Vengeance Is Beautiful

Chapter Twenty-Four

Aibonito, Puerto Rico - Eleven Months Later

In their home is the scent of lavender, the delicate blooms in one of Catalina's jam jars. The perfume brings out the delicate gold hue to the walls, the very same shade that is the color of spring forget-me-nots in the morning light. She never aspired to a large home, preferring cozy and friendly. It is the perfect space for them.

She sat in the chair, this is home, she thought.

"Our home." He said.

She spun around on her toes and he caught her in a smooth move and planted a head-spinning kiss on her smiling lips. "Lino! You scared me", she giggles. He smiles softly and leads her to the living room.

"I love it. I love this house, it gives me a comforting and safe vibe", she says leaning her head on his shoulder. He rubs her back lovingly and takes in the house.

Catalina observed the way her love's eyes took in everything around them and for the first time she saw him truly happy. His smile was one of happiness growing, much as a spring flower opens. You could see how it came from deep inside to light his eyes and spread into every part of him. A person smiles with more than their mouth, and she heard it in his voice, in the choice of his words and the way he relaxed. It was beautiful.

There was nothing to upset their little world of happiness. No enemy or disgruntled being trying to pry them from each other and Catalina - the both of them actually, allowed themselves to relax and let their guard down.

Of course, Lino was still Lino, some things just never change. For instance, he was always prepared for anyone who might try to mess with him or his woman, he had to fight the urge several times not to kick down someone who forgot who he was - as he was still feared in certain parts of Puerto Rico but he was done with drugs and dealing with it. He never wanted it - not once and now he's relieved that he made it out and alive.

And better yet - with the love of his life! What else could a man ask for? The answer came however, when he felt a pinch by his side and he peeked down at the ever so curious brown eyes searching his face then latching onto his returning gaze.

"I'm hungry papi", Lina pouts. He smiles - he always loved when she let her inner child out. His queen was always one to stand and bite the bullet and he loved her for it. He found it sexy when she let her bad-ass side out and gave someone a good blow for double-crossing her. Made him relax knowing she could handle herself.

But not when someone else tried to be her hero. That would never happen - the only hero she would and will ever need is him - and him alone.

He feels another pinch but this time it's much harder. "Aye!" he whines, removing his hand from her back to rub his arm.

"What are you thinking about?" a concerned look etched on her face and her playful gait gone. Lino shrugs, "I'm thinking about how much I love this place. C'mon let's get you fed. You're not you when you're hungry", he responds with a wink.

Her stern eyes fill up with amusement and she bursts out laughing, slapping his arm in the process.

The Next Day,

*******'s POV

I sat going through the pictures, trying desperately to connect the dots. My partner came in with coffee for the both of us. "Thanks", I mutter taking it and going back to my files. He sits across from me and looks at the monitor then his eyes focus in.

"What? Something new?"

"Yeah. She's chatting with the sister at the park. I didn't know the sister was pregnant?"