Devour You

60

Victoria

In our bedroom, I lean down to gently capture Rio's full lips on mine, before I exit the room. As his eyes are resting shut, he grins just when our lips part from one another's.

I smile, placing a reassuring hand over his hard chest, before I turn around. Walking over towards the bedroom door, I peek back over my shoulder once more, back at my fiancé who currently gains the rest he heavily needs. And I open the door and quietly step out.

I'm grateful we're back at home - where there's quiet and peace. He needs it. I need it.

After this entire situation with Isaiah's gang and ours, I really haven't had the chance to really process what I've actually learned from it all. In result of every fight, and every moment of having to load my gun, or dwell into deep conversation when it came down to meeting up with the gang, I learned what to do when it comes down to protecting the ones I love.

I learned how to fight, and how and when to place my foot down when it feels as if everything around me is crashing down. I learned how to trust others - people aside from my sister.

And fairly, I think I gathered the reminder of what it felt like to have a large family again. To be surrounded by the people that care for you just as much as you do them - to have ones that are willing to fight for you.

Yes our lives are filled with counterfeit money when we need it and sometimes even gun handling - but I don't know where I'd be without them. And never in a million years did I think I would be enduring the times I have spent communicating with the gang bangers. Nonetheless becoming Queen, as Rio says, and taking the lead with him.

Things are starting to fall back into place now. The ones we knew of that contained the lethal act of targeting us, are gone. We are all OK. I would say I don't think I could be any happier, but then there's the reminder of an upcoming wedding day...

A grin tugs at my lips while I pull myself back to reality, ridding my inner thoughts as I begin making my way down the stairs. Hopping down to reach the last step, my spacious kitchen comes to view. And I instantly spot my sister, who slouches in a barstool that is, before her hazel irises find mine.

I watch Ann quickly sit upright just before she hops off the stool, coming to a firm stand in a matter of seconds. Either of her arched brows draw in concern.

"How is he?" She asks, her usual piping tone solemn and gentle as she makes her way over to me.

"He's gonna be OK," I reassure her a small smile, tucking a loose strand of brown hair behind an ear - already beginning to wish I pinned up a much tighter bun earlier.
Ann deliberately comes to a stop when her hand rests on my arm for comfort.

"He's up there in bed, I just hope he'll stay eased to get the rest, you know?" I say. Ann's hazel specks flicker with a twinkle of relief, before she starts in her steps to near the kitchen island again.

"I'm glad it wasn't any worse." She says, claiming her seat once more. My sister's sympathetic gaze settles on mine. "That bullet could've landed elsewhere, causing much more damage. Thank God you were there to save him, and, thankfully the wound shouldn't take too long to heal." Ann sighs, running her hands through her blonde streaks. "Thank you for calling me over, sis."

I nod in understanding, while I turn around to head towards the coffee pot on the counter. On the way to it and grabbing two mugs, a prominent reminder hits me.

"Speaking of giving you a call, I didn't just call you because I didn't want to be alone at such a time... I also had a question for you." I tell her, filling the second ceramic mug with the warm satisfaction. I turn around shortly after, with the two mugs in hand, before I walk over to Ann.

Nervousness begins to flux within me, though I'm almost expectant, and anticipated, of her eventual response. "Um... well the wedding is coming up, or at least a couple months or so anyway, but..."

I hand her one of the mugs, standing across the island she sits at. "Would you do me the honor of being my maid of honor?" I ask, immediately face palming myself mentally afterward. "I didn't intend on that question to have so many 'honors' or to sound...that...way but-"

My sister interjects my murmur with an excited squeal, as I soon watch her bring her hands up to her mouth in an awed fashion - her wide eyes bright. "Aw! I'd love to!" Ann jumps to her feet, plastering a wide smile. "Well it's not too surprising since I'm like the coolest sister in the world or anything..." she murmurs, speed walking up to me.

I break into a smile when pulling her into a warm hug. My younger sister squeezes me in return.

"Eeeek I still can't believe you're getting married!" She pipes against me, and I laugh.

"Next step, BABIES!" Ann cheers - resulting in my content frame to freeze for one brief second, before my shoulders seem to ease, and my lips do their thing to suppress my laughter as they purse into a thin line.

Then, I get to thinking; Rio and I never really had the discussion about... having a kid - or growing a family at all in that matter. And that's important, very important.

In my opinion, for me, it's too soon for us to try for a baby right after marriage - I mean I'd still want some time for ourselves. But do I want children? Certainly. I always have.

And Rio? Now the big question is: just how on earth am I gonna ask him that?

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FINALLY golly I've been so busy y'all it's just... oof

But I'm back and I really hoped you enjoyed chapter 60! 60!!!! Wow!

Love you guys, I'm working on the next chapter! :)

xx