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Another wave of possessiveness wraps around me. “I’m going to be theonlyhusband you’ll ever have.” I kiss her again, dominating the movements, trying to show her this is more than a blackmail deal she thinks she won. This is me claiming her the best I can until she fully heals. Until then, this will have to do.
My lips brush against her jaw. “You’re beautiful, inside and out.”
“Thank you for standing up for me,” she says with a sigh and sounds content.
I haven’t heard her this much at peace since I’ve known her. It has my chest swelling with pride that I made her feel like this. It shouldn’t feel like the biggest accomplishment of my life, but it does.
Chapter 21: Katrina
Iwanttodosomething nice for Demetri. My mother taught all of us girls how to cook, and she was one hell of a teacher. So while Demetri is away for the day on business, I head out with Capree and Charlotte, giving the nanny the afternoon to do as she wishes. But Polina tells me she’ll wait at home, just in case I need her. She works around the clock. I’m going to have to talk to Demetri about giving her time off.
Demetri’s home is very different from how I grew up. We had guards at our gates and roaming around all the time. Demetri’s place seems so far removed from our mafia world it’s a little unnerving. I pause at the thought. This was one thing I really wanted when I thought about running away with an average man and having a normal life. But I know better than to believe we’re here not being watched. Demetri must have a camera I can’t see and men who make it their job to hide in the background.
The day is warm, and Capree is actually awake for once in her stroller. Charlotte is walking beside me, holding my hand. Each step is a little lighter.
I can’t help but to continually think about how Demetri is always on my side. I’ve never felt like I’ve had the complete trust of anyone before him. I wish my family could see me the way he does.
I get halfway to the supermarket when the hairs on the back of my neck prickle. Each time I’ve stepped out of the house, I’ve had this same feeling. I block it out as much as possible. I refuse to look over my shoulder, to give in to my urge.
I am safe.
Capree is safe.
Charlotte is safe.
My thumb makes circles on the back of Charlotte’s hand as my anxiety worms its way through me, all while I push the stroller. Maybe I should have had someone come with me?
No, I am an independent woman.
I wish just a trip to pick up groceries didn’t feel so taxing. My steps increase, and by the time we walk inside the large building, I’m panting. I want to go home.
Katrina, you are cooking your man dinner. You can do this.
Forcing myself to put one foot in front of the other, I set a basket on top of the stroller’s handle and go down the different aisles. That pricking sensation keeps at me, and I can’t help myself. I glance over my shoulder, and swear I see a long ponytail whipping around to the other aisle. A ponytail that looks eerily familiar.
Eva.
“Race you to the end,” I say playfully to Charlotte so she doesn’t become frightened because of my anxiety.
She giggles before taking off, and I speed up into a half jog, pushing the stroller with one hand and steadying the basket on top of it with the other. I plan to confront Eva when I see her. I glance down at Charlotte, who’s now staying by my side and not racing ahead of me. When my eyes move up, my body jolts as I bring the stroller to a stop.
My best friend Sophia has to take a step back to keep from getting run over by my stroller.
“Katrina, what the heck are you doing?” she asks. I’m stunned for a moment, because I didn’t see her. “I called your name twice.”
“I didn’t hear you.” I look around us, and the aisle is vacant.
Sophia runs her hand down my arm while she studies me. “Why are you shaking?”
I’m not, am I? My heart is drumming at full speed now. I try to take a calming breath, but adrenaline surges through my veins. It’s difficult for me to keep my body still.
“You scared me. I wasn’t expecting you.” I look down at Charlotte to make sure she’s okay. Her eyes are darting from Sophia to me. Capree is now sleeping like nothing happened.
“I just texted your brother. He’s sending Max over to take you home.”Maximus Mancini. I sigh. He’ll be another person spying on me for my brother. Just because he is Gia’s husband’s brother doesn’t make it any better. But he’s considered family now because of the marriage.
My heart stops. “Why? I’m fine. Let me call Vadim, Demetri's driver, instead. I don’t need my brother being involved in this.”
She gives me this patronizing look. It’s the same look everyone had when they first saw me after I accidentally overdosed.
