~Roman~ Like the criminal that I am, I stood under the shadow of the tree, far enough from the parking yard in Luciano’s mansion, but close enough to see her. As her car rounded the corner, the languid roll of her Ford’s wheels mirrored the slow beating of my heart. It was slow since it’s been lifeless for a fucking long time. Four years, eight months, and thirteen days. She’s so close. So close that my nose tipped to check the wind propagation at the thought of breathing the same air she does. So close that my mouth salivates at the possibility of tasting those lips again. So close that my nails carved half-moons on my palms at the thought of holding her again. It made my blood flow rapidly through my veins—warmth seeping into my busted heart, pumping it to life. It

~Viviana~ If I had known Roman would be staying as well for the after-party, I would’ve conjured some lame excuse to skip it. But then again, he’s not the reason I am here, just the same as I am not the reason he’s here, so I tried my best not to get affected by his presence. It was easier said than done, though. With a crowd of twenty people, Zia moved the party to the ample backyard of their mansion. The gentle breeze of the summer night made it ideal for a dip in the free-form pool with a bar and spa. Instead of stripping into my underwear like most guests, I decided the patio under the canopy of bougainvillea and fairy lights was a better choice. Between the pool and the deck was a man made bonfire, surrounded by the ratan cushioned couches. You’ll know that Xavi

~Viviana~Xavier couldn’t contain his excitement and adoration for his wife. He kept stealing kisses on Zia throughout the rest of our evening, paying no mind if everyone could see this soft side of him. He doesn’t mind that he’s the most powerful man in the world of crime, leading both the American and Italian mafia, and shamelessly shows how much he loves Zia.I had my expectations when Lu told me he wanted me to meet the man he was working for. The one my dad worked for before he died. The man who kept his promise of keeping me safe, abiding by my father’s request. I expected him to be brutal, cruel, and, well, arrogant. The last part might be fifty-fifty. He’s self-assured, but just like Roman, Xavier also wears his heart on his sleeves. He isn’t afraid to show that he cares for the people important to him, especially wit

~Roman~Saturday morning, seated inside the pickup truck Lu loaned me, I waited for the clock to hit six am.Viviana sent me her address and told me to be there by six or even a little later if I had other things to do. It’s more like she’s simply telling me not to bother to help her out, but I did want to help her and spend the day with her, as friends, of course.It felt like a lifetime had gone by since yesterday’s breakfast, and I crave her presence like a druggie needing a fix.The house I’m looking at was her home for the last three years. It doesn’t have the white picket fence, but it’s definitely a place where you’d want your children to live. Xavier owned this parcel of land, a gift he gave her in memory of her father. S

~Viviana~ In sheer darkness, the sliver of moonlight that passed through the balcony’s glass door was our only light. Dressed in our birthday suit, Roman still had me on his lap as he kissed me like it’d be the last kiss he’ll ever have. Eventually, we had to come up for air, soaking in ecstasy. He cupped my face tenderly, thumbs drawing circles on my cheeks, our foreheads pressed together. “Are you sure about this?” Questioned Roman. Between the two of us, it was he who always did the right thing. I tried my best to do the same, but will it kill us if we let go for one night? “Very.” I cling onto him, gripping his shoulder, grounding my hips back and forth on his ramrod erection.