Page 106 of Till Death Do Us Part

We stopped to pick up some takeout at a deli for me, and a deep-dish pizza for Felice at Pequod's, before we headed to the penthouse. I sighed when the doorman told Felice a bunch of boxes had been delivered for me. Of course. Babbo had cleaned out my room, like he’d wiped me from his life. Some of the boxes were busting at the seams. He’d stuffed as much as he could into each one.

For a reason beyond me, I didn’t want to face the boxes yet. I left Felice to direct the doorman where to set them while I headed out to the balcony. The sun was just starting to set. Strong gusts of wind blew off the water. If my clothes wouldn’t have been secured to my body, it felt like they might take flight.

Even though I wasn’t ready to face the boxes, I needed two living things from Babbo’s. Romeo and Juliet, my two goldfish. Amanda, Babbo’s cleaning lady, was supposed to be taking care of them for me. I didn’t want Babbo to stop her from doing it, so I’d asked Elsa to grab them when she got back from Taormina.

I pulled out my phone and sent Elsa a text.

Me:Can you bring Romeo & Juliet to the office on Monday?

A few seconds later…

Elsa:About them…seems Romeo & Juliet, the fish version, had the same ending as the play.

She sent me a picture. Romeo and Juliet’s bowl had been tossed in the trash at Babbo’s house. The glass was turned on its side. Rocks and their little love cave were left, but no fish.

Elsa:No matter what anyone says,Romeo and Julietis not a romance. It has romantic elements, but that’s about it. It’s a tragedy. Just like what happened to your fish. I’m so sorry.

“He killed my fishes!”

“Fishes?” Felice came to stand next to me, his back to the water. “You been watchingThe Godfatherwithout me knowing it, Dino?”

“Babbo. He killed Romeo & Juliet!” I was so mad, I wanted to kick something. My foot shot out and hit the stone railing. It burned like a bitch, but it felt good too.

He was quiet for so long, I turned my face to see if he’d heard me. He looked down at me. He wore that blank look again, like…I have no clue what the fuck is going on in that head of yours. What do I do with you, you little alien creature?

To his credit, he asked, “Romeo and Juliet were your…fishes?”

“Yes! And he threw them out. Why would he do that?”

“Some people kill whatever represents the hurt to make themselves feel better.”

“These were innocent fishes.”

“People kill fish for dinner, my little herbivore.”

Most people would have said “catch fish for dinner” but Felice was blunt about the truth.

“These werepetfish, Felice. Not food. He didn’t have to do that.”

He pulled me toward him, rubbing my arms. “I’ll buy you all the fishes in the world.”

Even though Babbo had hurt me, and I was covering it with anger, my mouth twitched when Felice saidfishes. He caught it and narrowed his eyes at me.

“Still trying to figure me out, Carnivore?”

“It’ll be a lifelong quest, I’m sure.” He took my hand and led me back into the penthouse. “Time for dinner. Not fish. After, I’m going to fuck you so hard you won’t be able to do anything but sleep. Then business.”

“Pleasure before business, Maggio?”

He lifted me up and set me on the kitchen counter. I opened my legs and he stepped between them. He ran his hand through my hair and then pulled my head back. I was forced to look up at him.

“You before the world.” The conviction in his tone matched the intensity in his eyes. “Doesn’t matter who, when, or where.”

My throat felt tight. “Kiss me, Felice.” My voice was barely above a whisper.

His eyes locked on mine before he moved so slowly toward me, my breaths became erratic. Our lips barely touched. Small tastes. I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. He hoisted me up, carrying me to the bedroom. He set me down on the bed, and taking his time, undressed me. I did the same to him, my hands exploring his body.

His shoulders were wide and his waist slim. I could feel every muscle in his arms. His legs were long and muscular, but nothing about him was overly done.

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