Unforgivable Ties

Chapter 36

Stephanie

I was in that stage of sleep where I wasn’t fully conscious of the world going on around me. The past few days, it had been uncomfortable, and I had woken up feeling empty on Jessica’s sofa. Today, I was wrapped in a warm cocoon.

Vincenzo’s arms , I realized as I joined the world of the living. God, I had missed him so much. Being here felt so right, so familiar. His scent, an intoxicating mix of earthy woods and spicy aftershave, filled my senses as I burrowed further into his embrace. His heartbeat under my cheek was a steady lullaby that threatened to draw me back into the sweet abyss of sleep.

My heart did a little flip-flop when I thought of the previous night. He loved me. It was something I thought I’d never hear come out of the brutal mafia member’s mouth, but he had said it. Rough with emotion, those three words had slipped from his lips like a prayer whispered in the quiet sanctuary of the night.

And I loved him, too. More than I had ever dared to admit to myself. More than I thought it was possible to love another person. It was an all-consuming, soul-stirring love that was as terrifying as it was thrilling.

I traced my fingers over the arc of his well-defined biceps, remembering the way he had held me throughout the night. His grip was firm but gentle, each touch laden with a promise of protection and affection. I craved the low timbre of his voice saying my name, the way it rang like a melody in my ears. I wanted to hear him say those three words again, just to assure myself last night wasn’t a dream.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice thick with sleep.

“Morning,” I said, snuggling into his chest.

We laid in silence for a while, the only sound being the soft rhythm of his heartbeat and the distant chirping of birds heralding the dawn outside. His thumb idly traced circles on my back, sending shivers down my spine. The feeling of being here, right now, surrounded by Vincenzo’s warmth, was pure bliss.

“I need to ask you something serious,” he murmured, breaking the comfortable silence. His voice was low, a rumbling vibration that resonated in his chest and echoed in my ears. He shifted slightly, resettling me more securely in his embrace.

I lifted my head from his chest, meeting his gaze with a curious look.

“Do you want to stop working for us? Forget what Cesare said; I would find a way to get you out.”

Stop working in the warehouse? At this point, it was more than just a job for me; it was a part of my life. Patching up the hurt mafiosos and saving their lives because no hospital would take them without asking questions. It was a cruel paradox; I healed those who caused harm, but I also gave them lives they may not have had otherwise.

But I loved it. Working with Cesare in the old, unsuspecting warehouse, helping everyone out.

“I actually missed it,” I said, my cheeks turning pink. “When I was watching Dr. Malden perform surgery, all I could think about was how much more I preferred working at the warehouse.”

Vincenzo’s eyebrows shot up, surprise casting a shadow over his handsome features. He ran a hand through his hair, looking at me with an incredulous expression. “You prefer our makeshift operation over surgery in a hospital? You’re serious?”

“Yes,” I responded confidently, my gaze unwavering. “I want to stay.”

He kissed me then, a sweet seal of acceptance on my decision. His lips were warm, moving gently against mine. I felt him sigh, the tension in his body slowly dissolving as he pulled me closer.

“I’ll tell Cesare to fuck off with asking you to help harvest organs,” he said, running his hand along my lower back.

“No, that’s ok. I’ll give it a try,” I responded.

His eyebrow shot up again, his gaze searching mine for any hint of uncertainty.

“When Dr. Malden—The Surgeon? I don’t know how I should address him—and I were talking, we got into the dark sides of the profession. He’s right: no matter where you go in the profession, there is always darkness,” I said. “So, I think my darkness belongs here.”

Vincenzo fell silent, his dark eyes softening as he surveyed my face. “You’re not scared?”

“No,” I replied. “I want this life, Vincenzo. With you.”

He brushed a stray lock of hair away from my face tenderly, his fingers lingering against the warmth of my flushing cheek.

“You can’t just say shit like that,” he groaned. He pounced on me and I was pinned on my back to the mattress. “It’s fucking hot.”

His lips crashed against mine with a possessive hunger, claiming me as his.

“I love you, Stephanie,” he murmured between kisses, making my heart flutter. “I love you so fucking much.”

My heart pounded in my chest at his confession. Last night wasn’t a dream, after all.

“I love you, too,” I replied.

I wasn’t afraid. Not of the darkness that lay ahead, not of the grim tasks that awaited me at the warehouse, not even of The Surgeon’s looming presence. Vincenzo was my rock, and as long as I had him by my side, I was invincible.