The car comes to a stop on our new drive, and I slip out a lot easier than I did getting in. As soon as I saw this dress, I knew it was the one. I couldn’t bring myself to change into a second dress for the evening party.
I’m slammed against the wall as soon as we step through the door. A new door for us opening to new possibilities for all. Every day that’s passed since the DiMarco’s took their last breath is another aspect of our lives that fall into place. Gabriella is running against the locksmith for the mayor’s position, and I’m backing her to win. The streets are alive with people celebrating our peace, and now our union. Work begins next week to rip down our homes and clear the lands to make way for housing for the poorer citizens. Life is great, and it’s only going to get better.
“I thought it would be enough knowing you’re my wife, but I still need more,” he growls, assaulting my neck with his lips.
“A part of me thinks I must have died, that this isn’t real. That I can’t be this happy and be alive.”
“I could shoot you again. I assure you, the pain would be very real.”
His grin lights up his eyes, along with my heart. A part of me understands him, but I’m no longer living, disbelieving anything. I’m enjoying every minute of every day. We have a lot to make up for, and I’ll be damned if I waste a second of it.
“And risk staining your beautiful dress in my blood? I’ll take your word for it.”
“Then kiss me.”
And he does. Like with every other kiss, he puts everything he’s feeling into it. It’s dizzying and overwhelming sometimes, but never a reason to deny him.
“I love you, Raphael.”
“My Mila, I love you more.”
A Dance of War Page 33