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He whispers, “Now that you’re an orgasm expert, you’re going to use this highly inventive tool to come, and I’m going to watch.”

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giovanni

Dangerous Conspiracies

I smile to myself as I relive every expression that passed over Sophia’s beautiful face.

With legs spread wide on the bed, she took what she needed from that goddamn electric toothbrush, and I looked on in reverence as an orgasm overtook her shaking body.

My kitten can’t be stopped.

Before we leave, we fold laundry, make breakfast spaghetti from pantry rations, and then clean and lock up the cottage. With renewed energy, we stroll to the Jeep holding hands, arms swinging between us.

We rescue the Jeep and then drive to the farm. Then, side by side like a real couple, we walk into Tina’s luminous embrace.

In my lovestruck brain, I watch her and Sophia’s interaction with fresh eyes. My heart grows when I realize this is how it would feel to bring Sophia home for holidays.

Easy. She’s already part of my big, beautiful, blended family.

I drop a hand to Sophia’s lower back, staking a silent claim. She turns and smiles in the way that causes our future play out in my mind.

“How was your hike?” Tina asks.

“How did you know we went hiking?” I glance to Sophia to confirm she didn’t tell her.

Sophia shakes her head.

Tina chuckles and steps into the kitchen. “It’s like you don’t even know me, Gio. And I’m glad you had a nice overnight getaway, just the two of you.” She winks.

“Tina!” I frown at her.

“What’s the big deal? I have friends. They tell me things.” Tina shrugs.

Sophia coughs, embarrassed.

“No, you have Jaz. She’s your informant,” I say.

Jaz enters the kitchen. She salutes us with a shaka before grabbing butter from the fridge.

“Stalker.” I reach out to razz her up, but she slips beyond my fingertips and darts for the back door.

I can never catch her. Knowing her, she probably put a tracker on the Jeep. Hell, she probably has access to every security camera on the island in that computer cave she calls a bedroom.

“Don’t worry, Sophia, I know you fly out later, so lunch is ready. We’re having chicken katsu.” Tina fills glasses with freshly brewed hibiscus tea and hands them to us before leading Sophia outside.

Feeling jittery, I pause in the kitchen and brace myself against the wall.

Amelia is packing at the bungalow now. Sophia packed yesterday morning before the hike. They leave tonight, and I still haven’t said what I need to. Things are getting real in the wrong way. I prefer having a plan. I mean, I know my plan, but not Sophia’s.

For my own sanity, I think through the scenarios. Two things could happen tonight. One, we head toward a lifetime of happiness. Or two, Sophia thanks me for a vacation fling, and we never see each other again.

Only one option works for me, so I hope we’re on the same page.

Outside, Sophia and Tina meander through the garden with their drinks. Sophia is glowing and happy, and I note she has been for a while. She’s in a much better place than when we met. At least this is a little consolation for my unsettled mind.

Casey and Matt arrive. Plates are filled with food. Music croons in the background. We play yard games with the kids. A handmade banner over the garage reads: “Gio & Sophia 4-eva.” Just seeing our names together makes my chest tighten.