44. Epilogue

3 months later

Liam

I looked around, taking in all the people talking, dancing, enjoying themselves in the gardens of the Marchesi estate in Weston. When Lucien’s father had offered his home for our wedding, I’d been stunned, and when I’d seen it, I was truly blown away. It was the most perfect location for a wedding, especially in the fall, and our special day was truly a family affair with pastries from Angelo’s boyfriend’s bakery, and a special blend of coffee from Lucien’s cousin, Carlo’s, café.

And now here we were on a gorgeous October day. The sky was blue. The leaves were a blaze of color, and I felt like the setting had been made just for us. Father Nick had performed the ceremony, and afterward I’d told him I wanted to volunteer at the church alongside Val.

I watched as members of the Marchesi family partied together. I felt like there was an endless array of cousins, uncles, and aunts. I wondered if I’d ever remember everyone’s names. The O’Keefe’s had sent an elaborate ice sculpture and a case of the finest champagne. We would have a celebration with them after our honeymoon. I wasn’t sure whether to be excited or nervous about that.

For now though, things were absolutely perfect. I’d managed to only cry a little as I said my vows and Val spoke his to me. When he kissed me at the end of the ceremony, and I realized the enormity of what we’d done, my heart felt like it would burst.

I thought I’d been floating on a cloud of happiness for the last few months, but now I was truly flying, and Val and I were going to have an entire week away on a Caribbean island. Could life get any better?

I was excited about our honeymoon, but I was also enjoying this time with family. Seeing everyone smiling and laughing, you’d never know how scary most of them seemed on a regular day. Now that I’d repaid my loan with my own money, I no longer worried about that side of them, I could focus on all the good things this family had to offer.

Val was clearly as happy as I was. I’d love watching him during the day, seeing him smile constantly, knowing how much it meant to him that even though his father didn’t stay for the reception, he came to the ceremony. Dom had kept to himself for the most part, but he’d spoken to us, and we knew he fully supported our marriage.

“Taking it all in?” Vito asked. I’d been so lost in my thoughts I hadn’t even heard him approach.

“I am.”

“Has it sunk in yet? That you’re stuck with my brother for all time.”

I grinned. “I think I accepted that a while ago, but all of this makes it seem even more magical.”

Vito nodded.

“I never expected my brother to get married. He’s always been so focused on simply surviving, making sure we had a place in the world and then in the family. You’ve been good for him; I’ve never seen him this happy.” He inclined his head toward where Val stood with a group of Marchesi men. He was laughing as Devil slapped him on the back. “I’m glad you’re officially part of the family now.”

“Thanks. That means a lot to me, feeling accepted. I pushed everyone away after the accident. I didn’t even know how to talk to people anymore. I was focused on survival too. I guess Val and I have more in common than I’ve ever realized.”

“You do. You’re so different, and yet you’re both so dedicated to family.”

I thought about the other family I’d met, my O’Keefe cousins and those who ran their organization. I was still wary of being with them. I hadn’t yet fully forgiven them for not finding me after my parents died. But I had been able to see that they did care about each other, and sometimes they even laughed and had fun the way the Marchesis were doing now. Maybe, in time, my relationship with them would be better, but this would always be my home, my family.

Val broke away from the men he’d been talking to and approached us. “Are you trying to cozy up to my husband?”

Vito put his arm around me and pulled me to him. “Maybe. It seems like you’re neglecting him.”

“Then maybe he needs a reminder he belongs me.”

I rolled my eyes, but I let Val take my arm and pull me away.

“I’ve missed you,” he said.

“We’ve only been apart for what? Half an hour?”

He huffed. “Closer to an hour.”

“You looked like you were enjoying yourself.”

“I was, but I haven’t even been able to kiss my husband again.”

When we were together, Val rarely went more than a few minutes without touching me in one way or another. “There will be plenty of time for that after the reception.”

“This thing going to last for hours, I can’t wait that long.” When he looked at me, eyes full of desire, I wasn’t sure I could wait either. “Let’s find someplace private.”

“Val, you can’t be serious.”

“When have I ever not been serious about needing you?”

I looked around. No one seemed to notice us walking away. “Could we just go home? How long do we have to stay here?”

“Longer than this.”

“Who’s going to care? Who’s even going to notice?” There’d been so much alcohol consumed. I wasn’t sure many people were still able to think straight.

“Someone will.” He tugged on my arm. “Come on. We’ll take a break, then come back for a little while. Once I take you home, I’ll completely wear you out. I don’t think I’m going to stop fucking you until we have to leave for the airport in the morning.”

“I’m not going to be able to get ready if you?—”

“We’re already packed. I’ll carry you onto the plane if I need to. You can sleep on the flight.”

While I might pretend not to like it at times, I loved how insatiable Val was. The way he seemed to want me all the time made me feel so good.

We made our way through the gardens and back to the house. We approached it from the back, and Val let us into the conservatory. It was warm after the chilly night. He pulled me over to a sofa and encouraged me to straddle him as he slid his hands into my hair and pulled me in for a kiss.

“Val, anybody who walks up here can see in.”

“Then they better hope I don’t notice them watching.”

“We’re here with your family. We can’t?—”

“I can do anything I want with you. We’re married. I hope they don’t think we’ve made a pledge of celibacy.”

“Val!” I tried to protest, but he was kissing my neck, nipping at the tender skin.

Before long, he had both of our zippers undone, our shirts pushed out of the way, and he was working both our cocks in one big hand. It felt glorious. I no longer cared who was watching or what was happening outside. All I cared about was knowing that this was my life: a happy family, a husband I adored, and intense pleasure anytime I wanted it.

“I love you,” I said, my voice breathy.

“I love you too, my husband.” Val kissed me, and I let him drive me over the edge into total bliss.

Vito

I watched Liam walk away with my brother, then glanced around at the rest of the family. I knew how lucky I was. I had this huge family who loved me, including a brother who would do anything to make sure I was safe, happy, and cared for. I had more money now than I knew what to do with after a time when I’d wondered how I was going to get enough to eat.

I should be happy. And I was for Valentino and Liam, but Val and I had been each other’s support for so long, and it felt like I was losing him now. I knew that was ridiculous. It wasn’t like we wouldn’t still spend plenty of time together. It wasn’t like he wouldn’t be as fiercely protective of his little brother as he’d always been, but a lot of things were going to be different. Things had already been different since he’d gotten together with Liam.

I had friends, and things to do. I loved going out, partying, and hooking up. I loved the way I could easily become the center of attention with men and women vying for a chance to be with me. But damn if I didn’t envy Val, the way Liam looked at him, the way they seemed to fit together so perfectly. Would I ever find anyone who made me feel like that?

I doubted it, but at least I could keep having fun.

There was one client I’d like to have fun with if I dared to break the rules the way Val had, but I had no doubt he was trouble with a capital T. He might be good for a fuck, but not for more. No way in hell was a slutty hockey player with a gambling problem going to become the family’s next darling the way Liam had.

Thank you for reading Blood Money .