“Leandro…I’ve worked my whole life, provided for my son. I wouldn’t know how not to work.”
“Then, you can find a job doing something else. Something you love. But take the time to figure that out. And until that time, I’m taking care of you, babe.”
By the time she finds a job, I will have her and Jett living with me, and then I will hopefully have a ring on her finger, making her mine permanently, so she will never have to work again.
She leans in, resting her head in the crook of my neck. My wrap my arms tightly around her. Her breath is hot against my neck, turning me on. I know I shouldn’t be horny right now, but I have been without her for too long. She smells and feels so fucking good pressed up against me.
She brushes a kiss to my skin and slowly trails more up my neck, over my jaw, until she reaches my mouth. She kisses me there. “Take me to bed,” she whispers against my mouth. “I want to forget everything. I only want to think and feel you.”
I swipe my tongue over her lower lip. “Babe, when I’m done with you, you won’t even remember what year it is.”
She smiles against my lips. “I adore you, Leandro Silva.”
“And I adore you. Now, let’s go upstairs, so I can show you exactly how much.”
I’M STARING AT LEANDRO lying next to me in bed, watching him sleep. His long black eyelashes fanning his skin. His hair all tousled and caressing his forehead. He looks beautiful.
Jett and I are with Leandro in Italy. We’re staying in a stunning two-bedroom suite in Milan, just ten miles away from the Monza track. We’ve being relaxing for the last few days, just sightseeing and eating true Italian food.
Tomorrow, Leandro has qualifying. Jett loves attending all these races, traveling to all the different countries.
It’s been a week since I went to the police station and told them that Paul was blackmailing me. Telling the whole story to the officers was horrible, and I could see the judging looks in their eyes when I told them that Leandro used to be my patient. But I guess I’m going to have to get used to those kinds of looks.
The HCPC wasn’t any easier. It was worse. My practice license has been suspended, pending review. Even though I confessed to them about being in a relationship with a prior patient, I have to go through the official process. Leandro and I might have no longer been patient and therapist when we got together, but we shared a kiss while I still was treating him. That matters to the board.
And it matters to me.
Even though I love my job, I just don’t feel the same way about it as I used to anymore. As devastating as it is to not be able to help people anymore, I know this is the right thing.
The only person I care about not thinking badly of me is Jett. And thank God, he doesn’t. My son is wise beyond his years.
After I had been to the police and the HCPC, I sat Jett down and told him everything. About how Leandro and I met. About his father being released from prison. The break-in. Paul trying to blackmail me. I didn’t want Jett finding out from anyone else.
And after I’d told him all of this, he said to me, “As long as you are okay and you’re happy with Leandro, that’s all that matters to me. The rest is just white noise.”
I cried. How could I not? I knew right then, hugging my son, that everything would be okay. That everything would right itself, and that everything happens for a reason.
Paul was arrested and put back in prison for violating his parole, meaning he’ll serve out the rest of his sentence. And he will stand trial for attempted blackmail and extortion. Once again, I’ll be a witness at his trial. Ultimately, it’s my word against his, in regard to the blackmail attempt. But my laptop and the documents about Leandro that Paul had printed out, were seized at his house.
The fact that, by coming forward, I had everything to lose and nothing to gain will show that I’m telling the truth. I’m hoping that he will be sentenced for it, adding a few more years to his jail term. I’m praying by the time Paul gets out, Jett will be a grown man, and hopefully, Paul will have the foresight to leave us all alone.
School is still out for the holidays, going back next week, and Leandro was having a hard time with the thought of leaving us even though Paul was back behind bars, so we came with him to Monza for this leg of the Prix.
I’m feeling relaxed and safe for the first time since Paul got out of prison. And I’m just relieved that everything is out in the open.
The press hasn’t gotten wind of the story about Paul, or how Leandro and I met. Maybe they will. Maybe they won’t. If they do, then we’ll deal with it together.
“You’re watching me sleep,” he murmurs, surprising me, eyes still closed. His voice is rough with sleep, and sexy as hell.