Page 100 of Sins and Secrets

I chuckle and kiss her temple, my chest constricting. “How about a bath and one drink? You shouldn’t be getting drunk after what you’ve been through. We need to make sure that there is nothing wrong with your head.”

She waves a hand as we stand at the edge of the tub. “I’m fine.”

“One drink, Billie. And you’re getting checked out by the doctor.”

Though she sighs, she does nod and smiles up at me. “I’m glad that you’re here. I don’t think I would be able to wash the filth off my body myself.”

“Funny,” I say, shaking my head as I help her out of her clothing. “But there is no way that we’re fucking tonight. You’re bruised up and need your rest.”

“Fine.” Billie leans against me while I start filling the tub with the water. “You win this time. But next time, I’m winning.”

I laugh and help her into the steaming tub before stripping down and sliding in behind her. “You can win for the rest of our lives if it means that you’re safe here with me.”

Billie closes her eyes and leans back against me. “I’m with you forever.”

My heart soars.

I sit beside Billie at the edge of the pool, watching as she swirls the water around with her toes. She takes a sip from her glass of bourbon and tilts her head back to stare at the stars.

We’ve only been home for a couple hours, but seeing the doctor took longer than expected. While Billie is fine, there is a considerable lump on her head and dark bruises on her face and neck.

Even looking at the marks Paolo left on her makes me want to bring him back from the dead and kill him again.

“What are you thinking about?” Billie asks, her voice soft as I reach for my own glass of bourbon.

I swirl the liquid around in the glass before taking a sip. “I want to buy a house off the compound. Somewhere you and I can be without the mafia seeping in. I want to give you the life you deserve. I want to build us a life that we can love. I want to get you the ring you deserve and I want you to have the wedding of your dreams.”

Billie looks over at me with a smile that makes my heart skip a beat. “I don’t need any of that, Alessio. I’m happy to be with you. There doesn’t need to be anything more than that for me.”

I sigh and slide into the water. Even though I should be happy that my problems with Paolo are finally over, I can’t stop worrying about Billie. She’s fine, but she might not have been if I didn’t get there in time. I could have lost her today.

“Billie, you almost died today. If I want to give you the world, then I’m going to do it.” I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close to me.

“And what happened to letting me win for the rest of our lives?” She smirks and tilts her face upward, silently demanding a kiss. I grin and kiss her slowly, savoring the taste of bourbon and Billie on my tongue.

“I did say that, but not about buying a house or a ring.” I kiss her temple quickly before taking another sip of my drink. “You’re the love of my life and I get to spoil you. Especially after everything that we’ve been through.”

She gives me a playful roll of her eyes. “Fine. I guess you can win that one. Maybe a couple others in the future. We’ll see about that.”

I laugh and lean back, propping myself up on my forearms. “Why don’t you tell me about what else is going to happen in this future of ours?”

Billie hums and turns slightly to face me. “Well, I was thinking maybe a couple kids. A wedding. Some nice vacations in countries I’ve never been to. Maybe the odd mafia job every now or then.”

“And what about your dreams of owning a resort? Are you still going to make that happen?”

Billie nods. “Yes. Actually, I was going to talk to you about that when I got back. I’m going to be purchasing the property in Savannah. I won’t have time to be your assistant anymore.”

Pride fills me as she pulls her phone out of her pocket to show me pictures of the property. It’s a stunning piece of land with beautiful views. Billie’s entire face lights up with each new picture she swipes through.

“This is amazing, Billie. I’m so happy for you. If there’s anything you need, let me know.”

The smile that she gives me could melt the coldest heart. “Thank you. I appreciate the offer.”

“Anything for you, Billie. Now, why don’t you tell me more about how we’re going to grow old together while we finish our drinks?”

She puts her feet on the edge of the pool and lays back to look at the stars. “I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the night with you.”

EPILOGUE

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