Page 114 of Liberated By Sin

“That’s okay, too,” I said, reaching for his chin and requesting a kiss. My husband obliged and caressed my belly.

Some days, I was still amazed I was someone’s wife—his wife. We’d found love in the dark, at a time when the thought of being with a man was a literal nightmare. But Santino showed me how to trust and how to love again, and I’d dedicate the rest of my life to repaying his unconditional devotion.

“I have two surprises for you,amore.But first, let me take Gio to his father.”

“A surprise? What’s the occasion?”

Santino shifted the baby to his arm and shot me a playful grimace. “Since when have I ever needed a reason to shower my wife with gifts?”

With a laugh, I clapped his cheek and kissed him. “I love you,” I whispered over his lips.

“You’ll love me even more after your second gift.”

“Can’t wait.”

Santino stole one more kiss and headed inside, but not before tossing Gio a good three feet into the air, catching him and doing it a second time, sending my first-time mom nerves into a frenzy.

“I’ll kill him,” I said with a chuckle and a hand over my baby.

Twisting around, I let the gorgeous ocean view settle my heart.

“That makes two of us.” Amalia shoulder-checked me and rested her arms on the banister, Leni on my left and Eva beside her.

None of us said a word as we watched the rolling waves below. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been apprehensive about joining their close-knit friend group. But they’d welcomed me with open arms, and over the years, our bond had strengthened, making me feel as if I’d been part of this unique sisterhood from the beginning.

I leaned my head on Leni’s shoulder. “I heard Maksim is leaving for Moscow next week. How are you holding up?”

She sighed. “I’m okay. I think it’ll be good for him.” A wistful smile crossed her lips as she watched her son by the pool. Maksim was no longer that shy and withdrawn kid I met six years ago. He was handsome, driven, ambitious, with the world at his feet, courtesy of an unexpected inheritance. “The girls will miss him, though.”

“They sure will. They love their Maxy.” Eva laughed, waving to Valentina, who was squirting Maksim in the face with a water gun.

“Ready,preziosa?”

We all turned around at the sound of Santino’s voice, where he stood with a duffel bag on his shoulder.

His surprise required a change of clothes. But I couldn’t imagine sleeping anywhere else when we had this beautiful home. Intrigued, I met him at the bottom of the small steps and took his offered hand.

“Where to?”

“You’ll see.”

Amalia followed, gently touching my belly and side-eyeing Santino with a playful grimace. “Wherever you go, make sure you’re back by dinner tomorrow. It’s our last night in paradise, and the last time we’ll all be together with Maksim for a while.”

“I can’t make any promises,” he said, kissing my neck.

I giggled and shook my head. “Don’t listen to him. We’ll be here. Promise.”

Amalia had intended to respond, but her eyes fixed beyond me and widened. “Remi Isabel Cain!”

My niece squealed from behind me, followed by her little feet skittering across the pool deck.

We pulled into a cul-de-sac in front of a small blue house. I didn’t recognize the street or any of the homes.

“Where are we?”

“Wait here. I’ll be right out.”

I trusted this man with my life, so I didn’t question him further and watched as he disappeared through a white gate, only to emerge seconds later with a baby-faced boy who seemed tall for his age. His brown curls hung over his forehead, complementing his beautifully bronzedcomplexion. My first instinct was to ask for his name, but it hit me when I met his eyes.

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