Truths and Lies Duet

“He’s okay. Just stressed. Aris is still missing, and instead of keeping quiet, he’s apparently trying to create destruction at every turn to bring Kostas down.”

“Has he done anything else since he burned down their parents’ home?”

“Last night they think he tried to burn the hotel down. Some wires got tripped, but Kostas was ready for him and they caught it quickly, so no damage was done. But, of course, they didn’t see who did it. So, now Kostas thinks there’s a rat.”

Mom huffs in disgust. “I hope they catch him soon.”

“Same, but until they do, I think it’s safe to say Kostas will be on edge. I just wish there was something I could do.”

Mom takes a sip of her coffee and when she sets it down, she grins. “What if I take Zoe to the pool house with me tonight, so you can make him a romantic dinner? You can spend some time just the two of you.”

My first thought is there’s no way I’m letting Zoe out of my sight, but then, after I take a deep breath, I remember the pool house is only a few yards away and my mom did raise me. She’s great with Zoe.

“I’ll even ask Phoenix to come over,” she adds, obviously sensing my reluctance. “I can spend some time with my son and granddaughter, and you can have a nice, peaceful dinner with your husband.”

The buzzer goes off, indicating the cupcakes are done, so I head over to the oven and take them out.

“What do you think?” she prompts.

“I think that would be great.” I open the fridge to see what we have. Upon inspection, I find I have everything I need to make Kostas’s favorite: chicken parmesan.

“But not overnight,” I tell her. “Once we’re done, I’m coming to get my baby back.”

She laughs and shakes her head. “It’s so hard to believe that my baby is all grown up.” She stands and walks over to me, enveloping me in one of her comforting hugs. “You’ve grown into such a beautiful woman, Talia,” she says. “A loving mother and a devoted wife. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Mom.” That means a lot coming from her because she’s not only my mom, but my best friend, and growing up, I always wanted to be just like her.

After cleaning up the kitchen, we get changed into our swimsuits and head out to the pool. It’s a perfectly sunny day with not a cloud in sight.

While Mom holds Zoe, I swim some laps, and once I’m done, I take Zoe around in her little inflatable boat that has an umbrella top on it to provide shade. She giggles and splashes in the water. Only getting out of the pool to eat her snacks and drink her juice.

When lunchtime rolls around, I give Zoe back to Mom, so I can grab us something to eat.

“Need help with anything?” a masculine voice asks. Bending to grab my towel, I glance over my shoulder to find Fowler standing right behind me with his gaze pointed directly at my butt.

Since Basil has gone MIA, Kostas and Adrian are out more, so that leaves Fowler and the team watching over us. At first, when I would catch him checking me out, I thought I was seeing things, but the more he does it, the more I realize he’s a fucking perv. And a dumbass because once I tell Kostas, he’s going to kill him. I almost feel bad.

I stand back up and turn around. “Nope, I got it.”

“You sure?” Fowler steps closer and the small hairs on the back of my nape rise.

“Well, if you really want to help, you can start by watching my family instead of watching me.”

I know he gets what I’m insinuating because he smirks. It’s smarmy and sends chills up my spine. I glance around, hoping to see another one of Kostas’s men, but it’s just us. I know they’re all over the grounds, but only one usually stays with us inside the house or out back.

“Sorry, I’m a flirt by nature. Nothing meant by it.” He shrugs, not even bothering to look guilty, despite his words, for staring at my body. “It’s hard to focus when you’re dressed like that.” He grins boyishly and nods toward me. I’m wearing a two-piece bikini, and sure, it might be on the small side, but I’m in my own home, and even if I weren’t, I should be able to wear whatever the hell I want without being ogled by Kostas’s men.

Just as I’m about to give this asshole a piece of my mind, I hear my husband call out my name.

Perfect timing.

“Moró mou,” Kostas says, pulling me into his side. He kisses my temple then addresses Fowler. “How’s everything?”

Fowler’s gaze flits from me back to Kostas and I swear I see a hint of a smirk playing on the corner of his lips. Does this guy seriously want to die? “Absolutely perfect,” he says.