Page 113 of Tormented Oath

Her smile turns soft, knowing exactly what I'm asking. "Told me what, Mr. Rega?"

"That I love you." The words still feel new sometimes, despite how often I say them now. Like a gift I'm constantly unwrapping. "That you're everything."

She rises on her toes to press her lips to mine, a gentle kiss that promises more later when little eyes aren't watching. "You might have mentioned it this morning. But I never get tired of hearing it."

I rest my free hand on her stomach, feeling the slight swell there. Our daughter, according to the ultrasound last week. Another miracle I never thought I'd witness.

"I had a call from the realtor yesterday," I tell her as we walk toward the house, following the path of our impatient son. "That property next to the lake is available. The one with the good southern exposure."

Ava glances at me, eyebrow raised. "The one you said was 'ridiculously overpriced' last month?"

I shrug, unable to contain my smile. "Maybe I've reconsidered its value. It would make a good location for that wellness retreat center you've been talking about."

Her eyes widen. "Stefano, are you serious? That's...that's a huge investment."

"In you. In your dream." I squeeze her hand. "You've supported mine. Let me support yours."

The wellness retreat has been Ava's passion project for months now—a place for people to come to heal, reconnect with nature, and learn yoga and meditation from her personally. It’s a far cry from her days as a con artist or a reluctant exotic dancer, but I know she wants this.

"I don't know what to say." Her eyes shine with unshed tears, pregnancy hormones making her more emotional than usual.

"Say yes." I stop us at the foot of the porch steps, turning to face her fully. "Say you'll build something amazing. Say our children will grow up watching their mother create beauty and healing in the world."

She laughs, the sound catching on a sob. "When did you become such a poet, Stefano Rega?"

"When I finally had something worth writing poetry about."

We're interrupted by the screen door banging open as Gianni reappears, face sticky with what appears to be prematurely sampled maple syrup.

"Pancakes!" he announces imperiously. "Now!"

Ava and I exchange amused glances. Some aspects of the Rega temperament are clearly genetic.

"Your son," she murmurs, eyes dancing with mischief.

"Definitely my son at this moment," I agree, scooping him up again. "Come on,campione. Let's get you cleaned up before breakfast."

Inside, our home is warm and filled with morning light. It’s so different from the cold, modern penthouse in Chicago or the sterile hotel room where I once forced Ava to become my wife. This place, we’ve built together—choosing every beam, every stone, every piece of furniture as a team.

As we move through our morning routine—wiping sticky fingers, serving pancakes, drinking coffee between attending to a toddler's endless needs—I'm struck again by how ordinary it all is. How wonderfully, beautifully normal.

No weapons hidden throughout the house. No security teams watching our every move. No enemies plotting our downfall.

Just a family. Building a life.

Later, when Gianni is down for his nap, and the house is quiet, I find Ava on the back deck. She's sketching something in the notebook she carries everywhere these days—floor plans for her retreat center this time.

I wrap my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder to peek at her work. "Looks good."

She relaxes against me, tilting her head to rest against mine. "It's still just a dream."

"All the best things start that way." I press a kiss to her neck, feeling her pulse beneath my lips. Strong. Steady. "Like us."

She turns in my arms, setting the notebook aside. "Is that what we were? A dream?"

"A dream. A nightmare. An obsession." I trace the curve of her jaw, still marveling that I can touch her like this—freely, lovingly, without fear or manipulation between us. "Now we're just reality. The best kind."

Her smile is slow, knowing. "And you don't miss it? The power? The fear in people's eyes when they hear your name?"

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