"I'm close," I gasp against Cesare's lips.
"Let go, Tori," Cesare growls, hips snapping against mine with increased pace. "Come for me, baby."
His words, combined with a particularly well-aimed thrust, send me over the edge. I cry out his name as waves of pleasure crash over me, body trembling beneath him. I'm barely able to breathe.
God, this man is lethal.
Cesare follows soon after, groaning my name as he finds his own release. He collapses on top of me, careful not to crush me, as we both struggle to catch our breath.
After a moment, Cesare rolls to the side, pulling me with him so I'm draped across his chest. He presses a tender kiss to my forehead.
"Thank you for speaking with my daughters today," he tells me, voice softer than I've heard before. "I appreciate you doing that."
I close my eyes as my breathing returns to normal. "I don't want them to ever think I'm trying to replace their mother. I would never do that."
He brushes my hair from my eyes. "I know that. They know that. You are one of a kind, Tori. I never expected you."
"I never expected this. Any of this," I admit. "When we first got married, I thought..."
"I know," Cesare says, running his thumb along my cheek. "I didn't expect it either. But you've changed everything, Tori. You've made me want things I never thought I would again."
I take a deep breath and look into the beautiful brown eyes of my husband. The man I'm falling so hard for.
"I'm falling in love with you," I whisper.
His eyes widen as he watches me. "You are?" he questions, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
I nod. "I am."
He shakes his head. "I'm not worthy of love, Tori. I have done horrific things. I am a killer."
I cup Cesare's face gently, looking into his eyes. "You're not unworthy of love, Cesare. Yes, you've done terrible things, but you've also shown me kindness, protection, and care. You're a complex man, and I'm falling in love with all of you, the good and the bad."
Cesare's eyes search mine, looking for any hint of deception. Finding none, he pulls me closer, burying his face in my hair.
"Tori," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I never thought... I didn't believe I could feel this way again."
I pull back slightly to look at him. "Feel what way?"
He takes a deep breath, and I can see vulnerability in his eyes—a side of Cesare I've rarely seen.
"I think I'm falling in love with you too," he admits softly. "And it terrifies me."
My heart soars at his words, even though I don't understand his fear. "Why does it terrify you?"
Cesare's hand traces patterns on my back as he speaks. "Love is a weakness in our world, Tori. It can be used against you. And the thought of anyone hurting you to get to me..." He trails off, arms tightening around me protectively.
I nod, understanding his concern. "But isn't it also a strength?" I counter. "Having someone you trust completely, someone who has your back no matter what?"
He considers this for a moment. "Perhaps," he concedes. "I've never felt this way before. With Beatrice, it was different. We cared for each other, but it wasn't love. This... this is new territory for me."
I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "It's new for me too," I admit. "But I think it's worth exploring, don't you?"
A small smile tugs at Cesare's lips. "You make a compelling argument, Mrs. Mariano."
I grin, feeling happier than I have in years. "I'm glad you think so, Mr. Mariano."
Cesare rolls us over suddenly, pinning me beneath him. His eyes are dark with a mixture of desire and something I think is love.
