Page 17 of The Devil's Demise

Together, we sway, even though there’s no melody to greet us. But with this love, there’s always music somewhere.

“Thank you,” I say, my palm clasping her nape, pulling her in for a kiss to the corner of her mouth.

“For what, baby?”

“For you,” I breathe. “For this life you’ve given me. For the children we have. It’s all because of you.” Emotions settle in the back of my throat, and I find the same in the glistening of her eyes. “It’s all thanks to that little girl who decided to be my friend, even while everyone else turned away. I owe everything to you, Chiara. You’re the love of my life.”

Her full lips wind up in that sexy way. “I think you had something to do with it too.”

Goddamn, this woman is stunning.

“If you didn’t have that shit on your lips right now . . .” I clench my jaw as my cock stirs to life. “I’d kiss the hell out of you, baby.”

“Later, then?” She arches a single brow.

“Oh . . .” My hand slides down to her ass, squeezing it. “Definitely later, and a lot more than just that.”

Her chest rises in the way it does when she’s turned on.

There’s a soft knock on the door as we continue to stare at one another.

“Come in,” Chiara says as the door opens.

“Mom. Dad,” Athena says as her heels clack inside. “What are you guys doing in here?”

“Hiding away with your mother, of course.” I wink at Chiara before we both look at our beautiful daughter.

“Gross, Dad.” She rolls her eyes, fighting a grin, and I swear I see Chiara.

Chiara’s laughter fills the room as she turns to stand at my side, her arm wrapped around my lower back. “Would you prefer if I hated your father?”

“No.” Athena walks up to us, jutting her chin. “But I’d rather avoid you both when you get all lovey and disgusting.”

Her faint smile proves she’s lying. She likes seeing us happy.

“You know, sweetheart . . .” I say. “When you’re our age and have a good man by your side, you’ll remember us this way.”

She scoffs, planting a hand on her hip. “Men are idiots.”

She pauses, her eyes widening for only a second before she disappears behind her anger.

“Sorry, Dad,” she throws in when I pop my brows. “But it’s true. Most of them are assholes. I’m never getting married because men like you just don’t exist in my generation. I’m going to live alone and destroy every one of them in the courtroom.”

“Wow,” Chiara adds. “Seems like you have your whole life planned out.”

“Don’t look at me like that, Mom.” She flips a hand through her long, jet-black hair, her green eyes zapping to her mother.

“Like what?” Chiara shrugs. “I’m just looking in a normal way.”

Chiara’s body rolls with a small laugh.

“Ah, no. You’re looking at me in your ‘mom’ way. Like you think I’ll change my mind. I know exactly what you’re thinking. I absolutely willnotchange my mind.”

Chiara places a hand on her shoulder. “Oh, my sweet baby. I’m sorry he broke your heart.”

My daughter’s eyes drop to the floor as Chiara continues.

“I just think one heartbreak doesn’t mean you’ll never find the one. That’s all. Plus . . .” She lowers her hand. “Your father and I hated Tom anyway.”

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