Cat and Mouse (New York Mafia Syndicate #1)

Epilogue - Elizabeth

The warm Sicilian sun pours through the kitchen window, illuminating the cozy room. I lean against the counter, cradling my round belly with both hands.

"Leonardo," I call out, my voice playful, "you better not be eating all the cannoli before I get a bite!"

He strides in, a smirk plastered across his handsome face, flour dusting his dark hair. "Just testing the quality control, cara," he teases, holding up a half-eaten cannoli. "It's for the wedding, after all. Wouldn't want to serve stale pastries."

I roll my eyes, trying to keep a straight face but failing miserably. "You're gonna spoil your own wedding with your sweet tooth," I laugh, stepping closer. "Besides, I think I've earned a little indulgence, too. Remember? I'm the one carrying your child."

He sets the cannoli down and moves closer, wrapping his arms around my waist. "The child we made in love," he murmurs, kissing my forehead softly. "I still can't believe you're actually here and it's happening. I'm gonna be a dad."

"Yeah, well, just wait until you're up at 3 a.m., changing diapers," I tease, leaning back to look into his eyes. "This is no fairy tale."

"Doesn't matter," he says, a hint of seriousness in his tone. "I've got you. And I'll do anything for you and our baby."

"I love you!"

He steps closer, cupping my face in his hands. "You know I love you, too, right? This life, this baby—it's everything I've ever wanted."

I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety swirl in my stomach. "I just can't believe it. Sometimes it feels like a dream. Like I'll wake up and it'll all be gone."

Leonardo leans in, his breath warm against my skin. "This isn't a dream, Lizzie. It's real, and it's ours." He kisses me softly, and my worries fade, if only for a moment.

"Did you talk to Matteo today?" I ask, pulling back slightly.

He nods, a smirk forming on his lips. "Yeah, he's still adjusting to being the acting capo. But he's handling it well. I'm proud of him."

"He deserves it after everything," I reply, feeling a swell of pride for him.

"I think so, too," Leonardo agrees, his gaze darkening slightly. "But we're safe now. We have a future ahead of us."

"Speaking of the future..." I trail off, a playful glint in my eyes. "Have you thought about names?"

He chuckles, shaking his head. "No, not really. You've got this whole thing planned, don't you?"

"Maybe a little," I tease, biting my lip. "How about Leo if it's a boy?"

"Leo, huh? I could get behind that." He grins, his hand slipping to my waist, pulling me closer. "And if it's a girl?"

"Elizabeth," I say, my voice softening. "After me. I want her to carry my strength."

His eyes soften, and I can see the warmth in his gaze. "I love that. She'll be fierce, just like her mother."

"Or she could be a sweet little thing," I counter, laughter bubbling between us.

"Sweet? Ha! With you as a mom? No way." He smirks, his teasing tone lightening the mood.

"Hey! I can be sweet!" I protest, playfully nudging him. "I just don't show it all the time."

He leans down, brushing his lips against my ear. "I've seen your sweet side, Elizabeth. Just don't forget the fire that comes with it."

"Trust me, I won't." My voice drops lower, filled with promise. "You've taught me well."

His gaze sharpens, a hint of desire flickering in his eyes. "I hope she has your eyes… and you're making me think of all the ways I want to show you how much I love you tonight."

"Like what?" I ask, teasingly arching an eyebrow.

He steps back, a playful smile curling his lips. "How about I marry you first?"

"Oh, I can't wait. I can't believe I get two wedding nights in my life and I'm somehow married to the same man both times."

"Exactly," he whispers, leaning in until our lips are almost touching. "I'll make sure you're begging for me by the time I'm done."

I feel a rush of warmth at his words, my body responding to his intensity. "You think so?"

"Oh, I know so," he replies, his lips brushing against mine. "And after tonight, you'll remember exactly who you belong to."

"Is that a promise?" I challenge, my heart racing.

"More than that, Lizzie. It's a guarantee."

"Do you miss it? Your life in New York?"

He looks at me intently before shaking his head. "All that blood shed? Hell no. I much prefer my hands to be stained by red wine."

"So absurd," I say before kissing him softly.

Three hours later, I take a deep breath, the scent of wildflowers surrounding me as I clutch my bouquet. The warm sunlight filters through the leaves of the towering oak trees, casting a gentle glow on the outdoor wedding setting. Rustic wooden chairs line the aisle, adorned with delicate lace and twined with ivy. The vibrant colors of the flowers pop against the natural greens and browns of the surrounding nature.

As I make my way down the aisle, the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet accompanies the sweet melody of a live acoustic guitar, played by a hidden musician. The atmosphere is serene, a harmonious blend of nature's beauty and the anticipation of the ceremony ahead.

Leo stands at the end of the aisle, his dark eyes fixed on me with a mixture of excitement and tenderness. Dressed in a sleek charcoal suit, he exudes an air of sophistication that complements the rustic charm of our surroundings. The sunlight catches the silver flecks in his hair, giving him an almost ethereal glow.

We lock eyes, and I see a reassuring warmth in his gaze that eases the nervous flutter in my stomach. I reach him, and he extends his hand, a gesture that's both familiar and comforting.

"Ready for this?" he whispers, his voice a low murmur that only I can hear.

I nod, a small smile playing on my lips. "More than ready."

As we face the small-town Catholic priest, I can't help but marvel at the contrast between Leo's strong belief in the church and his actions as the biggest serial killer New York has ever seen.

The priest, a kindly figure with a white collar peeking out from his traditional robes, smiles at us. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..."

Leonardo tightens his grip on my hand, a silent reassurance that we're in this together, beliefs aside.

The ceremony unfolds in the embrace of nature, the priest's words blending with the rustling leaves and the distant song of a bird. Vows are exchanged, promising a future entwined with shared dreams and challenges.

"Do you, Alex, take Mia to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the priest intones.

"I do," Leo replies, his voice steady and full of conviction.

As the priest pronounces us husband and wife, the guests erupt into joyous applause.

Leo pulls me into a gentle embrace, sealing our union with a tender kiss. "I love you, mia cara," he whispers against my ear.

"I love you too," I reply, feeling the joy of those words, the promise of a lifetime.

***

The soft melody wraps around us, and I feel Leo's strong arms holding me close. The little community we've formed celebrates our union, and as we dance, I can't help but smile. The papers say we're Mr. and Mrs. Marcia, but Leo insisted on a wedding.

His playful flirting makes my heart race, and I get lost in the dance, in his eyes.

"Your hair looks stunning," he whispers, planting a gentle kiss on my cheek. I blush, not used to this life, but with Leo, everything feels weightless, happy, and free. As we sway to the music, he suggests we leave, and I eagerly agree.

We share a sweet kiss, and soon, we're on our way to the mansion surrounded by endless vineyards, a world Leo bought for us.

The night air is warm as we arrive, and Leo sweeps me off my feet, carrying me over the threshold.

"My wife, my Elizabeth," he declares, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

I playfully slap his chest, "I'm Mia now."

He chuckles. "You were always mine."

Soft light spills from elegant chandeliers, casting a warm glow over the room saturated with the fragrance of fresh flowers. Leo guides me to a space adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows from which we have a panoramic view of sprawling vineyards—a sight that steals my breath.

"I hope you're happy here," Leo says, his gaze filled with a sincerity that tugs at my heart.

"Here in Sicily, or here with you?" I tease, allowing a playful smile to grace my lips.

He turns me to face him, his hands tracing gentle patterns up and down my back. He's focused on the zipper of my dress, and each of his deliberate motions sends shivers over my skin.

"With me," he affirms, a smile playing on his lips.

And in this luxurious haven, surrounded by his love, I'm more than content.

"You are my home," I declare, lifting onto my toes to place a tender kiss on his jaw.

"Perfect. Now, can we get this dress off of you? Because I've only thought of getting you out of it ever since I saw you walk down the aisle," he admits, his desire evident in his dark eyes.

I smile at his honesty as he skillfully removes my dress. In this intimate moment, right here with him, I realize that this is exactly where I'm meant to be.

As the fabric pools around my feet, the air crackles with anticipation. The room, now drenched in a sultry ambiance, mirrors the intensity between us. Leo's hands explore the curves of my body, setting every inch of my skin on fire under his touch.

I fucking adore him and the life we've built together.

His lips find mine in a hungry kiss. The world outside the expansive windows fades away, leaving only the two of us in this cocoon of desire.

He cups my breasts in his hands, enjoying the weight of them. He massages them, rolling and pinching the nipples before he leans down and takes one stiff peak into his warm mouth.

I'm already so close to coming, and he's barely touched me yet.

My husband is a master at what he does, and what he seems to enjoy most is unraveling me. He lets go of my nipple with a loud pop.

"Lizzie, you better take out my cock," he orders before returning to lavish his attention to my other nipple.

With trembling fingers, I undo his fly and watch in fascination as his cock springs free.

I'm licking my bottom lip as my hand wraps around his length. He rewards me by biting on my breast before sucking again a little harder. I'm delirious.

I'm moaning as my hand moves up and down his cock. This doesn't feel nearly as good enough. So, I let go of his cock, which slaps bounces about, and make quick work of getting rid of his buttoned-up shirt. I pop one button after the other before tearing it off him. Then my hands slide into the waistband of his pants and boxers and drag them down.

Leo has stopped, and he's watching me in fascination. He grunts in pleasure as I rake my French manicured nails up and down his well-defined torso. He pushes me backward toward the bed, and I land on my back.

"I'm going to taste you before I give you my cock."

"Yes, husband."

"Now open your legs," he commands.

I obey, my breath heavy, my fingers grabbing onto the sheets.

Before I can register it, he leans in and swipes his tongue through my center, and I shudder.

"Do you like that, baby?"

"Yes."

"Do you want my cock, mia cara?"

I nod, my entrance slick with arousal.

"Say it, Lizzie. Say you need my cock."

"I need your cock," I whimper.

"You love me fucking you, sweetheart?" He asks as he starts to drive into me.

"Yes, yes Leo!"

"Say it."

"I love you fucking me!"

He kisses my stomach, turns me over, and half lying on top of me, spreads my legs wide open.

"Cazzo, I fucking love being married to you."

Then he pushes me down gently, lifts my hips, and slams into me. I moan and squirm, trying to adjust to his delicious intrusion.

"This is your cock, Lizzie."

"Yes!" I cry out.

He growls before leaning down and wrapping his hand around my throat. I love when he chokes me while he's inside me. He squeezes gently, then pulls out of my pussy before slamming back in.

My eyes roll to the back of my head, and I'm pretty sure I can see stars. This position is letting him sink a little deeper. My breath quickens.

"Aah! Fuck! Fuck, Leo! I'm going to come. You're going to make me come!" I moan.

"Then come for me, wife."

I whimper loudly, my back arching and my legs trembling as I crash. My eyes roll back as my inner muscles squeeze around him.He curses in Italian as his thrusts turn erratic.

I can barely take it.

He pulls his cock out and instead of coming in my mouth like he's so fond of doing, he turns me around again and comes on my heaving breasts. I'm sore and marked by him in every way possible.

I just lie on the bed heavily. I follow him with my gaze as he gets up. He makes his way to our bathroom and comes back with a warm towel. I'm so spent as he cleans me up.

Then he slips into bed, pulling me on top of him.

"Stay with me forever, Lizzie. Raise babies with me right here."

"Really?" I reply, looking into his beautiful eyes. "I thought we established that when we got married. You still want to hear it?"

He nods as he kisses the side of my head. "Yes, mia cara . "

I hope he sees the truth in my eyes as I say, "I'll stay, I promise." And for the first time in a really long time, I actually mean it.