Read Eternal Love (Bend to My Will #11) for Free Online

shoulder. “So we both have the guy we want.”
    “You could say that.” Vivienne wrinkled her brow. “I know Jacob loves me. We haven’t made plans beyond that.”
    Lana grinned. “You will.”
    Vivienne giggled. “Oh, you know everything, don’t you?”
    “I try to.” Lana crinkled her nose. “And guess what else?”
    “Something good?”
    “Yes, something good.” Lana bounced in her chair. “I got the part. That audition I went on, the director called me back. I got the part, Vivie.”
    “Oh. My. God.” Vivienne’s eyes widened. “You’ll be on Broadway.”
    “Can you believe it?”
    “I know you’ll be great.”
    “Well, I’m not the lead, but hey, I’ll take it,” Lana said. “I’ll be part of a big production, and who knows what will happen from there?”
    “Good things will happen for you. I just know it.”
    The food arrived and they nibbled at the tasty delights. Vivienne thought about how much her life had changed. Not only had Jacob said he loved her, but she was at his place now more often than the apartment. He hadn’t asked her to move in, but she expected that he would soon. He no longer needed to keep his distance, and Vivienne was touched by the growing intimacy. Everything was working out for her, and for Lana, too.
    *****
    Jacob’s only regret about being in love was that he’d fought it for so long. It was like dating, kissing, and romance: he’d just needed to find the right woman. And Vivienne was the woman for him. It was amazing that he hadn’t seen it sooner.
    Yet he remained haunted by issues from the past, and wasn’t entirely sure how to keep them at bay. Jacob knew that he was the only one who could shed the pall of his youth, but those inner demons weren’t easily wrested from his heart.
    When he was very young, Sophia had said, “ All we can do is love you, Jacob, and have faith. I know there is something that you must do to break free from the influence of Carl’s oppression, and to be at peace with the memory of Flora’s death. But only you know what that is. ”
    Even now, Jacob didn’t know what would relieve the burden of his guilt.
    On top of everything else, Jacob couldn’t get Daniel Kenyon out of his mind. It was like a premonition of what was to come. He was certain that his enemy was a desperate man who would commit desperate acts to serve his own purposes.
    What worried him more than the trouble the man could cause for Rinaldi Imports, or even for Jacob, was that the situation might affect Vivienne. Would he make her a target like Milo had, as a way to manipulate Jacob? It was likely, especially now that his affection for Vivienne would be easy for anyone to observe.
    One morning on a jog before work, Jacob thought about Vivienne. She was moving some of her stuff to the penthouse, and he didn’t object. He wanted her with him, and missed her when they were apart.
    Vivienne stayed overnight more often, rarely going back to her apartment. Now that Lana was going to move in with Trace, it made sense for him to ask Vivienne to move in. He made a mental note to do that soon.
    *****
    Jacob’s parents returned from Sardinia in time for Christmas. Although his brothers seemed to be scattered around the globe, Daniela joined them for the family festivities. The city was a winter wonderland that time of year, with lights everywhere.
    Even as a New Yorker, he admitted that it was a pretty spectacular sight. Jacob had thoroughly enjoyed the holidays with Vivienne, including shopping, ice skating, and attending the New York City Ballet to see The Nutcracker .
    Just before Christmas, the family went to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a glitzy pageant celebrating peace and love. The show even had a flying Santa, a massive LED screen, and the Rockettes. A good time was had by all, especially the women. Vivienne, Daniela, and his mother Sophia chatted away at a late dinner afterwards, clearly exuberant over the performance.
    On Christmas Eve, dinner