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The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man.’ I’d be honored to call you bone of my bones; flesh of my flesh. My woman.”
“What if there are no other reasons? What if the only reason you’re sitting here with me is because I want to hear my name coming out of that pillow-soft mouth of yours, and for the rest of my life, I refuse to allow another man to have the same honor?”
“There is no before me. There is no after me. You. You’re all me.”
You’ll be discreet with your lovers, and so will I. If your mouth can’t respect me, then your hands have no place on my body.”
“You’re my territory. I say who does and doesn’t come near it. I’m the only one who touches it.”
“My fucking property. My territory. You seem to forget that it was you who came to my table willingly. You hashed out the details. Set terms. You signed papers with your blood. We made a deal.”
“For all your wisdom,” I seethed, “you're not that smart. When you enter a bargain, it not only binds one but two. You might be my capo, but I own you, too, don’t I? I’m your territory, so you’re my property.”
“All you have to do is say that. Use all the words, Capo. I’ll understand. You don’t have to hurt me to get what you want.”
However, there was no reason this wedding had to be postponed until later. Another day, another time, were unpredictable. And when I wanted something, I made it happen.
I wanted Mariposa as my wife today.
Scars on skin meant living. Blood on knuckles meant living. Dirt on white clothes meant living. Living meant taking chances, even if we got soiled up in the process.
“When did you get home?” “About the time you were reading the recipe for lasagne al forno to—” he looked at the plant on the counter and then at me again “—Vera II. She’s not much of a talker.”
“You gotta speed up to keep up, Butterfly.”
“There is nothing lonelier than waking up to someone you’ve given your all to, only to realize they only gave half in the night. It’ll happen, and it’ll hurt, but you’ll survive.”
“To Macchiavello’s for dinner.” He looked me over, naked except for my lace bra, sitting on the marble counter. “Nothing I put in my mouth tonight will compare to what I just had, though.” He raked his teeth over his bottom lip.
“Are you sure I don’t have to sell a kidney for this?” I joked. He lifted my arm and placed a firm kiss on my wrist. “I believe you’ve sold enough. You’re off the market, Mariposa. You belong to me. No one will be touching you, least of all something as valuable as a kidney.”
“What do you say, mia moglie, are you ready to ride with me? I vow not to hurt your oonie.” His grin was wide. “It’s safe in my care. And neither will the entire neighborhood or village see it. Sit close to me so your dress doesn’t fan out. We both know how I feel about sharing what’s mine. I don’t.”
“You? Share?” I scoffed playfully. “Not in a million years.”
Tutto suo. Tutto mio. Per sempre.
All his. All mine. Forever.
“Your head’s not going to be on straight for the rest of the night. All of your screws are going to be loose. Like mine.”
“You should know better, Mariposa. You should always think before you act. When it comes to fucking you, I’m all animal.”
Mariposa, The smallest creature can make the biggest impact. You have been seen and you are valued. Share this with the great-grandchildren I will not meet. This is for them as much as it is for you.
You have put down roots in my heart and taken shelter there for always. Nonno
Marry for loyalty, not for love. Love kills the soul quicker than a sharp dagger to the heart.
Love isn’t a disease. Love is a dagger.
And don’t call me cute! I’m not a baby cabbage.” “Baby cabbage,” he repeated slowly. “Like a Brussels sprout.”
“You have two options. Shower with me. Or shower with me after I’ve thrown you over my shoulder.”
“Nel mio mondo l'amore ti farà solo uccidere. Sono un uomo morto dalla notte in cui ti ho lasciato alle spalle.”
“Did they see you?” “They saw you.” “But I thought you wanted to—shit! Capo!” He swerved, barely missing a biker. “I thought you wanted to make a grand entrance. Like, ‘Boo, motherfuckers, I’m back!’ Then you’d serve them what they deserve.”
“Or hoping so—if I’m still alive.” He checked his rearview. “If they’re hunting you, they’re going after me. They already took my voice. I’ll meet them in hell before they take my heart.”
