Page 133 of House of Lies

“You came back,” he says to Caelia.

He has been reluctant to accept our help when we offered it. I understand his hesitation. But he needs to change his attitude toward my wife, or I might have to act on those threats I made a while back.

“You seem surprised,” she retorts.

“Shouldn’t I be?”

Leaning against the wall, I know I shouldn’t be listening, but I can’t help myself.

“I know you’re not my biggest fan,” my wife scoffs. “You told me I was going to hurt him, and you were right. For what it’s worth, I’ve hurt myself as much as I’ve hurt him, and before you ask, no. It wasn’t worth it.”

There was a part of me that wanted to see her suffer, but I was drunk and not in my right mind. I never want to see Caelia in pain.

“Why did you do it?” Vanya asks.

“I guess ‘because I’m a fool’ isn’t a good enough reason for you, so here it is: I’ve been controlled by men my entire life. First, my father, then Mattia. And all I’ve ever dreamed of was being free. The only way I could convince myself that my love for Kaz was stronger than anything else was to chase that freedom, Vanya. You were right. I was single-minded and unwilling to compromise. But what I thought I wanted turned out not to be what I needed. I’m not sure if any of this makes sense to you.”

“It does, Caelia. I wish there were another way. I fucking hated seeing him like that.”

“You’re not the only one,” she assures him. “I wish I could say that I’d make different choices if I could go back in time just so you could like me, but the truth is, I probably wouldn’t.”

“Yeah, I understand that too. But you two deserve each other. I’ve seen the way you look at him.”

“I love him. And I will protect Kaz with my life.”

I can’t help but smile. Her words mean more to me than anything in the world.

“That’s good enough for me. I’m willing to compromise now,” Vanya admits.

“Oh?” My wife laughs.

I never thought I could love anyone the way I love her. I don’t want them to be forced to get along simply because they’re a part of my life. Vanya is loyal. He’s quiet, unwavering, and fierce. If anything were to happen to me, he’s the person I would trust to protect her.

“For what it’s worth, Caelia, I was hoping you’d return.”

“Thanks for sending the jet for me. I know it wouldn’t have been possible to return without a visa and everything.”

He did what? The bastard could’ve at least called me.

“To be honest, I didn’t think you would use it. I thought you’d change your mind at the last second.”

“I should’ve called sooner. Are we all right?”

“We are. And I’m sorry for how I behaved.”

I decide to move, but I don’t go inside the office. They still have some issues to discuss, and I don’t want to get in the middle.

I realize there’s something I haven’t given her yet, and I intend to rectify that.

A grand fucking wedding.

She needs to hear vows that will never be broken.

Epilogue

CAELIA

“Come on my dick like a good girl, zhizn moya,” Kaz demands, a smile curling on his lips as he firmly grips my waist, guiding my body on top of his.