Page 125 of DeLucas After Dark

"Close enough," I conceded, collapsing onto the couch in a fit of giggles. Vito wrapped an arm around me, his strong presence a constant reassurance.

As the evening wore on, we reveled in the friendly competition, teasing and jesting with one another.

"Alright, Vito, it's your turn," I said, handing him a slip of paper. He furrowed his brow as he read the prompt, then stood up, ready to act it out.

"Wait! Isn't that cheating?" Marcello accused playfully, pointing at Vito's attempt to mimic a Christmas tree by standing tall and motionless beside our tree.

"Hey, I'm just using my natural talents," Vito retorted, smirking as the room erupted in laughter once more.

Amidst our laughter, I caught sight of our son, nestled securely in his bouncing chair nearby. His eyelids drooped heavily, struggling to stay open as sleep pulled him under.

"Vito, I think it's time for us to put the little guy to bed," I whispered, nodding towards our drowsy child.

"Of course," he replied softly, his gaze lingering on our son with unmistakable affection.

We excused ourselves from the game, promising to return shortly. As we entered our son's nursery upstairs, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. I gently placed our sleepy son in his crib, the soft fabric of his blanket cradling him like a cloud. Vito stood beside me, his strong arms wrapped protectively around my waist as we watched our child drift toward slumber. This quiet moment shared between husband, wife, and child was intimate with only the faint glow of nightlight shining on us.

"Sleep tight, little one," I whispered, brushing a tender kiss on his forehead. Vito followed suit, his lips lingering just a moment longer as he let out a silent prayer for our son's safety and happiness.

"Goodnight, mio tesoro," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. Even in the darkness, I could see the love shining in his eyes.

We stepped away from the crib, our hands intertwined as we made our way to the door. My heart swelled with an indescribable warmth, the kind that could only be ignited by love. As we stepped out of the nursery and closed the door behind us, the way Vito's hand lingered on mine, the way his gaze seemed to linger – it was as if the intimacy of the moment with our child had ignited an entirely different kind of passion within us.

I could feel my heart racing, my breaths quickening as we made our way down the hallway. The tension between us was palpable, thick with desire and need. My mind, body and soul remembered the way his lips felt on mine, the way his touch sent shivers down my spine. As we reached the stairs, I knew it wouldn’t be long before we gave in to the overwhelming passion simmering beneath the surface.

Back downstairs with our guests, I could feel Vito's gaze on me, the unspoken longing that held us captive in its grasp. Our guests’ laughter and conversation continued around us, but our focus remained solely on each other.

"Nicole," he began, his voice barely above a whisper as he pulled me close to him on the couch. "When I get you alone tonight, it’s going to be a movie.”

I chuckled, my heart swelling with emotion as I looked into his eyes. "I love you too, Vito."

The warmth of Vito's hand enveloping mine felt good. We were determined to finish the evening on a high note. We laughed and conversed until finally, the energy began to dwindle and Marcello and Safia said their goodbyes.

I savored the sensation of Vito's hand around mine as we saw Marcello and Safia to their car, with a good time had by all.

"Vito," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the soft hum of music that filled our home. He didn't reply, but kept me close as we ascended up the stairs towards our bedroom, preparing ourselves for what would come next.

"Vito," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the soft hum of laughter and music that echoed from the dining room. He once again didn't reply, but the firmness of his grip spoke volumes.

As we entered our bedroom, the gentle glow of candles scattered throughout the room. I couldn't help but shiver at the sight – the flickering flames casting shadows on the walls, creating an intimate sanctuary for us to escape to.

"Nicole," he murmured, his eyes never leaving mine as he closed the door behind us, effectively sealing us into our caccoon.

"Vito," I breathed, taking in the essence of my desire, which was suffocating, intoxicating, and utterly overwhelming all at once.

"Let's not speak," he suggested, his voice low and urgent. "Not tonight."

I nodded in agreement, allowing myself to be swallowed whole by the heady combination of passion and desire that coursed through my veins. This was the calm before the storm, and I intended to savor every moment of the calm and the storm.

Slowly, oh so slowly, we began to undress each other. Our movements were deliberate, almost reverent, as if each article of clothing removed was another layer of armor stripped away. With each button undone and zipper lowered, my heart raced faster, our connection deepening as the barriers between us crumbled.

"Nicole," he whispered again, his breath hot against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I knew he was seeking reassurance to take me roughly.

“I thought you said we wouldn’t speak,” I whispered back, my voice trembling with the weight of our love. He didn’t have to ask for permission to take what he needed from me.

Our eyes locked, and the world around us faded into nothingness. The music, the candlelight, our heavy breaths – all ceased to exist as passion consumed us. For one perfect moment, it was just us: Vito and Nicole, bound together by a love so fierce it defied explanation.

“I just have to let you know that I love you so fucking much,” he said, breaking his silence.

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