“No more bullshit.” His lip twitches and then curves into a smile.
You can’t shut me out again, Alessio. I mean it. I won’t accept that anymore.
“I know,” he says. “It’s going to take time, but I’ll prove it to you. I swear it.”
I reach up to touch his face, but he intercepts my hand and brings it to his lips, kissing my ring.
“You’re still wearing it.”
I smile, even as I’m quietly crying in his lap. My eyes move to his ring, and I nod, a silent acknowledgment that he is too.
He leans closer, his lips brushing against mine. “Marry me.”
I thread our fingers together to show him that we’re still married. That hasn’t changed.
“Marry me again,” he says. “Because you want to.”
He pulls his hand free of mine, his brows pinching together in concentration. I’m not sure what he’s doing until he touches his forehead and then starts to sign, slowly and awkwardly.
Because I love you.
I laugh and cry at the same time, nodding as he offers me a boyish grin.
“I’ve been learning, but I’m still slow. I think I’ll need your help.”
I tell him that he definitely does, and then I reach for his face, pulling him toward me. Our lips collide, and everything else melts away. We kiss ourselves into a frenzy, and it’s only a matter of seconds before we’re tearing at each other’s clothes. He relocates us to the bed and gets me naked in record time, but I only manage to get his shirt off and his pants unzipped before he’s in me. I suspect it’s going to be a repeat of our earlier session, where we both come hard and fast, but Alessio sets a different pace this time. Now that he’s inside of me, he doesn’t seem to be in any hurry. He thrusts in and out of me leisurely while his hands roam over my body. It’s unexpected, and I realize that he’s not fucking me. He’s making love to me.
“My beautiful wife,” he whispers against my lips. “I’ll never get tired of this. You’re the only one, Natalia. My first and my last. I want you in my bed every night from now on.”
His admission stirs something feral and possessive in me. I suspected it, but his confirmation makes me feel drunk with happiness. I love that he’s only mine. I want him to only ever be mine, and I sign the words to him, which he repeats back to me. I know he means them. There’s no doubt in my mind when I look into his eyes. Loyalty is everything to him.
I squeeze my body around him, and we kiss until our lips are swollen and we come together. When he collapses beside me, he takes my hand in his, our gazes still connected.
“We’re having a baby.”
I nod, warmed by the expression on his face. I can tell he’s a little nervous but proud.
“I like this.” His palm cradles the bump with reverence. “I’m going to put a lot of babies in you.”
I laugh silently, and his lips tilt up in amusement.
He leans in and kisses my neck. “We’re a family. You’re my wife and the mother of my children, and nothing else will ever come before that. I promise you.”
I edge myself closer, and he rolls onto his back, giving me the crook of his arm. My head finds sanctuary against his chest, his heartbeat lulling me into a comfortable, happy place. I could fall asleep right here, but there’s something I need to do first.
I spell out Nino’s name with my hands, and Alessio knows exactly what I’m asking. He really has been learning.
“He’ll be here this afternoon.” His voice vibrates against my cheek when he answers. “Manuel is driving him so we could have this time to talk. He’s sending me hourly updates.”
I nod, grateful that we have some time. I know Nino is safe with Manuel, and there’s one thing I have to ask before I can move forward. For me.
I’d like to see the video of Enzo’s death.
37
Natalia
I’m nestled between Alessio’s legs, the warmth of his body pressing against my back. His arms are wrapped around my waist, and his tension is palpable as I set the phone aside. The video has ended, but I think I’ll be processing what I just saw for months to come.
“Are you okay?” He brushes the hair away from my face, studying me.
I turn to look at him, and I don’t hesitate to nod. I love him. I love him so much, not only for who he is but for what he did. Maybe it’s sick. Some might say it’s unhealthy to be satisfied by such a grisly revenge, but I have no sympathy for Enzo, and I think what Alessio gave me is priceless. I know now, with certainty, that Enzo will never hurt me or anyone else again. He paid for his crimes, and he did so gruesomely. He got what he deserved.