Page 120 of Frayed Bonds

“It works, well the few times you have done it, it’s worked.”

She would've been glad to know.” I chuckle and he just stares at me. “What?”

“I love you. I love you with all of my fucked up, piece of shit heart, and I’m so lucky to have you.”

“I love you, too.” I reach up and I kiss him. I kiss him like it’s the last time I might ever be able to. Those words linger in the air and I know in my bones that he means it with every fibre in his body and I mean it with every fibre in mine.

The End.

Epilogue

Six Months Later

Valerie

Fate has a crazy way of putting you in the perfect situation at the perfect time, and in turn, taking you out of horrible situations at the right time.

If you had told me a year ago I'd be standing in Milan, at the opening of my second art exhibition, an exclusive event organised by my wonderful boyfriend Ambrose Vitale. I would have called you insane and then laughed in your face.

Yet here we are.

Between friends and family, only the most elite celebrities from around the world are here for the unveiling. The centrepiece of the event is the painting Ambrose and I “created” together. It’s surrounded by smaller, less passionate works that I created since then.

“I swear it looks like an ass,” Adriano whispers to Gus as I come up to stand next to them. Adriano’s arm sits awkwardly in a white sling, a stark contrast to his black suit.

“Valerie, please tell Adriano that this isn’t a pair of ass cheeks so he can shut up.” Gus looks over at me expectantly.

I take a large sip of champagne and eye the spot that they are referring to. Reliving the movements of that day, I actually can't remember if it truly is an ass print or coincidentally looks like one.

“See, I wish I could confirm that for you, but-” My assistant rushes up to me, interrupting us.

“There's an emergency in the east wing, the security said that I should call you.” My eyes widen and I offer the twins an apologetic look before dashing towards the area she spoke of.

As I step into the empty corridor, I look around, confused. There's no impending danger nor any real reason for me to have been whisked away from the main exhibition. If anything, it's so peaceful a part of me would rather stay right here than be out there schmoozing the rich and famous.

“I figured you might like a break.” A deep voice breaks the silence and I spin around at the sound.

And then he's everywhere. His entire presence captivates me as he leans against the door frame, staring at me lazily with a smirk gracing his lips. A smile stretches across my lips. He is perfect. A crisp black suit hugs his frame accentuating each of his muscles. My eyes land on his pocket square and the hint of pink makes my smile grow even larger.

“You know me too well.” I smile as he slides off the door frame and stalks towards me. His entire aura is demanding; demanding of my time, of my attention, demanding every single one of my cells to be his for a minute.

“I wanted to catch you alone,” he starts, the hand behind his back coming between us revealing a large bouquet of pink tulips. “I hope you like them, they reminded me of you," he smirks.

It feels like an eternity ago that Ambrose sent those tulips to my door as an apology.

“I love them. Thank you, Ambs.” I take the flowers and bring them to my nose to get a whiff of their sweet smell.

As amazing as their smell is, it's overpowered by the man in front of me, his warmth and scent invading every single one of my senses to the point that it's borderline overstimulating.

He gently grasps my wrist, guiding it and the flowers out from between us. His other hand cups my jaw and tingles shoot through my body at the small amount of contact.

“I don't think words can begin to explain how proud I am of you, sweetheart.” His voice is so low, so soft I almost wonder if he's speaking to me or himself. “The challenges you've overcome to get yourself here, the person you are. I'm so incredibly lucky to be able to call you mine.” With that, he presses his lips against mine so gently.

It isn’t hungry or overly passionate but it radiates deep within me. It's caring, warm and it's a promise. An acknowledgement that we've both made it here to be with each other despite all the challenges.

He pulls back and presses his forehead against mine, eyes closed, he whispers thanks and promises for a future together and I wish I could stay in this moment forever. I have everything I want right here with me in this little exhibition wing.

“One more surprise,” he breathes. Reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket he slides out a small pink box and my breath lodges in my throat in panic.

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