Page 29 of Married to the Mafia Monster

"It was," I agree.

We lay still for a while, our bodies entwined as we bask in the afterglow of our lovemaking. I can feel myself drifting off to sleep, my body completely spent and sated. As I close my eyes, I can't help but smile at the thought of what's to come.

When I wake up, the room is bathed in the soft glow of early morning light. Alex is still beside me, his arm draped protectively over my waist.

“Hey,” he says softly, his eyes meeting mine.

I notice the sorrow in his expression. “Why do you look so sad?”

“Because I wish this could last forever,” he says quietly. “But it can’t.”

“Why not?” I ask, my heart sinking.

“Are you hungry?” he asks, changing the subject.

“Starving,” I admit, my stomach rumbling in agreement.

“Let’s get something to eat,” he says with a smile while I wonder just why we couldn’t make this work. Maybe because I’m a penniless homeless wreck of a human being. Or because he’s a coldblooded killer. Or, most likely, because he doesn’t want it to work.

SIXTEEN

Bella

When the food arrives, it comes with a separate bag. Alex places both on the table without a word.

As we sit down to eat, my curiosity gets the better of me. “What’s in that bag?” I ask, glancing at it with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. “Is it dessert?”

“In a way.” Alex smiles, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Eat first, then I’ll show you,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“This is really good,” I say, savoring a bite of toast slathered with butter and jam.

Alex nods, his eyes warm as he watches me. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

After we finish eating, we snuggle on the bed, the comfort of the moment making me feel safe and content. I lean against him, my head resting on his shoulder as he scrolls through the movie options on the TV.

“Do you watch many movies?” I ask, curious about the parts of his life he hasn’t shared with me yet. “I can’t picture you sitting at the theater.”

He shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “I never have time. I’m always working.”

I look up at him, feeling a pang of sympathy. “I could recommend a few.”

He glances back at me, his eyes softening. “What do you suggest?”

I think for a moment, then grin. “How about The Proposal? It’s Sandra Bullock as a bitchy boss. It’s funny and sweet. I love it.”

He raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Alright, let’s give it a try.”

We settle in, the opening credits rolling as I snuggle closer to him. The movie starts, and I find myself getting lost in the familiar storyline. Alex’s arm wraps around my shoulders, pulling me even closer, and I feel his chest rumble with laughter at the funny parts.

Around the time Sandra and Ryan crash naked into each other, I glance up at him and see a genuine smile on his face. It warms my heart to see him so relaxed, enjoying something as simple as a romantic comedy.

When the movie draws to a close, I feel a bittersweet pang. The characters on the screen find their happy ending, and I can’t help but wonder if we’ll ever have ours. The credits roll, and I turn to Alex, curiosity gnawing at me.

“So, what did you think?” I ask, hoping he enjoyed it as much as I did.

He smiles, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Hot naked woman, what’s not to like?”

I grin, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “Is that your official review?”

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