His mother woke us the next morning, wouldn’t hear any of his protests that he doesn’t need a doctor, as she shooed us from the apartment and into a taxi to take us to the hospital.

They changed his bandages properly, gave him some medication, and told him to take it easy.

That was four days ago. We only followed the doctor’s advice for that first night.

He’s so strong, my Vinny, and I love his strength pressing against me, as he tries to rouse me with soft kisses. I moan as his lips trace a path down my neck and across my breasts, whimper as his teeth close on my nipple, nipping it awake too. But he only spends a little time there, before his kisses travel down my stomach, stopping just short of my pussy. I open my eyes fully, raise my head to see why he stopped. He grins at me then kisses my clit. I let out the longest breath as his tongue goes to work, tracing circles on my clit, entering me, kissing and nipping, licking and biting, making life return to my body. I’m writhing on the bed, my hands grabbing anything they can reach, his hair, the sheets, his neck, while his talented tongue shakes all the cobwebs of sleep from my brain, replaces them with fireworks of pleasure, desire, melting hot warmth.

Then suddenly his weight is on top of me, his cock seeking entrance. I spread my legs wider for him, dig my nails into his back as he thrusts into me. The fireworks turning into pure raging fire of pleasure as he picks up the pace, piercing me, filling me, making us complete and whole, never to be parted.

We find our rhythm, his wild and fast thrusts mixing with slow and deep ones, my hands on his hips urging him on. His lips are locked on mine, silencing my moans and whimpers, but not entirely. The path to pleasure he’s carving is glowing, until it explodes inside me, shattering all, as it expands into every last nook and cranny of my body, until the blinding light of pure bliss filling me makes even the touch of his sweet lips fade.

He holds me tight afterwards, his cock softening inside me, his lips caressing my neck. I may be thousands of miles from home, yet in this moment, I know I am home nonetheless.

* * *

VIN

Dad came by unannounced at noon. We’re sitting on the sofa, not speaking, while Kat prepares coffee in the kitchen. She’s making it the way they make it in her home country, strong and black, and the aroma is already filling the whole apartment.

“Here you go,” she says, as she hands a cup to my father. “I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I will,” he says and smiles at her, which gives me hope.

She brings me a cup too. “Thanks. Go wait in the bedroom now.”

She doesn’t argue, just goes, casting me a sad little look before she closes the door behind her.

“What’s gonna happen now?” I ask, since I can’t stand this suspense anymore.

Dad takes a sip of his coffee, an appreciative look crossing his face before he sets his cup down on the coffee table.

“While you challenging Tony the way you did was commendable, I do not believe he will honor his side of the deal,” Dad says. “He is not an honorable man, we both know that. But he is my son, just as you are. He is also Cornelia’s son, and her family expects him to take over the organization when I retire. Which will be soon. I’m growing old, and I wish to spend the time I have left with your mother.”

He smiles as he says it, but more to himself than at me like he’s already picturing their retirement days together. Personally, I can’t picture Marco Calabrese retiring, and I’m about to say it, but he silences me with a raised palm.

“Which leads me to my plans for you and the girl,” he says, and I’m sure I’m not doing a very good job hiding my fear of what comes next. “You broke my rule, and you know I do not suffer such things.”

“Dad, you know I never asked you for much,” I interrupt. “But I am asking you not to keep us apart.”

“You must let me finish speaking, Vinny,” he says, a slight hint of a smile playing on his lips. “You are a lot like me when I was young, but sometimes your mother’s fiery temper comes through.”

He pauses to tap my cheek affectionately. “Normally, I would have no choice but to punish you, but I’m doing away with all the call girls, and all the online girls. Buying them never sat well with me, and I never should’ve let Tony talk me into it. You and your girl are free to do as you will, but I trust you will make her understand none of what happened to her will come back to haunt us.”

I nod, fighting the urge to hug him. “You have my word.”

“Which only leaves the matter of you and Tony,” he says. “I cannot have you two working side by side anymore, because I fear he means to take the ultimate revenge on you. So you will take over the restaurant in my hotel in Las Vegas, just as your mother, and I had planned for you all along.”

“I want to work for you,” I say, even though a fresh start for me and Kat on the other side of the country sounds like a great fucking idea too. And I do love to cook.

“And you will be,” he says. “Out West where it’s safe. Please don’t fight me on this, son.”

I’m trying really hard not to. Eventually I succeed.

“As you wish, Dad,” I say. He nods and finishes the rest of his coffee.

“Good. You’re leaving tomorrow,” he says and stands.

I stand up too, shake his hand then do give him a hug.

Kat comes out of the bedroom as soon as the door closes behind him.

“We are free?” she asks breathlessly.

“Yes, we are free,” I say, smiling at her as I spread my arms wide. She flies into my embrace, the force of our collision waking some of the pain in my ribs. But that’s quickly gone once my lips find hers.

Anywhere is home as long as she’s in my arms, and nothing matters more than her staying there forever. My place in this world is holding her and keeping her safe. Loving her and earning her love. I knew that the moment I saw her in that dark warehouse at the auction. But I took a long time accepting it as my only truth. Working for my father, taking over his organization, means nothing, if I don’t have Kat. And I will gladly give it all up for her.

“We have packing to do,” I tell her. “We’re moving to Vegas tomorrow.”

“I know, I heard,” she says.

“You cagey little minx. It’s not nice to eavesdrop.” She gives me a sheepish little grin that tells me she’s not sorry at all.

I kiss her again, and then some more.

And that’s all I’ll do for as long as I live. Because it’s all I need.