Page 53 of Sinful Lies

ZARA

If I knewa honeymoon was going to be so relaxing, I would have gotten married years ago.

I’ve been lounging around Dimitri’s penthouse for the last three days, enjoying some much needed time off work.

It was Dimitri’s idea for me to take some time off to ensure that the marriage seemed believable, though my ‘honeymoon’ is far from traditional. Firstly, Dimitri has been gone almost the entire time, leaving me to fend for myself.

I thought I would get lonely being by myself in his enormous penthouse, but it turns out I’m having the time of my life. I can’t remember the last time I took a vacation, and I’ve made sure to use my time wisely.

I’ve read three books, caught up on the latest seasons of my favorite reality shows, and eaten far too much takeout, courtesy of Dimitri who left me his credit card to use as I pleased.

Initially, I felt weird using his card, but considering the amount of money it must have cost to furnish his apartment,I realized a few orders to the local Chinese won’t make too much of a dent in his bank balance.

I’m not exactly excited about the prospect of going back to work tomorrow. I can’t shake the feeling that Giovanni isn’t going to be put off by the sight of a ring on my finger.

If he had any sense, he would stay the hell away from me considering who my husband is. But being a Koslov might simply level up the game in his eyes.

He’s not one to back down. When he sees something orsomeonehe wants, he doesn’t stop. He’s already proved that to me once.

“You’re not thinking about work,” I state out loud, shaking my head. I let out a breath and get up off the couch, deciding that a nice dip in the hot tub with an ice cold glass of wine is the best way to celebrate the last night of my honeymoon.

It’s almost seven, and the summer sun is just starting to set over the city, casting a soft orange glow over the entire skyline.

I shuffle over to the kitchen and open up the wine fridge that is hidden away beneath the island. It’s fully stocked with my favorite rosé, courtesy of my very attentive husband, so I pull out a bottle and root through the cupboards to find a glass

Once my wine is secured, I head up the stairs into my bedroom to go in search of some swimwear. I set my wine glass down on my bedside table and stalk into my enormous closet that I was surprised to find had not only been stocked with my actual clothes that I had brought from my old apartment, but with some added extras…

Bypassing the rows of dresses and drawers of skimpy underwear, I fish out a neon pink bikini and quickly change.After sliding on some flip flops, I quickly grab a towel from my bathroom and sling it over my shoulder.

An hour in the hot tub with some wine is exactly what I need.

Picking up my glass, I head out of my room and take the stairs up to the rooftop terrace.

I still can’t believe I live here now.

As I step out onto the deck, a laugh escapes me as I take in the incredible view of the city.

Dimitri has done an amazing job with the terrace.

Pale wooden decking covers the entire area with lights built into the floor around the edges. At one end, there’s ample seating surrounding a huge fire pit that’s sunk into the floor as well as a fully stocked bar and stools. At the other is the hot tub and lounge chairs where I plan on spending the majority of my time while I’m here.

I walk over to the hot tub and set down my glass of wine in one of the built-in cup holders. Tossing my towel on one of the lounge chairs, I climb the steps and sink myself into the water until it comes up to my neck, letting out a sigh of relief as my body starts to relax.

“Think I need the jets on,” I mutter, reaching over the edge to switch them on.

Bubbles instantly appear, causing a layer of foam to cover the top of the water, and I lie back and rest my head against the edge, letting my eyes close for a moment as the water begins to loosen up my tense muscles.

Once I’m back at work, I can definitely see myself sneaking up here every night to unwind. The sounds of the bustling city below might be off-putting to some people, but I find it oddly comforting.

Growing up in Queens, I wanted nothing more than to move to the big city and live out the fantasy of the corporateworking girl who had it all. I loved how fast paced life seemed to be. How I had everything at my fingertips. Nothing felt impossible anymore.

Until I methim.

After the incident, I honestly considered packing up and moving back home. Experiencing trauma like that changed how I viewed everything.

I suddenly no longer saw the city as exciting. Instead, it was terrifying. Every man I passed was an enemy. Every accidental brush of my shoulder on the subway had me breaking out in a sweat. I could barely stand to be around people.

But eventually, I started to heal just enough that I no longer sawhisface in every man I came across. Eventually, I fell back in love with the city and no longer blamed it for what happened to me.

---