Page 75 of Forbidden Fruit
“Keep looking at me like that and see what happens,zitella,” he says without looking up.
“I can’t help it,” I whine. “You’re so hot like this, Daddy.”
“Come here.”
He closes the journal, bookmarking the page with his pen, and places it next to him on the console. Every time he gives me an order, my heart beats such a drum in my chest, I feel it all the way to my clit. It’s like a Pavlovian reflex at this point. His voice drops low, and I’ll do anything he tells me to.
Lino grabs me by the hips. I land on his lap and don’t have time to breathe before he steals it away from my mouth, his tongue already demanding entry into my mouth. I let him and give in, turning soft under his warm hands. He threads his fingers through my hair and pulls lightly. I whimper; I need more.
“So needy,” he chuckles. “Before we get carried away once more, I want to tell you how proud of you I am. You did so well inyour exams. I’m sure you’ll get in wherever you want. Have you set your mind on a school yet?”
My throat dries and any lust clears. A cold sweat drips down my spine, but then I remind myself that he loves me, and my decision won’t change that. From the beginning of our relationship, I vowed to never forget my goals and I know where I want to go next. No matter what happens, I know we’ll make it work.
I nod. “Melbourne.”
His eyes widen before his smile slowly lifts the corner of his mouth until he beams at me with joy. “Australia. That’s the best chiropractic school in the world. You’re gonna crush it,” he says, then kisses me with intentional and languid strokes of his tongue. My heart drops because I never planned on having a long-term relationship for so long, but we’re strong enough to withstand the distance.
“We’ll have to find a place that’s not too far from your school, so it’s not too much trouble for you to come back home every night. I’m sure I can find a good school for the kids, and…”
“Wait,” I interrupt him, “what are you saying, Lino?”
“Zitella, I’m not letting you go. We’re coming with you. Where you go, we go.”
“What about the children? Isn’t it going to be too big of a change for them? And what if it doesn’t work?” I’m spiralling, a thousand questions invading my brain. But once again, Lino stops everything with a sweep of his lips on mine and a hold that would crush me if I didn’t need it so much.
“Where you go, we go,” he repeats.
Tears stream down my face and I laugh. I laugh so hard I can’t seem to stop, holding Lino to me like he might change his mind. I have found in him more than love. I have found a partner, someone so committed to being better that he does the work every single day without complaint. His smile andsparkling grey eyes take my breath away. I can’t believe I’m going to have everything I’ve ever wanted, all thanks to the man in front of me.
“I love you so much, Lino Marquesi.”
“I love you, Vanessa Winfrey. And you’d made me the happiest man if you became Vanessa Marquesi.” His eyes drop to his hand where he holds a pink-gold diamond ring in between two fingers. My eyes oscillate between his and the ring. More tears fall. I don’t care that I must taste like salt more than myself as I crash my lips to his.
“Is that a yes?” he asks in between furious kisses. I just nod and laugh and cry, but I don’t release him.
“Your kiss has never tasted so sweet,” he says.
“That’s the taste of forever, my love.”
THE END.
EPILOGUE - TEN YEARS LATER
“Mum, we’re gonna be late!” Anton calls out from down the stairs to his mum, who’s taking her sweet time getting ready. I’m as impatient as he is, fidgeting with my wedding ring to have something to do until she shows up.
“You know she always takes forever. I don’t why you didn’t tell her the event was at six instead of six thirty. Then she’d be ready,” Livia says with the attitude of a thirteen-year-old who can’t be bothered to spend time with her parents anymore. She doesn’t even look up from her phone.
“Who are you texting?” I ask.
“None of your business,babbu.”
Jesus, help me, it better not be Anton’s best friend. Livia’s had a crush on her for a year, but my baby is too young to date. I’m about to say something when my words catch in my throat.
“Sorry, sorry. Jade’s twins are driving her up the wall and you know when they nap is the only time she can call me,” she rambles, but stops short. “What?”
She’s magnificent, that’s what. Dressed in a long satin, dark red dress with an outrageous slit open to reveal her lush thigh, she looks like the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. And she’s all mine. I can’t believe I get to call this woman my wife.
We’ve been through a lot these past ten years. Between the antidepressants that I had to adjust three times before finally finding the perfect dosage and Monica’s passing in a boat accident seven years ago, grief and pain have been partners we could have done without. But it was all worth it when I look at my beautiful wife and our amazing children.