Page 50 of Diamond Fortress

And on the floor are my panties.

My panties covered in Dante’s cum.

* * *

When the room is dark, when I’m cuddled in his arms, the blanket pulled up around us, I finally whisper my truth.

“I kind of like it, you know,” I say. His lips move to the spot beneath my ear, pressing there sweetly.

“Like what, fiorella?”

“This. You and me.” He laughs a deep laugh that’s laced with sleepiness.

“I’d hope so. You’re pretty stuck with me.” I roll in his arms, laughing gently, slapping a hand on his bare chest, the hair there tickling my palm.

“No, you dummy.” I think and then revise. “Well, yeah, but that’s a given.” My lips move to his collarbone, pressing there, and his hand moves down my side to my hip then trails down the back of my leg to my knee, hitching it up over his hip.

It’s not sexual, just a way to get even closer to me.

He’s like that always, trying to get his body as close as humanly possible to mine, like if he doesn’t, he’s afraid I might disappear forever.

“Then what?” he whispers, the hand from my hip moving back up, skimming Dante’s oversized tee shirt I’m wearing, moving to brush hair from my face before stopping to cup my jaw. His face moves in, and he presses his lips to mine gently, altering my brain chemistry for a moment before I can answer.

“This. Us. Just . . . being. I love sex with you, but I like this, too.” I’m shy, trying to figure out how to say what I want to say.

How do I explain that this forced celibacy, this challenge of sorts has made me feel closer to him than ever. Made us talk more, find new ways to be together, and has nurtured and strengthened the bond between us.

I don’t, of course.

I don’t have to explain.

“I know, baby. Me too,” he says, and then I fall asleep with the knowledge that somehow, when it matters, we’re always on the same page.

FOURTEEN

The Carluccio Family:

Jason: Paulie’s number two. According to Johnny, has a daughter. Paulie gives him shit for it. Angle?

Dario: Paulie’s man. Seems loyal. Paulie is fucking his wife.

Gian: Paulie’s man. Wouldn’t stop looking at my tits. Easy.

Roddy: Dante’s man. Already loves me. :)

Marco: My man.

Vinnie: Carmine’s man. Old school. I don’t think he likes Paulie. Stir the pot?

Silvero: Likes me already. Misses the old days.

Tino: Technically Paulie’s man, but I think I won him already. Fucking Sammi. Talk to her about him.

Paulie: Piece of shit. Too arrogant for his own good.

Carmine: Manipulative. Has a plan no one knows about.

Dante: Mine.

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