AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When she squeezes my hand, I lead her to a private room in the back. She sits on the nearest couch. “Come here, sit by me.” She taps the seat next to her. “How are you doing?”
“Today isn’t about me, Anita. It’s about you.”
“When you’re as old as I am, you’ll learn you will always take care of those you love regardless of what the day brings. You already do it all the time.”
“I wouldn’t say that, and I’m certainly not as good at it as you.”
“Do you know I met Dougal at a party? Your mother dragged me there.” I’ve been trying not to think of her, but I can’t deny Anita her time to reflect. “Diana wasn’t a bad woman. She just lived life on the edge. She was free-spirited. That is why I thought Dougal would approach her instead of me.”
I see sadness in her eyes.
“You don’t need to talk about this.”
“The power people hold over you is the power you give them. I gave Dougal and Diana more power than I should have. Talking about them is my way of making sure they no longer have a hold on me.”
“Why did you stay with him?” I ask, curious.
“It’s what I was taught. A wife is to remain beside her husband no matter what. I made a vow. ‘’Til death do us part.’” A tear escapes her.
“I’m sorry you’re hurting. I can’t begin to understand what you’re feeling. I’d be lost without Viktor.”
“You would be strong. You wouldn’t have a choice. Two beautiful children need and depend on you. This life is uncertain. The life of a Manarch isn’t easy.”
“You’re telling me.”
She smiles at me. “I’ve known from day one you were the one for Viktor. I remember telling him he’d never be him without you.”
“She did.” Sounds from behind me. “Hi, Mom. Are you okay?” Viktor asks.
She nods before brushing away the tear on her cheek. “Just needed a break.”
“Maybe we should take you home to get some rest before the burial tomorrow.”
“That would be nice.” She sounds far too tired for her next request, but who am I to deny her. “But only if you bring my grandchildren over. I could use some of their giggles in my life.”
“I can arrange that,” I say
“You’re a good woman. Viktor, I pray you will cherish her every second of her life.”
“Until I die and beyond,” he promises.
* * *
Hours later…
We have been in the place we call home now for an hour after dropping off the kids and Anita at her house. Even though we should be taking care of her, she still feels the need to take care of us. She wanted the kids to sleep over so Viktor and I could have time alone.
“Anita seems better,” I tell Viktor as I take off my shoes.
“Thanks to you.”
“I didn’t do anything she wouldn’t do for anyone. She just needs time to grieve.” I move to put my shoes into the closet but only get halfway there before Viktor wraps his arm around my stomach, making me giggle. “Put me down.”
“Never.”
He turns me around to face him, then he kisses me. It is hungry and possessive. The kind of kiss that takes your breath away. Sparks ignite low in my stomach when he lowers the zipper of my dress. As it goes down, so do his lips. It reminds me of the first time he unzipped my dress.
His kisses make me shiver. When he slowly pushes the dress off me, his fingers leave a trace of heat behind.
