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As Teddy steps back, my business partners approach, their faces alight with celebration. Lawrence, Victor, Roman, and Sebastian surround me, offering congratulations and hearty pats on the back. Teddy claps me on the shoulder before excusing himself.
"Listen, guys," I say, gathering my resolve. "I've got some difficult news to share. For the time being, I'll be moving to Miami and resigning my position in the company."
Their expressions shift from shock to curiosity as I continue, "I intend to appoint each one of you as the CEOs of the various components you already manage. If you're at all interested in buying out my stake in each company, let's schedule a meeting. Until then, I know you'll do a great job, so keep things running the way they always have been."
Lawrence chuckles, his brown eyes sparkling with humor. "Well, you've only ever really gotten in our way, Giovanni, so this is a blessing!"
The others join in his laughter, and I can't help but grin at his jest. We shake hands, their well-wishes for my future echoing in my ears as they disperse back into the crowd.
As my business partners recede into the swirl of laughter and music, Lulu materializes before me like some bewitching vision. Her eyes are alight with an inner joy I've never seen in her before. "So," she teases, her voice a sultry caress, "are you done playing the dashing CEO for today? Ready to rejoin the party?"
"More than ready," I admit, unable to contain the excitement that surges through me at the sight of her, radiant as a tropical flower against the backdrop of our wedding reception. "In fact, I'm ready to start the rest of my life by your side."
"Ah, but don't expect it to be all sunshine and roses, Giovanni," she warns playfully, her eyes dancing with mischief. "We have challenges to confront, obstacles to overcome."
"Let's not worry about those today," I murmur, drawing her into my embrace. The warmth of her body against mine is a balm to my soul, soothing away the lingering shadows of doubt and apprehension. "Right now, let's just enjoy this moment, and leave the rest for later."
"Sounds perfect," she sighs, relaxing in my arms. Her smile is so bright, it seems to outshine even the dazzling chandeliers above us.
I hold my phone up and open the camera. “Do you mind?” I ask her. “I’d like to send a picture to my mother.”
“Your mother!” Lulu exclaims, clapping her hands together in excitement.
I nod my head, a bit of a sheepish smile forming on my lips. “Yeah. After you made that suggestion all that time ago, I tracked her down. Things happened so fast that she wasn’t able to to make it to the wedding, but I’m hoping we can go and visit her real soon.”
“Of course!” Lulu beams, moving in close so that I can snap a selfie of us and send it off.
“I’m so proud of you,” she says to me and her words fill my heart up to the brim.
I lean down and capture her lips in a kiss that tastes of love and promises, of passion and devotion. Time seems to slow, then stop altogether as we lose ourselves in the sweetness of each other's touch.
When we finally part, Lulu gazes up at me, her eyes filled with the light of a thousand stars. "I love you, Giovanni," she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. "I could never have imagined that my life would turn out like this, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Neither would I," I confess, my heart swelling with happiness and gratitude. "I love you too, Lulu, more than I ever thought possible. And I can't wait to see what the future holds for us."
As we stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around us fading into a blur of color and sound, I can't help but feel that this is only the beginning of our story—a story filled with passion, adventure, and boundless love. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Epilogue
The sun casts a warm, golden glow on my skin as I lay on the private beach, savoring the gentle caress of Giovanni's fingers trailing along my arm. The waves lap at the shore with a soothing rhythm, and I sigh in contentment. We've finally managed to escape the chaos of the city for our long-awaited honeymoon, leaving behind any concerns about his family's criminal past or potential threats.
"Where exactly are we?" I ask, squinting at the endless azure sky above.
Giovanni chuckles, the sound resonating deep in his chest. "It's a secret," he teases, his dark eyes twinkling with mischief. "But it's ours."
Our little cabin sits atop stilts, nestled right above the crystal-clear blue waters that surround this idyllic, tropical paradise. It feels like we've been transported to another world entirely – one where we're free from worries and responsibilities.
"Lulu," Giovanni murmurs, his voice low and seductive. "You look amazing in your bathing suit, but I think you'd look even better out of it."
I blush furiously, unable to suppress the grin that spreads across my face. "Oh, is that so?"
"Absolutely." His smile turns wicked as he effortlessly lifts me into his arms, cradling me against his strong chest. My heart races with anticipation, knowing full well what awaits us inside our secluded haven. I can't help but revel in how he makes me feel beautiful and small, yet cherished and protected all at once.
As soon as we cross the threshold, Giovanni kicks the door shut and carries me to the bedroom. He gently lays me down on the soft, inviting bed before hovering over me. His lips press tender kisses into my skin, and my breath hitches each time they move lower.
"Your touch..." I gasp, struggling to form coherent sentences. "It always... does something to me..."
"Good," he purrs, his fingers continuing their maddening exploration. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
