1 Month Later

I crawl closer to him. I'm only wearing a nightie, nothing else. Not panties, not a bra.

I crawl onto his lap, straddling him. My heart is beating a million times per minute, and I've no idea why I'm doing this. I just want his pain to leave his body.

"Cara..." he breathes a warning down my neck, leaning back so his torso isn't touching mine.

But the breath against my neck is enough for my nipples to harden, and I'm thankful the room is dark apart from the lamp on my bedside table. I don't want him to see how fiercely I'm blushing.

"Cara, you need to move," he tells me, his voice rough and strained. "If you don't, you won't be able to get away from me."

I take his hands gently and put them on my hips, and he groans out loud. I need him close. Need him touching me. Need him inside me.

"Please," I breathe. "I just need to feel safe. Can you help me?"

"Jesus," he groans when I grind my naked hips against his crotch.

I can feel him getting hard under me.

Mason’s hands push my nightie up, until it's above my hips. He doesn't look down at my naked pussy, instead focusing his eyes on mine, making it impossible for me to look away.

"Fuck," he breathes. "You're impossible to resist, cara mia."

"So don't resist," I tell him. "Just give in."

He hesitates, but only for a second. In the next moment, he's got his fingers wrapped up in my blonde mane of hair, pulling my head back.

"Strip," he orders me in a raspy voice.

I blush and try to look away, but he makes my head stay in place.

"I said strip," he repeats.

My hands shake as they leave his shoulders, going to my hips. In one swift motion, I pull my pink lacy nightie over the top of my head. It lands in a heap on the floor and I'm left exposed, my breasts tightening in the cool air of the room and my pussy dripping on Mason’s pants.

"Fucking hell," he breathes, and finally, his eyes roam my body. "I keep forgetting you’re fucking perfect, cara mia. So perfect."

I try to shield my body with my hands, suddenly feeling shy, but he gently pries them away, admiring my body with lust-filled eyes.

"Do you want to fuck me?" I ask him.

"No," he groans, thrusting his hips against mine. "I don’t, Cara. I want to make love to you, baby. Is that okay?”

I take a moment for the rush of the moment to wash over me, and finally nod. "Please," I beg him. "Show me what it feels like."

Mason is up in a second, lifting me off the bed and placing me gently on my back. He climbs on top of me, and I feel shy as I'm stark naked and he's still fully clothed.

"Do you ever touch yourself, Cara?" he asks me roughly, and I tremble.

He’s never asked me that before.

I nod.

"Show me," he orders me. "Show me how you touch yourself, princess."

My fingers don't obey my mind, which is shouting for me to stop. Instead, they follow an instinct of my body, roaming down my thighs and between my legs. I press my index finger against my clit and Mason grabs my hips as I moan.

"You like that?" he asks me as I circle the little bundle of nerves. "You like feeling yourself get wet, baby?"

I nod, moaning. He's holding my hips down with one hand, while the other goes to his neck and pulling off the tie he's wearing. My eyes glaze over, but he won't let me stop touching myself.

My fingers leave my clit, and he stops holding me down, his palm smacking my pussy hard.

"Fuck," I yelp. "Don't..."

"Don't?" he asks me, his hand lingering on my pussy and making me gasp. "Remember who's in charge here, cara mia. Tell me."

I look at him with my eyes wide, and his finger parts my pussy lips, making me arch my back with neediness.

"Tell me who owns this pussy," he orders me, circling my clit with his thumb. My eyes are glazing over.

"Y-you," I stutter over the word. "You do..."

With a groan, he gets off of me, pulling off his shirt and then his trousers. He stands before me in his boxers, his cock straining against the fabric and begging to be released.

"Go on, Cara," he tells me slowly. "Play with my cock."

I crawl over to the edge of the bed, slowly reaching for his ass. He thrusts his hips into my hands, and I look him in the eye when I pull down his boxers. His dick springs free and I moan at the sight of him, just like I always do.

Mason’s hands wrap in my hair again, making me look down.

"Do you want it?" he asks me, like he's talking to a pet. "You want a taste, sweetheart?"

I nod, moaning low in my throat. He doesn't even have to push inside my mouth, I lean closer by myself.

Slowly, I lick the tip of his dick, and Mason groans with pleasure.

"Fucking shit," he tells me, his fingers tightening in my hair. "More, baby. Show me how good you lick."

I circle my tongue around the crown of his cock, tentatively at first, but getting braver and braver. He tastes so masculine, deep and dark and delicious. I need to have him deeper. I need to have him inside me.

I suck his cock inside my mouth and Mason curses when he fills my mouth. I keep sucking, slowly at first, but picking up speed when I see how much he loves it.

"I can't fucking hold back, baby," he tells me darkly. "I'm sorry... I don't even want to."

He holds my head still and starts fucking my mouth, excruciatingly slowly at first, making me want him so much deeper. But he soon picks up speed, filling my whole mouth up with his throbbing cock. I swirl my tongue around it as he fucks my face, his moans making my clit throb. My eyes are pleading with his to fuck me, and when he hits the back of my throat with the tip of his cock, I choke.

He pulls out slowly, and I take a deep breath. When I look back at Mason, his eyes are glazed over with need.

"Lie on your back," he orders me. "On the bed. Fucking now, princess."

I scramble back, lying down with my whole body exposed and trembling for his touch.

This is different than anything we’ve done before. Yes, we’ve fucked numerous times now, we’ve even come really damn close to making love. But this time, with his eyes boring into mine, I know this is going to be special.

“I want that last part of you, Cara,” he tells me as he climbs back on top of me. “The part that loves me, the part that can’t stand to be without me. I want your love, princess.”

I wrap my legs around him and he groans as the tip of his cock presses against my pussy.

“Make love to me,” I beg him, and with his name on my lips, he presses inside me.

His eyes are on me, always, as he pushes his cock deeper and deeper inside me. Like this, with me on my back, it seems like he can go deeper than ever. He doesn’t fuck me though. His thrusts don’t get faster and faster like they usually do, like he’s just so damn desperate to fill me with his seed. Instead he fucks me slowly, like he’s relishing every second of being inside me.

It takes me mere moments to cum all over his cock, gasping his name. He kisses it off my lips, going even slower now and with more intent.

"More," I beg Mason, and he pulls out his whole length, then plunges inside me again as I gasp. The feeling is something I'm getting addicted to by the second stroke, my body shaking with the need for more.

I keep repeating his name as he pumps inside me, one hand holding the small of my back, the other braced on my side. He curses out loud as he fucks me, and I'm seeing stars – not just the ones in the summer sky.

"You feel so good, Mason," I whisper in his ear.

He groans against my mouth, shutting me up with a deep kiss, then moving away and looking at me with concern. "Does it hurt?" he asks worriedly.

I gulp as I ride another wave of pleasure, my walls tightening around his thick shaft, ready to milk every last drop of his hot come.

"No,” I promise him.

It doesn’t hurt like it usually does, even though he’s stretching me wide. It feels good.

He curses out loud and makes love to me like it's the first and last time.

"I'm going to come inside of you now, okay, princess?" he asks me, his voice pained. I nod, begging him to do what he’s promised.

"Be a good girl," he orders me. "I want you to come on my cock again."

I writhe under his touch, getting off on those words alone.

"Can you do that, Cara?"

Before I can answer him, my body is taken over by a shiver and I bring my hips up to him, whispering his name over and over again. Mason curses as he drives his cock into me, fucking me harder than ever before. And it doesn’t hurt, it feels amazing. It feels like we’ve connected more than ever before, his perfect, veiny cock stretching me within an inch of my existence.

He curses against my hair and his whole body tenses as he pumps one last time. He groans and I can tell he's going through the same thing, shaking and calling my name in a broken, ragged whisper.

His body convulsing, Mason collapses on top of me, his cock still inside me. He looks down at me, his smirk ever present on his face as I pant in exhaustion.

“I’ve wanted to do that for months,” he tells me, kissing his way up to my lips. “Make love to you, princess. Make you give me the last thing I was missing.”

“And what might that be?” I tease him, running my fingers through his hair.

He grins, saying, “Your heart, baby.”

I giggle and try to push him off, but he won’t fucking budge.

“Was that as corny as I think it was?” Mason laughs, and I nod. “It was true though. I wanted the last part of you.”

“Well, you got it,” I kiss him on the lips, my tongue sneaking between them and demanding more attention. He groans as he kisses me, his mouth drinking me in like I’m the only substance he needs to live.

“Maybe you should’ve paid more attention,” I say, biting his neck gently.

“Why’s that, sweetheart?” Mason asks roughly.

I can feel his cock getting hard between my legs again, throbbing to be inside me.

“Because you would’ve noticed I gave it to you the day I came here,” I whisper in his ear.

Epilogue – Cara

2 years later

It's my birthday today. Oh, how time flies.

I've been thinking about the last two birthdays that meant this much to me. First, my sixteenth. Then, my eighteenth. And today, I'm turning twenty, and my father is coming to visit us in Italy for the first time.

I never thought he would come to terms with mine and Mason's relationship. He was angry as hell, though he did his best to pretend it was okay because he loves me so much. But he refused to speak to Mason for a full year after that summer. I've seen my dad, have flown back home twice per year. But I also made it plenty clear the beautiful house outside of Venice was my home now, whether dad accepted it or not.

He didn't, at first. He was sullen and refused to speak to me when we were together, at least for the first few days. But we talked a while later, and he confessed why this whole thing hurt him so badly. He told me Mason was one of his best friends, and he felt betrayed by what he'd done. I wanted desperately for them to rekindle their friendship, but it seemed like that would never happen.

For the past two years, I'd sent my father invitations to my birthday party, and he refused the first time around. But this year, I earned a call back, and he promised he would be there. It made me both happy and incredibly nervous. I still remembered what had happened when Mason and my father were in a room together, and I didn't want a repeat of that awful fight.

As I get ready, a million thoughts swimming through my head, I hope that everything will go okay today. Luca's homing home for the first time since I've been back too, and Mason has been promising me he is a changed man. I really hope so - for his sake. I know if he lays a hand on me, Mason's going to have his head.

I'm wearing a long, baby blue dress. It's flowy and Grecian, with a long slit amongst the drapes on my legs. To compliment the color, I'm also wearing a gold leaf headband that Mason had made especially for me. I feel beautiful today.

I know the party's about to start, but I want to steal another moment with Mason before all the guests arrive. My eyes light up as he opens the door into our bedroom, finding me at the vanity table.

"Cara," he says, his voice deep and throaty. "You look sexy as hell."

"Likewise," I smile wide at him, getting up from the chair at my table.

I walk up to him, smoothing the collar of his shirt. He's forgone the blazer, but he still looks semi-formal in his outfit. Handsome as ever. I pull on the hair at his ear and he groans. He's got some grey hairs there now that never cease to make me wet, even though he hates me teasing him about them.

"Do we have time to..." My words are interrupted by a knock on the door and Mason groans when I call for the intruder to come in.

"Signorina Newton," Filippe says pleasantly. "You look like a vision."

"Thank you, Filippe," I smile, feeling the ghost of a blush creeping up on my neck.

Still haven't quite gotten rid of that habit.

"There are people arriving now," Filippe tells us. "I've told them to wait in the garden for you. Everything else has been prepared, we're just waiting for you now."

I nod and Filippe disappears discreetly. As soon as he's gone, I steal a kiss from Mason's lips, and he tangles his fingers in the drapes of my dress. His hands find the slit in the side and he strokes my smooth, tanned legs.

"Jesus, cara mia," he says roughly. "How am I going to get through tonight without sliding my fingers in that pussy when nobody's looking?"

"Try hard?" I suggest innocently, and he grins as I tear myself from his embrace. "Come on, let's go downstairs."

* * *

It's a few hours into the party and I'm having the best fun. There are people here I've come to know and love. People we consider friends, neighbors, people from Mason's work. All my people now, too. The only person missing is my dad.

I keep looking at the corner of the house where Filippe is bringing my guests in, but so far, no luck. My dad hasn't shown up, and it feels like there's a little puzzle piece missing in my fairytale. Just like last year.

Finally, several hours into the party, I see a familiar figure approaching. My dad smiles wide and waves at me as he rounds the corner. There are several other guests with him. A woman and two small children.

I don't realize they've come together until they're all standing in front of me.

"Daddy!" My excitement is obvious as I jump into my father's arms, holding him tightly and relishing the hug I so rarely get these days. "I'm so glad you're here. You're late!"

My dad laughs and shakes his head when he lets me go.

"Sorry, honey, delay with the airline. We got here as fast as we could," he promises me, and I give him a curious look, followed by a glance at the woman and children he's brought with him.

My dad clears his throat and I realize he looks really nervous as he speaks up again.

"I hope you don't mind that I brought a... date." He looks into my eyes as he delivers the blow, and my lips part in shock.

Is that what his woman is? His date, and her children, presumably?

I don't say a word as I'm introduced to them. Her name is Kate, the kids are Jonathan and Bella. They're cute, probably around six and twelve. She must be my dad's age or a little younger.

"It's nice to meet you," I tell her honestly, and am surprised to realize I'm being honest.

It is nice to see her. I didn't even know my father was dating, and I shoot him an annoyed look which he makes sure to avoid.

"I should've told you I was bringing other people," dad fidgets. "But I thought it would be awkward if I did, so..."

"So you brought them without telling me," I finish for him, and the woman, Kate, blushes deeply. "I'm sorry, I'm coming off as really rude. I'm really happy you're all here. I wish you'd told me sooner, dad."

He looks up at me and his eyes explain why he didn't. Of course, I understand. I know I would've made a big deal out of it. She is the first woman I've known my father to date since my mother passed away when I was seven years old, though. Of course it's a big deal.

I look at her two children to distract myself.

"Hey guys, I think there's a cat here on the property that just got kittens. You wanna come check it out?"

They nod right away, excitement shining in their eyes. The younger one, Bella, gives me her hand as we walk away from the crowd. I smile at my dad who gives me a grateful look.

"Have fun and I'll be with you in a second," I promise, leading the kids away.

We find the neighborhood tabby and her kittens in the old barn, and the kids go crazy over them. They're gentle and sweet with the cats, and I decide I like them on the spot.

I keep stealing glances at the party going on behind us. Just like I had hoped, my dad is now talking to Mason. I don't think they've spoken to one another in two years - ever since I left my home in the States to leave with Mason.

Their postures now are rigid and I can tell they're uncomfortable around one another, but at least they're talking. It's a good start, and it makes me smile to see them making an effort for my sake.

I wait until the kids have had enough of the kittens, and lead them back to their mom with big smiles on their faces.

Kate gives me a grateful smile once I tell them there's cake by the pool, and they rush in that direction to get the biggest slice they possibly can.

"They're great kids," I tell their mother honestly.

"Thank you." Her smile is shy and she doesn't go on.

It makes me wonder what her story is and how she met my father. The notion of finding out soon is exciting, and I offer her a genuine smile.

"You alright, darling?"

Mason's hand wraps around my waist and I lean back into his embrace. My dad looks a little, but not overtly uncomfortable as he joins us with a flute of champagne for his date. I look between him and Mason expectantly, but neither says a word. Eventually, we fall into a conversation about Italy. Kate confesses she's always wanted to visit Venice.

"Well, you can stay a few days now, can't you?" I ask her, and she nods, giving my father a careful glance.

"We were planning on visiting tomorrow," she explains. "We have to book a hotel still."

"You're welcome to stay here," Mason says with a small smile.

I look at my dad to see if he's going to accept his offer, and am surprised when his strained expression shifts into a small smile.

"That might be nice, yes," he admits. "Thank you, Mason."

After a little while, we move towards the tables that have been set up throughout the lawn. I take the honorary spot at the head of the biggest table, flanked by Mason on one side and my dad on the other. Even Filippe is joining us today, even though it took us ages to convince him. He's part of the family now, too.

Luca's sitting at a table with some of his friends, and I'm grateful he's not at ours. I may have forgiven him for what happened two years ago, but something about him still makes me uncomfortable.

I get up once everyone's at their spots and smile at our guests.

"I have to make the obligatory speech," I explain. "Mason's making me."

"Like every year?" someone asks, and I nod.

"These are kind of a tradition now," I sigh. "I think he just likes hearing me talking about him."

Everyone laughs and Mason sneaks a hand up my leg under the table, disguised by the heavy white tablecloths. I grin at him as I go on.

"I'm so glad you could all be here today," I begin. "Especially my dad and his girlfriend along with her children. Welcome, you guys. I hope you enjoy your stay here."

Kate gives me a smile while Jonathan and Bella stare at me adoringly.

"I think we'll get along well," I laugh. "Especiallywith the help of some kittens."

I look back at my dad.

"And, dad... I'm so happy you're here after all this time. I know things haven't always been easy."

Mason's fingers tighten on my thigh.

"But I'm so glad you're here for the big announcement."

Mason gets up beside me and wraps his arms around me as I giggle into the night.

"Oh, what the hell," he says with the biggest smile. "Sorry, darling, I'm stealing this moment."

He turns me around so I'm facing him.

"Signorina Cara is going to make me the happiest man alive and marry me," he says, and my mouth drops open.

"But-" I start to say, but he drops to his knee before I can go on, presenting me with a ring.

I can't believe this.

"You better say yes," Mason grins at me.

"Yes," I breathe.

Everybody cheers as he puts the ring on my finger. I haven't even had the chance to look at it properly, I'm so damn shocked this is really happening. We never talked about this. I didn't even know he wanted to marry me...

A look at my father reveals him wiping tears away from his eyes with a napkin, and my bottom lip trembles.

"Dad?" I say, with everyone's eyes still on me.

"Yes, honey?" he asks. His voice is heavy with unspoken emotion.

"You're gonna be a grandpa," I confess, and his eyes widen. "A boy." I point at my dress with shaky fingers. "Baby blue, for your grandson."

He gets up from his seat and wraps me up in a hug I'll remember my whole life. People clap and start coming up to me to congratulate me, but all I can think about is what my father said in my ear when he hugged me.

Thank you.

I look at Mason, leaning back in his chair and downing his champagne. He grins at me, that wicked smile that got me in trouble in the first place. He pats his knee and I sit down, forgetting about all the guests, forgetting about everything as our lips come together in a searing kiss.

"Mine," he mutters against my lips. "My muse."