Page 128 of Sins and Virtue

“I knew how much he meant to you. I knew you needed him like he needed you, and I didn’t care what I had to sacrifice or give; you two needed to be with each other.”

My tears fell without remorse.

The disarray of the world faltered, and the missing cracks became complete.

He never broke his promises.

Kon always kept his word.

“Mama,” Ollie buried his tiny hands in my hair, steady on my shoulders. “I missed you.”

Those three little words were enough to make my existence and the whole time we were apart bearable.

“My god, you don’t know how much that means, baby.” I sniffled, looking down at him. My shaking hands threaded gently through his hair, feeling the world in my hands as he peered up with his little mischievous gaze at me. “I almost thought you forgot about me.”

“Very silly Mommy. Never.” He grinned, his big chubby cheeks rounded.

“Yes, I was very silly.” I hummed because nothing else mattered now. “You've gotten so big! I can’t believe it. And you’re so handsome.” I pecked his face with kisses all over.

Ollie giggled with his full body.

“Well, can you blame him? I mean, look who you choose as the father.” A resonant, commanding, sultry voice that was used to give death orders teased from behind me.

No fucking way. There was no way this pain in my ass came to see me.

Well, who else did you entrust your son to?

Swerving to a forty-five-degree angle, there he was, dressed in the finestBrioniblack two-piece suit he could afford, unbuttoned as he wore a black undershirt with the first few buttons undone, revealing his bronze chest and a rosary he religiously wore, along with black oxfords, a one-of-a-kindPatek Philippewatch, andRay-Bansunglasses. The perfect mix of elegance, seduction, and devastating power. “You.”

“Hello,mi amor.” Marcello flashed a charming wide smile as he removed his glasses, revealing his rich brown prideful gaze. “Long time no see.”

I shook my head, trying to fight a smile. “And this is how you welcome me? The mother of your child.Eres un patán.”You’re a jerk.

“Well, given all accounts and grievances, I hope this pays off my debt.” He ran a hand through a side of his dark waves.

Adjusting Ollie on my hip, I walked over to him and stood in his way as he towered over me but he never diminished my presence. I rose to my tippy toes, cupping one side of his cheek, giving him a kiss, and then embraced him. The bottled-up words broke out without force as I whispered. “Thank you for keeping him safe. Thank you for bringing him to me. For allowing me to see and be with him again.”

He kissed the top of my head gently, saying. “You are his mother. I would never take that right from you.”

I backed away, acknowledging everything I put him through. “I know, but I was scared I would never have the chance again. I know how much problems I’ve caused you and everyone—”

“Shush,” He waved his hand like it was insignificant. “It's all taken care of. No more need to worry.”

“Still, it doesn’t erase the hassle I’ve put you and your family, the boys, through.”

“You are my family, Blair. You and our son. And it doesn’t matter what you did. I’d slaughter the whole world for you both if needed.”

“So you’re not mad anymore?”

“I was never mad at you. Just the circumstances.”

“So does that mean I can see him, live with him, and everything?”

Gazing down at my son like he was going to disappear, another tear dropped down, not wanting to spend another moment apart. I couldn’t.

Ollie jumped, raising his little hand and touching my cheek. “Mami, don’t cry.”

“Sorry, baby. These are happy tears.” I made up.