It's hard to see what's in front of you when you're looking for something too far away. She had so much in spite of what she was missing, but the missing piece made all the difference. Still, her wish had come true hadn't it? It just hadn't come the way she expected it to. Or at the time in the case of her father.

William wished he could say as much. Christmas Day had been one of the few days he couldn't escape his father's judgment and his mother's indifference. Looking back he supposed he'd given them enough trouble as well. A part of him wondered if the man he was today would have fared any better.

"Your mother sounds like a hell of a woman. I didn't know you had a sister either. Maybe you can tell that story if I get a chance to meet her some day." Will thought back to dredge through his memories of the good times. Most of them came from his times out on the streets and he almost felt ashamed as he realized the smallness of them. Still, he'd started the question and it was only fair to turn it back on him.

"For me it was probably one summer when I was thirteen. I'd been a scrawny lad for a long time and never quite lived up to my father's expectations. I wasn't built for the iron like he was, but that summer I started to grow. It didn't change things with him but it did with others." William withdrew his wallet and counted out a handful of bills to the street vendor. He picked up the bracelet that Isabella had looked at and handed it to her as the moved on.

"I'd tried for years to find my place with other kids on the streets but always been too slow and too small to be noticed. I started to catch the eye of a few of the ones who took charge of the rest when they saw me getting bigger." A corner of his mouth twitched into a half-smirk, but his eyes seemed distant and looking to something in a whole different place. "I think they felt threatened, though I'd have never had a chance as it was." The sound of a big band playing blared out from one the nearby clubs and caught Will's notice so he turned their progress towards the door.

"They'd knocked me around before but one day that summer I think they were trying to kill me. One lad, Connor, who was three years older than me was the only thing that stopped them. He'd never much took to the rest of the gang and when he saw me helpless he stepped in and fought them off even though he didn't know me. He paid a hell of a price for it too. Over the next few weeks I followed him around instead of the others. He seemed to enjoy having me around, though he took my debt out of my hide. It was different with him though. He fought with me to teach me and though he punished my mistakes he didn't do it with anger. When I got busted up, he and his little sister Kinzie would always bandage me up and make sure I didn't suffer. By the end of the summer I could damn near keep up with him." They had arrived at the entrance to the club, but William held up just outside and drew out a smoke. His nerves started to go on edge talking about his old friend. He still wished he'd found a way to do as much for Connor as the boy had done for him, but he'd left town before he ever got the chance.

"Late that summer I went back to the gang and I met the bastards who'd rolled me before, but that time I turned the tables on them with what I'd learned. The younger ones looked at me with a respect I'd never known, but I didn't see it until well after. I was too busy with getting back at the older ones. That and being distracted by the other change of that summer." Will took a long drag off his smoke and smiled a roguish grin. 

"One of the lads had been carrying a jewel they'd lifted off a woman on the streets and I immediately thought of Kinzie. I took it from him and brought it back to where Connor and Kinzie lived. She gave me my first kiss. Her brother gave me one of the worst black eyes I've ever had. By the end of the summer she'd taught me just as much as he had and we'd all worked out our differences. It was the first time in my life I'd ever felt like I'd amount to something. It was also when I learned that being the toughest comes with an awful lot of perks. My only regret is that I left town before I realized the other half of what Connor was teaching me when he saved me that day. I could have saved Elyan a lot of trouble"

William took one more drag off the smoke before he dropped it and snubbed it out. He took a deep breath and spoke softly. "Connor was more family that summer than my own blood. I miss the tough son of a bitch. I miss them both to be truthful, but I've never quite worked up the courage to go looking for them. Probably makes me sound like a fool, but it's true."

"You're no fool."  She said confidently.  "I don't go into business with fools, but you have a big heart, and you're a genuinely good man. That's what I value most about you.  I could see it in New York and even more clearly now here in Philly.  This place," She looked around, "It suits you."

She smiled a wide grin, not finishing her internal thought about how she wished she'd found him when she found Vela and how he would have been a great addition to her crew... but then they might never have had this, whatever THIS was becoming.

"Shall we go dance?"  

The two of them entered and while Will was enthusiastic, she couldn't help but notice how some of their twists and turns on the dance floor were met with expressions of pain on her partner's face.  He was clearly recovering still from the pounding Gavin had given him.  In her head, she began to change her plans for the night.  Her bear might be a strong man, but she wouldn't hospitalize him even in the pursuit of giving him pleasure.  Instead, she'd spend the night giving him all her attentions, she'd make sure he'd be dying to get her out to Philly to finish the job.

Isabella smiled a wicked smirk as she thought of what the later hours of the night would bring and of how crazy she'd have driven him come morning.  When the band took it's break she dragged Will from the dance floor to get a drink.

"You're literally the best swing dancer I've EVER had the pleasure of cutting a rug with Will Bowden!"  She laughed.  "Did you learn to dance like that in New York?  I hear the Cotton Club is one hell of a place!"

Swing dancing was one of his great pleasures as it always meant time close to a beautiful woman focused on him. That held true tonight and hearing Isabella's compliment was the icing on the cake, even if he did feel like she might be humoring him just a bit.

She might have seemed an angel to him outside, but Isabella was a devil on the dance floor. She was every bit as capable a dancer as himself even on his best day. By the look on her face she had more than the next song in mind too. It would be perfect if only he didn't feel like he was being stabbed whenever he twisted. It seemed Gavin was giving him troubles with Isabella even when he wasn't around. William leaned in and claimed another kiss to drive that thought back away.

"I learned to love it in New York. I got into it at first over girls, but I realized I was enjoying myself too. I've kept up with it ever since and it's been a comfort when things weren't so good." William ordered an old fashioned and sipped at it, letting the alcohol do its work of numbing his aches. "There's not so much different between fighting and dancing you know. Two people set to one another, focusing on nothing but the other one. Feeling out where the other is strong and where they're not and moving with it in mind. Both leave you sore if you're going all out and doing it right."

Like some others things that jumped to mind after the closeness of the dance. The longer he spent with her, the harder it was getting to focus. He decided to try and distract himself from those thoughts for a moment with another question. 

"That's two things that I enjoy. That make me happy. Three if you count current company." A quick wink and a sly smile accompanied the comment. "What about you? What is it that you know will always make you happy when you need it?"

"Fast cars.  I love the look of them, I love the thrill of going 70 miles an hour down an open road way - the danger... it's like you're suddenly aware you have NEVER lived before that moment.  There's just nothing like it.  I can't be down when driving."

She thinks about it, "Dancing, though having seen me on the dance floor it hardly seems fair to share that... it's not incredibly telling."  She paused and considered for a moment something more... vulnerable.

"I draw."  She admitted.  "I don't think I've let another living soul know that save for my sister Elie and my Mother, may God rest her soul.  But... I'm quite fond of drawing  the human body and I'm not half bad at it.  It's a private passion, something I honestly would rather the rest of the world not know... maybe out of a touch of fear.  I mean, I don't want to say how good I am only to be compared to the masters.  It's a hobby, at best, but I do find solace in it."

She laughed, "Though some of my sketch books being burned would be a service to the arts.  You REALLY don't want to see my early years with a pen in my hand.  It was TERRIBLE."

She thought a moment, "You know, when we leave here, I hear there are carnival rides down on the boardwalk.  We should go take a few in.  What do you think?  Maybe you can win me a bear on the midway?"

"I suspected the first one too after the drive here. I wouldn't have guessed drawing though." Such an intimate act, stopping to truly see another human body the way that such a drawing would require. It was a gentle sort of art and seemed to William like it would take a great deal of trust between the artist and the subject. It was also a good reminder that there was more to the woman in front of him then just the strength and suffering she'd overcome and still faced. It was a view of the woman beneath it all.

"I'd like to see your work if you wouldn't mind. If you're comfortable with it of course. As much as you're willing to show. After all, nobody starts off great at a thing and half of being great is the process of getting there. If you didn't have to work for it, then it wouldn't be as special. To me, that makes even the rough bits beautiful because they show what you made it through and how much you learned. And to be fair, I don't know much about drawing masters so I'd only know what I think." His own laughter joined Isabella's and he looked down in pretend bashfulness.

"I'm a sucker for learning new things though. It's just too bad I learn by doing instead of by books or I might pick up a lot more with a lot less trouble."

Carnival rides might just be a good addition to the trip. Lots of good ways to spend close time. "The carnival games won't know what hit them. It would probably be easier on my guts anyhow. I got to admit, I may have a few more bumps than I'd let on." William threw back the rest of his drink in a hurry, letting the warmth of the liquor spread across his midsection and overwhelm the rest of his aching. It would be a back in a while, but that was the future.

Isabella rubbed the back of Will's hand with her thumb gently, "I could tell, out on the dance floor, that you were sore.  So, here's what I'm thinking..."  She leaned in close to whisper in his ear, "I'm still feeling so badly for how I got you into this state.  Don't deny it, you've been beat on by no less than three men in your attempt to have an hour alone with me.  So..."

She smiled, "Let me show you some appreciation.  I want you to scrap whatever plans you have to show me the 'real' Will Bowden behind closed doors tonight.  I'm not letting you hurt yourself trying to prove something to me.  Instead,"  She placed her hand on his upper thigh, not squeezing but just making her presence known, "You're going to let me show you a very, VERY, good time to express my fullest appreciation."  

She gave him a quick kiss on his cheek near his ear.  "And if you make a fuss about it... then I'll be forced to go to my own hotel room tonight, if only to keep myself from hurting you.  So... I can't express strongly enough how much your reply should be, 'Thank you' instead of protesting."

She wanted to keep kissing him.  Will had that way.  She was comfortable sitting beside him, talking like friends, and there wasn't an ounce of urgency - until they touch.  He reminded her of a live electrical wire.  Quiet and unassuming until you touched an end... and then, the rush was intense and all consuming.

She backed away but kept her hand on his thigh, which she pointedly looked at before speaking.  "If you stop and let me buy some paper and a pencil... maybe I could be convinced to draw you.  Of course, since you don't pay much mind to the masters, you wouldn't know that the human body is best drawn in it's natural state.  I've never had a live male subject before though... so... it could prove illuminating."  Her smile became a wicked smirk and she let her hand move up his thigh, removing it before getting to near to anything that would cause him issues walking.

Isabella didn't wait for him to answer.  Instead she slid away from the table and stood up.  "I'm going to freshen up and then we'll go find the midway."  She figured he might appreciate the time alone.  She stayed away for a full five minutes, taking her time getting her hair back in order and her make up as well.  

Coming back to the table she held out her hand and waited for him to offer her his arm.  She smiled again, she did that a lot around Will she noticed and this time she spoke her thought aloud, "I don't know if I've ever remarked at how handsome you are - but if I haven't, it's something that was far past over due."  She looked him up and down.

"My father wears suits all the time, but they always look like they're made to help his image seem more ... intimidating?"  She chuckled.  "You... I can't help but think this suit can barely contain you.  Not that it's ill fitting but... sometimes a suit makes a man... sometimes the man makes the suit.  In your case, it's most certainly the later."

She leaned her head on his shoulder, hugging his arm, as Will took long confident strides down the boardwalk - it felt as though he was showing her off, parading her through people so they would know that this woman was with him.  It was a good feeling, one she hadn't had in a while.  With Gavin she always felt like she was running around with a half-mad partner always drifting whatever way the wind took them in unison (or she chasing after), but with Will she was guided, protected, and held up to the light like a treasure.  Isabella had been told the boardwalk went on for at least a mile, but she could have walked like this for far longer. 

Together they went past all manner of things including a museum of freakish wonders, several gambling establishments, and loads of vendors.  Near the end of the walk there it was... a small carnival had set up, complete with a midway.  She smiled as Will patted her hand and approached a 'strong man challenge.'

"Are you sure you're up to that?"  she asked as he paid the man and went over to grab the hammer.  "I don't want to spend the evening in a hospital."  She laughed and eyed a large white bear with blue button eyes.

The thought of the evening ahead of them had invigorated him and even after the walk down the boardwalk he'd felt more energetic than when they'd started the trip. He had proudly kept Isabella close and savored the thought that she'd chosen to spend this time with him when any man would be lucky to be in his place. When he saw the strongman game, it had seemed to be just the ticket to let out some of his excess energy and turn tension into motion. Provided of course that he didn't throw a wayward bone out of place. He almost certainly wasn't up to it. The double-shot of whiskey Will had thrown back while Isabella went to freshen up went a long ways to making the difference though.

"I'll be alright, angel. That bell will ring one way or another."

He held the hammer tightly and tried to focus on the task at hand. He would have liked the tool to have a bit more heft, but that was all part of the game he supposed. William held the hammer out just over the target and slowly slid it back over his shoulder with a hand just beneath the head to steady it. He took a deep breath and swung the hammer forward, letting his hand fall to the base and drive it down towards its goal, but his mind had wandered to the feel of her hand on him and her voice whispering in his ear about the natural state of a body.

The hammer struck the ground a couple inches to the side of its intended path. William heard the carnival worker chuckle and shot a look that suggested the hammer in his hands might be put to other uses that the man would find far less amusing. Despite Isabella's concern, he was not going to let something like this beat him.

Whether through sheer stubbornness or out of a desire not to see Isabella walk away without something she had shown interest in, William clenched his teeth and brought the hammer up again. The worker's chuckle gave him more than enough fuel to keep the second swing straight and its impact sent the marker rocketing to the top of the gauge ringing the bell with force to spare.

"The bear please." William's voice was a bit strained as he slowly straightened up, careful to keep his back to Isabella so she wouldn't see him cringing and holding his left arm across his middle trying to brace himself. The second swing had been far more than he ought to have done. Damn temper. At least the worker would keep Isabella's attention while he gave her the prize.

"How about we take a ride on the ferris wheel, angel? It'd be nice to see all this from up high." And have a seat for a few minutes. Having caught his breath, William turned back and offered his arm to her to lead her towards the wheel that was clearly visible down the midway.

Will helped her into the cart that would take them high above Atlantic City, he'd grabbed them a Coca-Cola to share and a small bag of peanuts as a snack.  Soon, the sun would have set and it would be time to seek a proper dinner and ... dessert, something they both very much had their minds on despite Will's mild infirmities. 

The sky was painted midnight blues and bled down into yellow, pinks, and gold.  The wind was positively perfection and as they ate the last of their peanuts, Isabella fished a pencil out of her purse and smoothed out the bag to draw what she could see.  It was fast, sketched mostly from her mind than by accurate observation as they were moving, but she drew their feet in the bottom of the cart and beyond it the sun sinking into the water... a buoy and a sea gull.  Above the stars were just starting to make their appearance in the heavens above, slowing all the world down to a pace that invited one to create memories.  

Will's arm went around her back as she worked, he leaned in to watch her drawing frantically as the wheel took them up and over the boardwalk bustling with lovers arm in arm, children running home before dark, and young people eager for the excitements that were just beginning.  A new Atlantic City was awakening to replace the family friendly one.  The showplace of the Nation (as they called Atlantic City) was indeed just that - music seemed to be coming from every street corner and carnival barkers begged by passers to stop to see their wonders.  As she finished drawing the lines of her ankle, Will's perfect mouth captured & claimed her own.  It was the last thought she gave the peanut bag or the beautiful city all around them.

Her arms snaked around his neck, her white bear between slipped up and onto his lap as she slid closer and committed what would be scandalous to any other proper woman.  Isabella, however, was no proper lady.  She was a mother-fucking-Mafia-Don and if anyone dared look at her side ways, she'd break their nose.

Will was moving as she kissed him, she couldn't tell what he was doing or why, at least not until they came past the carnie running the ride.  Will broke from the kiss and leaned out the carriage handing the young man at the switch a bill larger than most men got in six months for pay.  "My girl wants to see the sun set at the top!"  He said with a smile, coming back into the carriage.  Isabella laughed.

My girl?

She liked that.  Immediately he pulled her into his arms again and began kissing her once more and sure enough, once at the top, the ride stopped.  The cart shifted and rocked.  Down below the carnie was calling up loudly that there was a problem with the ride, it shouldn't take more than five minutes to fix... everyone should remain calm and enjoy the sight.

Isabella laughed into Will's kisses.  "This is... perfect."  At some point their kisses slowed and he just held her while they watched the last of the light disappear and the earth erupt into a sea of street lights and illuminated signs - as if mankind was trying to mirror heaven back at God.  The ride, then, kicked into gear. 

The poor carnie was catching an ear full from each rider who got off before them - but he'd been paid well.  Will patted the man on the shoulder as they passed, tucking a little something extra into his shirt pocket.  But he said nothing to him.  Will was a true wise guy through and through.  He was born for this life, she realized.  He knew how to make people like him, both with his strength and quality of his personality and with a fair spreading of cash.  She could imagine him being as good as some of the nation's best one day... a Don in no time really with his very own family most likely. 

This, he and she, was a match that was meant to happen in the wake of Elias passing.  THIS was why she had needed the trip to Canada.  She'd never have been open to this without Gavin's help... and soon, she'd woo Will to such a maddening place that he'd be begging her father for the right to marry her, securing a political marriage for Detroit and Philadelphia.  Yet another means to keep peace and profit for all the families. Perhaps Gavin would be Will's best man?  That would be ironic and yet so fitting. 

Yes... everything was finally going right, after six months of hell.  Everything made sense again.  

"Let's find a place to eat dinner and I want to hear about your plans for the future... the past is all well and good, but surely you've got big plans?  A guy like you... you seem to have everything together.  I'd love to know what the big plans are... and maybe I can be convinced to tell you some of mine."

The beauty on the ferris wheel had been breathtaking enough to forget his aches and pains and he'd felt like he was floating on air. The sunset had been rather nice too.

A part of him worried he'd been too forward calling Isabella 'my girl' but if anything her enthusiasm had grown. Everything about this trip had just felt right to him and when she'd spoken at the top of the wheel he'd feared his heart would leap straight out of his chest and it was all he could do to reply, "Only because you're here with me." The ride had been well worth every penny he'd given the operator and then some.

"Some folks say it's bad luck to talk too much about the future, but for you I'll make an exception. I think we can find something special for dinner to accompany the conversation." Though getting to the hotel sounded wonderful at the time as well. Hotels have room service after all.

Having held his tongue, Will walked Isabella back down the boardwalk, making a point to stop at the first vendor he saw with any art supplies. It would be a new experience to have someone draw him but he took some comfort in the fact that they wouldn't be as jittery about undressing around one another. They'd crossed that bridge once already which would make things so much easier when there was proper intent behind it. He suspected that they'd enjoy the experience just as naturally as they had all the rest of the time they'd spent together.

Having returned to the car and seen Isabella seated first as he had made habit, William drove confidently having seen a place on their way through town earlier that seemed it would fit the bill nicely. "I hope you enjoy seafood and a nice bottle of wine, angel."

Dock's Oyster House was a cozy seafood restaurant a few blocks in from the boardwalk, and as Will had noticed on the way past before, the place had people waiting in line at the door. There also seemed to be a conspicuous number of people at the back of the house as well. A quick word with the doorman and the passing of a small gift saw Will escorting his date to the back of the house and entering almost immediately. The dining space consisted of a dozen tables arranged on a hardwood floor and skirted with pure white tablecloths and proper silver tableware, adorned in the center with vases of flowers. At one end of the room stood a well used bar stocked with a healthy assortment of alcohol.

The waiter seated the two of them at a corner table and Will asked for a bottle of the house's best wine while they decided what they would like from the menu. A few moments later the waiter returned with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and poured the first glass for the two of them. Will ordered the lobster and smiled at Isabella as she ordered.

"So you wanted to know about the future? The truth is, I just try to live each day as if I might not get another one. You never know when everything will turn upside down on you. For me that means serving Don Mezzo in any capacity I'm capable of. In truth though, a part of me wants someday to be able to prove myself worthy of starting my own operation and helping to teach others what I've learned." A wistful glean in Will's eyes framed the soft smile below. "I've been fortunate to know an awful lot of talented people since I started in this line of work and it seems right to pay them back by carrying on what they've done. In some cases it's the only way I can repay them. There's a lot of potential in this thing of ours to do right or wrong by the people who live alongside us and I'd like to see us do it the right way. Every day that passes convinces me more that I might be able to do that one day. Of course that's not a decision that any of us makes for ourselves. In the end, those who have worked hard enough and been fortunate enough to have made that step have to decide what is best for the future of this thing of ours."

William looked Isabella in the eye and took a moment to really think about what his words would mean in terms of their new relationship. If he ever succeeded it would mean a family that he would be responsible for above all else. People whose lives would depend on him. To balance the two would mean to work to keep the peace with Detroit by whatever means possible, though peace is always the first goal among the cities. The alternative was a painful one for all involved. At this point that seemed like a task well in hand, but the future is always a mystery. All he knew looking into her eyes was that he was willing to face that struggle if it meant keeping the feeling he'd had alongside her. Besides, that might never be a concern. There were dozens more like William Bowden struggling for the same goal.

"For now, suffice it to say that the future that is most on my mind is the one in front of me. Today has been one of the happiest days I've known in as long as I can remember. I'll count myself lucky if I'm able to say that this isn't the last day I get to spend with you."

Isabella took Will's hand and looked into his eyes with a warm smile.  "No reason it should be. There are no serious suitors since Elias' passing and honestly speaking, peace with Philadelphia is one of my father's top priorities.  An advantageous relationship with a well-placed Consigliere would suit both my father's and my personal desires.  I can't think of anything better than when my business needs pair well with my personal desires."

She sipped her wine and then spoke,"It might be bold, too bold for lesser women I suppose, but we're well matched you and I.  Your star burns bright in this thing of ours, the people even this far away from your home turf seem to know you and respect you... I imagine the things we might accomplish together and  my mind is positively swimming with possibilities."

"The fact that you're devilish handsome, strong, brave, charming, and a great dancer is all a rather large bonus.  The fact that I actually like you," She smiled wide, "Is something of a very welcome miracle.  I don't know how to account for your timely arrival in my life aside form divine intervention, Will, truly I don't."

"Sir?  Miss?"  The Maitre d' interrupted.  

"The elderly couple over there," He motioned to a man and woman who were clearly in their late 80s who smiled and waved at them.  "Asked if you would mind terribly if they could buy your bottle of wine tonight.  They are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary and have a tradition with us going back many years... they always buy a bottle for a young couple just starting out in life."

Before Will could insist that the bottle cost too much, or make some other kind remark to spare the elderly couple the expense, the man continued in very low whisper, "They are well aware of the bottle that you have ordered Sir... the gentleman is Mr. Guiseppe Romano, the former Ambassador to Italy for the United States.  He's visiting for their anniversary, another tradition of theirs, I assure you it is well within the Ambassador's means."

Isabella perked up and looked over to the table.  An Ambassador, even a retired one, was a connection worth having!  She smiled at the elderly couple before throwing out to the Maitre d'  - "Please tell the Ambassador and his wife that Ms. Isabella Luciano and Mr. William Bowden graciously accept their lovely gift, but only on the condition they join us for dessert.  Right, Will?"  She looked to Will for his reaction and, ideally, support.

A former ambassador to Italy? In the back-end bar of the business? The man must be connected in the old world and the new country! What a time to be an Irish man in an Italian line of work. Still, the kind gesture suggests no judgment for the time being. He would certainly be a good man to know and one with a great deal of insight into business of all sorts.

"Of course, Isabella. It seems only right to thank them in person for such a kind gesture." William smiled towards the ambassador's table before turning back to Isabella as the maitre d' went to convey their sentiments.

"Well, I guess we're going to mix some business with pleasure." Will's smile dropped a bit and concern was evident in his expression to Isabella. "He's going to recognize your name isn't he? You don't think he'll have a problem with a woman from a well known family being out with a man who isn't Italian do you?" 

William took a deep drink of his wine and pondered. The man was older which lent credibility towards the risk. Isabella came from a family that had a long tradition of mafia connections on both sides and he'd heard rumors that men from the old world were still seen in Chicago on business from time to time. That meant he'd be doubly likely to know Isabella's significance. He was on a special occasion which meant he may be more amenable than normal, particularly on an anniversary celebrating long lasting love. He'd offered to buy the wine in spite of Will's appearance, so he is likely approaching with an open mind. It might work out. At least if they don't expect him to speak Italian.

"Here's hoping for the best, angel. If this works out it could be good for us and not just for business. Imagine the look on your father's face if we can tell him the ambassador wished us well together."

Dinner arrived and the two of them tucked in. The establishment had entirely lived up to its appearances and the flavors were exquisite, still William found that his appetite was greatly reduced by the impending meeting.

Will's worries weren't unfounded so she didn't allow herself more than a reassuring smile when he brought them up.  Under the table she slipped her foot out of her shoe and rubbed his calf.  "You'll be fine, if he was too prejudiced they could have picked another couple - and they wouldn't be smiling at us.  And I do hope he does know my father - because if he does, he certainly knows better than to hurt my feelings or that of anyone my father allowed me to dine with."  She leaned in towards Will and whispered, "Such actions are hazardous even to an old man's health."

Dinner was, in her case, shrimp linguine and she strongly suspected the chef had to be some old Italian woman because the sauce was to die for!  No less than three times did she remark to Will that she'd never had better and would be coming back for JUST this meal.  "I still have a million questions to ask you."  She side mopping up her plate with a bit of breadstick - savoring the last of the sauce.  Did they put drugs in this?

"I hope I've passed muster to get asked out for a second date, that way I can finish picking your brain?"  

It was then the Matrie D' walked over and put down four plates of Tiramisu.  She smiled and bent down to smell it.  "Oh God, Will, it's heavenly."  As the Ambassador and his wife approached, Isabella stood and went to greet them in traditional Italian fashion.  There was a very brief all Italian exchange between the Ambassador and Isabella during which his wife greeted Will in English sparing him the awkwardness such a moment might have brought.  She was clearly use to being that person in any situation, the person who didn't forget that not everyone shared the Ambassador's languages or knowledge.

There was a familiarity between Isabella and the old man instantly.  Certainly the Luciano name was mentioned as well as two providence in Sicily.  The ambassador's own family name was mentioned and two others - Messina and DiCaprio.  Isabella smiled at the mention of both and emphatically agreed, "Si!  Si!"  both of them hugging and laughing again before she turned and said to Will, "What a small world it is, William Bowden this is Ambassador,"

"Please, Bella, Mr. Romano these days is just fine." He offered his hand to Will.

"Mr. Romano but only because you insist and you're family."  She smiled brightly, looking back to Will again, "Mr. Romano is a distant cousin of mine as it happens."

"A pleasant surprise to be sure, but when your family comes from a very small agriculture based island - is it so odd that you are distantly related to everyone who also came from there at some point?"  He laughed with her and then brought his wife forward to meet Isabella.

"Aggie, this is Isabella... she would be cousin Marco's great grandniece."

"Ah!  Through the DiCaprio's by marriage then.  We visited them not terribly long ago actually.  You should see their new vineyard, have you been to the old country?"  She asked as her husband pulled out a chair for her.

"No."  She said regretfully.  "I have a keen desire to do so though, after reading two books that came into my possession though.  It's the journals of a second generation American woman who visited and another of a first generation immigrant.  Both have marked and changed me forever.  So - before I die - I must go.  If I can find the time.  My father keeps me entirely too busy.  I'll never get there without his blessing."

The man smiled, "Forse per la tua luna di miele, allora?"

Aggie swatted her husband, "Siamo in compagnia mista. Non essere scortese, vecchia capra!"

Isabella almost choked on her cake.

Aggie looked to Will, "Forgive my husband, I promise what he lacks in manners he makes up for in well wishes for you and Isabella, William.  He was just expressing that perhaps fortune would favor you both and you'd take the young lady to her home country for your honeymoon."

"My wife has always been the better half of us.  I fear I would have caused war many times over, were it not for her beauty and brains."

His wife scoffed and waved her hand dismissively, Guiseppe leaned over and kissed his wife cheek.  Isabella smiled warmly at the elderly couple.  

"How is it you came to know this place?"  She asked.

"When I was a very young man, my parents they brought me to this country.  Still hot blooded, and of an age to look to young women,"

"Too young by far if you asked my parents."  Aggie interjected.

Guiseppe laughed, "I didn't see you complaining."

Aggie rolled her eyes, but smiled none the less as if she were long suffering of Guiseppe's constant flirtations and wise cracks.

"I was working down on the docks as a ship loader.  I was much stronger then you see... now a days I'm lucky to lift my fork and my wine glass."  He laughed at his own self-deprecating remarks, "Anyway, I was starving but I had no money so I walked down the street looking for some way to acquire a bit of bread or fruit to eat so I could go back to work with less pain in my gut.  Then, suddenly, an angel descended from heaven..."

"I was carrying a tray of food... they use to let folks dine out front on sunny days."  She sounded as if they'd told this story a million times.

"... and she was singing the most beautiful song."  He held his hands over his heart and looked as if he had just been hit by cupid's arrow.

"Si maritau Rosa."  She admits.  "I was a bit over dramatic in my youth - especially as my best friend at the time had married young.  She got what was coming to her though - her husband lost all his hair and got unforgivably fat while mine is as handsome as the first day we met!"  She chuckled.

"And I say to this Angel, 'Come mai sei caduto dalla grazia? Sicuramente una bella come non puoi essere fuori dal favore di Dio!'  or... don't hit me again woman..."  He laughed,  "I'll tell the boy.  'How come you fell from grace? Surely as beautiful as you are, you can not be out of God's favor!'  

"I did the natural thing."  She admitted.  "I threw bread at him and called him names."

"It was love at first sight."  The old man admitted.

"He means the bread."  She added.  Isabella erupted into laughter.  "He dusted off the bread and kissed it and ran off."

Isabella put down her fork and covered her mouth to stifle the laugh.

"I came back every day at lunch time and somehow my angel always had the tables out front."  He smirked at her.

"My mother always told me that a way to a man's heart was directly through his gut... and he was a handsome dock worker.  A man with a steady job, and a sweet smile.  I was hedging my bets with the food."

"Breadsticks, fresh fruit, bits of meat..."

"I swear i threw whatever was handy I was NOT trying to give him a full taste of Italy."  Aggie smiled.

"Eventually, I worked up the courage and saved enough money to buy a real lunch.  So, I came in meet with her father.  I told him that if he allowed me to marry his daughter I would spend every paycheck in his restaurant, that way he could have my money along with my heart... which I'd already given into my Angel's possession."

Isabella was leaning on the palm of her hand enrapt with the story.  "Did he give consent?"  She asked.

"No."  Guiseppe said shaking his head.  

Isabella hid her grin.

"My father was very traditional and Guiseppe, despite what the American government seems to think... he's always been a bit of a rebel."

"I may have had some friends who were friends of ours."  He said.  "Not that I ever dabbled in such things.  Losing items from boats was disrespectful to the men who paid me an honest wage.  I would never have sullied my name in that way."

Aggie rolled her eyes at her husband's round about admission to being an associate of the Mafia.  "So her father grabs me by the scruff and tells me that if I want to date his daughter I must come here every day after work for a year and learn to cook every item on the menu as well as he.  If I can not do this in a year's time he will run me off never to see my Angel again.  If I can... then he will allow me to marry his daughter and I would inherit the restaurant and an honest way to make a living.  He also stipulated, of course, that I was to plead my case to local friends of ours and let them know I was done working for them.  That last bit cost me a tooth... but for my Angel, I would have given them all."

He took his wife's hand and squeezed it.  

"You wouldn't have been able to fill your belly with my father's food then."

"Bah.  You are more to me than the food made here... you know this."  Guiseppe kissed his wife's hand.

"He never did take over the restaurant.  My cousin did."

The old man shrugged.  "Two months into working here a man from the state department comes in and he's struggling to speak Italian with a guest of his.  I translate for him and, by the end of the meal, he offers me a job."

"Such luck for you."  Aggie says smirking, obviously she realizes that Guiseppe's luck wasn't mere luck at all - but clearly he'd kept his Mafia ties.  A fact Isabella realized the moment they could count steps back to each other's families through only a few names.  There was little chance a man born into his family line had no ties to this thing of ours.

"This place is luck itself... and that you are here, dear Isabella... it bodes well for you and your young man."

"Well, officially we're here on business."

Aggie and Guiseppe laugh.  "Business?  Is that what you've told your father?"  The old man asked.

Isabella nodded.  "If he thought it was more, I fear for Will's teeth."

The old man reached out and put a hand on Isabella's cheek.  "It does my heart good to see that no matter how much this world changes, the more things really stay the same."  Guiseppe said, adding, "Approva, però?"

"Sì. A mio padre gli piacciono molto. Sospetto che se lo chiedesse, dopo un po ', mio ​​padre acconsentirebbe. È una buona partita per la mia famiglia - e lui è buono con me."

Aggie leaned to Will, "There simply is no teaching him or taking him anywhere!"

"Buona. Buona. Augurerai a tuo padre buona salute e lunga vita per me?"

"Si, Guiseppe.  I will."

The old man took a last quick bite of his dessert, before leaning in and kissing Bella's cheek.  "I will leave you to your romance young hearts."  He reached into his wallet and produced a business card that he put into Will's hand as he shook it.  "If you marry this girl, write to my office, I will make all the arrangements for your trip to Italian in celebration of your wedding.  My gift to you, but do yourself a favor... and learn Italian.  Her father will respect you more and old men will not talk circles around you.  Yes?"

"It was a delight to have met you Isabella."  Agnes said as she rose.

"And you."  Isabella kissed both of her cheeks, not knowing her to be family.  "Tell me, does your family still own this place?"

She shook her head, "But as part of the sale to non-family we were granted our old deal ... we eat here free on our wedding anniversary each year and make a point to try and give a small bit of our joy to another young couple.  Please know we will be praying for you and young William.  You're a lovely couple."

Isabella hugged the woman.  "Thank you.  We'll be praying for you and Guiseppe as well." 

Passing muster for a second date? He couldn't see any point in this day that it would ever be in doubt. Before he could make that painfully clear though the Maitre D' showed their guests over. William rose and was relieved when the ambassador's wife greeted him in English. She was a lovely woman with a demeanor that radiated confidence and charm. "It is an absolute pleasure to meet the two of you ma'am. I want to thank you for your kind gesture and-"

But Isabella's discussion with the man had borne fruit and she turned to share the discovery of their relation. It was a fortuitous peace of luck that seemed to take an already friendly meeting and make it more similar to a reunion of old friends. With a grin and a subtle shrug to the man's wife, Agnes, William let himself fade back so Isabella could take the lead. She seemed to be comfortable in the role, so William smiled and nodded along with the conversation careful to pay close attention.

His confusion must have been apparent when Mr. Romano's words jolted Isabella in mid-bite of dessert, but when his wife clarified his comments about he and Isabella's 'honeymoon' he nearly choked himself. The thought of a marriage had not yet passed through his mind and by his date's reaction the thought was unexpected for her as well. He'd been so smitten by the idea of spending a day or a week with Isabella that he'd never considered what a year or a decade from now might look like. Hell, he'd barely had anyone remain in his life for that long let alone a woman he had feelings for.

It was a sensible thought though wasn't it? Surely it wasn't completely lost on Isabella given her earlier comments on how well they were matched  and the values of an advantageous relationship with him. The things they could accomplish...that was an exciting and dangerous thought indeed. Now was not the time to dwell, but William had a feeling the thought would be following him long after his Angel had gone back to Detroit.

Mr. Romano snapped him out of his pondering as he began recounting the story of how he met his wife and Isabella's laugh lit up the air like music. A conflicted meeting where she'd lashed out. Asking permission of a father who tolerated but did not consent. A strict set of demands to win that favor followed by a fortuitous rise in power and prestige. His Angel. He'd be damned if the man hadn't described something almost exactly like his own experiences. Of course, he'd not been a dock worker on a laborer's wages when they'd met, but yet he and Isabella moved in completely different worlds. Now though, he was finding himself quickly sharing the room with her professionally as much as he was personally.

Soon enough the couple stood to take their leave and Mr. Romano palmed him a business card with a sly smile and good advice. The gleam in his eyes was a testament to the spark of a troublemaker's spirit he still carried with him and it seemed he was encouraging much the same from the younger generation.

"Thank you, Mr. Romano. If I am so fortunate to have that honor I will gladly send my regards to you. I'll also take your words to heart. It would only be right to learn the language of her family if I intend to some day be a part of it. I wish the both of you well and hope that we have the chance to speak again." He grinned at Isabella for a moment and turned back. "Under similar circumstances."

William quietly took Isabella's hand and watched as the couple departed. The pair had been so happy and full of life that their departure took a bit of the warmth from the room. The whole encounter made William hopeful for the future, but also a bit jealous. He couldn't imagine a future where he'd be alive at such an age, let alone basking in the glow of a love like that. With a squeeze of the hand held in his he began to picture himself and Isabella in such a way. It was a beautiful thought, but one that he couldn't hold for long before it was disturbed by the sound of gunshots echoing through his mind. Better to let the future shape itself than to try to force it and find more pain in its place. For now, he'd make do with the day he had.

"Angel, I think I've been out on the town long enough." He turned and put a hand to her cheek. "I think I'd like to spend the rest of the evening with you." William leaned close and let his lips gently brush across her own in a gentle kiss, lingering just a bit longer than was polite in a place like this. "And only you." He drew back with a playful grin and started to walk them to the door, hesitating only long enough to leave a stack of bills on the table to pay for their dinner. "You never did tell me your plans for the future. Maybe we can discuss that while you draw?" With a wink, William led her out of the restaurant and back to the car.

It was a short drive to a suitable hotel and their good fortune continued to hold. The hotel had a number of vacancies and one was even a luxury suite. As far as William was concerned it was just proof of Mr. Romano's assertion that the restaurant was good luck for the couple. He reserved the suite in Isabella's name and a second room not far away in his own. Might as well try to retain some plausible deniability after all.

Bringing the small amount of possessions that each had with them, the two made their way to the rooms. Seeing no one in the hall with them, William leaned into Isabella as she turned the key in the lock. He let his hands fall to her hips and his lips found her collar and gently caressed their way up her neck. She had made her plan perfectly clear earlier in the night, and while he was eager to see it through he couldn't help his enthusiasm showing a bit. Something told him that she wouldn't mind either.

When Will's hands took hold of her hips, she knew there wouldn't be any sketch work happening for a short while at least.  The allure of appeasing his appetite was too much to resist.  They'd flirted all day, indulging the smallest bits of their desires.  Now standing on the precipice of all that they'd been fantasizing about, it would take a far more steady resolve than Isabella had left to resist the way his lips felt sliding up the nape of her neck towards her hairline.

She paused as the tumbler in the lock clicked free of it's locked position.  Her hand still on the key she soaked up the feeling of his amorous attempts to stimulate a response from her. 

"I thought we discussed this?"  She rolled her head to the side, letting him access her neck and come to her earlobe quite by accident.  She sucked in a quick breath as he took her into his mouth.  She used the doorknob to keep her balance, goose flesh rolled across her body so that she quivered under the grip of his large hands and she smiled as he made an approving & somewhat amused noise.

Isabella turned the knob and pushed the door open and the two of them entered almost as one, gliding more than walking, kicking the door shut behind themselves as she turned to face him.  One hand pulled her at the waist to him and the other went into her hair.  The hotel room key rang out as it impacted the floor.  One and then another shoe was cast aside as they moved further into the room - still kissing.  

Articles of clothing came away in a flurry.  Hands explored places they'd previously been denied access to - kneading, groping, and searching out all the things which the mind had previously only imagined the finer details of.  The soft noises of their motion, quiet hints of where pleasure might be best sought out, causing the senses to become overwhelmed.  Isabella finally had backed Will to a chair, he came down harder into it than she had expected and causing her to break her very serious efforts with a brief chuckle.

It was then she could see the man she had been thinking about all day long and, she realized, he could see her.  His eyes lingered on the scars across her midsection, his hands sliding down her body and stopping at them.  It was the discussion she dreaded.  Most men would not care - most might even be relieved to know their worst fear did not apply here - but most men weren't the sort you considered marrying.  Most men didn't care about bloodlines and family names... but men in the Mafia, did.  Will's opinion of her, his good opinion of their possible future together - it might end with her scars and she damn well knew it.

His finger traced down the scar on her lowest rib on the right side.  She shivered and drew a breath.  Taking her right hand she held his to her scar and spoke in a bedroom whisper, "An assassin's attempt to kill my father caught me on his front porch while we ate breakfast together."  She looked down at the wound and his hand touching it under her own hand.  

"I was just telling him how much I loved him."

"Angel, we..."  She could almost hear him telling her how they didn't need to talk about this now, but if they didn't... she'd be thinking about it the whole time.  She had to get this done.  To let him know that she had been in LA... and that she wasn't completely a woman in the sense he might one day want to marry.  They would never be an old couple, toasting an anniversary talking about their kids and grandkids - at least none by her blood.

"I thought I'd die from the pain,"  She continued, numbly.  "As the bullet lodged in the rib itself and had to be dug out by a doctor on my father's kitchen table while I was laying there screaming."  She moved his hands down the road map of tiny scars and welted, discolored flesh that had been her once smooth belly.  She stopped his hand just above the surgical scar that was the most prominent among the scars on her abdomen.  

"When we went to war with Seattle, Marie was pregnant and so the minute I got the call, I left Elias' bed and ran to her side.  I put on her clothing and a pillow tied to my stomach just here... above my own womb."

She sighed.  "War with Seattle became the war with Las Vegas... became the war with Las Angeles and I was swept up in it trying to protect my Step-Mother who was carrying her first child by being her double on the streets.  Paraded where men would see me, I lead our enemies on a goose chase across LA."

She looked at William, "Durden didn't lie to you.  I was there.  I was there all night & your friends might have been put in danger by my act."  Her eyes were soft, but she seemed to recite facts - not seek pity or to express guilt. 

"At some point, I heard someone come up behind me.  I can't remember his face now, all I know is that I turned and saw bright white - like the sun.  I felt no pain, but I remember falling.  I don't remember anything else they say happened next... not until I woke up the next day in a warehouse with the Godmother sitting vigil in tears."  She looked down at his hand over her scar - realizing his enthusiasm had faded quite a bit in the telling of her tale.  That, unfortunately, she did regret.  

"She told me my father had lived and that Elias had been shot... I knew then what happened to me had to be bad.  No one tells someone in a recovery bed about someone they love being shot without first telling me what had happened to my own body." 

"I didn't say a word as she explained the man had a Chicago Typewriter.  I was very close when he opened fire.  She tried to tell me what a miracle it had been that, for the most part, nothing vital had been struck.  Most of the bullets went clean through, hitting little to anything in any significant way."

"The reason for that, as it turns out, was the individual in question wanted Marie to suffer before dying a slow and painful death of gut shot.  He wanted her to know that he'd killed her & my father's child... my unborn sister."  She shook her head and let go of Will's hand.

"I'll never..."  She forced the words, "Have children.  You should know that, Will.  I know you weren't thinking about that tonight, but if there is another time... if there is an 'us' and a future together, maybe you will.  And you should know what these scars are about, and what I can and can not give to you."  

For a long moment, there was silence between them.  What William was thinking, she couldn't say.  She tried to measure his facial expressions, his body language and all of it read as nothing to her usually sharp mind.  Then, without any words, he sat forward and came to the edge of the chair.  He took hold of her hips again, as he had outside the door, and urged her to come closer.  

His eyes slid across her body, seeming to glorify it, a smile slowly returned to his face and softened her own expression.  Leaning in he place his lips upon her scars and place one tiny kiss... and then another.  She closed her eyes and arched her neck back until she was facing the ceiling.  In the darkness of her own mind, she felt Will's lips tracing paths across her midsection and his hands gently rubbing the muscles of her back, legs, and bottom.

Eventually, he came to stand up, his body against hers, and any worries what he thought of her body (or her story and deeds) seemed to melt away.  His arms snaked around her again, tighter than before, and as surely as she'd been surprised by his choice to protect her in the ring after Durden had revealed her participation in LA - she found herself equally surprised now.  He hadn't become less ardent in his desire for her, to the contrary he seemed even more stimulated than before as he guided her back towards the bed.

Her fingers spread wide as they rose up his pecks and ran around his thick neck - up into his hair.  Despite his bruises and pains, he did not hesitate to bend down and pick her up, placing her on the bed.  The warmth of his touch on her nether regions awakening within her a primitive directive to open herself to him and she did just that.  Falling back upon the bed, her legs parting from one another she awaited a plunge into an ecstasy that never came. 

Will walked around to the side of the bed, clearly not having lost interest she noted, and stood near her.  He pulled back the covers and motioned for her to come up and join him.  Isabella slipped beneath the crispy & somewhat cold sheets - shivering until he joined her.  Face to face and belly to belly they lay - as close as two people could be without becoming one.  His fingers played in her hair, his eyes gazing into her own.  For a long time, they lay this way, kissing one another and writhing as lovers do.  Until at last, Isabella slipped down below the covers to fulfill her promises from earlier that day.

The blankets were cast aside not long after she began.  He hadn't spoken a word to her, just watched her with a gaze better suited to that of a wild animal than man.  A wicked grin and the gaze of a predator tracking prey - one so satisfied that need hadn't caused it to leap... but some part of her expected that moment might come at any time.  

Eventually, his eyes did move from her, his breath becoming increasingly frantic and audible.  Twice she was almost certain he'd growled - truly growled - as she worked swirls with her tongue to prolong his pleasure.  His hands gripped the bed, though she supposed he might have meant to grab at her more than once, but instead had the presence of mind to refrain. 

He gasped his pet name for her, "Angel..."  but she was relentless.  His stiffening muscles, the spasms of his body, and the soft pleading noises urging her on until at last he was spent and lying still beneath her trying to find the air again.

Isabella put her forehead down on his well-toned thigh, listening to his breath, wondering if this was a moment of passion or the beginning of something else.  His silence left her feeling confused and afraid.  Had he simply not wanted to hurt her?  Had he been so upset he didn't know what to say?  Had he just resolved to ignore it all and lose himself in her and think of the things she'd said later?

She knew she should ache with desire, but she merely wanted to be held and so slipped up beside him and snuggled up against his chest, using his shoulder and chest as a pillow.  Will leaned down and kissed her forehead.  Closing her eyes she told herself to sleep.  The world and its problems would be there tomorrow and none of what Will thought of all she said tonight mattered at all.

She gave him a gentle squeeze and closed her eyes, letting herself drift off into dreams.

Room service was delivered at half past seven.  She brought the cart in as quietly as possible then raced back to her place on the couch where she picked up her pencil and paper again to continue sketching Will's sleeping form, barely covered by the sheets.  It was like one of those very old Roman or Greek works of art.  A young man, the peak of physical prowess, caught vulnerable and in repose.  She'd been drawing for two hours while he softly snored, but now the scent of bacon, eggs, and fresh coffee must have called to him because he began to stir.

"If you move, I won't be able to finish this... and that would be a shame because it's nearly perfect.  Can you hold your bladder for five minutes?"  She asked him as his eyes fluttered open and caught sight of her in nothing but the hotel robe, knees pulled up to be her easel while she drew him.  Her long raven hair falling in loose curls all about her body. 

The exertion of the previous day, and particularly the night before had seen William drift to sleep more easily than he could ever remember. He'd held her close and been contented knowing that Isabella was willing to be vulnerable enough with him to expose not just the physical scars, but the pain of the memories behind them and their lasting affects. He'd been overwhelmed in the moment but when she'd hesitated he realized that it only made him want her even more. He'd nearly even overstepped their agreement earlier in the day and it had taken all of his willpower to step back and let her fulfill her promise.

Now, as the scent of breakfast stirred him from his slumber he couldn't help noticing the empty space in the bed next to him. It was only the sound of his Angel's voice that kept him from sitting up to look for her. He opened his eyes and took in the sight that greeted him with a satisfied smile. "I'll stay here as long as the view stays this good." William fought the competing urges to stretch, to get up and partake of the glorious smells of the food which room service had left them, and to go to Isabella and return the favor for the night before.

If he was going to stay still he might as well make the most of the moment. "When do you think you'll have time for a second date?"

"Next week.  Saturday."  She said smudging some shadow into the portrait.  "I'll come for breakfast with you and we can spend the whole day doing whatever you plan.  Surprise me."

She looked up at Will noticing his desperate looks towards the breakfast.  She chuckled.  "Alright, go ahead.  This is about as much damage as I can do I think."  She watched Will get up, still naked, and she smiled at the sight of him.

"I will miss that."  She chuckled turning the portrait around towards him.  "Well, I have to say, I'd hang this in my office back home if I didn't think it would get you a shallow grave."

Isabella had understated her talent considerably.  The likeness was nearly photographic.  The soft carbon lines flowed with a confidence of a person who didn't have much need for erasers.  While Will had seen himself in the mirror his whole life, he'd never seen himself as she saw him.  His strong jaw, the attention to detail on his hands and the way she seemed to take painstaking time on his hair!

"So you'll have to keep it."  She turned it back to herself and scribbled something on the very bottom before putting it down on the table.  The photo now read:

𝒰𝓃𝓉𝒾𝓁 𝓃𝑒𝓍𝓉 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒, 𝓍𝑜𝓍𝑜

She got up, her robe falling open a little to reveal hints of her bare skin underneath.  She snagged a bit of bacon and munched on it, swallowing before saying, "I'll work hard all week so I can have the finalized plans for Tara by next weekend and we can begin construction.  Since I'll want to oversee it personally ... I'll make plans to stay for a while.  What do you say?"

Isabella's work had left William utterly speechless. He had never seen anyone make a likeness so quickly or half so detailed. Something of this quality could easily hang in the Observatory alongside the other pieces of art. In spite of this he worried it was a bit too generous with his portrayal. He was flattered, but it made him wonder if she saw all his flaws as clearly as they existed.

His concern and the sight of her robe shifting stole his attentions away from the food and he once again wrapped his arms around her. William stole a quick peck of a kiss and felt his mind settle again. The magic of that feeling continued to do its work and his troubles faded until all he could think was how lucky he was to be in this place with her. "Is it Saturday yet? I'd like to treat you just as well as you treated me yesterday."

It was difficult to let her go and take breakfast, but both of them knew that their time had been spent and he allowed his arms to slide away as he savored every moment of the feel of her beneath his hands. She wasn't the only one who would miss this. They would have a great deal to finish discussing next time and by the sounds of it plenty of time to accomplish that goal. Anything past that would be far easier. They'd have the business to bring them together after all.

He just wished Saturday didn't feel like such a long time from now.