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DO WE HAVE A PERFECT life? No. There are always moments when Fallon needs to distance herself from me after I come back from business, moments when her conscience plagues her. Nonetheless, her love always prevails.

Fallon never asked about the Syndicate or any specifics of my job, though I did brief her on the necessities to keep her safe without scaring her away with too much information. Her quiet persona is back to having a calming effect on me. She’s back to being my solace – I don’t drink anymore, even after a rough day. All I need is her waiting for me, preferably in bed.

The first few weeks after she moved in were blissful. We had dinner together every night. A simple act that satisfied my restless soul. We were both content to be back together, and I treasured how devoted she became to me. How every ounce of devotion I showed her in the past was returned to me. She learned to always have her phone with her and to always answer when I called or else I’d worry.

Due to her presence in my house, I’ve reduced the out-of-state business trips significantly, after consulting with James, of course, who accepted us easily when he saw how much I relied on her. How much her happiness affected me. And that’s resulted in my being back to my old self, which pleases James since business is good, and we don’t need to expand any more. Drug routes are completely set up all over Chicago, and everything around us finally settled down after the previous year of chaos and disorder, giving me more time to spend with Fallon.

And thankfully, after she stopped complaining about taking my money, I was able to set up two accounts for her. One in America and one offshore account in case anything ever happens to me. I explained how she could access the offshore account, which is filled with more money than she would ever be able to spend, because I don’t want her to ever worry about monetary problems.

Her determination to move forward makes me respect and love her even more. We sold her apartment, since Teagan isn’t moving back to the States anytime soon. And she’s still applying for jobs, which is unnecessary because I have enough money for both of us, but I understand and support her need to work, so I suggested that she try volunteering for now. She started working at the community center two days a week, talking with other rape victims and even helping them financially, which isn’t what my money was intended for, but as long as it makes her happy, I’m fine with however she decides to spend it. And she spends it by paying for professional therapy for some of the victims. She sends them to Sylvia Lenter, her own therapist.

She’s also taking yoga classes and learning more Italian. Little by little, her love of reading has returned, but these days, her favorite pastime is watching that paranormal TV show while devouring a piece of cake. I’ve arranged for different fresh pastries to be delivered to our home every morning, and every day, she’s exultant to see what the pastry chef has made for her. I – in turn – am pleased that she stopped with the no-carb diet and is just enjoying her food, since she has the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I’ve ever met.

Nowadays, we work out together because I do expect her to stay strong. You never know what kind of situations we could end up in, so I’ve enrolled her in self-defense classes, which makes her feel more empowered. I never want her to feel powerless again.

However, she’s still not bearing my name, and I need to make her mine officially. Since our penthouse is still filled with dozens of unopened moving boxes that are full of books, I’ve decided to surprise her and have had a crew working for hours while she’s at the community center. I’ve taken care of every detail, with the help of my assistant at Security Simplicity, because I know Fallon better than anyone. She isn’t the kind of woman who has to plan everything herself, and she adores to be surprised, so I’m positive this will end up the way I want it to. But for the first time ever, I’m nervous while I wait for her to return.

The elevator doors open, and she’s startled that I’m home before she is.

“Hey!” She eats the distance and greets me with a long kiss.

Placing my hands on either side of her head, I inhale Fallon’s familiar sweet scent and immediately calm down. Her touch soothes all the tension from my body, and only her touch grants me the peace to just be.

“Come with me.” Tugging her to the extra bedroom that isn’t used, I open the door for her.

Fallon’s hands fly to her mouth as she takes in the space. The walls are freshly painted a bright white, and there are now white bookshelves running up to the ceiling on the left wall with a sliding library ladder. The right wall is decorated with huge, white bookcase letters spelling dolcezza. And at the floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s a newly-built white wooden reading bench with cream cushions and pillows. I chose white for her library because the bookcases in her old apartment were that color. White is serene, calm, and clean; just like her.

Swiveling around, she excitedly jumps into my arms. “Luca, this is amazing! How did you do this?”

“Well, a lot of people worked very hard and very fast today.” Holding her up by her ass, I walk us around the room, and one of her hands hooks around my neck while the other traces the books on the shelves.

“Oh my, there are new books?” Her huge eyes twinkle with joy, and I peck her on the cheek.

“I had to fill it up to the ceiling, so Amazon made a huge delivery today. And not only books.” Stepping to the letter bookcases on the other wall, I stop before the D and make sure she sees what’s in it.

“Charmed! You’re amazing.”

“All the seasons are there. Now you can watch it as often as you like.”

I chuckle when she throws her arms around me and presses her lips to my neck, inching higher until our mouths meet. Before I rip off her clothes, I need to give her my other – more important – surprise because I’m not done yet.

“Wait.” I pull back and let her drop to her feet.

Then I adjust my pants as she grins at me before I get the envelope from the bookcase and hand it over.

She rips it open enthusiastically. “Yes! We’re going to Italy?” she screams with excitement.

“We’re going to Venice, and you’re going to meet zio Joseph, the man who raised me after my parents died.”

Moreover, in Venice is my other surprise.

***

AFTER A COMFORTABLE flight in first class, we arrive in Venice, Italy.

“Ragazzo mio.” My boy. Zio Joseph kisses me on my cheek. His hair has become even whiter, and he’s lost some weight, but he looks healthy.

“Zio,” I greet, equally overjoyed to see him again, but I’m pushed aside when he spots Fallon behind me. I turn and grin when he wraps her in a tight embrace.

She laughs back at me over zio’s shoulder. “Hey, zio.”

“Sei bellissima, mia cara. Benvenuti a Venezia.” You’re beautiful, my dear. Welcome to Venice.

“Grazie.” Thank you.

Since I have a tight schedule, I ask, “Zio, back to the castle?”

“Si, come, children. I’m so happy you finally brought your woman, Luca.” He sneaks his arm around Fallon as they talk, and I collect our luggage.

The warm Italian wind blows against my face as we make our way outside. Then we travel to a Renaissance Castle where Fallon thinks I rented us a suite, but in actuality, I’ve rented the entire castle.

***

ONCE WE’RE IN OUR SUITE, Fallon walks directly to the balcony and watches the sun setting behind the scenery of the Italian landscape and vineyards.

“This place is unreal,” she utters and then roams through the other rooms.

The sixteenth century castle, decorated in Michelangelesque style, is definitely enough to impress her.

“Let’s take a bath, and then we’ll have dinner downstairs,” I suggest and stroll to the magnificent bathroom, which has a huge, black marble bathtub in the center and a ceiling covered with painted frescoes displaying narratives of the Old Testament.

“Wow! It’s gorgeous,” Fallon breathes, stripping her dress and panties as I fill the bath with water and bubbles, and the smell wafts around us as we step inside.

After we’re seated with her back to my front, I lather her with soap.

“Hmm.” She pushes her ass against me, and all my blood rushes downward.

Her arms come back around my neck as I skim my hands up the inside of her thighs, spreading her wider while her fingers sift through my hair. I eagerly cup her between her legs, making her gasp.

“I’m going to fuck you hard and quick,” I whisper against the shell of her ear, thrusting my finger in as I knead her breast while showering her with kisses, my erection lodged against her ass. She starts to ride my finger, and I grind against her as water sloshes over the edge of the tub, but I crave to be inside her.

“Turn,” I order, grazing my teeth over her earlobe.

She complies, straddling my lap and gripping the rim of the tub while I grasp her hips and slam into her. I push up and deep into Fallon. Lust courses through me.

Fallon meets my thrusts, rounding her hips. Her head falls back, and I lean forward while she rides me, our slick bodies moving together as one, causing water to splash everywhere on the floor beside the tub. Taking her nipple in my mouth, I suck and bite, elongating her pink tip.

“Ah...Luca...” she groans.

One hand massages the wet skin of her ass as the other cradles her head, and I kiss my way up her throat. “Look at me.” I’m panting from holding in my release until after she comes.

As our eyes lock, hers are filled with abiding passion. I can tell she’s almost climaxing when her hips move faster and faster, so I let go at the same time she does, growling in pleasure. Her whimpers resonate off the painted walls, and she clutches my shoulders, nails digging roughly into my skin. With shallow breaths, we lean back against the tub.

“Fuck, that was good, I feel like I’m still coming.”

“It’s always amazing with you,” she mumbles against my throat, and I smile.

“I have another surprise for you.”

She sits back instantly, and I pinch her nipple. “Ahh...stop! It’s too sensitive right now.” She slaps my hand away and steps out. “More surprises? I can’t wait!”

Leaving the bathroom in a bathrobe, I open my suitcase by the foot of the bed and take out the pristine white, floor-length satin gown with a plunging, yet elegant, neckline.

“It’s beautiful.” She lets the soft material flow through her fingers and looks at me expectantly.

“Dress; do your thing and take however long you need. A stylist is coming to do your makeup and hair. I’m suiting up and going to keep zio company in his room. Call me when you’re ready, and I’ll come get you.”

A knock at the door announces the makeup artist has arrived.

“Okay...” she says hesitantly with a grin from ear to ear, and I give her a lingering kiss on the mouth before exiting.

As I join zio in the room across from ours, he’s already looking handsome in his tux, and mine is perfectly pressed and waiting for me on the bed.

While putting on the tux, I ask, “È tutto pronto?” Is everything ready?

In an excited and gentle voice, he answers, “Tutto pronto, figlio mio.” All ready, my son.

***

AFTER AN HOUR, FALLON’S ready, so I head back to our room in my black tux, white dress shirt, and black bow tie. But I’m stunned into silence when she turns away from the mirror. My gaze moves from the silver strappy sandals on her feet to the white gown that hugs her curvaceous body perfectly up to a graceful neckline. Her hair is pulled up loosely with strands of auburn curls framing her lovely face, and as always, she isn’t wearing a lot of makeup. Just the way I find her irresistibly attractive: natural.

Our eyes meet, and we gawk at each other without speaking a word at first.

“Sei una delizia.” You’re exquisite.

I need to touch her, so I approach Fallon and trail a path up her hip with my finger.

“You’re looking dashing yourself,” she replies, her lips curve into a smile that melts my heart, and she traces a knuckle down my cheek, making the hairs on my neck stand on end. “You trimmed your beard.”

She smiles in amusement with a slight frown, and I suspect she’s on to me, so I proceed as planned quickly. “Let’s go.”

She dutifully follows me out, downstairs to the ballroom. Before I open the heavy wooden doors, I take an encouraging breath and look at her beside me.

“This is all for you,” I say, then I turn the knobs.

She takes in the huge ballroom, which is decorated with gold framed paintings, gold and burgundy draperies, and painted angels flying on the ceiling. To the left and right are two long tables with warm and cold Italian delicacies and our guests, who Fallon’s starting to recognize as the band on the elevated podium at the end of the room starts to play.

She leans into my side and glances up through her lashes. “How did you pull this off?”

I link our fingers and walk her down the aisle as she greets people. I’m deliberately escorting her down the aisle myself, so she won’t miss her father too much later on.

“Oh my god, Teagan! Jason! What are you doing here?” she exclaims.

They both circle their arms around her as she continues to hold onto my hand. Teagan took care of the guest list on Fallon’s side. I recognize an uncle and some cousins who were at her parents’ funeral.

“Wade!” Fallon shouts, thrilled when she spots him. “You all came to Venice for me?!”

Wade kisses her cheek, so she rubs her thumb gently over my knuckles, knowing my jealous side must be acting up.

But Wade also greets me with a firm handshake, which I return, and then speaks to Fallon, “I’ll always be there for you, Fallon.” And they talk briefly before we carry on.

After I guide her to the front, she moves aside to hug my best friend.

“Adriano! I can’t believe you guys are all here,” she utters.

He also presses a soft kiss on her cheek and winks at me. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Fallon.”

I’m pleased that she and Adriano have bonded.

“Salvatore, James,” she greets them with a kiss as well.

They each introduce Fallon to their spouses after giving her a tender embrace that astounds me.

When I give the signal, the band ceases playing, everyone returns to their seat, and the room goes silent as I go down on one knee just as Fallon turns to me, and the first thing she does is graze her fingers over my beard, reassuring me.

I open the light blue box, and the platinum princess cut diamond engagement ring sparkles in the light. “Mi vuoi sposare? Will you marry me?”

Her hand flies to her mouth as the other palms my jaw. “Yes! In a heartbeat.”

I smile as exhilaration settles in my veins, and I place the ring on her finger. Rising, I pick Fallon up by her waist and kiss her as cheers and applause erupt from our guests.

“Did you know?” I whisper into her ear.

“I had a feeling you were planning something when you gave me the gown, but before that, no. You’ve made me the happiest girl in the world. Ti amo.” I love you.

“And I’m the luckiest guy. Ti amo così tanto.” I love you so much.

“So this is our engagement party?”

I place her back on her feet, but she keeps her arms looped around my neck. And it’s as if we’re alone in the room because we only have eyes for each other. I can’t stop touching at least some part of her, so I unabashedly caress her sides.

“Well, that’s your choice. It can be our engagement party or our wedding. If you’d rather go back to the States and plan an entire wedding, that’s fine by me, but if you want to get married here in Venice, right now, that’s also possible.” I rest my forehead against hers as the corners of Fallon’s mouth curl up.

“I’d love to get married here.” Her nose scrunches up slightly. “I don’t really want to plan a wedding, and with my parents gone, it would cast a dark shadow over it anyway. But now, now I feel good, and everyone’s already here.” Her tone rises with joy.

Do I know my girl or what? I knew she wouldn’t want to be bothered with the hassle of planning a wedding.

“Then, dolcezza, we’re getting married now,” I announce and hold up our entwined fingers while our guests rise and toast.

“Salute!” Bless you!

The priest steps onto the podium right in front of us and starts the ceremony, and of course, I have platinum wedding bands in my pocket with our names and the date we met engraved on them.

We haven’t disentangled our hands and stand opposite one another, neither of us looking at the priest, but only at each other.

How this woman could’ve captured my heart and soul so completely, I’ll never understand, but every day, I’m grateful that I found her.

When it’s time to say our vows, I take out the wedding band and slide it onto her ring finger. “Dolcezza, you’re the one person who’s given my restless soul a home. You’ve given me something I never knew I was searching for, you’ve given me solace, and you’re the only person with whom I can just be. When your eyes cry, my heart hurts. When your soul is happy, mine is content. You’re my life, and I promise to love you for the rest of our lives and beyond.”

I almost go ahead and kiss her but stop my movement when I realize she has to say her vows. As I hand over the ring, a tear tracks down from the corner of her eye, and I thumb it away tenderly.

She places the ring on my finger and inhales deeply. “Luca, you are the one I’ve been looking for. You’ve been there for me at my worst and at my best, and your love has put me back together. Your love has healed me. And I love the way you love me. I live for the way you love me, and I promise to love you for the rest of our lives and beyond.” Her amber irises fill with expectation of the wonderful new journey we’re embarking on.

Neither of us is afraid of our all-consuming love anymore. We embrace it wholeheartedly.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

We both smile, and I grab her waist and crush her to me as her fingers weave through my hair.

She angles her head, and I press my lips to hers several times, tipping her back while I whisper, “Mrs. DeMiliano, onorerò quel nome per sempre.” I will honor that name forever.

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The end of Luca and Fallon.

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BOOKS BY SORAYA NAOMI

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