CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE

The sun is fighting for attention through the cloudy sky of Mykonos. It's not raining, but the air is cool, yet the scenery is still breathtaking.

Muscled arms encircle my waist, and I lean back against Alessandro, wishing we can stay here forever wrapped in this cozy cocoon.

But knowing Alessandro, he has a world to dominate, forever wanting more power.

"When can I go home?" I want to know, looking at the water that stops just a few feet from my boots. The ocean is calm, the waves small. I wonder what it would be like in summer.

His arms tighten around me momentarily. "There was a little bit of a war after you left."

I screw my eyes shut tightly. "Did people get hurt?"

That's a dumb question to ask. Of course people got hurt. Of course people lost their lives while I was safely tucked away in Japan.

"I know what you're thinking, and you better stop." Alessandro's breath ghosts over my cheek. "There is nothing I wouldn't do to keep you safe."

"And I told you I don't break easi