Page 67 of King

“I’m so fucking sorry, Zina. I had no idea it was that bad.” I say in horror.

She shakes her head. Smiling.

“It’s ok. It can be different now.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you come to me with the information when you overheard them?”

Santino shifts nervously. Romeo is breathing so loud I can hear him.

She glances at the boys then back at me.

“I thought I could talk to them myself and find a way to sort it all out. But then - when I saw you fighting with him tonight I realized that the more secrets we keep from each other, the more we hide and whisper, the further this family drifts apart. So, here we are - all cards on the table for everyone to see. Its better this way. I’m not angry. All I want is for everyone to see that we can work together. We can solve things together.”

Santino nods, Romeo quickly doing the same.

“I’m sorry.” Santino mutters, struggling with the words. “I’m sorry too.”

I stare at both of them. “It would have broken me, to know you were capable of such horrors. To know you were willing to hurt me like that.”

My son’s shoulders slump forward in defeat. When Santino looks up at me his eyes are wet with tears. “I’m so sorry, dad. I wasn’t thinking. I only wanted to protect you.”

Reaching out I squeeze his shoulder.

“Can we move past this?”

He nods.

“Good.”

* * *

That night, after dinner ends, I take her hand and lead her to my room.

Pulling her into my arms I nestle her safely against my chest.

She shocked me today. She showed her strength in ways that took my breath away. Her ability to deal with that - it was beautiful.

And it opened my eyes to the mistakes I’ve been making all along. In my own confusion - I gave my sons room to hate her.

But I am the king of this mansion. This is my family. They run by my rules and when I make a choice - they follow.

I never made a choice. And it sent them into chaos.

I’m making a choice now.

Leaning down I kiss the top of her head, the warmth of her scent teasing me.

“I’m done pretending I’m not in love with you.” I whisper.

The softest little gasp sounds from her and she tilts her head up to look at me with wide, beautiful eyes.

Her lips part as she searches my face, a million questions flickering through her eyes.

I laugh. Brushing her hair away from her face and tucking it behind her ear. “I love you, Zina.” I smile.

Her face suddenly glows, her side brighter than I’ve ever seen it.

She reaches up and grabs my face and pulls me against her lips to kiss me.

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