“What are you doing?” I ask him, smiling in surprise that he is hanging around, but enjoying this new side of him.

“I nearly fucking lost you, Little Red...” His voice breaks as his face buries into my neck. “I nearly fucking lost you to that asshole, and I am never, ever going to let you go again.” He peels his face back to look at me, cupping my cheeks.

“I’m so sorry, Dante, that I didn’t tell you everything. I thought the life that I could’ve had with you wasn’t possible. I thought my life was nearly over. Even though I dreamed and wished every day for it to be my future, I really didn’t think that it was going to be. Now that it is, I want you more than anything. I want to be with you always. I love you and I love little Leo, and there is nowhere else I want to be.”

His face is serious as I stare into his eyes, waiting for his next words. “My life is not for the fainthearted. You have already seen what devastation and violence come with being with a man like me. It isn’t pretty, it isn’t always safe.” He leans in and kisses my shoulder, his lips caressing my scar. “You saved my son, and in a way, you saved me too. I never truly loved anyone until I met you. I want you with me forever. Is that alright with you?” he asks, a small smile dancing on his lips.

I nod. “I want to be with you forever too,” I whisper, and I see his eyes gleam before he tucks me back into his side and we lie there in peace, together.

Annie - 12 months later

My fingers ache as I continue to type on the nice new laptop Dante bought for me. I have about 200 words to go until my final assignment is finished. Then all I have to do is pass my final exams next week, and I would have successfully passed my first year at college.

Enrolling in a degree of education was a no-brainer for me after spending so much time with Leo. For the past year, I have been either here at home with my family or at school in lectures, and now, I am well on my way to becoming a fully qualified teacher. Every three months, Dante takes me to see Doctor Wakeford for a scan of my breasts and blood tests. It isn’t medically necessary, but he is being cautious and protective, so I let him. After everything we've been through, we have no secrets and tell each other everything. We both trust Doctor Wakeford with our lives, but unfortunately, she is moving down to Philly. She was a bit cagey when I asked her about it, so I didn’t pry, but I will miss her. She has become a wonderful friend.