{TRIGGER WARNING! EXPLICIT CONTENT! DO NOT READ IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE IT, THANK YOU! Otherwise, enjoy!}



I close the door behind me and slowly turn around, noticing Hunter moving in the corner of the room.

Since Marco left a few hours ago, I have been trying my best to stay away from the basement. Because I knew I would get angry and maybe even kill Hunter, but I can't help it.

I need to make him hurt more, he deserves to hurt more.

'You're back already?' He asks with a sinister grin on his face.

The urge to kill him increases as quickly as the blood pumping through my heart right now.

'Missed me that much?' He continues, tilting his head a little.

He's hurting, but he would much rather mock me for still being alive than contain his energy.

'I mean, it's barely been what? Two hours.' I slept for over three hours, so that's impossible.

'You've been dreaming of me.' I say, glaring right at him, 'Because you're imagining things.'

'Maybe I was?' He chirps, tilting his head the other way as he smiles proudly, 'Maybe I was dreaming about you watching me.'

'Watching you.' I repeat, gritting my teeth as he chuckles to himself. 'Yes, watching me as I kiss your wife.'

Despite him still bleeding from the fresh bruises and cuts from yesterday, I shove my fist against his cheek.

'As I fuck the shit out of her.' I strike again and again, wanting to kill him even more and more with every word coming out of his mouth.

Blood splatters out of his mouth and nose, 'As I make her mine!'

I hit again and take a step back to kick him against the wall, leaving him breathless and heaving on the floor.

'I should kill you.' Not just for talking to Valentina, my wife, but also because of Leon.

Hunter groans as he looks up at me again, blood dripping out of his nose into his mouth, 'I thought Leya was going to kill me.'

'If you say something about her again, I'll hurt you even more.'

He chuckles as much as that's possible and shakes his head wearily.

'She was happy with me.' I shove my fist against his face again, kind of wishing that he would just die because of it.

But at the same time, I want him to hurt. I want him to suffer as much as possible.

'Shut up.' He groans and spits his blood at me, but he has barely enough strength and it falls on his own chest.

'What do you want?' He groans, leaning his back against the wall, his arms still chained just above his head. 'Answers.'

His grin only widens and it's making me want to shove my fist so far down his fucking throat- 'I already told you.'

Even though he's grinning, even though he's acting like he's going to get through this, his body says otherwise.

He's shaking, dried-up blood covering at least eighty percent of him, and his voice sounds more pained than ever.

'I don't know where your worthless cousin is.' I hit him again, making him lunge forward as all the air leaves his lungs again.

We broke his ribs a few days ago and I'm making it my mission to keep them broken.

I just want to kill him, but I need to know what he knows about Leon's whereabouts.

'Why him?' I don't think I've asked him directly.

Maybe because I didn't care or maybe because I didn't want to believe it at all. I still don't want to believe it.

'Because of Cataleya.' I hit him again and again, wanting him to suffer more and more with each breath he takes.

'She was happy with me.' He sneers, trying to look up at me. I want to hit him again, but he lifts his leg up with all his might and blocks my fist, making me grin.

He realizes that he might've blocked me, but it doesn't help him either.

I grab his foot and twist it the other way, hearing him squirm as I twist his legs in ways it's not supposed to go.

I can hear bones moving in ways they shouldn't and look at him, watching as the tears jump into his eyes.

'She's married to me.' I state, slowly pressing just a bit more before letting go of him completely.

He pulls his leg in and starts cussing at me, making me smile as I head for the piece of cloth laying on the table.

I wipe his touch off my hands and walk back to the door.

'You better talk soon,' I look over my shoulder and stare right into his eyes, wanting to just pull my gun and shoot, 'I'm losing my patience.'

I make my way back up the stairs and rush to the bedroom, hoping that Valentina is already headed to bed since it's almost midnight.

She suggested having a movie night with everyone, hoping that it would make everyone feel normal for just one night.

When I close the door to our bedroom, I can hear the shower running across the room, and silently make my way to the door.

As soon as I open it, steam spills through the door, making me smile.

She always showers too hot.

I look at her.

Her back is facing me, but her head is slightly tilted back, just enough so that I can see her face. She has her eyes closed as the water drips from her face and her head, down onto her back.

I trace the water, following every curve of her body as it slowly drips down to her waist and hips. Fuck...

My wife.

All mine...

'Perfect.' The word slips my mouth before I can even process it, making her jump as she quickly turns around and looks at me with wide eyes.

'Jesus fucking Christ! Are you trying to kill me?' She asks, brushing a hand through her wet hair. 'I would never.'

She playfully rolls her eyes at me and frowns, 'What are you doing?'

'Looking at my wife in the shower.' Even though the room is filled with steam, I can see the blush creeping up her face.

'Who said you were allowed to do that?' I take a step forward, wanting to touch her now more than ever, and smile. 'Do I really need permission to watch my wife?'

She nods while she tries to hide her smile and quickly turns around. 'Get out.'

'You don't want me to get out.' I know she doesn't.

If she did, she would've yelled at me to get out immediately. She would've thrown everything she could reach.

But she didn't.

I slowly unbutton my shirt, praying that she doesn't see the bloodstains on it, and drop it to the floor.

'What are you doing?' She asks again, slowly turning back to me.

Her eyes trail up and down my chest, as if she's trying to cover every inch of my torso with her eyes, and I feel something warm rush through me.

'I'm going to shower with my wife.' Her smile widens as she goes to turn off the shower. 'Your wife is done showering.'

'No, she's not.' I say, slowly taking a step closer.

She turns around, facing me entirely, and watches as I step closer and closer. 'Are you saying your wife is dirty?'

'She can be.' I chime, not bothering to take off my pants as I step into the shower and move even closer to her. 'Is she right now?' She whispers, looking up at me with lustful eyes.

'That depends on her.' I answer against her lips, waiting for her to give in first.

I always wait for her to give in first.

It's as if I need to know she wants this just as much as I do.

She stares at my lips, probably waiting for me to just kiss her already, but god does she look good.

She looks starved but ready to devour. As if starvation doesn't bother her at all. As if it doesn't affect her strength.

'She...' She leans up a bit, takes my hand in hers, and brings it down to her chest, 'She feels a bit all over the place.' Fuck...

Her skin is still warm and wet from the water, making me want her even more.

I brush my hand down her chest, barely touching her in order to keep myself restrained.

'Is that so?' She nods and leans back, her neck a clean canvas for me to mark, 'And what would my wife want me to do to make her feel better?'

'Everything.' She breathes, making me smile.

I brush my lips against hers, a quick and soft kiss before I take her hand and slowly drag it down her skin.

I can feel my fingers burning for more, more of her skin, more of her touch, more of her everything, but I make sure she's touching herself more than I am touching her.

She slowly looks back at my eyes as she tries to read what I have in mind. But I don't even know myself this time.

I don't know what I want with her most of the time we have sex, but I know that I want her.

More than anything in my life.

'I'll give her everything.' I whisper as I take her hand even lower and lower, ending at her waist.

I linger there for a second, kind of drawing circles to get her a bit more riled up. 'Rafael.' She whispers, making my heartbeat pick up again.

'Mhm?' She pulls me closer and tries to flip our hands around.

She wants my touch just as much as I want to touch her, but I won't be the first to cave.

'Touch yourself, Valentina.' Her eyes widen and she almost turns away out of shame, but I keep her in a little cage, leaving her nowhere to go.

I have done a lot with her over the past year, a lot of stuff that went a lot further than just touching, but every time it comes to this she just chokes.

As if it's too shameful to do.

'I don't-' 'Just like this.' I drag her hand back to her stomach and wait for her to look at me as I slowly drag her hand even further down.

Her body is warm and wet, driving me absolutely insane.

I guide her hand down and fight the urge to push my own fingers inside of her, while she shyly tries to find her own way.

I watch her, loving how innocent she gets when I ask her to touch herself, 'Just like that.'

She inhales slowly, pumping her finger in and out slowly, not once breaking eye contact with me.

'I need more.' I shake my head and take a step back, looking at her from a distance.

Fucking hell... This woman- my woman will be the death of me.

'Keep going.' Her eyes stay on me and I can tell she's still a little ashamed by her slowly reddening cheeks.

'Closer.' She whispers, her voice thick with lust. I keep my eyes on her and stay put, waiting until she comes to me.

'Rio.' I shake my head and watch as her arms slump to the side of her body, making me look at her face. 'Come here.'

'Why?' As much as I want her, I just want her to have this moment. I want her to unwind and calm down a bit. I want her to have this moment, knowing that I'll enjoy every second of it too.

'Because I want you to.' She says, looking at the ground. 'Touch yourself.'

'No.' She says, slowly looking up at me, 'Not until you move closer.' Right...

I take a step forward, staring at her hand as I wait for her to continue.

She slowly moves her hand back and starts rubbing her legs together. 'Do it.'

A moan escapes her lips as she rubs her fingers against her clit, making me take another step. 'More.'

She starts pumping her finger in and out again, her soft moans sending shivers down my spine.

I take another step, close enough to touch her, and watch as she plays with herself a bit more.

She is absolutely stunning, standing there against the wall, her body still wet from the shower.

She's probably cold...

I reach for the shower and turn it back on, making warm water drip on us both.

She looks up, not once stopping her hand from moving, while pulling me closer with her other hand.

Her fingers hook around the seem of my pants, the small piece of skin she skims igniting instantly.

'I want more.' She whispers, slowly pulling my pants down just enough so her hand can slip in.

I place my hands on the wall behind her and take a deep breath when her hand brushes over my shaft, dragging it out as much as she can, and look at her face.

Her mouth falls open just a little bit as she touches us both, enjoying the fact that she's doing this.

I don't stop the moans coming out of my mouth and almost press myself against her, almost giving in entirely, but I want her to get me there.

I want her to lead the way to whatever it is we're going.

Just this once.

'More.' She insists, pulling me even closer.

I tilt her head up and hear her groan at the sudden movement, but her eyes stick to my lips. 'Give me more.'

'Or what?' I ask, knowing that she doesn't like it as much when I do this.

But I like the look on her face. I like the fact that she'll cave. Just for me.

'I have you caged,' She stills against the wall and slowly brings her eyes to mine, 'You have nowhere to-'

Her hand slides to the tip of my dick, slowly squeezing the sensitive skin, and she smiles proudly at me. 'Are you sure about that?'

I step closer, giving her barely enough room to move, and clench my fist as my body trembles at her touch.

'Because it seems to me that-' I grab her wrist and pull her hand out of my pants, swiftly lifting both hands up and pinning them against the wall.

'Don't play with me, Valentina.' She rolls her eyes and jumps up, just high enough to wrap her legs around my waist.

I let go of her wrists and grab onto her legs, making sure she doesn't fall, and look at her playful eyes.

'Just shut up and kiss me.' I shake my head and turn off the shower again, enjoying the fact that her body is wet again.

'I hate you sometimes.' She groans as she wraps her arms around my neck and presses her lips on mine.

Heat takes over and I carry her to the sink, placing her on there as she tries to undo my pants.

Her hands go all over my torso, her touch making me heat up even more. As if waking through the fire with her isn't enough.

I need more of her too.

She swiftly pulls my pants down and I don't waste time as I thrust myself into her.

Just one brisk move, making our bodies connect the best they can once again.

'Shit-' She rolls her head back, placing her hands on my chest as she adjusts to me for just a second.

I still, enjoying her warmth and touch just like this, and take her all in.

Her breasts, her waist, her face, the way her hair is sticking to her shoulders, slowly draping down to her back, fuck.

She slowly drags her hands down and wraps her legs around me, trying to make me move even closer as she starts grinding her hips up and down.

'Rafael, I need more.' She mutters as she tries to get me to move. I fight the desire to just give in and fuck her, but it's taking every ounce of my self-restraint not to give in.

'More of what?' I ask trying to create some distance between us.

Her legs wrap around my waist a little tighter, making sure that I don't move back too much

'Please, just-' She groans when she realizes what I'm waiting for, but doesn't back down either. 'Make me come.'

Something rushes through me. It's like fuel to the fire inside of me, making me want to explode even more.

'All you had to do was ask.' I push myself all the way in again, making her moan at the sudden movement.

She steadies herself on the edge of the sink as I slowly start to increase my movement, finally giving in to the hunger that has been waiting for months.

Her moans drive me insane as I thrust myself in and out of her. She latches onto me, her nails digging into my skin as she struggles to keep herself up.

I lean down and cover her mouth with mine, just to be closer to the beautiful sounds she's making.

Right now, I don't care about the others in the house. I don't care about us making too much sound even though we should probably go to bed. I don't care at all.

I just want us to explode.

'Fuck!' She moans, rolling her head back again as her body trembles underneath me.

I drag my lips down her neck, marking all her sensitive spots with them as she gets closer and closer to her orgasm.

'Rio- I-' I go harder and try to get deeper, just making sure she's enjoying this even more.

Our wet skin clashes against each other time and time again, making this more sensual than before.

She moans out as her orgasm rolls through her, pushing me closer to the edge.

Like she's trying to lure me in, but I don't want to go there already.

I want to enjoy this more.

She presses her hands on my chest again, trying to make me slow down, but I push them away and pin them against the mirror behind her as I bury myself deep between her legs.

'You know what to say when you want me to stop.' I say as I watch her try to get her senses back.

She nods and slowly looks back at me, before nodding again. 'Yes.'

'Good.' I let go of her hands and pull her closer as I slowly start thrusting into her again. Her hands go around my neck as she tries to keep herself steady, but she fails miserably.

My body tightens as she leans up back again, her hips pushing her even further into me.

And I try to focus on something else for just a few more seconds.

I drag my hand down to her clit and start circling with my thumb.

Her body jerks, before following my movement to increase the tension. Fuck...

I take my other hand to one of her breasts and watch as she tries to keep me away just so she can take me a little longer.

She's not doing it because she wants me to stop, she's not ashamed to be doing this, she just wants to go on longer.

'Please!' I try to ignore her begs and moans and pants and just move my body to her rhythm, enjoying the way her body connects with mine.

'Almost baby.' I groan as I go a bit faster and harder, feeling her tighten underneath me.

She explodes underneath me, her body going limb for a good ten seconds before her legs start trembling more than before.

I pull her closer, her legs dangling off the edge of the sink as she tries to catch her breath.

'I can't-' She mumbles, wrapping her arms around my neck as she leans on me. I hold onto her, wrapping one of my arms around her waist, while the other wraps around her back, up to her neck.

'One more time.' I lift her up and slowly press her down on me, groaning at the sensation it brings as her cum drips down my legs.

Her arms tighten around my neck as she slowly starts grinding her hips again, making me smile as I bury my face into her neck.

I lift her up and down, my body screaming at me just let go already.

Our bodies collide, again and again, the moans filling up the entire room.

But it doesn't stop there.

They fill up my mind too, making me want to keep going like this forever.

'I'm close.' I whisper against her warm skin, making her lean back just enough so she can look at me.

And that does it for me.

I follow her over the edge, ready to drown in wherever it is she went, and my muscles tighten for a while.

I let it rip through me like a tornado and push her back onto the sink before leaning into her and letting go.

She does the same, her arms tightening again, before slumping down.

I'm out of breath, as if I just ran a million miles, but lean back to check on her.

Three times is quick, even for her.

'I'm okay.' She says, a little weary of her surroundings, as she tries to steady herself again.

I step back, watching as my cum drips down her legs now too.

A mixture of us both. The most wonderful sight to me...

I grab a towel off the rack and slowly wipe it away, savoring every second of it, before I help her off the sink and slowly lead the way to the bedroom.

She goes to put on some clothes and throws some at me, before slumping down on the bed.

I put on the clothes and look at her, noticing something shift in her eyes.

I make my way over to her and watch as she turns her head to me. 'That was-' She pulls me down and kisses me with a smile on her lips. 'I agree.'

We haven't had sex in a while, but it was worth it.

I lay down next to her, holding her body close to mine. I just want to hold her for now.

'Did I hurt you?' I don't even know why I'm asking, because I would've noticed if I had, but I just want to be sure.

'No.' She says as she looks up into my eyes. 'What's wrong then?'

She shakes her head and brushes her hand through my hair, making sure she can look at me, 'Nothing.'

A simple word.

Seven fucking letters.

The biggest lie ever.

'Valentina,' I look at her, trying to see what's going on inside that head of hers, 'talk to me.'

'It's just-' I knew it... I move back and watch as she sits up and looks at the sheets between us. 'What's wrong?'

'I'm yours and your mine,' She starts with a hint of shame in her voice, 'Not because we have to be, but because we love each other- I know that.'

She doesn't look at me as she speaks, making me wonder what she's hinting at. 'Valentina-' 'It's stupid, I know.'

I have no clue what she's talking about, but I hate that she's not comfortable enough to just say it.

'Sometimes I just feel like I'm more yours than you are mine... If that makes sense?' She says with her eyes pinned to the sheets as if she's afraid of my reaction.

'It's fucking stupid because I know you're mine- I mean, we're married for fuck's sake, but- I don't know, sometimes I just-' I take her hand in mine and watch as her eyes instantly meet mine.

She's not stupid. And her thinking that isn't stupid either. Because I suck at letting her know how much I care about her.

But right now. Right at this moment, there's just one thing that comes to my mind.

I get up and pull her with me, swiftly lifting her up as I head for the door.

'What are you doing?' She asks as I walk down the hall, heading for the front door. 'You'll see.'

'You don't have to-' I walk down the steps and feel her arms press against my chest again, 'Rafael, put me down right now.'

I can't help but small at her attempted command and continue walking down the stairs as she starts hitting my chest.

I march through the front door and watch as her eyes widen.

'Rafael! Put me-' 'You'll wake the others up.' I lie, knowing that they're probably asleep already.

Either that or they're deaf.

She goes silent and looks back at the house as I carry her to one of the parked cars. I put her down and wait for her to either get in or run away.

'Just ignore what I said, we should go back inside and-' She steps forward, probably expecting me to step away, but I don't and wait for her to get in the car.

'Rafael, can we just go to bed?' I shake my head and look at the car, before turning back to her.

She groans and turns around to get in the car, mumbling something before slamming the door shut.

I walk around the car and get in as well, immediately starting the engine and driving off.

'So you're just not going to say anything?' I shake my head and drive towards the city, hoping that Elliot already closed his shop.

She stares out the window, probably trying to piece together where I'm taking her, but doesn't say anything for the rest of the drive.

When we get to the city and I park the car in front of the tattoo shop, her eyes widen.

I get out and wait for her to do the same, so when she slowly climbs out of the car and stares at me with a curious look on her face, I sigh deeply. 'What are you-' 'Hurry up.'

I head for the door, making her follow behind, and reach for the flowerpot. Elliot always keeps a spare key in there.

'You don't need to do this, I was just overreacting.' I open the door and step aside, waiting for her to get in first.

'Rio.' She says, staying right where she is. 'There's no need for all of this. We should go home and go to bed, it's getting late and-' 'Mark me.'

Her frown returns as she looks me up and down as if I'm insane. 'There's no need.'

'I am yours till the day I die and I want everyone to know, so mark me.' I can see the faint smile playing on her lips and notice the hesitation in her eyes. 'Get in.'

'A tattoo is permanent.' I roll my eyes and take a step forward, her head tilting back a little further so that she can look at me. 'Do I have to carry my wife into a tattoo shop?'

'No, you need to take your wife home. This isn't necessary.' I grab her hand and lift it to my lips, slowly pressing a gentle kiss on her soft fingers. 'I want your mark.'

I've been thinking about getting a new tattoo, something that would remind me of her.

Not just her nail scratches, not just hickeys she would leave on my skin, not just bitemarks.

Because they all fade.

I want something permanent.

'So mark me so that the world can know- so that you can know that I'm yours.' Something in her eyes starts glowing and she inhales slowly, hesitantly looking at the shop behind me.

'Can I decide?' I nod and watch as she starts to hide her excitement, letting her lead the way inside. 'This feels illegal.'

'It probably is.' She stops and slowly turns around to face me, her eyes dead serious as if I just admitted to one of the worst crimes to exist. 'We'll be fine.'

I lock the door and turn on all the lights, leading her to one of the rooms in the back.

'I don't know what to do.' I shrug and take a seat on the chair, grinning as she thinks about what she wants to tattoo on me. 'Wait, where do you want it?'

I shrug and say, 'You decide.'

It's completely up to her.

'Right on your forehead.' She says playfully.

Almost completely up to her...

'No.' She rolls her eyes and steps closer, standing in between my legs as she gives me a quick kiss. 'How about on your ass?'

'You must be insane if you think-' 'I thought it was my decision.'

'Do you really want to tattoo my face or ass?' Her eyes widen and she leans back a bit more. 'I'm going to tattoo you?'

'Of course you are.' Her eyes widen even more and she starts shaking her head as she heads for the door again.

I grab her arm and pull her back between my legs, 'You're not going anywhere.'

'I can't tattoo, I'm too shaky and I'll ruin it and-' 'Calm down, you'll be fine.' I mutter as I slowly let go of her.

She looks at me and takes a deep breath, before stepping back.

I watch as she looks at all the other things in the room, secretly getting excited to do all of this.

'I only have one request though.' I say, making her turn to me again. 'And that is?' 'I can mark you too.'

She thinks about it for a second, 'You planned this didn't you?'

I've been thinking about it for a while, but I didn't think I would ever go through with it. Not like this.

'Will it be big?' I shake my head and wait for her to move closer, 'Wait? So you already have something in mind?'

I nod and take off my shirt, making her stare at me for a few seconds, before she returns to the other matters. 'What is it?'

'I'm not telling you.' She rolls her eyes and looks around the room one more time, before ending at me.

I get off the chair and walk over to her, 'No one will see it unless you show them this.'

I slowly lift her shirt just enough to see the tattoos she already has.

She looks up at me and nods, before taking a step back. 'Okay... Yes, I'll do it.'

I nod and move everything closer, getting everything ready for her, before sitting back down on the chair.

I quickly explain the basics and let her do a test somewhere on my arm. Just a little line.

'Do you already know what you're going to do?' She nods and looks at the all equipment to her right. 'But I'm not going to tell you.'

I nod and lean back in the chair, watching as she slowly grabs the machine and turns it on.

'Okay...' She leans forward, leaning toward my chest, and takes a deep breath, 'Here we go...'

I wait for the needle to touch my skin and look at her face, carefully watching as she moves around a bit.

She stops and leans back to look at what she has done so far, 'I think I fucked up already.'

I smile and pull her closer, making her sit on my lap, and shake my head. 'Continue.'

She sighs deeply and continues to draw as she sits on my lap, her legs straddling me as if she wants more of me.

'Almost done.' I can barely focus on the needle with her sitting in my lap, and keep my eyes on her.

'Done.' She slowly gets off and rushes to one of the mirrors on the side table to her right, before aiming it at my chest.

Right on my heart. Between all the other tattoos surrounding it.

It's a simple, three-letter, tattoo. A mark.

Her mark.

C. V. C. In her beautiful handwriting.

It's as if she was writing a letter, not one thing off about it at all.

But I can't help but smile at her choice of design. Because it's as if she could read my mind.

'Cataleya Valentina Curzio.' She whispers, slowly lowering the mirror. I hold it up and look at it a little more, relishing the way it fits with all the other tattoos on my chest.

'It's a little crooked, but I-' I drop the mirror and pull her closer, pressing my lips on hers as a thank you, even though this was my idea.

I get out of the chair and lift her up, before turning around and placing her on there. 'It's perfect.'

Her cheeks turn a little redder than before and I kiss her again. 'I like it.' A lot...

'It's stupid, but I figured it would be a mark.' I watch as she lifts up her shirt just enough for me to have enough space to work on my tattoo. 'You're going to laugh when you see what I have in mind.'

She frowns at me as I turn on the machine and lean down. I move to the butterfly tattoo and fight the urge to just cross over it all and ruin it.

Hunter left that mark on her while she was vulnerable. But I'm going to turn it around...

'Stay still.' She nods and grabs the edge of the chair, her knuckles whitening as I press the needle into her skin.

Right between the butterflies.

She hisses at first, but calms down after a while and watches my every move as I slowly finish my tattoo, wishing that I could wipe away the other.

I lean back and look at the mark I left on her.

My initials.

The letters R. A. C. right between those butterflies Hunter left.

'Done.' I pick up the mirror from the ground and turn it to her when I realize it didn't break yet, waiting for her to react.

Her eyes widen and she pulls the mirror out of my hands to look even closer. 'There's no way...'

She sounds... Excited?

'You had this in mind already?' She jumps out of the chair and turns to the bigger mirror on the wall.

I follow her and nod, staring at her through the reflection. 'I didn't even know you were going to do this and now-' 'I guess we just match.'

She stares at our new marks and smiles, before turning around to face me. 'This proves that we do.'

She pulls me down and gives me a deep kiss, my arms wrapping around her body to stop her from pulling me down even more.

I place her on the chair and get in between her legs, wanting to feel more of her skin again.

'We should head back home.' She mumbles against my lips breathlessly, making me stop for a second.

It's probably a bad idea to fuck her in Elliot's shop, and she seems a little tired. 'You're right.'

I pick her up and make sure both our tattoos are wrapped up correctly before we head back to the house.

On the drive back, she falls asleep in the car.

I carry her inside and bump into Marco, who rushes into the hall when he hears the front door open.

Something about him makes me spiral again.

And I'm filled with guilt.

It has been almost six months since we heard about his death and for the first time in those six months, I let myself go. I moved on for just a few hours. I forgot about him.

But the look in Marco's eyes is pushing me back into a corner, almost as if he's trying to make me suffer again.

I hold onto Valentina a little tighter, afraid I'll drop her if I don't.

Not because I can't hold her, but because I can feel myself crumble again.

'We need to talk.' Marco says, completely disoriented. As if he's drunk... Or high... Or worse...

He had to talk with the royal family about Leon's body, so he must have news about that.

'Let me put her to bed.' I say as I force my legs to at least get me to our bedroom. He nods and heads to my office while I take my wife to our bedroom.

I slowly place her on the bed, covering her body, before I walk back to the door.

My heart sinks as I close the door, yelling at me to stay in that room with her.

But my mind is spiraling. Something happened. Marco knows something.

I need to know what it is.

So I head back down the stairs and walk to my office, seeing him sit in one of the chairs.

I head for the last bottle of whiskey and quickly take two glasses, before turning back to him.

Whatever it is he has to say, I'll need a drink t get through it.

I lock eyes with my old friend and feel my heart tear at whatever it is he knows.

Marco's eyes are filled with despair. 'What is it?' I ask, pouring him a drink.

I slide the glass across the table and quickly fill up mine.

'You might want to sit down for this one, Rafael.' What?

I take a seat and quickly gulp down on my glass, before filling it again.

'What did they say?' He sighs deeply and takes a sip, before throwing a bunch of papers on the table.

There's a picture of a man with long dark hair on top, he's shot through the head at least three times. Dead.

I stare at the pictures and frown, before looking back at him.

His face is too fucked up for me to recognize him, but even if he wasn't shot, I don't think I'd recognize him.

'Who is this?' I ask, not understanding what this has to do with anything Leonardo-related.

'I sent you to retrieve Leonardo's body, and you return with this?'

He throws another file onto the table and points at the name. 'This is Leonardo.' What?

'Leonardo Casella.' My eyes widen at the name coming out of his mouth.

Casella.

I remember that name from when I was little.

Something with guns and a bunch of emeralds. That's what they wanted.

'The royal family thought we were fighting for him as much as we would for Leon because our families have been allies for decades.'

There's no fucking way- 'Leonardo Casella is the one the cops found at the scene.'

Casella. Not Curzio.

Which changes everything.

The police lied. Of course they did.

We risked our lives to help them, just to get lies in return. They'll fucking pay for this, that's for sure.

But if that's not our Leonardo, if Leon's body is not with the police or royal family, it means that he might be alive out there. The police did say they took every body that they could dig up. So if he's not with the police, it means-

'Does that mean-' He nods, chugs his glass, and throws it back onto the table before saying: 'Our Leonardo is still alive.'

----

A/N: Take back the fucking threats right now... Or I'll pull a fucking ACE OKAY!

LEON'S ALIVEEEEE!!!! Or is he?

Anyways, I LOVE YOU AND I HOPE THIS MAKES UP FOR ALL THE MENTAL BREAKDOWNS I CAUSED BECAUSE I'M SO FUCKING SORRY BUT IDK I JUST- Yes.

You guys better forgive me!

Don't forget to vote and comment on what you liked the most!

I'll see you in the next chapter babies! Have an amazing day/night my loves <3