Page 88 of Ruthless Roses

For several seconds, I’mgone. I’m wrapped up in a chemical high only Delphine brings me.

I have to make a conscious effort not to collapse all the way on top of her.

She slides her palms along my jaw and pulls me down for a breathless kiss anyway.

We stay like this for a while—me inside her, the wet evidence of our love between us, kissing and holding each other.

“How was it?” I ask, almost in jest. I’ve finally gained enough willpower to pull out of her and take my place at her side.

She shoots me a slight smirk. “I didn’t think of the kids once.”

We both erupt in laughter. We curl into each other, entwined in our favorite cuddle position, and lay like we have no intention of ever getting up.

And we don’t. At least for a while.

After we do get up shortly to clean up and change, we’re checking on the kids one last time before we resume our time in bed.

Delphine yawns laying her head on my chest, her eyelids heavy. “Tonight, was perfect. It feels good to let go and take these moments for ourselves.”

“Yes,” I tease. “I love when I get you to stop thinking.”

“You’re just about the only one who can.”

“It’s a talent.”

Her nose wrinkles, though the sleepy smile that takes over her face is telling enough. Her tone turns drowsy as she murmurs, “Somehow, your cockiness makes me love you more.”

“Anothertalent of mine.”

Our conversation carries on like this. Silly, random conversation that ranges from teasing each other to the cats and dog, the kids, even a TV show we’ve been binge-watching together. Eventually, Delphine drifts off, and I spend a moment longer enjoying the moment.

My sleeping wife in my arms and my children just across the hall.

I’m truly the family man I never thought I could be.

Experiencing a twisted upbringing like mine, I never thought I was capable of being one.

Maybe Delphine’s right, like she’s right so many other times. Maybe my fucked up childhood has made memoreappreciative of the good things.

I’ve been given the gifts that are Delphine, Dominic and Serena, and I intend on cherishing them every fucking day. So long as I’m alive.

My lifestyle as Don in the Mancino crime organization may be what I’m known for by the general public, but that role pales in comparison to my most important roles in life.

Husband and father.

I kiss Delphine’s brow and reach over to twist off the only bedside lamp we have on. Darkness commences, cloaking over us and our bedroom. Instead of being consumed by it like so often in the past, I’m slipping into a deep, comfortable sleep.

I’ve finally made peace with the dark thanks to the light my family gives me.

epilogue - delphine

2 years later…

I rollover with a deep yawn racking through me. I might as well be coming out of a deep hibernation the way I’m so well-rested. I sit up and stretch my arms above my head. Bright light streams in through the tall bedroom windows.

It dawns on me I’ve slept most of the morning away. Checking the time on my phone confirms as much.

I’m usually an early riser. Even on weekends.

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