Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
She claws at the sheets, tearing through ancient fabric. I reach for her left leg, tucking it over my other shoulder so I can ram into her from above. I’ve got her completely pinned, and the sight of her beneath me nearly causes me to explode.
I pump five more times before my climax overcomes me. I hear her shouting my name soon enough, so I know we’ve arrived as one.
As we’re putting our clothes back on, we hear another couple in the adjoining room.
“Oh, Martin!” a woman yells.
I kiss Sofia roughly on the lips, “Sounds like Martin’s having a good time.”
“You’ve got him beat, hands down,” Sofia says.
We restore all our clothing and let ourselves out of the hotel room. It’s a short drive back to my home, and by the time we arrive, I’m starving. I didn’t eat anything before the test because I was worried about my nerves. Now that it’s over and I’ve worked up an appetite, I can’t wait to dig into whatever the cook has planned.
We pull up to the compound and find an odd assortment of cars in the driveway. I spot Uncle Gio’s as well as a few of my cousins’ cars from Italy. I’m wondering if there’s some kind of celebration planned, but it doesn’t occur to me that I’m the guest of honor until I walk through the door.
“Surprise!” Everyone shouts.
I’m shocked to see the living room is full. There’s the usual complement of my father’s bodyguards, but also some friends I haven’t seen in a while. My father and Marlena were busy putting this whole thing together. I find them front and center, each waving a noisemaker like a bunch of children on New Year’s Eve.
“Dad,” I say, shocked and delighted.
“Congratulations, son,” he responds.
“I don’t even know if I passed yet,” I object.
“We’re sure you passed,” Marlena says, tilting forward to kiss me on the cheek.
“Did you know about this?” I turn to Sofia, accusing her of conspiring with my father.
“Maybe,” she suggests.
I shake my head, amazed that the pit stop we just shared was only a ploy to buy the party planner's time. I slide an arm around Sofia’s waist and pull her close.
“Nice job,” I whisper.
“It’s a double celebration,” she says.
When the initial shock wears off, Marlena steers us to the dining room. There’s a buffet-style dinner spread out with all my favorite foods. I grab a plate and help myself, taking a seat in the living room to begin my feast.
Sofia sits beside me, and eventually Dad comes over with two plates. He sets them both down on the coffee table and waits for Marlena to waddle over. She’s really popped in the last few months and has a hard time getting around. I know everyone is excited for the birth of the new baby, but I can’t stop thinking about my own love life.
It has worked out so well. I never expected that I would be so happy, considering all that Sofia and I have been through. There was a time I thought I hated her, but that didn’t last. Thank goodness we came to our senses and managed to work through our problems.
“So how is it that you’re so sure I’ll succeed?” I ask my father.
“I have faith in your abilities,” Dad says.
“It’s not because you bribed the test officials?” I accuse him, narrowing my eyes just in case he decides to lie.
“I didn’t do that,” he assures me. “I have no need. There is no way you’re going to fail because you’re my son.”
I narrow my eyes, not sure if I believe him.
“And I thought it would make you try harder if you suspected I was going to interfere,” Dad concludes.
I raise my glass to him, knowing that he’s got me pegged. “You’re right about that,” I say sincerely.
“So, when is the wedding?” Uncle Gio comes over to stand beside us.
Sofia and I look at each other in astonishment. We haven’t thought that far ahead. For the moment, everything is working out well. I don’t want to jinx it by putting our relationship into overdrive.
Sofia comes to my rescue, linking her hand with mine before she answers. “You’ll be the first one to know, I promise.”
Gio nods appreciatively, checking with Dad to see if that’s okay. Dad smiles, knowing that she’s kidding. Of course, he would be the first to know as the head of the family. But for the moment, it’s all good fun. Sofia and I are enjoying our time together and leaving future considerations for another day.
EPILOGUE
SOFIA
“Put that lamp over there,” I instruct the movers. They’re actually Frankie’s men, but I’m treating them like professional movers. They rented a van and everything to help Frankie and me move into our new apartment.
It’s a place downtown, in the heart of the city, where the nightlife is strong. I can’t wait to sit out on our balcony and watch all the partygoers fill the streets on Friday night. I’ve already set up two comfortable chairs across from a stylish table that will hold our beers.