I’m still dazed when he pulls out and rolls to the side, flopping onto his back.A thin layer of perspiration coats his skin, and he’s breathing heavily, but he chuckles as he turns his head to look at me.“And there’s my workout for the morning,” he decides.
“You were talking about needing to get moving, weren’t you?”
“It’s called multitasking.”Propping himself on his elbow again, he gives me a soft, lingering kiss before grinning.“I’m starving.And I can’t remember the last time I gave anyone food poisoning.How about I make some breakfast?”
Did I actually wake up this morning, or is this all a dream?
Where is it coming from?He’s never been this playful before, almost affectionate.It couldn’t all be because of what happened last night, could it?Sudden shocks like that do have a way of bringing things into focus, I guess.Is this what he wants to focus on?Starting his day in bed with me instead of going straight to the gym?
“What’s your specialty?”I ask.“Because I am a tough customer, especially at breakfast.”
“I think I can manage eggs and a few other things.”His mind is already made up, and I get the pleasure of admiring his peach of an ass before he pulls his underwear back on.“I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”His soft whistling fades to silence as he jogs down the stairs.
Yes, I’m dreaming.And I don’t want to wake up.
But instead of lying around in bed and going over every moment of what just happened, I cross the hall to clean up and brush my teeth in my bathroom.Will it be my bathroom for much longer, or will Dante want me to move across the hall with him?I don’t know.Perhaps separate bathrooms would help our marriage, provide personal space, and all that.
Am I actually thinking about ways to make my marriage happier?Could this be real life?As I meet my gaze in the mirror while I brush my teeth, I realize that I want it to be.I can see this becoming a habit.I sure wouldn’t complain.
It’s only when I hear a buzzing from the nightstand that I remember leaving my phone up here when I got changed last night.I figured Dante was only up at the big house and could come get me if he needed to.It’s not like my phone is ringing off the hook otherwise.
It’s not ringing now, either, but a text came through.After pulling on a pair of leggings and a T-shirt, I check to see who sent the message.
Of course.Does this man have a sixth sense?My heart sinks with dismay when I see Enzo’s name glowing up at me.
It’s the last thing I expected to see, even though it makes sense in a twisted way.I’m actually feeling slightly hopeful this morning, so why wouldn’t something come along to burst my bubble?
He kept it brief and to the point today.
Enzo:Good morning, sunshine.
There was a time my heart would have melted along with my panties if I got a text like that from him.Now I’m convinced I should have blocked his number, even if it meant losing the chance to reach Alessandro.
Wait.
My body jolts.I didn’t think of it before, but then I hadn’t received a thinly veiled warning yet, either.Everything looks different than it did when Enzo first texted.Finding Alessandro is a bigger deal than it was then.
Am I insane to even consider asking Enzo for help?It would be more insane not to.I have to talk to my brother.I know in my heart if I do, he’ll hear me.
All I have to do is figure out what to say.
First, I need to reach him.Enzo, don’t let me down.
A question echoes from downstairs before I can type out my reply.“How do you like your eggs?”Dante calls out from the kitchen, where it sounds like he’s fumbling around, probably looking for things he never uses.I don’t imagine him cooking a lot of his own meals.
“Scrambled!”I call out.
“Good, because that’s the only way I know how to make them.”I would swear he’s a different person today.Almost cheerful, amenable.And I’m not entirely sure it was just from the sex.Though if it is, the sex was definitely good enough to change his attitude.
The phone is still in my hand.I need to make a decision fast before going down there.This morning has been incredible, like a gift I never expected, and I don’t want to ruin it.
It takes a lot of going back and forth with myself, but eventually I come up with a message.I hope it doesn’t make me come across as if I’m trying to use him, even if I am a little.
Me:I think I might need your help.Please, it’s so important.Can you help me get in touch with Alessandro?
His response surprises me.
Enzo:What, did you wise up and decide to have him come and rescue you?
