We stayed in that position for a few moments, quietly holding each other and feeling each other’s presence. It felt like our hearts were beating in harmony.
“Gio, can you tell me about… how we met? How did you first come to know me?” I pulled away from the hug and looked at Gio.
This was something he had been reluctant to share with me before, wanting me to remember it myself. But I didn’t know if I could recall everything anymore.
“I really want to know, Gio. I can’t remember when I first met you.” My hand slid toward his v-line where his tattoo was. “What does ‘2-29’ mean?”
Gio didn’t answer right away. At first, I thought he had no intention of discussing it with me and was avoiding the topic. But I was surprised when he finally spoke.
“2-29 is the leap day, February 29th, a date that only happens every four years. Just like how rare February 29 is, it was a rare opportunity for me to meet you… but I saw you. Out of all the people at that event, my eyes locked onto you.”
My lips parted in astonishment. I couldn’t recall attending any event on February 29.
“Everyone was wearing costumes for the event. When I first saw you, you were dressed as a beautiful white swan, symbolizing life, hope, and purity. You were all smiles, radiant and gorgeous. You didn’t even think that behind that smile, there was a girl suffering at the hands of her cruel mother. No words can truly describe how stunning you looked that night; it was the first time I was rendered speechless. I didn’t approach you that night, even though I wanted to. I couldn’t. You were a beautiful swan, symbolizing hope and life, while I was an ugly raven, representing destruction and death. I couldn’t get close to you; I didn’t want to tarnish you.”
My eyes widened as he spoke. I remembered his raven tattoo on his back. Could it be…
“Your raven tattoo, Gio…”
“Yes, Millie. Besides my date tattoo, the raven on my back serves as a reminder that I couldn’t have you. We were complete opposites. You were an angel from heaven, and I was a demon from hell. We lived in entirely different worlds. But what could I do? It was love at first sight. Since the night I first saw you, it’s like you’ve never left my mind. It was the first time I wanted to possess someone, even at a very young age.”
I couldn’t speak. I was in awe. How long had he known me while I had no recollection of him? I couldn’t remember if we ever had any interaction. I wanted to remember, to know what it was.
“From that point on, I kept following you. Call me a creepy stalker, because I am. I felt that was all I could do. I can never have you, especially since you’re the daughter of the woman who killed my grandparents.”
Did that mean that when he met me, Mama had already committed that crime against his family? Even though he knew who I was, he still chose to fall for someone like me.
During the times when I felt completely alone and unloved because of Papa’s treatment and the absence of a mother in my life, Gio was there, secretly loving and taking care of me. I smiled to myself, realizing that I wasn’t alone all this time.
“I may hate your mother, but I never thought of seeking revenge on you, Millie. Sure, I wanted no ties to anyone in your family. I sought vengeance for your mother, and even when I started to like you, I couldn’t stop it. It wasn’t in my plan for you to witness what I did to your mother.”
My lips quivered at his words. There was a warm liquid forming in my eyes, and it felt like something was soothing my heart because of Gio.
Who would have thought that someone like Gio Locatelli, the cold, ruthless, merciless, and heartless mafia boss, had such a soft side? I was lucky that he showed this side to me alone.
I’ve had a lot of misfortunes in my life, but I can honestly say that one of the things I’m grateful for is meeting Gio and becoming his wife.
“And when you woke up, I heard that you didn’t remember anything. I guess that’s something to be thankful for; it’s better not to remember your mother.”
I smiled at Gio and hugged him again. He hugged me back.
I felt Gio’s love, from then until now. A man who I thought didn’t know how to love is madly and deeply in love with me. It feels like a dream.
I fell asleep in Gio’s arms and woke up still in his embrace. A smile immediately crossed my face when I was greeted by Gio’s intense eyes as I woke up. I hadn’t seen them in so long, and now, I longed for them.
~*~
“Good morning,” he said and kissed my forehead.
“Good morning,” I replied, burying myself in his chest. We were still naked. After we cleaned up last night, we hadn’t bothered to get dressed and simply wrapped ourselves in a blanket.
“Did you have a good sleep, hmm?” Oh, to hear his deep voice. It’s knee-weakening and spine-tingling. I’m glad we’re still in bed.
I nodded at him. “Yes, with you.”
That was true. When I’m with Gio, I have no nightmares, or if I do, they’re not as severe. When he’s not with me, that’s when I experience intense nightmares.
I felt the soreness in my body. I was so sore. This morning, I felt the effects of what we did last night. I felt like I couldn’t walk properly.
I remembered the positions Gio and I had tried last night, and it immediately heated my cheeks. I buried my face in his chest.
I lightly kissed Gio’s chest. I heard him murmur something, but I couldn’t quite make it out.
“I feel so sore, Gio. My body hurts,” I told him as I remained wrapped in his embrace.
“I know. So, stay in bed and rest. I’m going to cook for us.”
My head shot up in surprise at what he said. “You know how to cook?”
That was unexpected! Since we got married, I’d never seen Gio cook once.
He gave me a modest smile before getting up.
I pouted because I was still holding him tightly.
Gio dressed and adjusted the blanket covering me. He ran his fingers through my hair before kissing me on the forehead.
He bid me goodbye, saying he’d prepare our breakfast. Since he left our room, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
After a few moments, I got up, dressed, and did my best to walk, even though it was a struggle. Thankfully, I didn’t run into any of his men or anyone else. It would have been embarrassing if they saw me walking like this.
The heat in my body flared up as I remembered what Gio and I did last night!
I caught Gio in the kitchen, cooking alone. He was wearing an apron, which made me smile even more. He has a massive frame. I never would have thought someone like him could cook. Not that it’s a bad thing; I just assumed he grew up with a silver spoon, and these things might be unfamiliar to him.
I found myself walking up to him, and from behind, I hugged him tightly. His body stiffened due to my sudden embrace, but I held onto him and closed my eyes, savoring the warmth of our hug.
“What’s wrong, Millie?” he asked, but he continued with his cooking.
I shook my head, a smile on my face. “Nothing. I just want to hug you.”
He chuckled a little before resuming his cooking while I held onto his back.
After a moment of silence, I spoke again, “Gio.”
“Hmm?”
“I love you.”
He paused at my words. I hadn’t expected him to say anything, but I was delighted when he responded.
“I love you too, Millie… so much.”
I had a genuine smile on my face that morning, and I had no desire to let go of our embrace.