* * *
“It worked like a charm,”Leo says later that night when he arrives home after work. The twins and I are fully moved into Ben’s penthouse now, and I can’t deny how much happier I am here, even if this place needs an injection of color too. It’s secure with the latest technology and high-tech cameras, and Ben has moved a number of hissoldatiinto the apartments on the next level, so there is tons of backup, should we need it.
“Yeah?” I stretch up and kiss him, circling my arms around his neck. I beam at him, like I do every night when he returns home. I get a rush of butterflies the second he walks through the door, and I have to pinch myself every morning when I wake up with his strong, protective arms around my waist. I know we still have shit to wade through and the danger won’t pass any time soon, but I love getting to share my life with him, and I can’t keep the smile off my face. This is everything I have ever wanted, surpassing my wildest dreams.
“Yes, my little genius. Gino has already gone straight to Judge Simon, and Ben’s substantial bribe will ensure the divorce is rushed through the courts in a few days.” Quickie divorces are quite common in New York, but it can still take up to six weeks. Judge Simon works with all five families, and Ben knew he would make it happen much sooner, because we don’t have that long to wait.
“You’re sure? Because this needs to happen before the big meeting.”
“We’re sure.” He nudges my nose. “The plan will work.”
I knew reverse psychology would work on Gino, so I deliberately baited him into filing for divorce. If I had asked him to expedite it, he would have dragged his heels purely to spite me. Provided I don’t contest it or any of the terms, it will be rushed through by the corrupt judge.
“This wasn’t how it was supposed to go down between us.” Leo slides his hands down my back to cup my ass. “I was going to do this big elaborate proposal and organize an intimate wedding, in an exotic location, with our close friends and family. I wanted to give you everything you have never had.”
“We can still do that when this is dealt with.” I kiss him. “All I have ever wanted is you.” I press my hand over his chest, where his heart thumps steadily against my palm. “Your heart. Your soul.” I place my other hand over his crotch. “Your cock.”
He tugs my lower lip between his teeth. “You little minx.” He swats my ass, and I jump. “You know you already own all those things.” He reels me into his arms, and his expression turns tender. “Are you sure you want to do it like this? I don’t want you to feel forced or like we are rushing.”
“Are you kidding me right now?” Incredulity laces my tone. “I have waited a lifetime to marry you, and I’m done waiting.” Gently, I cup his face. “I don’t need an elaborate proposal or a fancy wedding. I just need you.”
“I love you.” He kisses me passionately, and I get lost in his arms.
“Ugh.” Caleb groans as he strolls into the kitchen. “It’s like living with horny teenagers.”
Leo barks out a laugh. “Pot. Kettle. Black.”
Caleb grins. “I’m allowed, but there is no excuse for you two.” He pulls open the refrigerator, removing a bowl of chicken pasta. I cannot keep food in the house these days because he and his brother are eating nonstop, but you would never know it looking at their tall lean frames.
“You try living without the woman you love for more than a decade and come back and tell me you wouldn’t be the damn same.”
“I think it’s cute,” Joshua says. “And you make my mom smile. That’s all that matters.”
“Pussy,” Caleb says over a cough, and Joshua grabs him into a headlock.
They seem to be handling things okay. Before Leo officially moved in with us, we sat them down and had a discussion about it. They know their father is living with Marcella, and while it’s a big change, they both gave us the stamp of approval. It helps that Leo is a big Xbox addict too, and he has been bonding with them over violent bloody war games. He is also someone they can turn to withmafiosoconcerns, and while he would never try to replace their father, he is here for them in a way Gino isn’t. It’s only natural they will grow close.
I heat up some pasta for Leo, humming to myself as I sort clothes on the kitchen counter while the three men in my life enjoy a meal together, laughing and joking, and things finally feel right with the world.
49
Natalia
When confirmation of my divorce arrives three days later, we waste no time in heading to the city clerk’s office to pick up our license. Then we return the following day to get married. Ben and Sierra, Frank, and the twins are with us in the room when the officiant declares we are man and wife. Brando, Nario, and Ciro are keeping guard outside. We wanted to invite Leo’s parents and his sister and to have Serena, Alesso, and the kids and Frankie and her family here too, but it’s too risky. Our plan only works if we keep the news hush-hush, for now.
I turn to my husband with tears in my eyes. “I can’t believe it. You are finally mine,” I choke out, grabbing his hips. “This is the happiest moment of my life.”
Leo presses his forehead to mine. “I love you, Mrs. Messina. Now and always.” Then he kisses me, clasping my face firmly in his hands, and no kiss has ever tasted sweeter. His kisses are passionate and unhurried, and my heart is bursting with joy.
“Get a room!” Caleb calls out, and I’m laughing as we break apart.
“You little shit.” Leo grins. “Always spoiling my fun.”
We accept congratulations from everyone, and then we make our way outside, via the rear staff entrance, to where our car is waiting. Leo helps me into the back seat as Brando slips behind the wheel and Nario drops into the passenger seat. The twins are heading back to Greenwich with Sierra, Ben, Ciro, and Frank. We are all staying the night with them tonight so we can share a meal and enjoy a few glasses of bubbly to celebrate.
“I’m sorry I’m not taking you to a top hotel to spend our wedding night,” Leo says, bringing my hand to his lips. “I promise I will make it all up to you.” He plants a kiss on my knuckles.
I lean in and kiss the corner of his mouth. “And I promise you I am perfectly happy. I don’t need a luxury bridal suite or a big fancy party. I just need you.” I snake my arms around his neck and plant a searing-hot kiss on his mouth.
