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“Don’t disappoint me today.” His words are delivered harshly, and I flinch from them.
Wewalkintomyparents’ backyard like the perfect family. Capree is sleeping in my arms, Demetri has his arm slung over my shoulders, and Charlotte is skipping while holding her dad’s hand. I force my smile like I have for so many years. It feels heavier than what I remember.
Demetri’s fingers dip into my side, his masculine scent washing over me as we walk. “Don’t forget what’s at stake.” His lips brush my ear as he speaks low.
He doesn’t have to tell me twice. I won’t risk Capree, even if I’m not certain he would harm her.
“Look at you, lovebirds,” my best friend greets, walking by with a lemonade jug in her hands. She winks at me as she continues toward the breakfast foods placed outside.
Demetri freezes at my side as my mother walks in front of us, her hands already out to snuggle Capree. “Your father always loved babies.” She tries to hide the sadness in her voice. My already broken heart twists harder.
“I’m sorry, Ma.” The guilt over my father’s death is piled on top of everything else I’ve done wrong in life.
My brother comes up and shakes Demetri’s hand. “Nonsense, Katrina. You weren’t at fault.”
My husband was. The implication is there, but there’s no malice in Luca’s tone.
“How can you forgive so easily?” I ask my mom once the men are distracted with each other.
Her glistening eyes meet mine. “In this type of life, grudges will eat you alive. They leave black imprints on your soul. I choose to use my energy on being happy. But never confuse forgiveness with weakness. It takes a strong person to forgive.”
“I love you.” I give my mother a hug, Capree stuck in the middle of us. This moment has a daunting feeling, like this could be my last one with her. “Thank you for always having my back while I was growing up.” I pull away, my eyes feeling heavy with tears that are hidden and refuse to be shed.
I look up to see Charlotte is already checking out the table with all the pancakes and fixings. I want to go see my sisters, but Demetri told me to stay near him. When I step over next to him and my brother, he reaches for my hand, and our fingers interconnect.
“Dad, can I have one?” Charlotte’s voice carries over to us, and Demetri excuses himself.
I’m not sure if I should follow him or stay with my brother.
“I’m sorry, Katrina,” Luca says for the third time in our life, and I’m confused why he’s apologizing this time. It must show in my face, because he continues. “I was wrong about you and Demetri.”
Demetri has us all fooled. I never thought he would have charmed his way past my brother too.
“It’s not like you to change your mind.” My fingers find an uneven spot on my thumbnail, and my pointer’s nail goes over it to try to make it smooth.
“I never thought you two would actually fall in love.”
My eyes dart to Demetri. Charlotte is trying to make him taste each of the desserts in her small hands. He’s laughing and looking like he’s having a great time. Even his normally stiff shoulders seem relaxed. I look around the yard. This was what I wanted my whole life. Now that the image is here, it’s all lies. It’s worse than feeling like I’ll never get this.
“You know me. I’d be willing to fall in love with anyone. My track record isn’t that good.” I try to brush his comment off. It’s easier that way.
“It’s different this time. Demetri looks at you like he would start a war for you. I’m happy for you.”
If only he knew the truth. Demetri doesn’t love me. He hates me, and I’m not entirely sure why.
Chapter 33: Demetri
“YouandKatrinalookhappy.”
I look up from my daughter and see Sophia in my path. I don’t like her; she rubs me the wrong way. I knew the moment I slept with her that I made a mistake. She had been my favorite waitress up until I slept with her, and she began to think we were in a relationship.
“I’m happy you think so.” I try to sidestep her, and she moves back in front of me. I should have fired her. I wanted to, but Mikhail told me it would cause too much trouble with human resources if I did.
“I’ve known her my whole life. She can be very impulsive.” Her hand touches my arm, and I glare at it before I look up and glare at her. She wisely removes her hand. “You saved her.” She laughs and shakes her head. “When everyone thought she was unsavable, you rushed in and saved the day. It’s funny how things work out.”
I can’t even bring myself to fake a smile. Her voice is sweet, but her words seem to hold a deeper meaning. My gut doesn’t steer me wrong. From now on, Katrina will have no contact with this woman.
“Excuse me. I need to speak with Luca.” This time, she doesn’t block my way, but I can feel her eyes on me. I don’t want to talk to him, but it’s my only option.
