Page 74 of Hard Lessons

“Is that a proposal?”

She hesitated. “A prediction for the future.”

He chuckled and flicked his cigarette to the sand. “Okay.”

The sound of his laughter gave her renewed enthusiasm. “Maybe we could use our money to set up a home there. Go and live peacefully and honestly, out in the ocean, away from Cosa Nostra, Giovanni, away from the threat of jail bars... of being apart.”

“I hated being without you.”

She downturned her mouth and touched his face. “And it will happen again unless you leave your old life behind, the way I’d planned to.”

He swallowed. “But it’s family, it’s a family business.”

“You make it sound like you’re dealing in pastries or wine; this is corruption, drugs, and arms, Luca.” She shook her head. “You... we... live in a dangerous world. Do you really want to drag our children into it too?”

“You know I’ll love our children with every beat of my heart, I’d kill anyone who hurt even a hair on their heads.”

“I do know that.” She sighed. “But let’s start from a place where they won’t get hurt to begin with. Where there’s no need for retribution, no chance of them seeing the things you and I did growing up.”

She stepped away and flung out her arms. “Let’s trade our old life for this. Let’s swap deals gone wrong and death and revenge for sand and sea, for fresh air, the seasons, good food, good night’s sleep.” She closed her eyes and tipped her face to the sun. “You’ve got to admit it feels good, Luca.”

“Si, it does.”

She cracked open one eye and peeked at him.

He was still standing in the farthest reach of the waves. He had his hands on his hips and was staring out to sea.

“That little island,” she said, “could be home. Could be the place little Gino and Lianna grow up.”

“You’ve picked their names.” He turned to her, eyebrows raised.

“A girl can dream.” She dropped her arms to her sides. “Dream with me, Luca... please.”

He tipped his head and gnawed on the inside of his cheek.

“Please.” She clasped her hands beneath her chin.

“Okay. I’ll think about it.”

“About us going to live on Hebridon?”

“Si, I can’t see how the hell we could get away unnoticed but I’ll think about it.”

“It’s the middle of nowhere, of course we’d get away. Who would think to look in the Outer Hebrides for us?”

“It is pretty random.” He glanced over his shoulder then returned his attention to her. “So, have we finished walking and talking?”

“I guess.” She held back a grin.

“Good.” He strode toward her, kicking up sand with his heels. “In that case it’s time to fuck.”

He wrapped his arms around her as his mouth caught hers.

She clung to him as he steered her backward several paces to where the sand turned to grass.

With his palm scooped against her lower back he rested her down, his lips not leaving hers.

“Luca,” she gasped, roaming her hands up the inside of his t-shirt.

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