I waved at Lila, who smiled and waved back through the window in the office she worked from. I hadn’t gone to see her there yet. I needed a little more time. I stopped and deadheaded some plants in the garden, eyeing a nice spot that would work for herbs. I would ask Matteo later if I could add to the garden area. I explored the large yard, stopping to appreciate the pool and entertaining area, wondering if it was ever used. I pulled some weeds from the planters, sat on one of the padded chairs for a while, then kept exploring. I admired the house set back in the trees where Vince and Gianna lived. It was modern and simple, but it looked welcoming, with plants marking the pathway and a cheerful wreath hanging on the door. I headed toward the trees, delighted when I found a gazebo with wide benches and a vine-covered roof. Roses grew up the sides, mingled with ivy, making it pretty. Beside it was a small brook that bubbled in the most pleasant fashion. I sat down, pulling my legs up to my chest, enjoying the fragrant surroundings. It was peaceful, beautiful, and I decided it was my favorite spot on the property. I shut my eyes, enjoying the stillness, and drifted with no thoughts except to appreciate the moment.
“Evie.”
Startled, I lifted my head, finding Matteo leaning against the gazebo, watching me. He had an indulgent smile on his face, but his eyes were serious.
“Matteo.”
He came in and sat beside me, taking my hand. “You disappeared from sight, my wife.”
I blinked. “You were watching me?”
He smiled. “How could I not? I saw you wandering the grounds—” he lifted his eyebrows “—unaccompanied, exploring. I saw you in the gardens, looking at the pool, pulling weeds, then suddenly, I couldn’t see you anymore.”
“I need to be accompanied even in the yard?” I hated the idea of being followed around all the time.
He sighed. “No, but I would like to know if you’re leaving the house. Alex said you’d headed this way, so I came to find you. I don’t like not knowing where you are.”
“How did Alex know?”
“We monitor the grounds at all times, Evie. I can see you through the windows or a camera feed on my computer. But there isn’t one here. That’s the issue.”
I felt a flash of disappointment. “But it’s so lovely here, Matteo. The water and the gazebo. Don’t tell me I can’t come sit here. Please.”
He took my hand, kissing my wrist and holding it to his chest. “I can’t deny you anything, Evie. Of course you can come sit here. You’re safe on the grounds, although it distressed Marcus as well when you disappeared from view.” He glanced around. “But we’ll solve that issue easily.”
I knew that meant the next time I came here, a camera would watch over me. Somehow it spoiled it a little for me, but I knew arguing wouldn’t help. Matteo made the rules, and he wouldn’t change his mind.
He leaned closer, touching my ear, his thumb rubbing the soft skin and making me shiver. “I see you got my gift.”
“They’re beautiful.”
“As are you. I want to surround you in beauty.”
He leaned forward, capturing my mouth. His kiss stole my senses, making me long for more. He pulled me to his lap, his tongue and lips working mine, making me forget everything around me.
When he eased back, he tucked me under his chin.
“You can’t do that if you put a camera here,” I said, sounding breathless.
He laughed, tilting up my chin and kissing my nose. “Ah, how you underestimate me. I’ll control the camera and turn it off when I come to see you.”
“I see.”
“You’re upset.”
I hesitated, then decided to be honest. “I hate thinking I’m watched all the time. I never know when Marcus will appear—or you, even. I’m not leaving the grounds. I’m not trying to leave the grounds. I’m just looking around. You say you want me to feel at home here, but I can’t relax, not totally, thinking my every move is monitored.”
He was quiet for a moment, looking contemplative.
“I’ll ask Marcus to ease off. There are cameras all around the perimeter, so I suppose adding more is overkill.”
“Do you not trust me?”
He shook his head. “That isn’t it at all.”
I waited for him to finish his thoughts.
He took my hand in his. “I feel this need to watch over you, Evie. To make sure you’re okay—to make up for the years you were neglected and hurt.” He stopped, his voice lowering. “I’ve never loved someone this way, and it’s making me anxious. What I do has never had such far-reaching consequences until you. My worry is you will be hurt because of me, and I can’t find peace unless I know you’re safe.”