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“The legal case could take months if not years to come to court. I simply have to remain in the country until then.”
“So that’s why you didn’t come out to surprise me.”
“That and the fact I wanted you to make this decision.”
“What decision?”
“Whether to come back of course.”
I take a step toward him. He’s about three feet away now. I can smell his aftershave from this distance. My stomach does a cartwheel. I thought he’d ghosted me. He’s right here, like he never went away. A little paler. A bit thinner. Big beard that needs tidying up. Eyes sadder and older but there’s a hint of a smile as he examines me closely. “You look good,” he says. “I’m glad to see you.”
“Look, I don’t know what you think is going to happen now but I need to know something and I’m just going to come out and say it and not beat around the bush any longer.”
“Yes,” he says, taking my hands in his.
“What? You don’t even know what I’m going to ask.”
“Yes, I do.”
I fold my arms across my chest. “All right then, smart guy. What was I going to ask?”
He takes my hands again, squeezing them lightly. “You were going to ask if I love you and I do. I don’t show emotions easily but you make me want to. You’re a unique piece of work, Kelly. Infuriating, quick to judgment, insecure, more than a little bit neurotic. All too eager to believe that a lack of phone calls means I no longer want you. You should have more faith in me.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“But you are also the most wonderful woman I’ve met in my life. I’m glad fate sent you my way. I’m glad we’re married and I’m very glad we’re having a baby together. I wanted an heir and I got you to provide one. I call that a win from the universe. Don’t you?”
I look up at him and his smile broadens as he continues. “Did I guess right?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean you win, all right?”
“I don’t want to win. Winning bores me.”
“What do you want then?”
“To kiss you.” He leans forward, grabbing my face and pressing his lips to mine. I melt into his arms. All the anger I felt toward him vanishes in an instant. I’m left with pure desire and that itself is soon replaced by lust. When his tongue slips over the tip of mine, I almost collapse to the floor. “Come with me,” he says when he pulls away at last.
“Where are we going?”
“I’m taking you to bed.”
“But I’m not tired.”
He gives me a look that can mean only one thing. “I have no intention of letting you sleep,” he says, swatting my ass before taking my hand and leading me upstairs to what was his bedroom but is now ours. Our bedroom. Our home. Where our family will live. I’m filled with warmth at the thought.
Soon, I’m filled with something physical, something I’ve spent a long time missing. We spend the rest of the evening, and the nights that follow, making up for lost time. Me and my mafia Don.
NINETEEN
RICARDO
* * *
One year later…
The applause keeps coming. Kelly takes another bow up on stage before running off. I know what happens next. Same as every night. A count of five. One, two, three, four, and then back on stage to more cheers for the encore.
She starts to sing another number. God Bless the Child. Her biggest hit. The audience is rapt. I am too. The champagne sits unpoured in front of me.
