Page 43 of The Tourist

Our kisses grow more passionate, our hands exploring each other's bodies with a newfound urgency. I lift her into my arms and carry her to the bedroom, our love and desire driving us forward.

As we undress each other, I take in every inch of her body, marveling at her beauty and strength.

"You're so beautiful," I whisper, my voice filled with awe.

"Make love to me, Diego, before you have to leave."

I lower her onto the bed, and our bodies tangle together in a dance of desire and love. Every touch, every kiss, every movement is filled with a sense of healing and hope. We move together effortlessly, our bodies finding a rhythm that speaks of our love and connection.

We reach the peak of our passion, and our cries of bliss fill the room, unrivalled proof of the intensity of our emotions. When we finally collapse into each other's arms, our bodies spent and satisfied, I hold her close as our hearts beat in unison.

"I want you to be by my side," I whisper. "Not just now, but always. I want to build a life with you. You’re my heart, my soul, my everything."

"I want that too. I will always stay by your side, Diego. Together, we can face anything."

I kiss her deeply, our love and commitment sealing our future together.

"I want to come with you to Mexico,” she announces suddenly. “I want to be there when you rescue Serena and be at your side when we bring her home. I want to do this for Serena. I want to be there for her and offer her the support she’ll need. And I want to do this for myself. I don’t want to be afraid anymore."

I start to shake my head but stop myself. The protective side of me wants to refuse her request, but the other side of me, the one she has brought to the surface, is telling me she needs to do this, and I know she’ll be the best person to help my sister.

"I want you to come with me,” I tell her, nodding. “From now on, we’ll face every battle together, we’ll rescue those who still need saving, and we’ll help those we save on their road to recovery.”

“I will stop you from falling into the darkness. You saved me, Diego, and I saved you. Together, we will save all the other victims who need our help."

We both slide from the bed, and as we begin to pack our suitcases, I think about our future together.

I know I’m not a good man, but I’m a better man because of Chloe and her strength. I will continue to run my business the way I always have, and if someone tries to steal from me or betray me, they will suffer as a consequence. That is who I am and will continue to be, and I know Chloe understands.

Our love will guide us through the hard times, bringing light and hope to our lives. The dark side of my world will never again be allowed to take those I love from me. After we’ve rescued Serena, we’ll help those who have nobody else to save them and destroy all those responsible.

I have found my soulmate—the one person who accepts the life I live and is always there to support me and fight by my side.

Epilogue - Chloe

The vista in front of me is a riot of color, the vibrant hues of Mexican flowers, cosmos and dahlias, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our wedding.

Diego’s garden, once a place of solace and reflection, has been transformed into a scene of celebration and joy. Paper lanterns sway gently in the evening breeze, casting a soft, warm light over the guests seated on wooden chairs adorned with ribbons and flowers.

Standing at the entrance to the garden, I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. My white dress is light and airy, a simple yet elegant design that flows around me with every step I take. The fabric is soft against my skin, a stark contrast to the rough edges of my past. Today is a new beginning, a day filled with love and hope.

Diego is standing at the altar, looking dashing in his cream-colored linen suit with his dark hair neatly combed. When he sees me, he gives me a wide smile, full of affection. My heart swells with love and gratitude, knowing he is my future.

I begin my walk down the aisle, accompanied by my father and mother, one on either side of me. I asked them both to give me away because I couldn’t choose between them. I’ll be forever grateful to my parents for the love and support they’ve given me throughout my life, and I was thrilled when they told me they’ve decided to give up their lives in England for six months every year to spend time with me here.

I see the faces of our family and friends as I walk. Eaton and Shelby stand together, their smiles warm. Shelby’s eyes are misty with tears of happiness, and Eaton gives me an encouraging nod. It’s a quick and discreet gesture, typical of him.

A face in the crowd has me pause for a moment. I didn’t expect to see Marie Jose here today. The elderly lady who attended to me when I was in captivity is now Sister Maria. I haven’t seen or spoken to her since I was rescued.

Eaton explained to me that she’d been sold to my captor and forced to work for him against her will. She told Eaton that she’d wanted to help me and the other slaves, but she was punished every time she tried. After she was rescued, she entered a convent and took her vows to atone for what she perceived as her sins. Eaton tried to persuade her that she had nothing to feel guilty about, but she told him it’s where she feels safest.

Serena is here too, her hand resting gently on herswollen belly. Felix is standing beside her, his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders. She’s improving every day, but she’s still not back to her full strength. Her face is a picture of serenity. I’m overwhelmed with emotion, knowing that she is safe and loved, and I’m thankful she has given her blessing for our marriage.

I can’t help but notice the sadness in her eyes. She still needs to share her story, and when she is ready, I will be there for her. We’re best friends and nothing will ever change that.

The four others who were with me at the slave auction are here as well. They stand together, a reminder of the bonds forged in the fires of adversity. The Nephew, The Indebted, The Princess, and The Nobody. Today, they are part of our celebration as they find their way back to a new normal, having been taken, sold, and rescued.

One of the flower girls, Emma, is walking just ahead of me. When she turns to look at me, her innocent smile and bright eyes are a poignant reminder of the complexities of life. Emma is the daughter of the man who ambushed us outside the restaurant and attacked Diego. She’s wearing a white dress with a lavender sash and is scattering petals as she walks.

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