Page 81 of About Love and Revenge

It makes me think of the children I hope to have one day, and the image of Elina automatically comes to mind.

Planning a future with her doesn't seem like a good idea, rationally speaking, but contradictorily, Elina is the only woman out of so many I've dated that I could seriously consider for the role.

She said she's not looking for a love story, which would be perfect for me. The chemistry between us is overwhelming.

Is there a possibility that we could come to an agreement?

This seems increasingly plausible to me.

She is as oblivious to feelings as I am. I admire and adore her uniquecombination of strength and fragility.We have delicious sex and good conversations.

The only problem with all these considerations, other than the fact that she has never shown any desire for a long-term relationship, is that she is an Argyros.

Elina

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

LADURÉE — MANHATTAN

"So, how are things?"Zoe asks.

I look at the woman—who is as beautiful as a painting—sitting in front of me. We’re at a candy store because Zoe felt the urge to eat a sweet called amacaron, which looks like two cookies glued together by achocolate filling or some type of fruit cream.

I think I just discovered a new addiction.

She said that the store we are in is considered a specialist in this type of sweet and that it is famous all over the world, but that it is most famous in France, which is the country of its origin.

The idea was that we'd have lunch, but I think her babies thought differently, and that's fine by me. I'll never be upset about tasting a sweet.

“We fought that day,” I reply. “According to him, we are now truly a couple."

She laughs, and I get caught up in her laughter. Everything about Zoe is very sincere. People in our environment are not generally spontaneous, and I include myself on that list.

"What about him saying you were his employee?"

"Yeah, I got a little crazy and went to sleep in the employee area."

“My God, Elina, I definitely love you. It was past time for Odin to have a worthy opponent. I want to know all the details."

I look at her a little uncertainly because I'm not one to talk about my life like that, but then I think that if I want a friend, I need to invest in our relationship. I'm learning that friendship is a two-way street.

Zoe opened up and told me about her life with her ex-husband. It's not fair that I should keep any secrets.

I make a brief summary, speeding past the hot sex so I can get to the point where Odin said he was going to announce to the world that we're officially together.

By the end of the tale, her eyes are wide. “Your man is definitely in love with you."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because I've known Odin for over a year, and despite a few appearances at events where he was accompanied by some woman or other, he has never committed to anyone. Besides, you don't have to be the greatest observer on the planet to see the sparks between you two.”

"I don't know . . ."

"Want some advice?"

Before I answer, I think a little about whether I really want any. This friendship thing is pretty complicated.

I finally give in. "Say it."

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