Officer Paxton scribbles a few things in his notebook and sits back in the plastic hospital chair in the hospital cafeteria.

“Thank you so much for taking my statement at the hospital. I just needed to be here.”

The officer nods and flashes a smile. “I understand. I hope your boyfriend is going to be okay.”

“So, that’s it?” I bite a stray cuticle. “Do you think there will be…” I swallow hard past the lump in my throat. “…criminal prosecution?”

Officer Paxton taps his pen on the table. “Judging from the circumstances…the forced break-in, the injuries sustained, the slain man found a block away who was coincidentally shot with the same bullet as the one that matched the gun in the intruder’s car…it’s a clear case of self-defense. This guy had an agenda, and if you hadn’t acted when you did, things would have turned out very differently for all of you. So, to answer your question, no, the DA won’t prosecute.” He stands up and holds out his hand. “Good night, Miss Oriani.”

I rise from the chair and shake with a relieved smile. “Good night and thank you again.”

My shoulders slump, and I’m suddenly overcome with the urge to curl into a ball and weep. So many conflicting feelings inside of me battle to surface, and a good cry seems like it’d be pretty darn cathartic right about now.

I push back my hair and take a deep breath before walking out to the waiting area. Nico’s dad woke up right before we got here, so he went in to see him as soon as the officer took his and Lily’s statements. I rub a hand down my neck, my fingertips sliding over the welts left by Luca’s thick fingers.

Things would have turned out very differently for you all.

A shiver slithers down my spine. It’s over…for now.

But there is no true end in sight.

It’s our life, what was chosen for us, and the legacy we will carry on.

The waiting room is almost empty, and Max and my dad are huddled in a far corner. He called my parents to have them meet us at the hospital, but my dad was already here to see Mr. Salesi. I walk toward them, their voices rising as I approach. Max’s face is bright red, his eyes narrowed to slits. I can’t see my dad’s face, but his spine is stiff as an iron rod.

Max jumps out of his chair, abruptly ending the seemingly intense exchange. “Shaye! Is everything okay? We saw Officer Paxton leave a few minutes ago.”

I nod. “No criminal charges, thank God. He said it was self-defense.”

Dad gets up, smoothing down the front of his shirt. He frowns and puts his arm around my shoulders. “You look like you need rest, sweetie. Let me take you home.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I want to see Mr. Salesi first. And I’m not leaving Nico.”

My father bristles at my rejection of his offer, but he gives a curt nod. “I understand. I’ll just wait for you.”

“No, go home to Mom. I’ll be fine.”

He shoots Max an odd look and turns toward the exit. No goodbye. Just a quick nod. I clench my fists, my fingernails digging into my palms. He showed up well after I left the hospital according to Sloane. I can’t imagine what was more important, given the circumstances. The nagging voice in my head tells me for the umpteenth time to beware…that things aren’t always as they seem. I’ve drowned that annoying voice out too many damn times in the past, but this time, I listen. Questions bubble in my throat, spewing from my mouth in anger I can’t control. Or maybe it’s just the release I need. “Hey, by the way, Dad, why’d it take you so long to get here? I thought things were a lot better between you and Mr. Salesi. You know how important it is to me for you all to get along. Why would you wait to make the visit, especially since he was in such bad shape? Don’t you care about him? About this family? About me?”

He looks at me, his brow furrowed, his face pinched with disappointment. “What would make you so suspicious of my motives? Did you ever think that maybe someone had to handle things while Joe is in here? I’d been in touch with the hospital several times today, so I knew his status.” He shakes his head. “I can’t believe you think I’d purposely stay away out of spite, especially since it was a direct attack on the family!”

“I didn’t say it was spite. I just asked why—”

He holds up a hand. “I heard exactly what you said. Is this your boyfriend’s influence? Has he finally brainwashed you, turned you against me? Is that what this is all about? Is he the one who planted these crazy ideas in your head about the person I am?”

I roll my eyes. “Why do you always think that way? I’m asking the question because I want to know. Period. Nobody planted any ideas.”

He runs a hand through his hair and lets out a sigh. “I’m sorry, Shaye. I’m just a little tense. This has been difficult on everyone. I’m just thankful you’re all okay.” He opens his arms, and I hesitate for a split second before I allow myself to fall into them. It doesn’t go unnoticed, either…by my father or Max.

“I’m sorry for lashing out like that.” I lean my face against his chest and inhale the scent of his cologne. “It’s just…I guess I’m a little strung out. Tonight was…” I shiver against him, unable to even utter the words racing through my mind. “I didn’t mean to accuse you of anything.”

He hugs me tight and drops a kiss on the top of my head. “Everything is fine, sweetie. Nobody is going to hurt you again. I promise.”

I pull away, a small smile on my face. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you, too.” He flashes a tight smile and his eyes flicker in Max’s direction. “We’ll talk tomorrow, then?”

I turn toward Max to see him nod once.

Dad smiles at me and tousles my hair before heading, once again, toward the exit.

“God, I feel like I’m losing my mind. Today, tonight…Jesus, I’m a freaking wreck. I need sleep. And some hot chocolate.” I shake my head at Max. “What’s the deal with you and Dad? What were you arguing about now?”

He rubs the back of his neck, averting his eyes. “It was just business stuff, about the construction site. Nothing for you to worry about.”

I fold my arms and cock an eyebrow. “Really. Is that why you can’t even look at me right now?”

“Shaye, can you please just drop it? There’s nothing to flip out about. I’ll handle it.”

“Handle what? Is there a problem with the project? Are you—?”

“Hi, guys.” Sloane approaches, a tentative smile on her face. “I don’t want to interrupt, but Nico is looking for you, Shaye. He’s still in with his dad, but I think he wants to make sure you weren’t hauled away in the paddy wagon.” She lets out a soft giggle, her eyes darting to Max.

“Go and tell him you’re not being thrown in the clink after all. Give him one less thing to worry about tonight. I’ll keep Sloane company.” Max’s gaze flickers toward Sloane. “If she’s cool with that.”

Sloane’s cheeks flood with a deep pink color and she nods. “Yeah, I’m actually on a quick break if you want to grab coffee?”

I back away since they clearly don’t need me cramping their style, and I walk through the double doors leading to the curtained-off rooms. I turn left at the end of the hallway leading to Mr. Salesi’s room and let out a loud gasp. Nico is sitting on the polished tile floor, hunched over, his head in his hands.

I sprint toward him and sink to my knees. “Babe, what’s wrong?” I turn my head wildly in every direction, my voice rising in panic. “Can someone please help us? Please, we need a doctor now, he’s—"

Nico shakes his head and waves away the nurse that runs up to us. “I’m fine. I promise. I just needed to rest for a minute.”

The nurse lifts an eyebrow. “Why are you out of your room? The doctor still needs to see you again before you’re released.”

“I know, just please give us a second, and I’ll go right back there.”

She narrows her eyes at him and then at me. “Call me if you need help getting him back there.”

I nod and turn back to Nico. “Baby, what is it? Talk to me.”

He raises his head, his one good eye bloodshot, the other dark purple and bandaged. “I could have lost everything tonight. I don’t fucking want this, Shaye. I only want you. A future where we can be happy without constantly looking over our shoulders and wondering if someone’s going to yank away everything that’s good in our lives.” He rests his head against the cinderblock wall and lets out a shuddering sigh. “But I have responsibilities. People to protect. Businesses to run. Money to make. Can you deal with this life, Shaye? Is this really what you want for yourself?”

“Did you get hit on the head a little too hard before?” I gently caress the side of his bruised face. “I know exactly what I’m signing up for, and as much as it scares me, it will never be enough to make me walk away from our life together. You’re it for me, Nico. You have been since the time you made me that horrible, watery hot chocolate.” A tiny giggle escapes my lips. “I knew back then that you weren’t perfect, but would always try to make me happy. That’s all I want. And it’s all I need.”

He groans and shifts against me. “You’re young. You’ll wake up one day and realize you can do better.”

“Maybe it would be less complicated and less bloody, but never better.” I lean forward to graze his lips without making him flinch then hold out my hands to pull him to his feet. “Come on, let’s get you back to your room. I think you might need some more morphine.”

He wraps an arm around my waist, and I hold him against me as tight as possible without disturbing his bandaged and broken ribs. Slowly, we walk down the hallway, closing yet another chapter of our tumultuous story…a forbidden and twisted fantasy come true.

My fate was sealed a very long time ago, and it’s going to take a hell of a lot more than a few murderous goons to chase me away from the love of my life.

I choose him.

I choose us.

Shaye walks toward me slowly, swinging her slim hips, long dark waves streaming over her bare shoulders. The white dress clings to every curve of her body, the bottom barely grazing her upper thigh. She’s got on those shoes I love so much, the ones I’m going to fuck her in again. Here. Tonight.

Her full lips curl upward as she approaches. The soft glow of light dances on top of her hair, and I run my fingers through the soft waves. “I’m liking this brunette thing on you.”

“I figured this look could be my deviant alter ego. But I think we should name her, too,” Shaye whispers, nipping at my ear. I groan. Damn, she knows all of my buttons and never hesitates to press them.

“How about Alexis?”

She taps a finger against her mouth, pretending to think. “I like that. She sounds sexy, mysterious, and seductive.”

My fingers reach around her back and toy with the zipper on the back of her dress, sliding it down halfway. “Are you ready for this, Alexis?”

She bites down on her lower lip and nods. “This is going to be so insanely hot.”

I grin. Now that things have settled down as much as they can in our lives, I decided to give Shaye the night she’d been craving since our first time at Culaccino together. I want to block the ending of that night from my mind forever, so we need to create a new memory.

And my little deviant is desperate to dip her toes into the taboo.

The past month has been long and trying on all of us. My dad is on the mend, and the Cappodamo family, what’s left of it, is flailing in all directions. With Frank, Luca, and Matteo gone, they’re struggling to keep their businesses afloat without leadership. All of the alliances Frank and Matteo had established with other families crumbled like stale cookies and a new boss hasn’t taken control.

Yet.

And we have to be prepared.

But I’m not thinking about any of that tonight. I’ve got other things on my mind, like how many different ways I’m going to fuck this gorgeous woman in front of me and give her the most erotic experience of her life.

Shaye’s fingers tremble a bit as she unbuttons my shirt and fumbles with my belt buckle. A small crowd has gathered around us to watch; men with their hands down their pants, topless women flicking their nipples. With a quick look to her left and right, she slowly sinks to her knees and grasps my cock, stroking it with her warm hands.

I’ve never put myself on display at my club. Anytime I have sex, it’s in my own private room, never mingling with the guests. I’ve always felt the need to be on the outside, to maintain control, image, and perception. Tonight, that changes. Tonight, Shaye and I are sharing our first experience together.

And hot is a gross understatement.

I gasp when she takes my throbbing cock into her mouth, her lips tight around my shaft. She traces over the sides with her tongue, squeezing my balls with each suck and tug. Low moans erupt from the voyeurs enjoying the pregame show. My fingers tangle in her hair, and she takes me deeper, so deep that I hit the back of her throat. I clench my gut. If she keeps this up for much longer, I’m going to blow like fucking Old Faithful. Peanut butter, decapitated deer, hair in my food…I try to think of anything that’ll make me last.

Because I know once we get inside the play room where all of the fucking takes place, it won’t be long at all before I explode.

I gently tug her head back and she rises from the carpet, her lips scorching a path up my chest. I adjust myself so my dick isn’t hanging out of my pants, although…I check my surroundings…nobody else seems to care what they look like or what state of undress they themselves are in.

“Are you ready?” I whisper.

“Yes.” Her cheeks are flushed a deep pink, her eyes glittering with excitement and anticipation. I thought she’d be a little more apprehensive about this next part, but lust has overtaken my girl. I give her ass a squeeze, making her squeal, and pull her toward the doorway.

We walk inside the darkened space where other couples and threesomes have already claimed their own areas. There’s a long leather couch along the back wall, illuminated only by purple and red flickers of a strobe light spinning overhead. Guests line the perimeter of the room, some just watching, some women finger-fucking themselves, some guys jacking off to the orgy.

I pull Shaye over to the corner, and she turns her back toward me. “Take it off,” she breathes, swaying her hips to the music pumping into the room.

“Oh, you’re gonna do a little dance for me first, aren’t you? Alexis?”

She shimmies her hips, running her hands down the sides of her torso then up the sides of her legs. The dress slides up her thighs, exposing that perfect ass I want to fuck with everything I have in me.

I tug the zipper down, exposing her heaving tits to our audience as the straps fall from her shoulders. The fabric falls from her body, pooling at her heeled feet. I reach around her, dragging a hand down the front of her chest as she backs into me, her pussy wet and pleading for my hand. I bury my head in her neck, tasting her soft skin, nipping at her ear with my tongue and teeth. My fingers plunge into her soft walls, feeling her muscles squeeze them tight, urging them deeper. My cock slides against the smooth skin of her ass as I tease her clit, making her writhe against me. She thrusts against my hand, fast and frenzied, her juices flowing over my fingers. “Oh God!” she moans. “Fuck me, Nico. Please fuck me now!”

I flip her so her back is against the wall, and she steps onto the couch with one foot, opening her legs for me and for the crowd gathered around us. I snake an arm around her waist, my stiff cock grazing her slick opening. “I fucking love you,” I whisper, my voice low and gruff. “Forever.”

She is still breathless, her cheeks glowing in the light, eyes bright and very much aware of what we’re doing and for whom. “I love you so much,” she murmurs back. “Now make love to me. The way you always wanted to. Let’s give these people the fucking show of a lifetime.”

I crush my lips against hers, digging my fingers into her hips. She hinges upward, and I drive my dick deep inside of her. It’s warm, soft, wet, and all for me. I thrust in and out, rubbing myself against her clit with each movement. But she doesn’t like it when I tease her. She wants all of me. Always. I plunge deeper and harder, rocking against her. Our bodies are slick with sweat and dripping with arousal.

I push her into me with as much force as I can, and she lets out a loud scream. “Oh my God, you’re so fucking amazing!”

My cock pulsates inside of her, drowning in her juices. I drive deeper, a slow explosion rumbling in my core. The deep ache in my balls is slowly relieved as nerves fire throughout my groin, igniting every cell in my body. I slam into her one last time, her thighs tight around my waist. My body shudders as I erupt inside of her, giving her everything I have.

I lean my head on her shoulder, my breathing ragged. For a few seconds we stand together, our heaving chests sliding against each other. I don’t want to pull out…ever. I just want to stay buried inside of this woman for the rest of my days.

“That was so incredible,” she murmurs against my ear.

I nip at her ear. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

She tilts her head backward, a teasing sparkle in her eyes. With a wide smile, she nods. “Encore?”