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My thoughts drift back to the last moments before we parted – we promised we'd find our way back. But I'm here alone.
I feel a little flutter in my belly and cradle my stomach. "Waiting is the hardest part, little one," I whisper, trying to comfort Dario's child.
Every second that ticks by feels like an eternity, and my mind races with countless scenarios – each one more terrifying than the last. I close my eyes, trying to calm my nerves, when I’m jolted by the sound of the door opening.
The moment Dario steps through the door, my entire body calms down. "Thank God you're here," I breathe, rushing into his arms. He holds me close to his chest, his warm, weighted arms cocooning me.
"Jasmine, I'm sorry you had to wait," he says softly. "I had you in my thoughts the whole time, but I couldn't leave just then."
"What took you so long?" I plead.
Leading me to the couch we sit down, our hands intertwined. "When I ran from the cops I wasn’t thinking," he explains, "and it felt almost as if my feet were guided to the one place that gave me comfort as a child. It's like the universe was calling me there."
“Okay. Go on.” I rub his arm – reassuring myself that he is here, with me, and he is safe.
"I found my mother there. She was with Frank and Leonardo." As he tells his hopeful and inspiring tale, I can hear the underlying anguish in his voice. So many wasted years, and for what? All because of the pride and anger of one man. A man who had failed miserably as a husband and as a father.
I can see the pain etched on his face, the weight of responsibility bearing down on him. The love he has for his mother is evident, and it's touching to see just how much he's willing to sacrifice for her sake.
"Jasmine, you should have seen her face," he continues, shaking his head. "She was devastated about what transpired, but she understood the greater good. This was no longer about her, or Leonardo, or anyone. This was about ridding the world of a man who had no moral conscience. My mother, oh Jasmine. She's wonderful. Just wonderful."
I smile, with tears in my eyes as he tells me of the sacrifices his mother made. I gasp, when he tells me of the good Frank's parents did. I cheer, when he tells me that Leonardo was always watching over him.
Now, at last, I feel like Dario has a real family for these people, these angels, represent everything good there is in family.
This is the representation I'd want for my future child.
"And now," Dario explains. "Leonardo, Frank and she went to update Frank's parents on the development. She looked tired to the bone. Hopefully she can rest tonight and I’ll go see her tomorrow."
"Oh, you must go see her. Tomorrow, and every day," I squeeze his hand. "You've got so many things to talk about and catch up on. And Dario?" he looks at me, a small smile on his face. "Thank you for letting me in."
He looks at me with a sad smile. “It was the hardest truth to learn. I came to terms with the fact that I had lost my mother. Twice I went through that grieving process, and twice I’ve worked to find peace. But discovering that I had lost a brother too, will be more difficult to digest.”
He turns towards me and takes both my shoulders in his hands. "It was worth it to finally learn the truth – and to be here with you now. With you, and the baby."
Dario brushes his thumb against my cheek. “How did things go with Elena? Does she believe you? I'm more than willing to go to the agency with you and tell them all I know."
I take a deep breath, knowing that I have to be honest with Dario about my own situation. My heart races as I gather the courage to confess the truth to him. "Dario," I start, my voice trembling, "my life as I know it is over. I can never go back to my agency."
He looks at me intently, his eyes searching mine for answers. I swallow hard and continue, trying to steady the shaking in my voice. "Elena would have to arrest you. Even if you are innocent of your father’s horrendous crimes, you're still accountable for smaller crimes. I would have to give up all contact with you and testify in the case against you.”
I look into his eyes, hoping he understands just how much I'm giving up for our love. "But I couldn't do it, Dario. I couldn't betray you. And I told her so. She gave me five minutes to run and said if she sees me again, she'd have to arrest me as an accomplice too."
No matter how hard I try to fight it, tears begin to stream down my face. Dario pulls me into his arms, holding me tight as I cry into his chest. "I'm so sorry, Jasmine. I never wanted you to have to give up your career and the life you knew because of me." His voice is tinged with sadness, and I can feel the weight of his guilt like a physical presence in the room.
I sniffle and look up at him, meeting his gaze. "I have no regrets, Dario," I say firmly, wiping away my tears. "Being with you is worth any sacrifice. I don't want to go back to the agency, not without you by my side. I want to be with you, no matter what. I... I believe in us. We're going to start a family together," I whisper, taking his hand and placing it on my belly. "How could I not believe in that future?"
Dario's eyes soften as he feels the tiny flutter beneath his hand. "Our family," he murmurs, his voice filled with awe and wonder. He leans in and presses a gentle kiss to my forehead before pulling me into a deep kiss. "We're having a baby," he whispers, pulling back and giving my lower lip a soft bite.
I begin to giggle and he smiles, charmed by my joy. As our gazes lock, I feel a sudden wave of desire wash over me, mingling with the swirl of emotions that have been churning inside me all night. I don't want to think about the consequences or the future anymore. Right now, all I want – all I need – is him.
"Dario," I whisper urgently, my voice laced with longing, "I am so grateful that fate led me to you." I pull him close and press my lips to his, conveying my hunger for him in that one desperate kiss.
His arms wrap around me, pulling me closer. Our tongues wage war to prove who wants the other more, and our breaths turn wild. Dario sighs, gently pulling me away with his hands in my hair.
He nibbles and licks a trail down my neck and along my collarbone. My arms tingle with sheer pleasure, as it slowly spreads through my entire body. My hands grab at his belt, fumbling to undo it.
"Jasmine," he murmurs, his voice rough with desire, "I need you just as much as you need me."
