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The moment the words leave my mouth, I realize I’ve made a mistake. I’ve just said out loud something I should have kept to myself. I wasn’t supposed to mention Katerina, especially not like that, but now it’s out there, and there’s no taking it back.

I press my lips together, silently cursing myself for letting the thought slip out.

Roman gives me a surprised look. “What exactly are you talking about?”

I say nothing.

“Aurora.”

I keep my gaze fixed on the window. “Nothing.”

His voice takes on a teasing edge. “Are you jealous?”

I finally glance at him and immediately regret it. He’s smirking, looking far too pleased with himself.

I roll my eyes and look away. “There you go again, rolling your eyes at me,” he says. “Are you jealous, Aurora?”

“How could I be jealous?” I mutter, still facing the window. “There’s nothing to be jealous of.”

His hand comes under my chin, turning my face back toward him. His eyes hold mine, and there’s something almost playful in his expression.

“Are you falling for me, wife?” he asks. “Is my wife falling for me?”

I pull my face away from his hand. “Of course not. I was simply pointing out what I saw.”

“And what exactly did you see?”

I ignore him, and keep my attention on the passing lights outside, silently berating myself for letting my thoughts escape in the first place.

The truth is, after Roman left me at the hotel to meet with Maxim, I had been bored out of my mind. I’d never been to Florida before, and I wanted to take advantage of the trip to actually see something beyond the hotel.

But it was already late, which limited my options. So when I started asking the bodyguard he had assigned me about places I could visit, he mentioned that Roman and Maxim owned several nightclubs in Florida. Apparently, they controlled a large portion of the nightlife business here.

I begged him to take me. At first, he refused. He told me he couldn’t take me anywhere without getting Roman’s approval, but after enough convincing, he finally agreed. I genuinely didn’t think Roman would be angry. It was one of his own clubs, after all. I wasn’t sneaking off somewhere dangerous or doing anything wrong. I simply wanted to have some fun.

I’d never even been to a nightclub before, and I’d been excited to experience it. I assumed going out to clubs was just a normal thing for Roman. Then he had to show up and ruin everything with his ridiculous grumpiness. Honestly, his need for control feels a little like Lorenzo's sometimes.

The silence between us continues for several minutes before I realize we’re not heading back to the hotel. I glance out the window, watching the city lights begin to thin as we approach the beach.

When the SUV finally slows to a stop, I look at Roman in confusion. “Why are we here?”

He doesn’t answer, just steps out, walks around the vehicle, and opens my door. When he holds out his hand, I place mine in his, letting him help me down.

I look around. It's empty. There isn’t a tourist in sight. The only sounds are the gentle waves rolling onto the shore.

I take a step and immediately struggle in my heels. Before I can complain, Roman bends down and scoops me into his arms.

I don’t argue this time. Instead, I wrap my arms around his neck, letting my body settle against his chest. I hate how much I enjoy being this close to him, especially when I’m still annoyed with him. My body seems completely incapable of holding a grudge against this man.

As he carries me farther down the beach, a table set for two comes into view ahead, surrounded by flickering candles that cast a warm glow against the darkening shore.

A violinist plays softly somewhere nearby, the music drifting over the water, while two waiters stand a short distance away.

“Roman, what's going on?”

“We're having dinner.”

Roman carries me all the way to the table before carefully lowering me onto the chair. He takes the seat across from me.