Enjoy!! Thank you for reading 🩷

Question of the Day:

What did you have for lunch today? 🥪🥹

There's one thing I forgot about spending the Christmas period in Athens.

I'm hungover as fuck 100 percent of the time.

And yet, every night we go again.

And again.

And again.

We partied six nights in a row.

I was kind of lucky I had to leave before the New Year's Eve party at my family's home. I think one more night of partying would have put me in the hospital.

Or just killed me.

Then Costa would have killed me for not coming home when he asked me to.

But I had fun. A lot of fun.

"I'm dying." I groaned, trudging into the kitchen in my parent's Greek villa.

"Shut up. My head is killing me." Julius snapped, hiding his face behind his sunglasses.

"Both of you shut up." Damian grumbled against the kitchen counter. He was sitting at the breakfast bar, resting his head on the marble counter.

"Whose idea was it to drink a third round of shots?" I scoffed, slapping the back of my cousin's head.

The action caused him to instantly lift his head, a deadly glare taking over his features. "Touch me again, bitch. I dare you."

"I told you to shut up. I fucking meant it." Julius spoke again, anger biting into his tone.

After that we didn't speak for twenty minutes. It was the same routine every day I was there. I'd wake up hungover and I'd encounter many hungover family members all afternoon.

It was only in the evening that we started talking without swearing at each other.

Then we went and got drunk all over again.

I promise, it was fun. Really fun.

Unfortunately, while the rest of my family were preparing for the finale at their New Year's Eve party tonight, I spent the day packing away my things so I could get on an afternoon flight back to Palermo.

"I'm going to miss you." Damian appeared in the doorway just as I zipped up my suitcase.

"Me too." I smiled, putting my travel items together on my bed.

My suitcase, my handbag, my passport, phone and Costa's thick hoodie. It was the perfect hangover hoodie.

"You seem happier than I expected to be going back." Damian already knew everything that happened between Costa and I. I didn't even need to tell him. He saw the hickey on my neck and he just knew.

Then he helped me cover it up because I didn't want Julius to see it.

Every chance he got he's been giving me sex tips - not that I asked for any. But he insisted. So now I have all this inappropriate knowledge I didn't want and I didn't know what to do with it.

At least now I know I need to go and pee straight after sex to avoid a urine infection. That one I was actually grateful for. Every girl knows urine infections are horrific.

"I don't know why." I sighed, dropping down on the bed to put my socks and airforces on. "I'll miss you guys so much when I get back. But...I've also missed them a little bit too."

That was something I really didn't think would ever happen.

Athens has always been my favourite place - it's home. I'm surrounded by all my favourite people, speaking a language I love, in a place I love. I even told this to Costa that night I had my breakdown after the nightmare of Viktor Kozlov.

But while I've been away, I also felt like I was missing something. Or someone.

"It was nice of him to let you come here." He murmured, fiddling with the keychain attached to my Louis Vuitton purse.

"You're warming up to him." I grinned, struggling to get my foot in the stupid shoe.

"No." He instantly denied it. "I'm just saying, it was nice of him."

"Mhm. So are you driving me to the airport?"

"I can't, Maleficent. I have some work to do. I actually came to say goodbye now." He frowned.

Goodbyes are always hard for us.

"Don't be sad." I gave him the best smile I could muster as I stood to my feet. "I'll see you soon in New York sometime."

"I just...I know it's only been six days. But it felt like things were back to normal again. Even just for six days."

"I know." I took his hand, wrapping my arms around him in a hug. "I love you, Damian."

"I love you too, Mildew."

"And remember-" I pulled away from him so he could see the seriousness on my expression. "Don't tell Julius. I don't want him to know yet. At least, not until I know what's going on between Costa and I."

Julius hated Costa more than I ever imagined. I could see it every time someone even mentioned him during these last six days.

If he knew how I felt, or that we kissed, he'd never accept it - not that it's any of his business. But I just didn't need that right now.

"Don't worry. Your naughty secret is safe with me, Mildred." Damian smirked, pulling me in for a hug. "Just make sure you call me as soon as you get that dick."

"I hate you." I laughed, burying my face in his chest.

After I finished saying goodbye to the rest of my family downstairs, I was driven to the airport by one of our drivers.

My flight back to Palermo only took two hours and I was met on the tarmac by Costa's driver and his security team.

I already knew he was busy. There was some kind of final meeting that always takes place on New Year's Eve in the Sicilian Mafia. They discuss all the details of the previous year and everything they're planning to achieve in the upcoming year.

When Costa told me, I joked about it being some kind of employee review meeting which he didn't find amusing in the slightest. He didn't talk to me for a while after that joke.

The thought of that particular conversation had a smile tugging at my lips while I finished getting ready - already fashionably late to the party.

I may or may not have fallen asleep when I got back to our room. It was actually Lula who woke me up when she came into the bedroom, whining about the number of guests in the house.

She doesn't like it when strangers come into her personal space.

The sound of the party thumped through the walls of the mansion, echoing up to the third floor where I stood in front of the mirror.

I smoothed down the deep emerald dress Costa had left for me. It hugged my curves perfectly, the silky fabric gliding over my skin. The slit on the side showed just enough leg to be classy but tempting.

The colour of the dress reminded me of his eyes - the eyes I was falling harder and harder for every day.

I'd only been back from Greece for a few hours, but the memory of our first kiss, or kisses, were still playing on mind.

During the last six days I was excited to come back - excited to see what our new normality would be like now that we'd finally crossed that line together.

I slid into my black stilettos, giving myself a once over in the mirror. I adjusted the diamond necklace that sparkled beautifully under the light. I was wearing the jewellery set he gifted me to thank me for taking care of him.

"How do I look?" I turned to my companion who was perched on her favourite arm chair - the one that overlooks the back garden.

"Lula?" When I called her name she dragged her eyes away from the view outside, turning to look at me. She spared me a short glance before looking away again.

"Well." I think she's still pissed about all the people in the house.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my room and started down the grand staircase - passing the Accardi family portrait that overlooked the entry hall.

The laughter and chatter grew louder with each step, mixing with the music from the live band. The air was thick with expensive perfume, cigars, and the buzz of excitement for the new year.

I made my way through the hallways and into the main hall which was, as always, a display of wealth and power.

Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the crowd, where mafia families from all around Sicily and Italy mingled and celebrated.

I scanned the room, searching for Costa. His dark hair and tall, commanding presence wasn't hard to miss. My eyes gravitated to where he stood near the bar, deep in conversation. As if sensing my gaze, he turned, and our eyes met.

He smiled, that familiar pearly white smile making my heart race.

I weaved through the crowd of people, exchanging quick hellos with people I barely recognised. Costa and I attended so many events during the Christmas period but also during the first six months of our marriage as a whole. I could barely remember who anyone was.

I think they only knew me because I was Costa's wife.

Each step closer to Costa made the fluttering in my chest more intense. When I reached him, he excused himself from his conversation and turned to me, his eyes shamelessly raking over me.

"Cazzo." He murmured, placing a hand on my waist. "I made a mistake with this dress." (Fuck)

"A mistake? Why?" I smiled, tilting my head to the side.

"Too many eyes." I've always been a boss bitch who is determined to wear what she wants. But having a man's eyes darken so possessively as he pulled me into him - there was something so primal about it.

It just felt so good - like I was needed and wanted.

"You look beautiful, baby." He lowered his voice, bringing his face down closer to mine.

"Thank you." The words came out breathless as I stared into his beautiful eyes, aching to drown out the crowd around us.

Unfortunately, I didn't have that luxury.

Before we could say or do anything more, someone called out to Costa, and we were forced to pull apart. He kept an arm around my waist while we were continuously approached by people who wanted to speak with him. 

When one left, another would pop up.

Every so often, I'd catch Costa's eye, and he'd give me one of those smirks from behind his champagne glass or one of those heart stopping winks.

The night dragged on, a whirlwind of conversations and toasts. My feet ached with the hours we stood in between the dinner courses.

"How was Greece?" I turned to look at Aidan when he approached me at the bar after I'd slipped away to get my third martini.

I was pacing myself tonight. I didn't need another hangover going into the new year.

"It was good. A lot of food and way too much alcohol, but I loved it."
I grinned, reaching up to straighten the bow tie around his neck. "How have you been? Did Bianca like her promise ring?"

"She did. I've kind of been with her ever since." He smiled shyly, his cheeks turning pink at the admission. Then he turned around, looking at the crowd. "She's over there."

He pointed out the blonde girl wearing a pink shimmering dress. I recognised her from those few seconds we saw each other when she ran away from Aidan after confessing her feelings.

"She's so pretty. I'm so happy for you, Aidan."

"Thank you." He chuckled, handing me my martini when the bartender set it down. "And I'm happy for you. Costa told us what happened."

"You mean, the hickey he left wasn't obvious enough?" I scoffed, remembering the hickey which drew me a lot of attention.

"Well, it was." He laughed. "But he told us about the gifts you got him. And how he gave you his mother's ring."

As he spoke, he nodded down at the diamond ring sitting on my finger next to the wedding band Costa gave me on our wedding day.

Damian's ring was now on my middle finger on my other hand. I could never stop wearing it - it still meant too much to me.

"It was a really special day." I thought back to our first Christmas morning and how much I ached to relive it all over again.

"Aidan." Rocco suddenly appeared next to Aidan, bringing Giovanni with him.

"Sì." Aidan sipped on his apple juice - his choice of drink since he and Gio were currently banned from alcohol.

Instead of replying with words, Rocco gave him some kind of look - one of those 'Are you fucking kidding me right now?' looks.

"Oh." When realisation dawned on him, he quickly put his apple juice down, flashing me an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Millie. Duty calls."

He and Gio rushed away into the crowd, leaving me standing at the bar with Rocco.

"What was-...okay." I sighed when Rocco walked away, leaving there alone.

Since it was nearing midnight, some of the guests began to filter outside through the large doors that lead straight from the hall to the extravagant patio area.

A few minutes later, Costa broke away from the men he was speaking to. He came over to where I remained by the bar still nursing the same martini.

I'm pacing myself tonight.

I have to keep reminding myself or I'll forget.

"Come with me." His eyes scanned his phone and then he looked up at me.

"Outside? Okay, let me just finish-"

"No. I need your help with something."

"My help?" I frowned. "Why?"

"Aidan can't find a lighter."

"A lighter?" I repeated, but Costa wasted no time in grabbing my hand. I'd like to say he dragged me through the hall, but that would make him sound a bit like a caveman.

But he did drag me.

"Costa, why are we going this way? It's almost midnight."

"I told you. Aidan can't find a lighter. For the fireworks."

"But he's not the one lighting the fireworks. We have professionals." I couldn't understand his thought process while he dragged me all the way upstairs to the third floor. "If you're trying to surprise me, at least make your excuses believable."

He ignored that too.

As we reached the top of the stairs, I saw Aidan and Giovanni approaching us - both with mischievous grins.

"È fatta?" (Is it done?)

"Sì." They replied in unison.

"Bene. Andare." (Good. Go.) Costa nodded towards the stairs and the twins quietly passed by us, with Giovanni's stupid grin widening.

"What's going on?" I already knew he was up to something but he was determined to maintain the secrecy.

"Come with me." He said, taking my hand. He led me to a set of French doors that opened onto a private balcony.

The balcony was covered with rose petals all over the floor and candles creating a romantic ambiance. The candles flickered around us and on the table of the seating area was a bottle of champagne on ice.

Two glasses were already poured and waiting.

The Sicilian night air was crisp and refreshing after the warmth of the party. Below us, the garden was filled with guests ready to watch the fireworks, but up here, it was just the two of us.

On the third floor it felt like we were miles away from all the people.

"Costa..."

"Shh." He circled his arms around my waist, pulling my body flush against his. "I've waited too fucking long for this."

"Did you bring me up here just to kiss me?" I teased him, placing my hands on his firm chest.

My husband tucked my hair behind my ear in the light breeze. He licked his lips, his green eyes darkening.

"Something like that." He murmured, lowering his face down towards mine.

My eyes flickered down to his inviting plump lips and I just about saw them tug into a smirk before he pressed them against mine.

It was like magic all over again.

But then the clock struck midnight, and suddenly, the sky lit up with a dazzling display of fireworks. The first bang caused my eyes to fly open and I could see the colours reflecting in Costa's eyes.

My first New Year's kiss.

The sudden giggle that escaped my lips forced Costa to pull away from me, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Sorry. I just-"

"I love you, Millie."

With one sentence he knocked all the breath out of me. My previous smile faded - only out of shock, not in a bad way.

"What?" I stared up at him with wide eyes, hearing the fireworks continuing to go off in the background. He leaned his forehead down, resting it against mine.

"I love you." He repeated it again, never breaking eye contact with me. It was his way of confirming he meant every single word.

"You do?"

I'd never experienced those happy tears that people talk about in movies and books. Probably because there had never been anything that could bring out such strong emotions like that from me.

But as it dawned on me what Costa actually said and the gravity of what he said, I couldn't stop them.

He suddenly went from my being my partner in this whole arranged marriage journey to something completely different.

He became my happy ever after.

12am on January 1st. The moment my life suddenly became the most beautiful fairytale.

"Sì." He whispered, bringing one hand up to my cheek to wipe away the tear that fell.

He kissed me again, this time slowly and sensually, allowing every ounce of emotion to be felt.

"I love you too." I whispered against his lips, just loud enough for him to hear me over the fireworks display.

Every second out on that balcony was perfect.

Costa kissed me until we ran out of air. Then I rested my head on his chest, turning my face so I could watch the rest of the lavish fireworks display in his arms.

A few minutes later when the fireworks ended and the garden emptied below us, that's when he brought the champagne glasses over.

"Happy new year, baby." He handed me a glass, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"Happy new year." I smiled, clinking his champagne glass with mine. "I'm not finishing all of this, by the way. I'm pacing myself."

"Because you got shitfaced six nights in a row?" He cocked an eyebrow, a smiling tugging at his lips and his eyes full of mirth.

"I did not get shitfa-...how do you know about that?" My question had his smile widening as he sipped on his champagne, looking out at the view of the sea in the distance.

"Damian told you, didn't he? That little bitch was giving you updates on me?"

"You didn't think I would let you wander off to a foreign country without regular updates, did you?"

"Well, no. Greece isn't a foreign country, though. It's my home. But I appreciated the fact you let me go without causing a fuss. If you'd sent a whole security entourage, it would have caused so many..."

His lips twitched when I mentioned the security entourage and I just knew.

I'm going to kill him.

"You sent a security team to follow me, didn't you?"

"Sì." He didn't even seem remorseful. He shamelessly nodded his head, his grin widening when he saw my fury. "Before you complain, I just needed to know you were safe, Millie. I'm sorry if you feel like I invaded your privacy."

"I don't care about my privacy, Costa." I frowned, taking a step away from him. "I just don't want you to worsen your relationship with my family. They wouldn't take it well knowing you had men in Greek territory. Did you tell them? Costa, they-"

"Relax, principessa." He laughed, stepping closer to close the gap I made. "I cleared it with your family first. I think they even appreciated it."

"You did?" I frowned, allowing him to pull me back into him. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. Everything is fine." He nodded. His chest rumbled as he leaned down to press a kiss to the crown of my head. "You're funny when you're mad."

"Whatever." I grumbled, taking a much larger sip from my champagne than I intended.

"So you brought me up here to tell me you love me?" I changed the conversation once my irritation calmed down.

I prefer talking about that than Costa's sneaky behaviour.

"Sì." He nodded. "I wanted it to be special for you."

So cute.

"When...when did you know? Like, for sure." For me, I always knew my feelings for Costa were getting stronger and stronger as the days and weeks passed.

And when I saw him come into our room so hurt and physically broken that night, I knew I'd reached a point of no return.

But when he said it to me, that was what made it all so clear.

"When you walked out the front door on Christmas Day." A soft frown appeared on his face and I was suddenly aching to smooth it away with my fingers.

"Six fucking days. You were gone six days and I couldn't get you out of my head. I was anxious and worried the entire fucking time. Then I saw you walk into that room downstairs and it just...it all went away. Because you were back."

"You didn't have to worry about me." I smiled, squeezing his hand in mine. "I told you I would be okay. And you had your men watching me too."

My pointed look should have made him laugh, but all it did was increase his frustration.

"That's not the point. I could send you with all my fucking guards and security and it still wouldn't be enough. I need you with me. I need to know you're safe because you're right by my side."

There was a kind of frustration or annoyance behind his words - he was trying to let me into his thought process. He was trying to explain his protective side. But Costa always struggled to explain his emotions or his thoughts if they made him appear vulnerable.

And he hated it when I tried to understand him, too.

So I cut him some slack, because I actually loved his protective side.

"Okay." I nodded, putting my glass down. Standing on my tip toes, even in my stupid heels, I placed a hand on his cheek. "You don't need to worry. I'll stay by your side. Always."

I pecked his lips, a soft smile gracing my face. Costa wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close.

We stayed out on the balcony for another few minutes before making our way back down to the party.

Apparently we still had to be there until the end.

"I'm tired." I complained, following my husband back into the main hall.

"Only a few minutes."

"I don't believe you. You're going to start talking to someone and then-"

"Costa!"

And then I'll be forgotten again.

This time though, I was involved in the conversation for a few minutes. But as soon as they started talking about drug shipments, I left to go and find a seat at the bar.

My feet were killing me.

Is it appropriate to take my shoes off in public?

I found a stool at the bar and slid onto it, gingerly slipping my shoes off under the counter. Those pointy heels are unbearable after five minutes and yet I will never go a day without wearing them. I sighed with relief and motioned to the bartender for a drink.

I promise I'm not an alcoholic. I just had nothing else to do except drink.

I sipped on my drink for a while before I finally became fed up of waiting for my husband.

I was ready to go upstairs and go to sleep.

I turned around, looking for Costa in the room. I last left him with some old business contact, but now he was standing talking to a tall blonde woman.

A familiar blonde woman.

The two of them were smiling when I approached them, my previous good mood faltering by the second. And I was forced to put my painful heels back on which made it even worse.

"Costa?" The sound of my voice caused their conversation to cease. I looked between the two of them, trying to keep the frown off my face.

"Millie." Costa smiled, taking my hand in his. "You remember Melina, right?"

She was the woman he was hugging in the entry hall the day after I moved in with him. She laughed when she saw me drenched in water after the twins' prank.

I didn't know much about her at all since we never spoke. All I knew was that she stayed for a while and then left.

"It's nice to finally meet you properly." She smiled, doing a good job of hiding her true feelings towards me.

"You too." I forced a smile onto my face, unsure of what else to say.

A short awkward silence followed before Costa quickly spoke up.

"Melina is one of my oldest friends. One of the only ones outside La Famiglia." I knew exactly what he was doing with that statement.

"Friends?" I looked between the two of them, wishing I could just come out and ask him how stupid he thought I was.

But I was supposed to remain civilised in public. Apparently, anyway.

"Sì." Melina smiled, ignoring my expression. "We've been friends since we were fifteen, right? We went to school together. I found out who Costa was when I started getting this stalker following me. It turns out he was following Costa."

She laughed, reminiscing on their teenage years together. Was I supposed to laugh along as well? How does someone deal with this?

"Well, it's nice you've stayed friends all these years." That was friendly, right?

I'm trying to be good.

Although, I do have my knife. Just saying.

"It is. I'm glad we kept our friendship. It didn't work out between us but he's a special one - he's not someone you just let go of." Her words lingered in the air while she gazed at Costa next to me.

Meanwhile, I was trying so hard not to glare at her. Costa awkwardly cleared his throat, sliding his arm around my waist.

"It was nice of you to come tonight, Melina." The previous lightness in his voice had disappeared now.

And she definitely took the hint. She was quick to excuse herself, slinking away before I could stab her with my knife.

As soon as she was gone I stepped out of his hold, taking a much needed sip of my martini.

Remember, we're pacing ourself.

"Millie...don't do that."

"Do what?" I scoffed, my eyes still following that blonde bitch.

I'm really good at throwing knives.

"I didn't know she was going to say that shit." He muttered, coming up behind me. He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling my back firm against his chest.

I felt his breath on my skin as he leaned down to whisper in my ear.

"It's been 13 years since anything happened with her. I don't know why she said it."

"13?" I frowned, noticing the way my heart fell a little at his words.

"Sì. It's ancient."

"Was she..." I turned in his arms, looking up at him directly. "Was she your first?"

"It didn't mean anything." He spoke slowly, almost like he didn't understand the conversation anymore.

It was stupid really. I knew that. But all of this was so new to me - falling in love with someone, I mean.

"And you were her first?"

"What the fuck does that have to do with anything?" He was losing his temper, right there in the middle of the party. And I understood why, but he didn't understand me.

"It doesn't matter." I shook my head, sliding my arms around his waist. I felt his body tense under my touch when I rested my head against his chest.

He fell silent for a moment and I could feel his eyes on me. Then he released a sigh, holding me against him.

"What happened, baby?"

"It's just something Damian said to me in Greece." I murmured, thinking back to the day he was trying to prepare me for my first time with Costa. "You never forget your first." I repeated those words, hating the vulnerability I felt.

Because Costa had his first time with her 13 years ago. But he was going to be my first time - whenever that was.

"Millie." He whispered with an edge of firmness. "Look at me."

His tone was enough to force me to look up at him, despite the strange emotions brewing inside me.

"That shit doesn't matter to me. I didn't care about it then and I don't care about it now. But you know what does matter to me?" His voice softened and he lifted his hand, tracing his thumb over my lip.

"You. If you want to talk about firsts - then let's talk about how you're the first one I ever felt this way for. The first one I've only kissed and not gone further with. The first one I've waited six months for. The first one I've ever said I love you to. The first, and only one, I'd ever give that ring to."

We both looked down at his mother's wedding ring where it sat perfectly on my hand.

"You're mine and I'm yours, only."

There were so many things I wanted to say - so many words on the tip of my tongue. But there was one thing that dominated over all the others.

"Take me upstairs."

The thick tension between us only increased as he processed those three words. His eyes darkened, the lust powering over every single other emotion he was feeling.

My heart pounded in my chest as Costa took my hand, his grip firm but gentle.

We walked through the sea of people, my nerves rising with each step. The sounds of conversation and laughter faded into the background as we walked - the reality of what I'd just asked quickly settling in.

I just asked him to...

Oh.

Shit.

He didn't say a word as we walked through the lavish hallways of the Accardi villa, leaving the guests and party behind. Once we reached our bedroom door, Costa looked back at me, his eyes searching mine to see if I was okay.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his voice soft but filled with intensity.

"I'm sure."

We entered into the privacy of our bedroom and the huge king size bed suddenly looked intimidating.

Costa closed the door behind us, the click of the lock amplifying the intimacy of the moment. He took my hands in his, his thumbs gently stroking my skin. "If at any point you're uncomfortable, you just have to say the word."

I looked up at him, feeling a wave of emotions - especially vulnerability. "I trust you, Costa."

His eyes softened, and he leaned down, capturing my lips in a tender kiss. As our lips moved in sync, I felt my anxiety begin to fade to the back, being replaced by a growing sense of excitement and lust.

As we kissed, he guided me to sit on the edge of the bed, his hands never leaving mine.

He knelt in front of me, reaching down to unbuckle my stilettos, placing the black heels aside on the floor.

He stood, taking a step back to unbutton his jacket and remove his tie. His movements were slow and deliberate, not rushed. He was trying to make me feel comfortable. And it warmed my heart.

Especially since I knew he hadn't slept with anyone for six months which is probably unheard of for a man like my husband.

He's the definition of a dominant, red blooded male.

"Do you need anything? Water? A moment alone?" He asked, his concern evident even through his husky voice.

I shook my head, a soft smile playing on my lips. "No, I'm okay."

He nodded, stepping closer. "Stand up for me, baby."

I did as he asked and he turned me around, unzipping the back of my dress. The sound of the zip somehow echoed through the room until it wouldn't go any further and my back was fully exposed to him.

I turned around to face him and he lowered the straps over my shoulders. Then the dress fell to my feet, leaving me standing in the black lingerie set I was so thankful I put on.

His eyes drank in every inch of my body and I could almost see the animalistic side aching to be released.

I'm not stupid. I know what kind of sex he likes - he's one of the most powerful and dominant men in the world. That would be the case in the bedroom too.

But he kept it buried. He stayed soft and gentle and respectful of my feelings the entire time.

He lifted me gently, moving me further onto the bed until I was lying down.

Then he climbed on top, hovering over me. Lust shone in those dark green eyes as he leaned down to press another kiss to my lips. This one was deeper, more passionate, yet still carrying the same promise of care and respect.

His hands moved behind me to the clasp of my bra. He paused, looking at me for any sign of hesitation.

I met his gaze, nodding slightly. He undid the clasp, his touch slow and deliberate, as if he was savoring every moment. I took my bra off and he let out a breath, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Così dannatamente perfetto.." (So fucking perfect) He murmured, his voice coming out gravelly and rough. "So perfect."

His words filled me with a confidence I didn't know I had. I reached up, my hands trembling slightly, to unbutton his shirt. He helped me, shrugging it off and tossing it aside.

I didn't hesitate to trace my hands over his olive toned skin, feeling the firm muscles beneath my touch. I'd seen him shirtless countless times before in our six months of marriage. But this time was so much more intimate. The purpose of him being shirtless was for me and only me. Every single scar and tattoo was bared to me, and he gave me all the time I needed to study it.

He kissed me softly, his hands exploring my body with a tenderness that made me feel cherished.

Then he came to my underwear and that's when I hesitated. My hands shot out to his when they started playing with hem of my lacy underwear.

"We can stop, baby." He whispered, pressing a short kiss to my lips. "Whatever you want."

"No. I want to. I'm just...I'm scared." I admitted, absolutely ready to turn in my Boss Bitch membership card.

They'd take it back without hesitation.

"Don't be scared." He smiled, stroking my cheek with so much adoration. "I'm here. Just me."

"Okay." I released a breath, nodding to give him permission to take off my underwear.

With so much restraint and care, he did everything he could to prepare me for him. He used his fingers and tongue to help me reach my first climax.

I thought one would have been enough. But after one, all I wanted was another.

"I'm not on birth control." I struggled to catch my breath as he came back up from down there, wiping his grinning lips.

He looked so fucking proud of himself.

"No problem." He pressed a kiss to my temple before reaching across to his nightstand for a condom.

One of the biggest signs that he was so experienced was his lack of modesty in the bedroom. He easily slipped off his boxers, sliding on the condom while I watched in awe.

"I think..." The sound of my voice had his eyes snapping over to me. But I was too busy staring at it to process anything.

"Yeah?" I'm dead. He's so hot.

"Maybe we should go to sleep." The panic was clear in my voice causing him to release the kind of laugh that could make me orgasm all over again.

He climbed onto the bed, bringing his lips down to meet mine. "Just relax, I'll be gentle."

"Promise?" Vulnerability seeped into my voice and his eyes softened, any amusement dissolving instantly.

"Sì. We'll go at your pace, baby."

"Okay." I released a nervous breath, willing myself to relax so it wouldn't hurt as much.

That's what Damian told me anyway. He insisted on giving me as many tips as possible. At the time I hated it but now I was grateful.

I felt Costa slowly ease in, his eyes locked on mine the entire time. He took my hands in his, intertwining our fingers so I could squeeze his hands.

"You're doing so well." He murmured, dotting my face with kisses as he pushed in.

"Slower." I winced, a wince which turned into a lot more when he reached a certain point. All the emotions and the anxiety of the moment hit me at once when that particular pain erupted in my lower half - like something was torn in half.

"Shh. Merda. Shall I stop?" (Shit) As soon as he saw the single tear, his entire body tensed and his movements came to a halt.

"No." I shook my head, burying my face into the crook of his neck as I sniffled. "Don't stop."

I kept one hand intertwined with his while my other arm wrapped around his shoulders.

He was slow to start again, but thankfully that was the worst of all the pain. He used his free hand to pleasure me at the same time, attempting to take away the painful sensations.

And it definitely worked.

"Go faster." I whispered against the skin of his neck, tightening my hold on him when he picked up the pace.

The intimacy that followed that night was full of love and trust, each touch and kiss deepening the bond between us. Costa's care and patience eased any lingering fears I had, leaving only the purest form of connection.

He held me close, his presence a constant reassurance that this moment was ours, and ours alone.

As we lay entwined afterwards in the afterglow, the world outside and all our problems faded away.

Costa brushed a kiss to my forehead, his arms wrapping around me protectively. I nestled into his embrace, feeling a profound sense of peace.

"Thank you." I whispered, my eyes closing as I let the warmth of his body envelop me.

"For what?" he asked softly.

"For making me feel safe. For loving me."

He tightened his hold on me, his voice a gentle promise. "I love you."

In his arms, I found my forever. And as I drifted off to sleep, I knew that this was only the beginning of our beautiful journey together.

And I was so excited to start it.

What did you think of this chapter? 👀 I hope you enjoyed it! 🩷