Page 259 of Ruins
I nod, watching pride and awe flood her expression.
Her fingers tremble slightly as she holds the pages as if they’re sacred. “Santo, how did you—” Her voice breaks off, her breath shaky.
Then suddenly, she throws herself at me, arms wrapping around my neck, pressing frantic, grateful kisses to my face.
“I’m so happy!” she exclaims, her words muffled between kisses until I can’t help but laugh.
“I called in a favor,” I confess, still grinning. “She was happy to gift it to you, as long as youtellno one.”
Vasilisa immediately sits up, cradling the manuscript to her chest, her expression deadly serious. “I would never.”
I chuckle, pulling her back into me. I kiss those beautiful lips again.
“Read to me.”
Chapter 51
Vasilisa
WhenIwakeup,Santo is already gone. I half-expected to feel the warmth of his body beside me, but instead, I find only the soft imprint of where he was. His absence lingers, but his text is waiting for me.
‘Be home early’
The house is alive again, filled with staff bustling in and out, the air thick with the weight of too many armed men. I know why they’re here; Angelo, Maksim, and my husband are planning something, and whatever it is, it requires an army.
I should probably be paying more attention to the rising tension in the house, but instead, I decide to spend the morning in the library, painting.
It’s a gift for Santo. A small thank you for yesterday, for all the surprises, for making me feel like something precious. I want it to be perfect.
I angle my easel carefully, just out of view of the security cameras. I know Santo watches them constantly, and I don’t want him to see the painting until it’s finished. Just as I lift my brush, Elena flings herself onto the chaise like a starlet in distress.
“I’m bored, and the house is filled with men who ignore me,” she announces with a dramatic sigh, throwing her head back like she might faint. “Let’s go out for lunch.”
I put down my brush and wipe my fingers on my smock. I don’t particularlywantto leave since Santo will be home soon, but the pleading look on Elena’s face makes me cave, “Alright, just let me text Santo.”
Elena immediately perks up, flashing a triumphant grin. But when I pull out my phone, there’s already a message waiting for me.
‘Take Romeo and Riot with you, only go to La Serenata and back home.’
I frown. A second later, another text pops up.
‘Please.’
I give a knowing look at one of the cameras and blow a kiss before relaying Santo’s instructions to Elena.
***
Lunch at La Serenata is wonderful as I indulge on an extra helping of tiramisu. It’s perfectly creamy, melting on my tongue in decadent bites. I take my time savoring it, ignoring Elena’s teasing look as I scrape the last of it onto my spoon.
“It’s a crime how much you love that dessert,” she comments.
“A crime would be leaving any behind,” I reply smoothly, washing it down with my third glass of water.
I quickly realize that was a terrible mistake. My bladder is now achingly full. I stand, excusing myself from Elena’s chatter. Romeo gives me a pointed look, but I shake my head before he can insist on escorting me.
“I think I can survive the ladies’ room alone,” I tease.
He doesn’t look convinced, but after a tense second, he lets it go.
