Page 36 of Sinful Scars

“Oh, my god.”

My necklace.

The very one that has been missing for weeks, that I thought was lost forever, has somehow miraculously appeared on my kitchen counter.

There’s no way it’s been here this whole time. I would have definitely noticed it, which means someone’s put it there on purpose for me to find…

I freeze, my fingers hovering over the pendant as it dawns on me.

Hewas here, in my apartment, while I wasasleep.

It’s the only explanation.

Picking up the necklace, I hold it against my chest as I eye the open window.

I should be horrified at the thought of him sneaking in here and yet, I’m not. If anything, I feel comforted at the thought of him watching over me.

Am I going crazy? Is this some kind of Stockholm syndrome that is causing me to attach myself to him in this way? Because I shouldn’t be feeling so calm at the idea of a stranger entering my apartment while I’m lying naked and asleep in my bed.

But I’m not. I’m a little… aroused…

I let out a groan as I run a hand over my face.

Maybe it’s time to give Dr. Mills a ring.

Lucia is already waitingfor me at the café when I arrive, having secured a prime table by the window, which is perfect for people watching.

I’m grateful she got here early and saved us a table as the place is overflowing with customers, all eager to try the best paninis in the city, second only to my Nonna’s, of course.

My cousin looks effortlessly put together as always despite the toddler on her lap that is tucking into a bread roll and covering them both in crumbs.

“Vivi!”

Lucia sighs as I scoop the child into my arms and spin her around. “I just got her to sit still.”

“Have you missed Auntie Elle?” I tickle Vivi.

She erupts into a giggling fit.

My heart soars. “I swear, if you could bottle that sound and sell it, you would be a millionaire.”

“Already am.” Lucia chuckles, flashing the enormous rock on her ring finger. “I ordered us food because my daughter is exceptionally demanding.”

“That’s so strange, I wonder where she got that from…” I roll my eyes as I take a seat and adjust Vivi so that she’s perched on my knee and hand her my keys to play with.

“Why couldn’t she take after Mikhail?” Lucia tucks her hair behind her ears. “I mean, he’s quiet and can fall asleep anywhere.”

“Maybe you’ll get a mini Mikhail with the next one.”

Lucia groans. “Don’t even start. If Mikhail has his way, I’d be popping crotch goblins out every nine months until my ovaries dry up. I swear, I never thought a man could be so smitten with a child, but Vivi has managed to push me to the bottom of the pecking order.”

I laugh as I bounce Vivi up and down. “You’ve got your daddy wrapped around your little finger.”

“She sure has,” Lucia’s smile tells me all I need to know. She’s just as in love with her daughter as she is with Mikhail.

I’ve never seen her look so happy, and I can’t help but feel a little envious of her happy-ever-after.

I manage to keep the conversation focused on Vivi until our food arrives, which Lucia takes as her cue to start the interrogation.

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