But also: each other. That constant. That certainty.
"I'm scared," Valentino admitted quietly.
"So am I."
"But we'll face it together."
"Together. Always."
He kissed me again, deeper this time. Need and fear and desperation mixing together. I kissed back just as hard, both of us needing the connection, needing to feel close before the storm that was coming.
"I need you," he said against my mouth. "Right now. I need you."
"I'm here." I stood and pulled him up with me. "Come on."
We went to the bedroom, both of us moving with purpose. This wasn't about urgency or passion—this was about connection. About showing each other what words couldn't fully express.
I undressed him slowly, taking my time. Hands tracing over skin I'd memorized, features I could draw from memory. Every part of him precious. Every moment together something to hold on to.
"You're so beautiful," I said, running my hands down his chest. "Every time I look at you, I can't believe you're real. That you're mine."
"I'm yours." He pulled me close, working on my clothes. "Only yours. Always."
Once we were both naked, I pulled him onto the bed. Took my time touching him, tasting him, showing him without words how much he meant to me.
"Luca—" His voice broke as I kissed down his body. "Please—"
"I know what you need." I looked up at him. "Let me take care of you."
I worshipped him with my mouth and hands, taking him apart slowly. Made him gasp and moan and beg. Showed him with every touch how much I loved him, how grateful I was for every choice he'd made, how sorry I was for everything it had cost him.
"Please—" He was shaking. "I need you inside me. Please."
I grabbed the lube from the nightstand and prepared him carefully, thoroughly. Watching his face as I stretched him open, seeing the pleasure and need and love in his eyes.
"You ready?" I asked, positioning myself.
"Yes. God, yes. I need you."
I pushed inside slowly, both of us gasping at the connection. Held still once I was fully seated, letting him adjust, just feeling the intimacy of being joined like this.
"I love you," I said, starting to move. "No matter what happens at trial, no matter what verdict comes, I love you. That doesn't change."
"I love you too." His hands gripped my shoulders. "Nothing changes that. Nothing."
I made love to him slowly, tenderly. Showing him with every movement how much this meant, how much he meant. Both of us emotional and vulnerable and completely present with each other.
"You're everything," I said against his throat. "My whole world. The best thing that ever happened to me."
"Even though I cost you—"
"You didn't cost me anything. You gave me everything." I pulled back to look at him. "You gave me a reason to be better. To go legitimate. To want a real future instead of just survival. You gave me love. That's worth anything."
Tears were running down his face. "No matter what happens, I choose you. Every time."
"I choose you too. Forever."
I reached between us to stroke him in time with my thrusts. Watched his face as pleasure built, as he got closer to the edge. Memorizing every expression, every sound, every moment.
