Epilogue
What. The. Fuck
Three exact words play on fucking repeat in my mind, expressing what I feel in a spectacularly correct way and edging me on, alongside the immense amount of nerves consisting of equal parts excitement and insecurity.
My hands remain clammy by my sides. Over a hundred and fifty eyes opposite me aren't to any help, but nothing in comparison to the clock ticking by in slow motion, or the four pairs of eyes boring into the side of my head.
Only one looks at me in pure amusement, the other three have underlying threats in them.
Ones I'm more than aware are fucking useless, seeing my intentions with their sister.
"You okay?" Joey chuckles from beside Xav, my best man.
"Does he look okay? Stupid question." Xavier mumbles, tugging at the collar of his white dress-shirt with a hint of a smile on his face. Dark five o'clock roughens it up and makes him look older than twenty-seven.
"Yeah, true." My groomsman replies thoughtfully.
I glare at them.
Idiots.
Straightening up, I clear my throat. Clench my jaw.
Compose myself. Bite back the dimpled smile I know will make me look like a kid on Christmas morning once she's in front of me.
"I'm fine." I answer. Fingers twitch from the restraint of not touching my hair.
"Does my hair look okay?" I need today to be amazing, just the way Avery and I have dreamed of for years.
Me looking ridiculous and my hair not being a ten out of ten won't make this picture perfect.
Literally.
"Yes. Your hair looks the same way it has for the past five minutes now, Aiden." Tristan answers exasperatedly from down the line of men on my left side. This might be the twentieth time I'm voicing this question.
Nodding, I stare down the wide pathway made up by white flowers and chairs tied with emerald ribbons around the backs. Sweat layers my palms. Fuck...
I'm fucking nervous. There's no reason to be. But what if she regretted this? Woke up this morning and decided that this kind of commitment is too much? What if Avery realised that she's too young to be doing this? What if she decided that this isn't what she wants at all?!
I allow my lungs to expand with air. It's my Avery. The woman who's loved me unconditionally since the beginning.
My slowing heart accelerates pace when the doors of the venue's building open from the inside.
We'd decided to have an outdoor spring wedding in Sicily.
The date of our day, tattooed between my collarbones and the same as our engagement's anniversary.
Roman letters, a dark contrast to the shiny pendant engraved with her name, dangling from my neck over it.
Ry cried when I showed her what I'd gotten inked.
The venue building is old, made by beige stone that illuminates golden in the sun. Vineyards, old chapel and the lake behind me, everything we'd wanted for the setting.
Lips turn upward in amusement when the last bridesmaid walks up the aisle, to stand on the right side of the flowery arch. Zach's wearing an emerald tux, matching the gowns worn by the other two girls. "Stop being nervous," he mouths as he passes me.
Avery had insisted on her younger brothers being part of the bridal party, and since only one bridesmaid was missing, Zach called shots on the spot, leaving Parker and Ashton as flower-men.
You'd think Xavier's the one getting married with the sharp breath he draws in when Avery's Maid of Honour - his fiancé - descends toward us.
Summer looks beautiful. Fiery red hair is pulled up in a bun, decorated with diamond studs and an emerald gown, that matches the other two in color and texture, but not in style, flares behind her.
She smiles brightly at me, and I nod, inhaling deeply.
In less than a minute my girl will stand in front of me.
Laughter erupts through the crowd. Twirling, Ashton sprinkles more rose petals over his head, smoothly winks at me and follows his older brother to a first-row seat.
Gaze drifts over the crowd of immediate family in the front.
My parents, our grandparents, Summer's mom, even Ethan and Avery's dad sit there, the rest of our people standing beside us.
Flavio had visited again on Ry's graduation.
Impassive smile and formality melted away when he approached her.
Instead, a thick layer of dejection combined with relief plastered her face when their confrontational conversation provided a genuine sense of closure.
I'd never been more protective than I was at the moment, terrified she'd get hurt.
Thankfully, it allowed my girl to set boundaries and slowly mend the broken parts of her relationship with her dad.
Four years later, she decided to walk down the aisle by herself. Allowing him to be present, but within the limit she'd be comfortable with.
Noting the gracious change of musical tunes, my mind returns to the present.
Heart drops. Breath hitches. Would it be too fucking cliche, if everything around her blurred?
"Oh my..." I exhale, eyes fixated on Ry. "Fuck." The priest glares at me.
Zach tsks teasingly, but gets ignored by everyone.
Why do my eyes sting?
Beautiful.
Breathtakingly beautiful as she treads lightly up the aisle.
My lungs expand with restricted oxygen. Long white dress drags behind her, compelled to follow her every step toward me.
High slit up her leg allows glimpses of the tan and smooth skin of her thigh and calve.
Pearls embed in intricate lacy patterns over white, silky fabric that hugs her curves elegantly.
Slender fingers clutch onto a bouquet consisting of a large assortment of white and pink flowers in front of her middle. Peonies and roses.
Detailed bodice closes over her chest in a slight sweetheart neckline, I think it's called, which is held up by thin straps, adorn by more pearls and shiny stones.
I can't wait to strip it off my wife later.
"Whoa..."
My eyes skim the swell of her cleavage, arch of her collarbones, velvety rose color of her lips and soft-cut features, accentuated by dark hair falling straight down her back, until finally, they lock with hers.
The most gorgeous woman. My woman.
Smile that made her glow a millisecond ago, breaks into a wide grin. It lights up every dark corner of my heart. Sets it on fire and claims it repeatedly. I know I just fell a little harder.
Pure bliss flows through my every vein when she's finally in front of me.
Utter disbelief devastates all sense of control.
She's all mine. The knowledge builds up my rationality and before the priest has a chance to begin our ceremony, my lips are kissing her passionately in front of everyone, taking the opposite direction than the one our wedding coordinator directed us to follow. And bordering inappropriate.
Ry's nails scratch down my shoulders, over my forearms. Fuck. Dragging my mouth from hers, I see her flaming red cheeks. Forehead rests on temple. Lids shut, sweet scent evading me. "You're so fucking beautiful, baby." I whisper so low only she can hear.
Color nipping at her cheeks deepens, gaze darting over the whispering crowd, quickly. "Thank you."
"I can't wait to be you husband." I mutter, locking my arms about her deliciously curvy hips.
"You can do all those things after the wedding. I'm waiting," Summer's teasingly impatient tone, interrupts our moment, probably giving my mouthed words an entirely different meaning, one closely related to my thoughts.
Avery lets out an embarrassed giggle and pulls back to look at my face. Soon the priest begins, but his holy words fall on deaf ears. All I can focus on stands in front of me. Beauty, unique and hypnotic.
Only when my girl utters her "I do", do I snap back to reality.
Our priest turns to me, "Do you, Aiden De Rossi, take Avery Marchetti to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," I state confidently, vision glazing over when I slip the silver, diamond band on her finger. Single tear carves a wet path down her cheek, million-dollar smile widening.
"Then, with the power invested in me I pronounce you husband an-" Bending my head, I kiss her with everything that I've got. Possessing her as my, "-wife."
Palms cup her neck and cheek, tongue coaxing her mouth open. Lips fuse and hold, everyone erupting into cheers around us. It's background noise.
Fuel to the thunderous whirlpool of emotions, erupting within.
"I love you, A." Avery breaths against me possessively.
"And I love you, Mrs. De Rossi."
......
Big eyes stare at me with undying curiosity.
The most perfect mixture of Avery and I.
They're big, like hers and the mesmerizing color is a deep shade of green; my wife says it's entirely my doing, but I beg to differ.
My eyes are pure emerald, our son has golden brown flecks in his; a feature of hers I'm fucking in love with.
I chuckle at the grabby hands he makes at my face. Mushing it into his soft neck, I blow against the baby-soft skin. "Daddy!" Enzo giggles loudly, squirming on my lap.
I laugh at his failed attempt to frown and glare.
At almost two, he's like my tiny replica.
Smacking a kiss to his cheek I lean back, scoop him closer to me.
Savour the moment, the same I do with any else.
"What colour do you think mamma's dress is?
" I ask in my gentlest tone, digits stroking circles on his small back.
Scrunched brows smooth out, and a finger points at the black of my suit-jacket. "Black?" I ask nonchalantly.
Nodding, he encases as much of my neck as his arms allow, "Daddy's color."
I chuckle. He's so fucking smart.
"Aiden!" My girl shouts from somewhere in our house, most likely the staircase, something that's turned out to be a big issue for her the past month. Enzo's eyes light up at the distant sound of her voice, face withdrawing from the column of my neck.
Instantly, I perch up with him. "Yeah, baby?"
We'd moved into a mansion six months after our wedding, wanting our small family to expand in a house.
Queens turned out to be the perfect place for us, though we kept the penthouse in Manhattan.
For two years straight, we kept switching between the two places daily, then my sweet wife got pregnant with our son.
Now, our old home has turned into our escapade for one-on-one time.
"Can you help me put my shoes on?" She yells.
Standing up, I place our baby on the couch, drape Ry's baby blue, body pillow around him and stuff more cushions on top. He can walk and sit just fine, but I'm not taking any risks. I'd vowed to protect him the moment I first held him in my arms. That includes from the floor too. "Coming!"
"I'll go get mamma, okay? You just sit there. Don't move." I instruct, peck his forehead and stride into the lobby.
The moment my eyes settle on Avery, my blood runs cold.
"Did you fucking fall? Fuck, baby are you alright?
I told you not to walk down the staircase by yourself again.
" Rambling, I rush up the stairs. She sits down on top of the right staircase, hand clutching the small of her back, legs stretched out in front of her.
Annoyed eyes meet mine, "No. I just can't stand long with the ten-pound baby you put in me, Aiden." She taps a manicured finger to her cute bump in emphasis.
Smiling, I peck her nose apologetically. "Sorry, I'm just terrified after last time."
Ry's fingers trace lightly over my jaw, expression soft.
"It's okay to be scared, but you know I fell because I got dizzy.
It won't happen again, babe." She kisses me reassuringly, tongue swiping over my bottom lip to tease.
Sultry gaze meets mine, holding all kinds of promises.
"Now help me put my shoes on, or we'll be late. "
Tonight, is ball night. And like every year for the last seven years, my beautiful girl will be accompanying me to the gala. Our trusted maid, Castelle will babysit Enzo while we stay the night in Manhattan.
After Ry got her bachelor's in business, she started working as a department manager in one of Xavier's legitimate businesses.
It made her lose interest of the family's original business, and now she's barely included in the dark stuff.
Not that we'd ever allowed her to be. But would there be more of her in the mafia, it'd be harder to depart.
Unsurprisingly, I feel thankful for her loss of interest.
My girl is too pure to get caught up in the thirsty traps of the crime families surrounding her. Too good for our fucked up universes.
None of it makes her less indispensable in the twisted circles. As a wife to a ruling boss, social events, required her presence and attention.
Hence why a black gown - the color our son predicted - wraps around her gorgeous body.
A slit that reminds me of her wedding gown, cuts up the side of her leg, meaning that she'll be able to wear her Forces, without anyone noticing and gossiping too much about it.
The fabric hugs around her belly, showcasing her bump.
It's fucking hard to believe that my baby's in there. Pride packs my chest.
Standing on even ground, I give Ry a twirl, appreciating the sight of her. Chestnut strands sit in a half up half down style, showcasing the diamonds on her earlobes and the shiny A around her neck. Red lips drive my mind to a dangerous place. Send my blood pumping.
Slapping her perfect ass, I yank her into me. Calloused thumb outlines pouty lips, "will you let me fuck those tonight?" I rasp lowly.
Despite all the years we've been together, nothing has changed in the way my words make her blush.
It makes me happy that I still have an effect on her, the same she has on me.
Fuck. I fall deeper in love with her every day.
It isn't easy in the slightest. Work and devotion makes everything worth it.
Biting her lip, Ry peers at me through her shadowy lashes, "you know I will. "
Tilting her chin up with my thumb and forefinger, I kiss my wife deeply. Distant sound of pattering feet draws a groan from my throat. Little cockblocker.
Avery flashes me a smile and pats my hardening cock condescendingly over the material of my pants.
Fuck.
"Hi," Enzo smiles cheekily up at us.
......
Open floor plan where the gala is taking place, overfilled with guests and different kinds of tables, maintains obnoxious noisiness. Classic music from an orchestra in the corner of the huge ballroom combines with the voices of everyone. It's the same every year.
Ry and I have kept to ourselves for most of the time, but the occasional conversation with couples occurs.
Lips form into a polite smile, my girl trying to keep up with the blabbering of wives and their indiscreet questions.
Leaning into my chest, she leaves her head hanging to the side, boredom clear on her expression.
Large arm has kept protective hold around her waist, wide palm splayed over her bulging belly.
Like that first time we came here together unofficially and in secret, I find myself unable to keep from touching her, lack of patience making me count down the minutes until I have her by herself. All mine.
Drifting gaze lands on the empty cocktail glass between the apex of her fingers, not too long ago housing a virgin strawberry margarita.
"Want another drink?" My lips skim the tender skin below her ear.
Forefinger swipes over the huge stone of her engagement ring.
Evergreen stone with a halo effect of diamonds, the same size as the ones engraved on the band it rests on, matches the wedding band resting closest to her heart.
Mention of it being significantly important confused me, until my girl explained an old belief about a vein of love running straight from the beating muscles to the fourth finger.
Mine is jaded black, and shines less than my wife's.
Tilting neck backwards, she shoots me an innocent smile. "Can you get me one? I can't find it in me to move."
"I don't want to leave you by yourself." I state, casting a look around.
The entire place is littered with criminals.
Morally gray men and women. A few select ones, are probably unaware of the word's existence.
There's no way I'd ever leave my wife, the mother of my children, unguarded and out of sight for even a second.
Had her brothers been present or, bodyguards allowed, it'd be a different story. But the chapter's content remains unchangeable, no matter the number of times it's read.
Tristan, Zach, Parker and Ashton, are likely in the underground bar bellow us.
Hunter's off socializing with his wife Chiara somewhere, a nice woman his age.
They'd dated for about a year before getting married last July.
She and Ry grew close almost immediately, and now Chiara and Summer steal my wife for weekly brunches.
Summer and her husband, aren't even in the building, having announced their fashionably late arrival beforehand. Our niece and nephew were supposed to be staying with their grandma, but a lastminute trip, had them dropping both off at our place.
"I can stay with her," Deep baritone announces. Alert, my head snaps up, eyes finding the source of the voice. Shoulders loosen tightness immediately. Chest vibrates with a breathy chuckle. Suited man, a few inches taller than me stands across from us. Dark features hint of Italian roots.
"Venezio Moretti," I announce amused, shaking his hand and patting his back in a quick embrace. Confused but smiling, Ry remains by my side. "Baby, this is Venezio, an old friend, Venezio, my wife, Avery." I introduce.
"It's nice to meet you," Ry greets, shaking his hand politely.
"Pleasure's all mine." He flashes her a toothy grin before retreating. Soft conversation flows between the three of us and after a few minutes, I make sure Ry's comfortable before I leave for the bar.
Back rests against the countertop, attention paid closely to the two of them standing by our high-top a few feet away. I trust Venezio. He's an honourable man, but not enough to turn my back when he's alone with my wife.
A woman approaches, and I still. She doesn't look like a threat, but I don't take any risks where my family's involved. Snatching the drinks before the bartender has a chance to fully set them down on the mahogany countertop, I saunter over to them.
Ry's eyes find mine over her shoulder, handing her the brand-new mocktail, I place a kiss on the top of her head.
Her hair smells so good. Chest pinned to her back like before, I cast a curious glance between the two people in front of me, shocked at the open display of affection from Moretti.
Usually, women are the ones clinging to him. Not the opposite.
"Aiden, this is Aria." He introduces, casting a look at Aria that reminds me of the one Ry gives me whenever our eyes meet.
Extending my hand, I shake hers. "Nice to meet you."
......
Elevator doors slide open, granting access to the penthouse's dark foyer, but we struggle to step off.
Greedy hands fight clothes off. My mind's desperate to feel her bare skin on mine, to taste her on my tongue.
To feel her sticky cum soaking my cock. To feel her tight little pussy clamp around it like a vice.
Ry grinds down on me, lacy panties letting me feel the heat radiating off her center. The wetness. "Please, A." Relieved cry climbs up her throat, my tip, leaking of pre-cum, nudges her aching clit.
Fuck.
"Soon, baby. Be patient." Gently, I lower her to the cloud-like cushions.
I wait for my girl to get comfortable before stretching out above her curvy body. Swollen tits, barely contained in a skimpy, black bra, make my mouth water. Hard nipples tempt my resistance, baiting me.
Instead, I nestle my face in her throat. Violent teeth, nip over the sensitive skin of her throat, marking and claiming.
As if one necklace, two rings, a wedding and two babies weren't enough of a stake.
My hand trails down her perfect body, over her chest and taut bump, to her thigh. Grasping soft flesh, I lift her leg, pressing my erection against her entrance. Avery arches her back, better accepting my hardening cock. It's fucking painful. "Yes," she moans, head thrown back.
"You like that," statement should be a question.
Though, no answer's required for me to know.
Panties fall to shards under my fist. Pulling away to stare at her, my heart skips a tremendous beat.
We've barely started, and strands of hair stick to her sweaty forehead.
Skin glistening and hooded eyes gazing back at me with a fire of seduction.
Red lipstick smudges down her chin, ruined by my cock down her throat on the ride here earlier.
So fucking pretty.
My perfect girl.
My sweet wife.
Trembling fingers reach down, spreading her pink lips open for me. I smirk. Lower myself and bury my face between her legs. Ry withes under the smooth glides of my tongue. At the sensation of my teeth grazing her erected pearl.
I latch myself to her wet pussy. Face met with weaves of heat as I bring her closer to destruction. My fingers close around a pert nipple, tugging hard. Rhythmic moans turn to screams and gasps. Weak barrier of resistance crumbles against my mouth soon after.
Avery braces her hands in my hair while I drink up her sweet juices, lick up every last drop.
Blood thumps through my ears. Exhales deep, chest heaving. And cock, harder than fucking ever. Drawing my face from her inviting centre, one look at the prettiest woman I've ever laid eyes on, pulls me back in.
"I want you inside me, A. Please," Ry speaks through short pants, barely over her high.
I'd never be one to deny her.
Big hand frames her face, kiss long and deep igniting desire.
Hovering above my girl, I lose myself inside her.
Thrusts merciless and deep. Long strokes letting me absorb the feel of her body wrapped around mine.
Whirlpool of steaming tension builds low in our bodies, and we shiver as we fall down the high together.
Ry pants as I pull her into my side, satisfied grin on her face as she gazes up at me. Our son definitely has her eyes. "We're still on for five babies, right?"
The question catches me off guard and triggers a low chuckle to rumble out of my chest. Widening my fingers over her bump, I give it a slow stroke.
We're barely on our second baby yet, and although the future remains an enigma, I know that everything will work out as long as I have her on my side.
Stare lingers on her bare, glistening stomach. Fuck, it's cute.
"You know we are."
Giggling lowly, she gazes up at me with so much love, it makes my heart shrink and expand at the same time. "I love you so much, Aiden." Avery tells me sincerely.
Leaning in, I peck her nose, as I've done so many times in the past. "I love you so much more, Ry."
......
.......