but it was just a disguise, and I had no intention of letting my guard down.
“Morning,” I replied. “Did you guys hear some banging?”
Lykos kept his expression guarded, but his shared glance with Salvatore didn’t escape me.
“I didn’t hear anything,” Aria answered, then dragged me toward the table to sit next to her.
“Neither did I,” Dimitros replied.
The housekeeper appeared, carrying trays of food. “Good morning, miss.”
I nodded, smiling. “Good morning.”
As I sat down, Lykos said, his attention on his kids and me, “Violet, let me officially introduce you to my children, Aria and Dimitros. Kids, Dr. Freud will be staying with us for a while.”
Aria squealed and I gave her a weak smile. I wondered if she’d be so enthusiastic if she knew our history.
“We gathered that, since she was here last night,” Dimitros grumbled, but then seemed to remember himself and nodded my way. “I’m sorry I wasn’t overly welcoming yesterday. We’re glad to have you in our home, Dr. Freud,” Dimitros acknowledged, although there was slight distrust in his gaze. I couldn’t blame him, but I was impressed by his maturity.
I studied his expression and that slash on his cheek, reminding me of Lykos’s comment about Amara’s violent tendencies.
Pity and compassion filled my chest. I knew firsthand how painful a parent’s outburst could be. The only defense I had for his mother was that her mind was so far gone that she didn’t know what she was doing.
“I’m pleased to meet you too, Dimitros,” I responded, then returned my attention to Aria, who was smiling softly. Her golden curls bounced every time she moved, and I couldn’t help but shudder; Lily’s hair used to do the same exact thing.
“And since we’re re-introducing ourselves, I’m Salvatore Remo,” Salvatore chimed in, looking a bit too pleased with himself. “Lykos’s oldest, most handsome, and most tolerant best friend.”
“You mean, I’m tolerant of your dumb ass,” Lykos grumbled darkly.
I raised my eyebrow in surprise. The two seemed to be complete opposites. Salvatore seemed playful while Lykos was all dark mood and grumpiness.
“It’s really nice to officially meet you all,” I continued, keeping my composure.
Lykos’s phone rang and he answered it, his gaze locked on me. I couldn’t hear what was being said, but judging by his expression, it wasn’t good.
