Epilogue
ENRICO
I watch my beautiful wife adjust one of her charcoal portraits and stand back to ensure it’s straight. It’s her first gallery exhibit, and she’s been stressing about it for weeks. I know she’s going to be amazing, and this is just the start of her career as an artist.
My gorgeous Valerie huffs out a breath and puts her fists on her hips, staring at the art piece in question. I walk up behind her, slip my arms around her waist, and pull her back to my front. I press a soft kiss to the side of her neck, smiling to myself when she relaxes and leans into me.
“Everything is perfect, angel,” I murmur, my lips ghosting over the shell of her ear.
Valerie sighs and melts against me completely, surrendering to my care for her. I close my eyes and tighten my hold, letting her know without words that I’ll always be here to comfort and support her.
My woman managed to graduate art school while being an incredible mom to our two children. I love our kids to the ends of the earth, and I wish I could bottle their energy and take it with me. Sonya just turned four and isn’t afraid to share her opinion. Simon is only eighteen months old, but I already see his inquisitive personality shining through.
Thankfully, there is no shortage of babysitters in the Caparelli Family these days. Our kids are spending the night with Marco and Imogine and their two kids, Dexter and Vivian.
“Thanks,” Valerie whispers, drawing my attention back to her.
“Remember to take deep breaths and let me know if you need a break, okay?”
She nods, taking a deep breath. We stand there, looking at the portrait of a woman with an entire story etched in her haunted eyes. In the sketch, she’s holding a cigarette, the line of smoke cutting across part of her face to signify the dual nature of the subject.
“I met her the day the cops raided the compound,” Valerie whispers.
I tense, remembering that day. It feels like a lifetime ago.
“I was crouched in an alley, unsure where to go or what to do with myself. I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere.”
“I’m so sorry,” I reply, stroking her arm to let her know I’m here.
Valerie shakes her head gently. “No, it’s not about that,” she murmurs before turning to kiss my cheek. So damn sweet. “She took the time to check in on me even though I was a stranger.” She chuckles softly before adding, “She told me I was going to be okay and that one day I’d tell the world to suck my proverbial dick.”
We both laugh and I press a kiss to her temple. “Now that, I would love to see.”
Valerie opens her mouth, no doubt to give me a witty comeback, but the click of the gallery director’s heels on the hardwood floor pulls her attention away.
"Showtime, love," I whisper before reluctantly stepping away from her.
I watch my wife shake hands and charm everyone who walks through the door. The gallery fills with more and more people who adore my talented wife’s artwork. She deserves every heartfelt compliment and awed praise.
Several members of the Caparelli Family show up in support of one of their own, including Aurelio. He shakes Valerie’s hand and grabs two drinks from a nearby tray. He heads my way, handing me one of the drinks when he reaches me.
“Your girl is talented,” he muses as he sips his whiskey.
“She is,” I agree.
“You two have been together for years and you have kids, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that dopey smile on your face whenever someone mentions your wife.”
“I could say the same about you,” I counter. We share a smirk and finish our drinks.
Aurelio and I chat as people come and go, but eventually, I can’t stand to be away from my wife a second longer. When the crowd finally dies down, I pull her into a secluded hallway and cup the back of her neck, leaning down to taste her sweet lips.
“I’m so proud of you,” I whisper into her open mouth before kissing her again. “You were amazing tonight.”
I continue pressing light, teasing kisses up and down her neck, slowly guiding her backward until she’s pressed against the wall. My hands slide down her soft curves, then rest on her round, juicy ass. I give it a squeeze and pull her closer as my lips meet hers again.
“Very inappropriate, Mr. Masini,” she says, ghosting her lips across my jawline.
“I can’t help myself, Mrs. Masini. Not when you’re so radiant and sexy and mine. ” I kiss her one last time and step away.
I hold out my hand like I’ve done countless times before, loving the way she immediately slips her hand into mine.
I smile and lead us back toward the gallery.
Toward the rest of our lives.
Toward our happily ever after.
* * *
THE END
Curious about Aurelio? Get his story in Beastly Boss!