Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 136915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
Amo kept thrusting upward when I couldn’t move anymore, too overwhelmed by the sensations and then he too came with a groan. I sagged down on him, my breathing labored.
I grinned. Amo wrapped his arms tightly around me and for the rest of the day we did nothing but lounge on the sofa or take dips in the ocean. It was more perfect than I could have ever imagined. This still felt like a dream, as if were caught in another dimension, far away from reality.
I knew things wouldn’t always be like this. I’d feel homesick on occasion, miss my family, but I’d find my place in New York. Most people had welcomed me warmly so far, and I had my four dogs with me. Once things had settled down, I’d go in search for more animals that needed my help.
Our life together had only just begun and I was excited for it.
Greta and I had been married for two months. Life had returned to normal, or what now was my new normal: returning to a welcoming home every night after work.
The elevator doors slid open and immediately I was ambushed by Bear, Teacup, Momo and Dotty. I’d never wanted animals, had rolled my eyes when Marcella had taken in dogs from Growl’s shelter, and now here I was with a pack of my own. They were the reason why we were looking for a townhouse with a garden. An apartment in Manhattan just wasn’t the right place for them.
I petted them and headed for the kitchen. Greta was dressed in a tutu and preparing dinner while she talked to someone on the phone. She gave me a quick smile and pointed at the phone with an apologetic look. She held up two fingers. I could wait two minutes. I nodded and leaned against the kitchen counter, pouring myself a glass of the red wine that Greta had already opened so it could breathe.
I knew Greta had been practicing ballet in secret when I wasn’t home. She didn’t want to dance in front of me yet, not happy with her performance. I couldn’t wait to see her dance again but I wasn’t going to push her. I was just happy that she seemed to settle in much better than I’d feared. She got along great with Sara, and the rest of the Trevisans. My mother positively adored her and pretty much saw her as another daughter, and even Marcella and Greta bonded over their shared love for dangerous beasts, in human and animal form. Marcella had become a softie since giving birth anyway. It was a strange thing to witness.
I tried to imagine Greta as a mother. The thought always made me smile. We hadn’t decided when to start our own family, but we needed more time together and for our families to arrange themselves with the new situation.
Greta finally ended the call and hopped over to me, giving me a kiss. I caught the hint of concern in her eyes.
“Let me guess, your brother messed up again?”
“Not worse than before. It’s impossible to talk to him.”
“He’s lucky Aurora ran to you and not her parents.”
“You can’t ever mention it to Fabiano or anyone.”
“I swore it.”
I stroked her hair away from her face. “You can’t save everyone, especially not your brother.”
“I know, but Nevio needs someone.”
Nevio needed an exorcist at the very least.
“When will you see Aurora again?”
“Tomorrow in Gianna’s gym. We’re doing yoga together.”
Nevio’s mess up had one good thing at least. Greta had Aurora as a familiar face in New York, at least for a while, and Mom had someone to dote on now that Valerio had moved out.
“If you want you can invite her to the Hamptons too. She can spend time with you, Sara and Isabella when I go jetskiing with Maximus.”
“Really?”
“Really.” I kissed her then risked a glance into the pot. It was some sort of creamy soup with gnocchi. “Soy cream?” My lips curled.
Greta pursed her lips. “I tried a cream on coconut base this time. And the gnocchi are homemade since you didn’t like the last vegan ones I bought.”
I sighed. “I love everything about you, except for your food ethics.”
“You can eat meat and eggs and cheese any time you want, I just don’t want to prepare it.” She narrowed her eyes in a playful manner. “And I bet you had an emergency hot dog on the way home.”
I grinned. Maximus, Matteo, and even Dad had taken it upon themselves to supply me with meaty snacks and lunch during the workday. “I like meat. You know I’m not a good man, and eating meat is one of my less severe sins.”
Greta shook her head. “Will you try my gnocchi soup?”
“You know I always do. And if it’s inedible I’ll wash it down with plenty of wine.” I kissed her indignant mouth to soften the impact of my words then helped her set the table. Even if I had to eat tofu scramble, seitan schnitzel and soy ice cream for the rest of my life, I’d still be the happiest asshole in the whole world.