Page 97 of Dark Mafia Vows

Emotions clogging my throat, I lean in to press my lips against hers. Ginny immediately hums softly into the kiss, bringing her soft hands to my face as she tilts her head to kiss meeven deeper. My tongue slips in, searching her mouth, taking all of her, giving her all of me.

When I pull my lips away from hers, we are both breathing heavily. I press our foreheads together for the millionth time and close my eyes.

And for the first time in a long time, everything feels right.

“What’syour favorite ice cream flavor?” Ginny asks from the passenger seat beside me.

We were discharged from the hospital this morning, and the first thing Ginny requested as soon as I drove us out the gates was vanilla ice cream.

“I don’t have a favorite flavor,” I say, turning the steering wheel into a corner street.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who doesn’t have a favorite ice cream flavor.”

“Well, I don’t eat ice cream.”

Her disbelieving gasp fills the air, and I chuckle when she looks at me as if I’d just admitted to a heinous crime.

“Why not?” She asks, then raises her hand in the air before I say anything. “Let me guess. You think it’s unhealthy, and you’re obsessed with being fit?”

“Oh my god. How did you know that?” I drawl sarcastically.

She catches on to my tone before releasing an annoyed huff. “Well, too bad. As long as you’re married to me, you will learn to like ice cream. And sweet treats...”

Her voice trails off as if she remembers something.

“Mr. Jenkins told me you bought the store in my name.”

I feel her warm gaze on the side of my face, and an involuntary smile pulls at the sides of my lips.

“I hadn’t realized I was in love with you then. I just thought I was doing it because I felt bad for taking the building you wanted so badly.”

I feel her soft hand slide over mine on the center console before she murmurs a soft, “Thank you.”

As we pull into our familiar neighborhood, I glance at her, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery with a peaceful expression on her face.

When we drive into the compound and pull into the driveway, Ginny’s breath hitches. She looks at the house as if she’s seeing it for the first time. I park, get out, and walk over to her side, opening the door for her. She steps out slowly, taking in the place, her home.

Our home.

Some housekeepers rush to welcome us in, going to the trunk to retrieve a few of our belongings that had been brought to the hospital. I intertwine my fingers with Ginny’s as we head toward the front door.

Piper is the first to rush towards us as soon as we step into the house. A pleasant laugh escapes Ginny’s lips as she bends down to scoop the puppy into her arms.

“Piper.” She laughs as the dog licks her face, her tail wagging in excitement.

I spot Rosa next as she emerges from the kitchen, wiping her hands with a napkin.

“You both arrived just in time. I just finished making lunch.”

Ginny drops Piper carefully on the ground before leaning down into Rosa’s waiting arms.

“Mmm,” Rosa hums with her eyes closed. “It feels so good to have you back, my dear.”

“It feels good to be back,” I hear Ginny mumble, her face pressed into Rosa’s shoulder.

When they detangle from the hug, I watch Ginny’s eyes sweep over the space.

I don’t say anything, just watch her as she moves from the living room to the dining room, as if she’s rediscovering each corner of the house anew. When she steps into the kitchen, she stops, her fingers tracing the marble countertop where she’s spent so many hours baking.

---