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“Just listen to me, Katie, please.”
“Go on.”
“Katie, Mrs. Guerra. I love you with every bone in my body. I can’t hide it. It's written all over my face. My body language oozes my obsession. You are my weakness.”
“And this is bad?”
“Yes. You make me weak. If I continued to lead as I did, you would never be safe. My enemies would always be seeking out the opportunity to hurt you. The leader of the Guerra must never be afraid. They must sacrifice themselves and their loved ones to protect their kingdom. Mrs. Guerra, I would sacrifice my kingdom to protect you.”
“Oh, Leo.”
“This way, my father dies in action. The Don dies with his wife along with the warrant which the Martelé had for killing their leader.”
“You’ve got this all planned out, haven’t you.”
“I had a little help.”
“COME ON!” Marco’s voice echoes down the tunnel, his huge frame blocking the light to the opening.
“Can you run in those shoes, or would you like me to carry you?”
“I can run.”
As we set off running, I overtake him, slapping his bum as I go.
“I told you I don’t like surprises.”
“This is the last one I promise, everything after today, you get to decide.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“I have no doubt you will.”
Halfway down the tunnel my heel gives way from the running. I don’t fall though, my husband’s strong arms pick me up and carry me the rest of the way.
When we reach the end of the tunnel, Marco stands with Maria. Pulling her into me, I give her the biggest hug; I have no words.
Moving then to Marco, I pull him in for a hug as well. To my surprise, he hugs me back, well, sort of.”
“Stay safe.” He nods when I let go. Leo then embraces Marco.
“Thank you, Boss,” Leo says to Marco shaking his hand.
“Come, you need to get going.” Maria ushers us on the waiting speed boat. Leo helps me in; he opens a hatch just big enough for us both to lie down. We say our final goodbyes and close the door. Leo pulls me on top of him, kissing my head.
“Just me and my wife from now on.”
The boat’s engine start’s and we literally sail into the sunset.
Epilogue
Three years later
Katie
“Mark, look at the state of you. You’re supposed to pick the grapes, not eat them.” Picking up my very sticky two-year-old, he giggles when I tickle his tummy.
“Leo, you shouldn’t let him eat too many; they’ll give him tummy ache.”
