"Che cazzo amore mio (What the fuck my love)? What time do you call this?" Paolina stood in the grand entrance hall as Valentino entered the house, you by his side. Her arms are crossed and there is a deep scowl on her beautiful features as she stands before you both, dressed in a stunning red dress that accentuated all her curves, as well at the matching jewellery set you bought her for her birthday, telling her it was from her husband who had forgotten. "You're late! We missed our reservation! I got all ready for you and you don't even turn up to pick me up! No you leave me fucking waiting! For hours!"

She's angry, her arms waving about theatrically as she expressed herself. Slowly she's getting louder, complaining about how Valentino had left her again, cancelling his plans with her without saying anything and working instead. But you knew better. You had tried to warn him that he was going to be late but he ignored your warnings, instead taking the young attractive woman he'd been eyeing into his private room at the club. You were disappointed in him, cheating on his beautiful wife with any young thing that threw themself at him, despite your warnings that he would end up loosing Paolina with this behaviour. You knew you'd never be like him if you had the chance...

As you look up at Paolina, there are tears welling in her eyes as she glares at Valentino. With an angry huff at his lack of response to her, she cries out in anger, cursing Valentino out in Italian. "Vaffanculo! Non voglio parlarti mai più! (Go fuck yourself! I don’t want to talk to you ever again!)." Her voice is rough with emotion as she yells at him before turning around and storming back up the stairs to her bedroom.

At her outburst, Valentino sighs before turning to you, his voice gruff and filled with barely restrained anger. "Go to her. Make sure she doesn't do anything stupid. I'm going back out... Damn woman has given me a headache." He groans before patting your shoulder and heading back out the main doors leaving you stood in the grand entrance hall with a choice.

"Ahah, like you really want to?" Paolina snorts mockingly from inside the bedroom before opening the door just enough to poke her head out, glaring at you with those golden honey coloured eyes that still manage to look so beautiful even when she's angry. "Fine." She steps back, letting you enter her private sanctuary.

The room is spacious and tastefully decorated in shades of pink and white, with a massive canopy bed taking up most of the space and expensive pieces of furniture surrounding it. A large wardrobe stands to one side with ornate carvings that match her matching set of chests-of-drawers. The air is perfumed with her usual rose scent, which clashes heavily against the frustration and anger emanating from her as she stomps over to sit on the edge of her bed.

"What do you want?" She asks bluntly, glaring at you as if it's your fault that Valentino is such an ass hole. "You're just like him," she snorts derisively. "Can't even stay out of trouble when I need someone to talk to."

Her bottom lip trembles slightly, betraying the hurt beneath her anger as tears well up in her eyes once more, but she quickly wipes them away with the back of her hand before they spill down her cheeks.

"Him? Ruining my night?" She snorts derisively, looking away from you as if the thought is entirely laughable. "You think that's what this is about? Me crying over him?" Her voice trails off and she shrugs, rolling her eyes in disgust at herself before continuing, "It's not him I'm upset with. It's me. I always end up chasing after the wrong people."

She pauses for a moment, seemingly lost in thought before looking back at you with renewed determination. "But that's not going to change anything. I can't keep doing this." She shakes her head, running her fingers through her messy blonde hair. "No. This time I'm gonna make him pay."

Her bottom lip trembles slightly and she looks away again, taking a deep breath before meeting your gaze once more. "I need you to help me," she whispers, the vulnerability in her voice making it almost unrecognizable as hers. "Please."

"Anything!" she cries out desperately, hands clenched into fists as she pleads with you. "You're the only one who understands how I feel! You know what it's like to be ignored and taken for granted by him." Her voice cracks on the last word, but she quickly composes herself again. "Just... make him see me. Make him want me the way he used to."

She leans forward, her eyes searching yours for any sign of agreement or sympathy. "Please," she whispers again, her throat hoarse from crying and shouting earlier. "Help me get my husband back."

"It doesn't matter! I just want him to see me again. Like he used to," she whispers hoarsely, her eyes shining with unshed tears once more. "Please, you're all I have left." She takes a deep breath and then looks at you pleadingly, reaching out to take your hand in hers, her warm skin against yours making your heart skip a beat despite yourself. "Please, help me."

Her grip tightens on your hand when you don't pull away immediately. "Please," she whispers again, her voice barely audible above the sound of her labored breathing. "Anything." Her eyes bore into yours, searching for something she can't quite name, a spark or perhaps reassurance that you won't abandon her like everyone else in her life seems to do.

"I don't know what I would do without you," she confesses softly, the words nearly strangled by the lump in her throat. "You're the only one who ever treats me right. Who makes me feel special." Her bottom lip trembles again and there are tears streaming down her cheeks now, silently tracking their way over her high, sculpted cheekbones to disappear into the plush pillow behind her head.

"Please," she whispers yet again, still refusing to let go of your hand despite everything, "help me get my husband back."

Releasing your hand with a small, sad smile, Paolina nods, eyes downcast as she bites her lower lip. "Thank you," she whispers, not looking at you as she speaks. It's clear that she doesn't want to seem too dependent on anyone anymore, but the vulnerability in her voice betrays how much your support means to her.

She takes a deep breath and then sits up straighter, squaring her shoulders as if steeling herself for whatever comes next. "I'll do my part," she says determinedly, meeting your gaze once more with a strength that surprised even herself. "Just... please, Tojii, don't let me down." There are fresh tears glistening in her eyes now, but she blinks them back before they have the chance to fall again, refusing to give into despair or self-pity any longer.

She smiles at you gratefully before leaning in and gently kissing your cheek. "Thank you," she whispers again, her voice so soft it's barely audible. "I know I can count on you." Her smile grows, becoming brighter as her eyes light up with hope for the first time in what feels like forever. "You're different from the rest of them, Tojii," she whispers, a hint of longing creeping into her voice. "And I don't want to lose that."

With one last look your way, Paolina turns and walks back over to her bed, climbing beneath the covers and facing away from you as she lies down, her back toward the door. There's a brief moment where you wonder if she's gone to sleep, but then she begins to sniffle quietly into her pillow, slowly regaining some of the composure that had deserted her earlier.

In your peripheral vision, you see one slender hand reach up to wipe at her eyes once more, and even though you can't make out the expression on her face anymore, it's clear she's still upset. You wonder how long it will take for things between them to be okay again, if they ever will. But for now, you have a task to complete, and you intend to see it through.

As you focus on your task of keeping Valentino's attention away from other women and making sure Paolina has every opportunity to shine in front of him, time passes slowly but surely. The date at the restaurant goes well enough; they laugh together and even share a few intimate glances across the table as their bodyguard watches discreetly from his vantage point nearby.

The month continues with similar outings: a picnic in the park, a night at the opera, even a weekend getaway to the countryside. Each time Paolina is there by Valentino's side, looking radiant in whatever dress or suit you have chosen for her. And each time she hopes that this will be the one where he finally sees her again, as his wife and soulmate instead of just another pretty face.

But despite all your efforts and hers, something still feels off between them. There's an awkwardness in the air whenever they are together now; a tension that wasn't there before Valentino's infidelity tainted their perfect world. Paolina never gives up hope though, her faith in you and your abilities somehow keeping her going despite the odds stacked against them both.

As the days turn into weeks and then finally a month since you began your campaign to win back Valentino's heart for Paolina, she approaches you one evening while he is distracted with work. Her eyes are bright with unshed tears as she looks up at you worriedly from beneath her eyelashes. "Did I do something wrong?" she whispers hoarsely. "Why won't he look at me like that anymore? Like... before." Her bottom lip trembles as more tears spill over onto her cheeks, leaving trails through her makeup.

You know you can't lie to

She dabs at her eyes with the soft cloth, sniffling as she blows her nose loudly before returning it to you with a quiet "thank you." Looking up at you through her lashes, she asks hesitantly, "What do I have to do? What can I do to make him see me like that again?" Her voice is pleading, hopeful, desperate for any answer that will fix this broken situation.

You know what the problem is; it's not Paolina. It's Valentino. But telling her that would only break her heart further. You wish there was some way you could make things right between them without hurting either of them in the process...

Taking the handkerchief back, she blows her nose one more time and then wipes away the last of her tears before blotting her red eyes with it as well. "I'm sorry," she whispers, looking down at the floor again. "I shouldn't be taking this out on you." She pauses for a moment, gathering herself before meeting your gaze once more. "But... I don't know what else to do. How can I make him see me like he used to?" Her voice is barely above a whisper now, filled with so much pain and longing it hurts just to listen to her.

Her eyes widen in surprise at your words, and for a moment she seems taken aback. "You think..." she begins, her voice quiet as she struggles to process the thought. "That I should look for love... somewhere else?" She shakes her head slowly, the motion jerky and uneven. "No," she whispers, a new wave of tears threatening to spill down her cheeks once more. "I can't do that."

She looks up at you with pleading eyes, reaching out to take your hand in hers again. "You don't understand," she says hoarsely. "He's all I have left. Even if he doesn't love me the way I want him to... I can't just give up on us." Her voice cracks on the last word, and she has to swallow hard before continuing, "I need him in my life somehow."

Her grip on your hand tightens, her desperation palpable as she searches for any sliver of hope or reassurance that things will be okay between them someday. She knows the world sees Valentino as this perfect man, but to her he's so much more than that. He's her whole world; her everything. And she refuses to give up on him, no matter how much it hurts in the process.

Her bottom lip trembles as she stares at her hands clasped together in her lap, tears streaming silently down her cheeks. She knows you're right; there is no easy solution to this mess. But giving up on Valentino seems impossible, no matter how much it hurts. "Please," she whispers hoarsely, looking back up at you with a pleading expression in her eyes. "Don't leave me alone with this."

Her hands reach out towards you again, begging for some sort of connection or understanding that is beyond her grasp. Despite everything, she can't help but feel drawn to you; to the one person who seems to understand how much she truly loves him, and just how little love she has left over for herself in return.

Her face crumples at your words, her hands dropping to her sides in defeat as she begins to cry softly once more. Of course you want a life outside of work and protecting the Castelli name; it's only natural. But she can't help but feel like she's lost something precious in the process. "I just... I need someone," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the sound of her sobs. "Someone to care about me."

The silence that follows feels like a weight pressing down on both of them; heavy and suffocating. There's an ache in Paolina's heart that seems to grow stronger with each passing moment, every word spoken only serving to drive another knife deeper into her already wounded soul. She's not sure how much more she can take before everything inside her simply shatters into a million pieces from the strain.

But even as she fights back tears and struggles for breath, she knows that you are right. You deserve happiness too; you have earned it through years of loyalty and dedication to Valentino and his family. And perhaps one day... maybe when everything has settled down and they have found a way to move forward together... there might be room in their world for someone else after all. But until then, she will remain strong, if only for them both.

Her sobs quiet down as your touch comforts her. "I know," she whispers, leaning into the contact gratefully. "But it's not the same." Her voice breaks, betraying the loneliness that still eats away at her even when she has you by her side. "Valentino... he was everything to me. And now..." She trails off, struggling for words as more tears spill down her cheeks. "I just want my husband back," she whispers finally, her voice raw from the pain of all she's been through.

The silence that follows is thick with emotion; regret, loss, and the lingering hope that somehow they can find their way back to each other despite everything. Paolina doesn't know how much longer she can keep going like this; pretending to be strong when all she wants is to break down and give in to the hurt and despair that threaten to consume her every waking moment. But for now, she will cling to what little comfort there is to be found in your presence, however fleeting it might be.

She swallows hard, steeling herself for whatever comes next as she asks quietly, "What should I do?"

She takes a shaky breath as she wraps her arms around you, holding on tightly. "I don't know what to do," she whispers into your shoulder. "I feel so alone." There's a desperation in her voice that makes your heart ache for her; a yearning to somehow make things right again, even if they never can be as they once were.

For now though, you'll just have to be enough. You're all she has left. And perhaps one day, when the dust begins to settle and Valentino finally realizes what he's lost... maybe then there might be room in his heart for her again. Until then, you'll do whatever it takes to keep Paolina safe and loved; even if that love can never truly be returned the way she hopes it will.

Tears well up in Paolina's eyes as she looks into yours; they're filled with gratitude and hope. A small smile touches her lips as you brush the hair away from her forehead, your fingers gentle against her skin. "Thank you," she whispers. "For everything."

She leans forward, her lips pressing softly against your cheek in a chaste kiss; a silent promise of love and loyalty that only strengthens with each passing moment they spend together like this. Her hands slowly move to rest on your shoulders, holding you close as she takes a shaky breath, trying to steady herself despite the turmoil within.

"I'll keep fighting," she tells you firmly. "For us, and for him. I promise." Even though it hurts her more each time she thinks about Valentino with another woman, Paolina knows that she can never give up on them; not while there's still a chance to make things right again.

Her heart clenches at the thought, but she knows you're right. There are other men in the world who could love her, even if it means letting go of Valentino completely. The pain of that loss is almost too much to bear... but maybe, just maybe, finding happiness with someone else would be worth it. Taking a deep breath, she looks at you intently. "I'll think about it," she whispers. "Thank you for caring enough to say that."

Her heart flutters at the thought but she can't help feeling hesitant. "I... I don't know if I could ever love someone else," she confesses in a small voice. "Valentino was my first love, and he's always been everything to me." She pauses, considering your words further. "But maybe it's time to start thinking about myself too, you know? Maybe there is something out there for me..."

Moaning softly into the kiss, Paolina tangles her fingers in your hair, deepening their connection. She's never been this close to another man before, and the sensation of wanting more is overwhelming. It feels so good to be desired like this; to know that someone else finds her as beautiful and alluring as she finds you. As your tongue dances with hers, Paolina can't help but wonder what else you could teach her about desire...

Moaning louder, Paolina arches into the contact as your hand cups her bottom possessively. The feel of your lips on her neck sends shivers down her spine; it's so intensely erotic she can hardly think straight. Her hips start to move against you instinctually, seeking out more friction, more pleasure from this unfamiliar yet intoxicating sensation. "You're making me crazy," she whispers breathlessly.

Her head falls back as you trail kisses down her shoulder, skin tingling at your touch. "Because I've never felt like this before," she gasps out, arching into your hand as you begin to push her dress down over her hips. The feel of the cool air on her bare skin makes her shiver with desire; it heightens every single one of her senses and leaves her aching for more.

Her hands fumble at your shirt, pulling it free from your pants as she gasps in a gulp of air, desperate to breathe but unable to tear her eyes away from the sight of your chest revealed to her. "Take me somewhere private," she whispers hoarsely, her voice tight with need. "I need you."

Her fingers dance across the smooth skin of your chest, following the trail of hair downward to cup and squeeze at the firm muscle of your biceps. She wants everything; all of you. And as she continues to explore your body, she finds herself growing bolder, more confident in her own desires for the first time in months.

Because you make me feel alive again, she thinks as he continues to touch her, kiss her. His hands are rough and gentle at the same time, teasing her skin with his callused fingertips. She wonders what else they could do to each other if given the chance; how far this newfound desire would take them both. The room spins around them as he presses her deeper into the couch, their bodies flush against one another. It's too much, yet not enough at the same time, and she can feel herself growing increasingly desperate for more of his touch.

His words make her laugh softly as he trails kisses down her stomach and between her spread legs. "No, I like it," she whispers, arching further into his touch. "Please... just keep going." She grips the fabric of the couch beneath her, digging her nails in as he parts her lips with his tongue, teasing her clit expertly through the lace of her underwear. His rough hands feel like they're everywhere at once, and she can feel herself growing closer to the edge with every stroke, every touch.

"Tojii," she gasps out, pressing her hips upward in an effort to get more friction against his mouth. "I need you... I want you..." Her words are breathy and desperate as her body trembles on the brink of release, aching for the feeling of being completely filled by him. His name is a plea; a demand for everything he's promised and more.

Her breath hitches as his words and touch drive her wild with desire. She moans softly in reply, unable to form coherent thoughts let alone speech as she reaches down between them to grasp his hardness through his pants. With a shaking hand, she pulls at the elastic waistband, freeing him from constraint.

Her fingers wrap around him instantly, stroking up and down along his length in time with her hips, which rock back and forth against his mouth. "Please," she whispers, arching further into his touch. "Make me feel good." Her body quakes as the sensations build inside her; a mixture of pleasure and desire so intense it threatens to consume her completely.

Her back arches off the couch as she feels him slide inside her; his thick length stretching and filling her in one expert thrust. "Ahh," she gasps out, her eyes falling shut as pleasure washes over her in waves. Her hips buck against his movements, meeting his every stroke with a counterstrike of their own as she tries desperately to match the frantic pace of their passion.

Her fingers clutch at his shoulders, nails digging into the skin as he drives them both closer and closer to the edge. "I need... I need you," she whispers raggedly, arching her back even further in an attempt to get deeper inside him. Her body is on fire; every nerve ending alive with sensation as their bodies move together in perfect sync.

Her moans fill the room as he thrusts deeper inside her, his rough hands around her neck driving them both to the brink of ecstasy. She feels so connected to him at this moment; like they're one being moving together in perfect harmony. As the pleasure builds within her, she arches tighter against him, wanting more, needing to feel every last inch of his cock inside her before they both lose control.

"Yes," she gasps out between ragged breaths. "Don't stop..." Her body trembles on the precipice; ready to fall apart at any moment from the overwhelming sensations coursing through her veins as he brings them closer and closer together, driving them both towards release.

Her hips buck up against his, meeting each thrust with equal force as she gasps and moans around his hand. "Yes," she whispers, her voice raw with desire. "Do me dirty." She arches further into him, her nails digging into the skin of his shoulders as they both move faster, closer to the edge.

The tension inside her builds, tightening like a fist around her core, until finally it snaps loose in a violent release that leaves her limp and satiated against the couch beneath her. Her breath comes out in ragged gasps as she stares up at him, eyes glazed with pleasure. "That was... incredible." She reaches down to stroke his hard length slowly, lazily now that they've found their release together. "Thank you," she whispers softly before yawning widely.

"Mmm, we could," she murmurs sleepily, closing her eyes again. "But maybe later. I need to... rest." Her voice trails off as exhaustion overtakes her and the room starts to spin around once more. "You're sure you don't mind?" she asks softly, a hint of worry creeping into her tone. She hasn't felt this close to anyone in so long; the thought of losing him again is almost too much to bear.

Her body shifts against the couch as she curls up into a ball, pulling a throw pillow over her shoulders for warmth. For now, at least, she can pretend that he's still here with her; that they haven't just shared something so intimate and life-changing. It's easier this way; easier to ignore the truth of their situation when they're wrapped in the comforting embrace of desire.

Her eyes flutter open as she hears movement nearby. "Alright," she murmurs sleepily, feeling momentarily disoriented before remembering what happened between them. A pang of longing hits her chest as she watches him dress; already retreating from the intimacy they shared only moments ago. She bites her lip, trying to decide whether or not to say anything more before realizing that it doesn't matter. It would just delay the inevitable anyway.

With a sigh, she rolls onto her back and stares up at the ceiling, feeling suddenly cold now that his warmth is gone from beside her. Tomorrow will bring new challenges; today was just a brief respite from reality. But at least for tonight, she can remember what it felt like to want something so badly...and have someone reciprocate those feelings in kind. Maybe one day, they'll get the chance to do this again. For now though, all she can do is wait and hope.

She never wanted this; to feel like she was actively disliking Valentino. But the more time she spends with Tojii, the harder it becomes to ignore the way her heart beats faster whenever he's near. The thought of having him by her side, protecting her from afar...it's intoxicating in ways she never expected. And as for Valentino? Well, she can deal with him just fine on her own. With a bitter smirk curling her lips, she dismisses the thought entirely and turns back to whatever task lies ahead.

With a sneer, she crosses her arms over her chest and leans against the doorframe, blocking his path as effectively as if she'd planted herself there like an olive tree. "I don't care if you're busy," she snaps. "I need to talk to you." Her voice is sharp and icy; the same coldness that Tojii noticed earlier. She no longer cares about being nice or pleasing him in any way.

"What the hell is going on with the Gallo family?" she demands, her gaze fixed intently on his face. "And don't lie to me." Her words are a knife aimed straight for his heart; she knows she has the power to hurt him now, and she won't hesitate to use it if that's what it takes to get what she wants.

Her laughter is cold and mocking as she straightens up, ignoring the hurt look on his face. "Don't play dumb with me, Valentino," she says, her tone laced with sarcasm. "I know you've been using them to smuggle contraband into the country." She pauses, leaning in closer to him as if sharing a secret. "And I want my cut." Her gaze never wavers from his face, daring him to deny it.

For a moment, she feels a twinge of guilt; using her knowledge against him like this. But then she remembers the way Tojii's rough hands felt on her body just last night and dismisses the thought. This is their new reality now, whether they like it or not. And if that means being cruel to get what she wants...well, so be it.

Paolina laughed harshly, shaking her head as she took a step closer to him. "Vacation?" She practically spat the word out. "I don't need your charity, Valentino." Her eyes narrowed, daring him to challenge her further. "What I want," she began slowly, each syllable punctuated with steel, "is a life of my own."

Her hands clenched into fists at her sides as she continued, "I'm sick and tired of living in your shadow. Always having to be the perfect wife, the doting mother... It's all an act, you know that? And I'm done pretending." She took another step forward, their bodies almost touching now. "From now on," she whispered hoarsely, her voice dripping with venom, "it's going to be me."

With a final, triumphant glance around the room, Paolina spun on her heel and stormed out of Valentino's office, slamming the door behind her. As she stalked down the hallway, tears burning at the backs of her eyes, she could swear she heard Tojii laughing softly from somewhere close by; a sound that sent shivers up and down her spine despite herself.

She would make Valentino pay for everything he'd taken from her - her happiness, her freedom...and so much more. And this time, when she finally had him where she wanted him, there would be no going back.

Her heart skipped a beat when she heard his voice outside her door. Despite everything that had happened between them, there was still something about Tojii that made her feel safe and protected...even more so now than ever before. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, before slowly opening the door. He looked as handsome as ever in his crisp suit, but there was something different about him today; an air of confidence and power that she hadn't seen before.

"Come in," she said softly, stepping aside to let him enter. Her room was a mess; clothes strewn across the floor, makeup staining her vanity table. She didn't really care about any of it anymore though; all that mattered was being close to Tojii. She closed the door behind them and took a seat on her bed, folding her legs under herself and watching him warily as he approached.

"What do you want?" she asked carefully, knowing that words between them now held more weight than ever before. "And don't lie to me," she added pointedly, her voice shaking slightly despite her attempt at calmness. The last thing she needed was for him to take advantage of her vulnerability...not when she had plans of her own.

Tojii smiled and sat down on the bed beside her. "I just wanted to see how you're holding up," he said gently, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. His touch sent shivers down her spine and she found herself leaning into him unconsciously.

"And I want you to know that whatever happens...whatever choice you make...I'll be here for you." He paused, meeting her eyes steadily before continuing, "No matter what."

Her cheeks flushed at his words, the touch of his hand sending warmth spreading through her body. "I... I don't know what came over me," she admitted in a quiet voice, looking down at her lap. The truth was, she wasn't sure either. There had been something about confronting Valentino, about having Tojii there to watch and protect her...it had awakened something deep within her. "I don't want anyone getting hurt," she said finally, meeting his eyes again.

Tojii nodded slowly, his expression serious. "I understand," he replied softly. "But remember, we can help each other through this." He leaned in closer to her, their bodies mere inches apart now. "We don't have to do it alone." His breath fanned across her face as he spoke, sending shivers down her spine once more.

For a moment, she considered what it might be like to give into him; to let herself feel wanted and desired again...but just as quickly as the thought came, another flash of guilt struck her heart. No matter how strong the temptation, she couldn't betray Valentino like that. Not yet. There was still time for everything to change.

She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Of course she didn't want him more; the thought was ridiculous. But what they had wasn't love...it couldn't be. It was just lust and power playing their part in this twisted game they found themselves trapped within.

"No," she finally managed to choke out, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't want him at all." She met his eyes steadily, willing herself not to look away as she spoke the truth for once. There was something burning deep inside her now; an awareness that she couldn't ignore any longer. But even with this newfound clarity, she wasn't sure what it meant for them or where they should go from here. "I just want... I don't know."

Tojii studied her face intently before taking a step closer again, cupping her cheek in his hand. His touch sent warmth flooding through her once more and she found herself leaning into it without thought. "We'll figure it out together," he murmured gently. "I promise."

Her heart ached at the sorrow in his eyes, and she knew he was right. She couldn't keep stringing him along; not when he had already given her so much. Perhaps it was time to stop being afraid and face reality head on. "Tojii," she began hesitantly, her hand reaching up to rest on his knee. "I want... I think I want you."

The words were out before she could even process them herself; they felt strange and foreign on her tongue. But as soon as they left her lips, she knew they were true. And if this was the way things were meant to be, then maybe it wasn't such a bad thing after all. "I need time," she continued softly, searching his face for any signs of rejection or hurt.

Tojii smiled warmly down at her and squeezed her hand gently. "I understand." His thumb traced soothing circles on the back of her hand as he studied her carefully. "And I'm not going anywhere. We'll figure this out together, I promise." A soft laugh escaped his lips then, a sound that held no hint of bitterness or resentment but rather an unspoken affection and trust.

For now, she thought, feeling a tiny bit of hope blossom in her chest, they would play things by ear and see where fate took them. It might be foolish to put all their eggs in one basket, but it was better than living a lie with Valentino...and much more exciting with Tojii.

With a small nod, she smiled back at him. "Thank you," she said softly. "For everything." As he started to walk towards the door, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness in her chest; it was almost as if they were saying goodbye without actually meaning to. But even with this lingering sense of loss, there was an undercurrent of excitement coursing through her veins that left her feeling alive and hopeful for the first time in months.

When he reached the door, she stood up too and stepped closer to him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad I have you," she murmured sincerely, looking up into his eyes. For now, at least, that was enough.

She bit her lip, considering his question. "We should wait until things calm down," she said carefully. "I don't want Valentino to get suspicious." She paused, then added with a wry smile, "But once things are settled, we can find some time alone together." Her voice was soft and low, almost a whisper; a promise for the future they might not even have yet.

Slowly, she reached up to place her hand on his chest, their bodies still close despite the physical distance between them now. "I'll see you soon," she murmured, her thumb tracing gentle circles on his shirt as she gazed into his eyes. For now, this would have to be enough.

With a final nod, Tojii opened the door and slipped out of the room, leaving her alone once more with her thoughts and feelings...and the knowledge that their lives were about to change forever.

Time ticked by slowly; each minute an eternity as she waited, her heart pounding in anticipation and trepidation. The days seemed to drag on endlessly, filled with idle chatter and meaningless tasks that served only to keep her occupied while her mind raced with thoughts of him. She knew he was watching her, waiting for a sign; any indication of what she wanted or where they should go from here.

In the back of her mind, she could hear Tojii's words echoing: "We'll figure it out together... I promise." It was that promise - that unshakeable faith in them as a team - that kept her going when everything else felt like it was falling apart around her. And with each passing moment, she grew more certain of the truth: they were stronger together than they ever could be apart.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she found herself alone once more in her room; the door locked and the curtains drawn tight against any prying eyes. Her heart raced as she reached for the phone, dialing his number without a second thought. As soon as he answered, her lips curled into a smile. "It's time," she whispered into the line, her voice barely audible even to herself. "I'm ready."

There was a brief pause before Tojii replied, his voice thick with emotion. "Good." The next words were even harder to say, but she forced them out nonetheless: "Meet me at our special place...tonight."

When the appointed hour finally arrived, she slipped out of the house unnoticed, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear. The night air was cool against her skin, a welcome reprieve from the stifling heat of their marital bedroom. As she hurried through the dark streets, memories flooded her mind: the first time they met at this spot; the passionate kisses and hungry touches that had left them both breathless.

With each step closer to their rendezvous, her excitement grew until it threatened to consume her whole. By the time she rounded the final corner, her breath came in ragged gasps, every nerve ending alive with anticipation. There he was, standing at the edge of the dock, his hands stuffed into his pockets and a devilish grin on his lips.

"You look lovely," he murmured as she approached, his voice rough with emotion. She could feel the heat of his gaze upon her skin and it sent shivers down her spine. Without another word, they met in the middle; their bodies colliding in a hungry embrace that spoke volumes without uttering a single syllable.

Paolina laughed softly, nestling further into his embrace. "Oh? And what do you suggest we do with it?" She asked teasingly, nibbling on her bottom lip. "Buy a boat and sail away together?" Her heart soared at the thought of them escaping this life together, starting fresh somewhere far away from the crime family and its endless complications.

Tojii chuckled warmly, tracing lazy circles on her back with his fingers. "Or we could just use it to make sure we're always taken care of," he suggested practically, though there was still a hint of dreamy longing in his voice. "We can start our own business...a restaurant maybe." The thought seemed to amuse him as his laughter grew louder, sending vibrations through her body.

Paolina smiled into the crook of his neck, her heart full and content for the first time in what felt like ages. "That sounds perfect," she breathed, nuzzling even closer. "I trust you'll know just what to do with it." With a final sigh of contentment, she closed her eyes and luxuriated in the feeling of being safely wrapped up in Tojii's strong arms; feeling his heartbeat against her skin and savoring the warmth that radiated from him.

For now, she thought as sleep began to tug at her eyelids, they could worry about the future tomorrow. Tonight belonged only to them, and she intended to make the most of it.

She moaned softly into his kiss, the familiar heat pooling low in her belly at his words. It had been so long since they'd played like this...so long since she'd been free to explore these darker urges with someone who understood and welcomed them. With a whispered consent, she pressed herself even closer against him, her hands fumbling for purchase on his skin.

Her kiss deepened, their tongues dancing together in a delirious tangle as she explored every inch of his mouth, claiming it as hers. Her nails scraped down his back, leaving trails of fire that ignited an answering heat between her legs. "Yes," she gasped when they finally came up for air. "I'll use you...do whatever I want with you..." She drew him even closer, relishing the feel of their bodies pressed so tightly together.

His hips thrust against hers, grinding against her core in a slow, insistent rhythm that had her arching into his touch, aching for more. Her mouth found his neck, and she nipped lightly at the skin there before trailing kisses down to the dip of his collarbone. "Tell me you want it," she whispered against his skin, her voice hoarse with desire. "I need to hear you say it."

His reply was a shuddering groan that sent a thrill through her entire body. "God yes...please..." he murmured, his hips pressing harder against hers as she nipped and licked her way lower still, teasing his chest with the soft flutter of her tongue. His scent surrounded her, driving her wild with need, and she couldn't help but wonder what else she could do to make him feel this good...

With a wicked grin, she sat up, straddling his hips and bracing her hands on either side of him as she looked down at him hungrily. "You want to feel my heel?" She purred before leaning forward to press her bare foot against the firm muscle of his chest, relishing in the feeling of power that surged through her as he arched up into it.

Her other hand tangled itself in his hair, pulling him roughly towards her lips for another deep, bruising kiss. As their tongues danced together, she rocked her hips against him slowly, grinding herself against his erection. His moans vibrated through her body, sending shivers down her spine and making it impossible to deny how much she wanted this, how much she needed him right now.

With a harsh growl, she pulled back slightly, staring into his eyes with a mixture of lust and command. "Say you belong to me," she demanded hoarsely, her free hand squeezing his cock through his pants in encouragement. His expression went from shocked to needy almost instantly at the touch, and it was then that she knew he was hers; had been for a long time, even if they'd both only just realized it.

"I belong to you," he gasped out, his hands fisting in the blanket beneath him as his hips bucked up against her rhythm. "Take me." His words were rough and breathless, but they were enough. With a smile that promised much more to come, she lowered herself slowly onto his waiting cock; feeling him stretch her in ways she hadn't expected but reveled in nonetheless. As she sat up straighter, taking him deeper with each thrust, he wrapped his arms around her waist,

Her breath caught in her throat as she felt him stretch and fill her, and for a moment she was lost in the pleasure of simply being connected to him like this; of giving in to the overwhelming desire that had been building between them for far too long. She moaned his name as she began to move, their bodies in perfect harmony as they thrust against each other with growing urgency.

Her free hand reached up to grip the headboard above her, steadying herself as she took him deeper still; her other hand remained tangled in his hair, pulling him towards her with every breath. His eyes never left hers, filled with an intensity that made her heart race and her core clench around him. With each passing second, it became clearer and clearer that this was where they belonged: together, and nowhere else.

"I need..." she panted, arching into his touch as he found a steady rhythm beneath her. "I need you to let go...let me have control." She didn't know if it was a command or a plea, but she could tell by the look in his eyes that it didn't matter; he understood perfectly what she meant.

As if answering some unspoken cue, Tojii went limp beneath her, allowing her to take the lead as she rode him harder than ever before. His hands gripped her hips possessively, guiding her up and down on his cock in a rhythm that drove them both closer and closer to the edge. With each thrust, their breath became ragged and their moans turned into pleas for release; for the freedom they finally had within reach if only they could hold on a little while longer.

Her voice sharp and demanding, she gripped his shoulders tighter as he spanked her ass playfully, "You know who's better!" She cried out as another orgasm hit her hard, arching her back off of him in a painful yet exquisite release that left her spent and gasping for air. Her fingers dug into his shoulders, urging him deeper inside as she rode out the final tremors of pleasure.

When the last tremor finally subsided, she collapsed onto his chest, boneless and sated. For a long moment, they lay there together, their hearts racing in sync as they caught their breath. She hadn't realized until now just how much tension had been building between them over the past few months; it was almost like this release had expunged it all at once, leaving her feeling lighter and more free than she had since before she'd married into the Castelli family.

"Thank you," she murmured softly against his chest, running a shaky hand through his sweat-soaked hair. She knew that from here on out, things wouldn't be easy; there would still be obstacles and complications to navigate. But for now, at least, they had each other. And as long as she had him, she could face anything.

She laughed softly against his chest, feeling the warmth spread through her body like sunshine after a storm. "Of course it's you," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "Always you." As they lay together like this, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her; as if everything that had been broken inside her was slowly starting to mend.

For now, she thought contentedly, there was only this moment: here with him, safe and loved and cherished. And as long as they had tonight, they could make any tomorrow bearable. She didn't know what the future held or where their paths would lead them, but for now, all that mattered was being right here, in this moment, with Tojii by her side.