MARIA POV
The seconds ticked by, each one feeling longer than the last as I waited for any sign of Henry or Dax. I’d been so bold, convinced tonight would be different. I’d taken my time, picking out the burgundy lace lingerie that usually drove them crazy, imagining the way their eyes would light up when they saw me in it. But now, as the minutes stretched on, the confidence I’d built up was slipping away. It had been over half an hour, and still, no word. Not even a message to let me know they were on their way.
Feeling restless, I pushed off from the bed and wandered into the kitchen. If I was going to be waiting, I might as well enjoy myself. I opened the cabinet, pulled out a wine glass, and searched the shelf until I found a bottle of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. The deep red liquid sp
