Chapter 20 - The Unwritten Horizon|
Six months later.
The autumn sun broke over the dark waters of Long Island Sound, painting the glass house in brilliant shades of gold and crimson.
I stood on the third-floor balcony, wearing a long silk gown, looking out at the endless horizon. My dark hair blew gently in the cool sea breeze.
I wasn't wearing an apron. My hands weren't rough from grease.
On my left hand, the gold-and-onyx signet ring caught the morning light.
Footsteps sounded on the stone terrace behind me.
Dmitri walked out, wearing his dark tailored suit, wrapping his heavy arms around my waist from behind, resting his chin gently on my shoulder.
"You're quiet this morning, my Queen," he murmured into my ear, his cologne wrapping around me like a warm blanket.
I turned slightly in his arms, smiling up into his storm-gray eyes—eyes that no longer frightened me, but held everything worth living for.
"I was just thinking about a rain-soaked diner in Brooklyn," I whispered, resting my hand over his heart.
Dmitri let out a low, deep chuckle, leaning down to press his lips against mine in a slow, passionate kiss that tasted of ocean wind and dark coffee.
"That diner is gone, Elena," he murmured against my mouth. "I bought the block. We're building a park there next month."
I laughed softly, resting my head against his broad chest, listening to the steady, strong beat of his heart.
A black sedan pulled up the long driveway below, its horn chiming once—a signal from Anton that the city council meeting was ready in Manhattan.
Dmitri didn't rush. He held me for three more minutes under the bright autumn sun, holding my hand tightly in his.
May you like
The waitress who had wiped counter stains at 3:00 a.m. was gone.
The Queen of New York was right where she belonged.
