I waited patiently, hoping he’d share more than an inkling about the boy behind the mafia killer.
“I had a best friend whose family was simple and welcoming. Despite the usual sibling disagreements, they ate together, watched movies together and did all the shit happy families do.Somehow, I fitted in without me asking them. Although I had two brothers who shielded me from my mafia family, I was content and thought of nothing else besides being a normal teenager with my friend.”
“What happened to him?”
“He died before he had a chance to grow up.”
“I’m sorry,” I offered not knowing what else to say.
He shrugged. “Life’s a bitch. Just one fuck after the other.”
“Would you give it up for anything?”
“I’m not the white picket fence of type of guy if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I’m not.” Suddenly irritated. I shifted my gaze to the horizon, feeling Remo’s intense eyes on me.
“I’d probably consider it for the right person though.”
I couldn’t stop my laugh and looked at him. “Is that a marriage proposal, Mr. Rossi?”
Another sexy chuckle slipped from his lips as he leaned closer. “I’m better at fucking.”
Before I could respond, he slipped into the water, pulling me tight against his body and forcing my legs to seek purchase around his hips. His lips claimed mine, the same time his cock slid inside me. And as he fucked me hard and fast, nature witnessed the man who’d turn into a monster, the minute we drove out of here. Sadly, I hated that notion, wanting him all to myself. Maybe someday he’d recognize he wanted more peace and maybe I’d still be around if that day ever came.
fifty-eight
. . .
Ishika– 32 years old
Much later, after he’d fucked me into oblivion and fed me cheese, crackers, wine and fruit, I packed the picnic basket and looked up. Remo stood at the edge of the boulder he’d mentioned when we got here. Hands in his pockets, the town far below reduced to scattered lights and silence, he seemed peaceful.
“Reluctant to leave?” I teased, coming up behind him.
He didn’t turn nor did he speak and noting the sudden clench of his jaw, I didn’t say anything more. Just stood by his side, breathing in the clean air, sadly conscious he’d already shut down, the warmth from earlier tucked away like it never existed. This space was his, his quiet, his to control. A boundary he’d willingly allowed me to cross today and I appreciated that, even if it was all he had to offer.
I exhaled on a long slow release then sighed when Remo abruptly turned and walked back to the picnic spot. Sensing his need for silence, I said nothing, watching him pick up the basket and blanket then head for the car.
Saddened to leave, I glanced around one more time and followed him. Once he’d stored the items in the trunk, he came around to my side and crowded me against the door. Not sure what he was expecting, I just looked up at him, waiting.
His eyes bore into mine. “No one else comes here.” More declaration than boast.
“Why me then?”
A gentle wind brushed his hair as he stared at me for a long moment. “Because you never ask for permission, you don’t talk when silence is the right thing and as fucked up it sounds, you see me for who I am. Death, destruction and everything in between.”
That earlier tightness squeezed my chest once more; aware he’d watched me more closely than he let on. The sex was just a façade he hid behind. Slowly, I nodded, palming his cheek. “Thank you for bringing me here. I couldn’t have asked for a better–” I broke off not sure what to call it and he chuckled, making me smile.
His kiss was long and deep, more possession than demanding and I gave myself over to him, wishing that he could see what he meant to me without words.
“Let’s get dinner in town then I’ll fly you back home,” he said, leaning back. My nod earned another quick kiss.
Two minutes later as the sun dipped below the horizon, we drove away. The comfortable silence filled by soft Jazz, reminding me of the night he practically kidnapped me from the bus stop. I let out a soft laugh, drawing Remo’s gaze.
“Care to share the joke?”
Suddenly overwhelmed by the need to not let this day end, I shook my head and glanced out the window. The road curled through trees, headlights slicing the dark. Remo’s hand rested loosely on the wheel, relaxed in a way he rarely was. The mountain gave him something back. I didn’t know what yet.
