Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
She nodded. “I know.” She drew in a ragged breath. “So, it’s over? You ended it?”
“Yes.”
She let her head fall to my chest, breathing deeply. Silence descended, and I sighed. “Did I also end us, Sofia?”
She snapped up her head, meeting my eyes.
“Sofia?” I asked.
“Did you end us?” she repeated. “That’s what you think?”
“I don’t know what to think. You are angry.”
“I’m not mad anymore. Not at you. I can’t believe Damien let you get shot.”
Suddenly, I understood. Her anger was relief. Relief that she could be angry and tell me because I had come home to her. Women’s emotions were a mystery to me, but one I was happy to try to solve with her.
“I know,” I huffed, trying to lighten the atmosphere. “Bastard.”
That made her smile.
“I will be fine.”
“Yes, you will. I will look after you.”
I clasped her tight to my chest. “You still love me?”
She looked up, more tears coursing down her cheeks. “I will always love you, Egan. There is no end for us. Ever. Mio guerriero. Mine,” she insisted.
I bent and kissed her sweet mouth. Tasted the salt of her tears. Felt her fear slowly ebbing from her hold.
With a sigh, I rested my chin on her head. “I need you, Sofia.”
“You have me. But, Egan Vulpe, this is the last time I am treating you for a gunshot wound, do you understand me?”
“Yes, iubirea mea.”
“I mean it. No more guns.”
“I can’t make you that promise. If you are in danger, I will protect you by any means necessary.”
Her face softened.
“But since I plan on a quiet, peaceful life, I think we are pretty safe from guns.”
“Good.”
“We’re going to the island with them. You need to take a leave of absence.”
“I already arranged it.”
I stood, lifting her into my arms. “Good. Now, we’re going to bed, and I’m going to hold you all night.”
“Your arm—”
“Is fine. I have an excellent doctor.”
She cupped my face. “And I have a great warrior.”
I kissed her.
“Yes, you do.”
EPILOGUE
Egan
I stood in the large room, the sunlight beaming in through the huge glass doors. The whitewashed walls and simple floors were perfect. Nothing to distract me.
I stepped onto the deck, looking at the vista. This side of the island was wilder, the ocean swirling endlessly. Rocks, sand, and birds surrounded us. The sounds of the wind and the waves were all I heard. I focused my gaze on the woman sitting on the rocks, staring out over the water. I walked toward her, bending to drop a kiss to her head, then sitting next to her.
“What are you thinking, my Sofia?”
“That I’ve never felt such peace.”
From the moment we’d stepped onto the island, we both felt it. The warmth of the sun. The tranquility of the surroundings. The love and welcome of the people here. Former colleagues, now friends. Family. We spent a couple of days simply resting. Soaking up the sun, walking on the beach. Relaxing. Sofia slept constantly, falling asleep every time she sat down, her body catching up on the rest it needed after her ordeal. She felt safe and secure. Surrounded by people who would protect her. Surrounded by me as much as possible.
I slipped my arm around her, pulling her close. “You like it here?”
“I love it.”
“What do you think of the house?”
She was quiet for a moment. “I think it changed everything I thought I wanted from life, Egan.”
I squeezed her hip. “Then why do you sound so worried?”
She stared out over the water, and I let her gather her thoughts. The house was fabulous. Simple, open floor plan. Three bedrooms upstairs. The main floor consisted of the kitchen, dining and living space, plus the studio at the front and another room at the back. All with views that took my breath away. Inspired me.
“I see us here,” she said simply.
“And?”
“It’s not what I planned. I never imagined myself on an island. I’ve only ever lived in a city. Worked in the ER. The hustle and bustle surrounding me. But this”—she indicated the view—“this touches something deep within me.”
“Sometimes what we want changes.”
She slid off the rock and faced me, standing between my legs. “But what do you want, Egan? Matteo tells me there is a clinic and a hospital on the mainland. But you have your gym, your paintings, your perfume…” She trailed off, looking upset. Her eyes were anxious, and I felt her tension.
I cupped her face. “Will you go somewhere with me, iubirea mea?”
“Yes.”
I took her hand, and we headed for the dock. I already had the keys to one of the boats in my pocket. I guided the boat out and headed to the mainland, the short ride exhilarating. I was nervous and excited, all at the same time. Yesterday, when Damien and I had been over, I had found a place I wanted to show Sofia. I was ready for this conversation and pleased it had come up so quickly.