บททั้งหมดของ A Mafia's Dark Desires: บทที่ 451 - บทที่ 460

"The adoption gives the lawyers something to build their new identities from. All we have is the police statement and, as of tonight, travel papers from the U.S. embassy so they can come home with us tomorrow," Ben explained. Karen and Penny shrieked with excitement and hugged each other. Karen turned to hug Megan and Penny squeezed Daniel to her chest. The boy blushed as he tried to hide the enormous smile struggling to escape.Daniel sat up straight and looked at the group. "OK, it's my turn. Number three was Penny's hug just now." Laughter erupted and Penny kissed his temple as a reward. The blush continued. "Number two was the day Ben and I hung out at the pool." Gabriella's eyes teared up with joy as she beamed at her son. "Number one was playing in the water today but there really were so many awesome things about this holiday!"Miriam looked down the table and smiled at her mother. "I loved shopping in Nice with the ladies. I had so much fun with the actors in Avignon." She loo

Before she could say anything Ben leaned down and kissed her. She squeaked then grabbed his shirt in her fists and kissed him back. When he pulled back she was swaying on her feet with a dreamy look in her eyes. She walked home floating in the clouds.Hannah was grinning at Ben as she approached. "Welcome back Ben. You have an appointment with Dr. Granger tomorrow at 3PM. Tina promised me that she will make sure you get there."Ben pulled her against him for a warm hug and he felt her soften in his arms. "Thank you for keeping an eye on me, Hannah," he whispered into her ear.Tingles rushed down her spine and she gently pushed back. He kissed her cheek as she passed and she glanced at him with a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Flirt," she whispered and walked back to her house with a spring in her step."Welcome back Ben! I heard a little about your trip but I understand Daniel is preparing a show for us. I look forward to that," Daphne smiled and gave him a hug. She greet

****Ben struggles with his new notoriety.****_____There was something about working with your hands, taking raw materials and building something new, seeing a need go from conceptual design to physical reality that satisfied the soul like nothing else. Well, it was certainly the second most spiritually satisfying activity Ben could think of at the moment.He sat in Trish's kitchen taking in his handy work. He'd spent the better part of September installing a beautiful new bay window over the kitchen sink, new cabinetry with granite countertops, and French doors leading out of the kitchen to a brand new deck complete with a built in barbeque grill and a large built in hot tub. The deck hadn't been part of his original plan but he'd discovered the old one had some rotted decking.If he was completely honest with himself, and he was compelled to be, he could have left the existing deck but he wouldn't have been able to add the hot tub and cooking center... and he needed the distraction

"Our voice is very much self-aware. We comprehend the nature of our audience and the impact our dialogue has on the lives of those we speak for. You would be fully involved in the process of telling your story, ensuring the truth is front and center and preserving as much of your privacy as can be done now that you've reached this level of... notoriety. Celebrity is a cruel mistress. We can work with you to limit your exposure," she smiled. "In your case perhaps a more accurate target would be to redirect attention away from your over exposure," Naomi suggested.Ben squirmed under her gaze of frank appreciation."I'd prefer to be completely ignored," he muttered."Yet the public has seen much and hungers for more after hearing of your heroism." Ben scowled and Naomi's keen eye caught that reaction and filed it away. "The phrase about nature abhorring a vacuum applies to the public's desire for information about people they have hoisted up onto a pillar."Ben's expression was bleak as

Penny grinned but Karen looked less enthused. Penny was absorbing knowledge as quickly as she could but Karen was resisting. She'd accepted her place in the world at the bottom of the social structure and either didn't want to try or was afraid to. Penny was the only reason Karen went to school at all. Ben was trying hard not to push but he was worried about her. She'd willingly fall right back into the role of subservient sex toy as long as someone else took responsibility for her wellbeing. Penny wanted more.Between the two of them Penny was the one who indicated she wanted to downsize her breast implants from the oversized 1000cc ones she had now. Neither would be getting lip injections so their swollen lips would gradually return to normal.Penny regaled them with tales of what she learned that day and Ben listened with a smile. Karen occasionally added a comment or correction which gave Ben hope as it indicated she was at least paying attention in class.Lucy was next and descri