Page 36 of Bones

It’s pure torture to finally have someone that makes it feel like you can lay all your baggage at their feet. There’s nothing I want more than to trust him with everything. My past is not for the faint of heart. And the only thing worse than the memories that haunt me, would be if I lost him now when he has made me realize I want him. Not just his body, all of him. And I wish I could give myself to him completely. It’s just too risky.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

BONES

I grab the purple dress and heels I bought for Athena, and instruct her to put them on.

She gapes at me in shock. “Luca, people will see.”

I chuckle lightly. “No, wife. They won’t. The windows are tinted dark enough, it’s impossible to see inside. Now get changed, so I can take you on a proper date.”

The sweet smile on her face tells me I chose the right word. Her fighting stops immediately, and she does as she’s told. Of course, I catch glimpses of her naked body as she puts the dress on. She will rarely have complete privacy when I’m around, because I can’t help myself. My wife is a feast for the eyes, and I won’t restrain myself with her.

“Pervert,” she says, when she catches me watching her.

I take her face in my hands and kiss her quickly. “You’re mine, Butterfly. And I’ll look at you any time I damn well please, which turns out to be a lot.”

She rolls her eyes at me and I arch my eyebrow, but am not truly mad. Athena covers her mouth with her hand, when she realizes her indiscretion. “I’m sorry.”

“Come on, brat.”

I step out of the vehicle first, and after she scoots closer, I lift her out of the car as she giggles. I’m sure she is capable of getting out on her own, but I’ll take every opportunity to have my hands on her. Placing my arm around her waist, we head over to the upscale restaurant, and walk to the wrought iron patio. It’s less fancy than inside, but I thought she’d like to eat outside and enjoy the sun, rather than being stuck in a building. It’s clear I made the rightdecision when she turns to me with a beaming smile. “Thank you, Luca.”

We take a seat at a large black wrought iron table, with a large matching umbrella over it. There is no one else out here other than us, and there won’t be. I bought out the entire restaurant so we’d be alone. If she notices the lack of patrons, she doesn’t say anything about it. The waitress brings over two glasses of wine and two menus. I could have ordered for both of us ahead of time, and I considered it, but I want to know what she’ll order for herself. I have a strong desire to know everything about my wife.

The waitress walks away, and Athena picks up her glass and takes a tentative sip of wine. She sets her glass down and licks her lips. “That’s good. Fruity. Sweet, but not too sweet.”

“Do you not normally drink wine?”

She shakes her head. “No.”

I’m tempted to push for more information, but I don’t.

“What are you going to order?”

Athena shifts in her seat uncomfortably. “I don’t know. What are you getting?”

She stares down at the menu as I answer her, “Steak and a baked potato.”

Closing the menu, she smiles at me, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “That sounds good. I’ll get the same thing.”

Her entire demeanor has changed in a heartbeat for no apparent reason. She now sits slumped, with her head hanging down, like she’s ashamed of something and it concerns me.

“Butterfly, look at me.”

Athena lifts her head, meeting my gaze, as I take her hand in mine. “Is everything okay?”

She swallows hard and nods. “Yeah, I’m good. Thank you for this. It’s nice here.”

Lifting her hand, I bring it to my lips and kiss her skin softly. “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?”

Taking a sip of her wine, she sets it back down and looks around her. “I’m okay, Luca.”

The waitress comes and takes our orders, as well as our menus, and heads back inside.

“My mom wants us to come over for dinner in a few weeks.”

Her head pops up. “I’d like that. She seemed sweet. Can I ask a question about something?”

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