ILLICIT DESIRES | 18 +

Epilogue

THE BABY IS ALREADY THERE

RITA

Today is our Wedding Day.

I can't stop smiling. Roman has always been impatient to claim me, to see me wear his name. He hated my old last name, cringing every time someone called me Mrs. Volkov.

I've been officially Mrs. Esposito for months now. He gave me his name, his ring, and seeded my belly before I walked down the aisle in a white dress for him. Everything with him feels reversed — but in the best way.

Now, our daughter can attend our wedding and be in the pictures with us. It's fascinating how nature works. She's the spitting image of her father... and a little of me too.

But more than that, Roman gave me himself. My killer became my savior; my danger became my desire; the man who once hunted me now holds my heart.

Nature has always been my sanctuary. The scent of wildflowers, the brush of leaves against my fingers, the breeze through the forest — it was my ultimate power to fend for myself.

But the natural venom I once needed to kill is no longer necessary. After all, my husband is a killer — a request from me is enough to end a life I wish to cease.

That's why I've cleansed my body of the deadly herbs that once made my kisses lethal. I still remember the thrill of that danger, but now I channel my love for plants into growing gardens. With our big backyard, it's a dream come true. I am happier and healthier with him, as he is with me.

The devil he once prayed to, the bottles that drowned his nights — they are gone. His anger no longer lashes out at the staff like it once did. The hand that once sought darkness now seeks light. Together, we've walked through bedlam and finally found our green meadow of peace, a place where our happiness thrives despite the danger surrounding us.

I really feel peace with my husband and my daughter. They are all I need — and they need me. It's a feeling I cannot put into words: to be the center of love and devotion.

I see my daughter. And her need for me.

She fusses in my mother's arms, her big blue eyes wide and curious. I take her, feeling the warmth of her small body against mine.

"Hi, my rose," I whisper.

She squeaks and wriggles, reaching for me. I cradle her, overwhelmed by the joy that this tiny, perfect human being is mine. She is as beautiful as a rose. I had always dreamed of naming my daughter Rose, but Roman wanted her to honor her roots. So we chose: Ilaria Rosa Esposito.

"Look how beautiful your mommy is," my mother says, bringing me back from my thoughts. "I brought her to you because she was getting a little grumpy. I thought she might be hungry."

"It's okay," I say with a smile.

She is indeed hungry. Her tiny hands clutch at me as I guide her to nurse. Her blue eyes stare up at me as I rock her gently.

"Sweetie, I will be right back. They don't know where to put the wedding cake. I will show them the place and be right back," I hear my mom say. I look up to see a maid standing next to my mother, waiting for her to come and help.

"All right, we will be fine," I tell her with a smile before they leave. After a while, Ilaria lets go of my breast.

After a while, she finishes and lets go, sleepy and sated.

"Aren't you hungry anymore?" I ask, covering my breast.

I bite my lip, thinking about how I can burp her while the stylists are still not done with my hair. I don't want to lean her on my shoulder; I'm scared they might burn her unintentionally.