Aftermath Read Online Free PDF Page A

in New York, she sent him away with a heavy heart and allowed him to return to Italy believing she did not love him . She also did not tell him about his son.
    She committed to faith, and harbored her flesh .
    Men flirted , yet none caused goosebumps to rise like Luzo had. Oh, the crush of a young girl when reflected upon is comical. The crisp air carried with it a hint of sea and she smirked while thinking of her son and Selange. The gentle laugh was in response to her embarrassment for having to witness her son’s lasciviousness. The horny man probably would have made love to Selange right there in the car if she had not awakened.  “Ahhh,” she clutched her chest at the image of the lovebirds and the laughter became a loud melodic note. Alfonzo and Selange were her and Luzo and what might have been. The musical mirth faded, drowned out by the presence of another.
    “Maria?”
    She became poised and stud ied the distinguished man. She’d seen him during the funeral, standing beside the widow in fashionable tinted shades. He did look familiar , but from the distance she wasn’t sure, until now. D evoid of the sunglasses , she recognized Luzo’s friend . “Bruno?”
    He smiled, “Yes.”
    M any years had passed, yet time was gentle on him . Thin lines of wisdom at the corners of his brown eyes did n o t detract from the handsome gentleman . S treaks of grey gave him distinction and that lopsided grin hadn’t disappeared, instead it gave a boyish mischief to the mature face.
    Bruno kissed each blushed cheek then wrapped Maria into a friendly embrace. She inhaled his pleasant scent, felt the hardness of his body beneath the suit and was light-headed from being held so intimately . B utterflies emerged from a hidden place and a fierce pulsing occurred between her thighs . She began to silently pray for strength, no, actually, she begged for it and when he released her, it was if her prayers were answered.
    “Ah, Maria , it’s so wonderful to see you again, how are you bella?” He asked.
    She clutched her rosary beads, “I’m good and you Bruno; how is the family?”
    He sighed, “Sadness comes to my home, yet again , m y wife and now my daughter Bianca’s husband. Seeing you has restored joy . ”
    Maria was floored by his statement. “Lo siento. I am very sorry for your loss Bruno.” Her hands worked the beads, “I had no idea your daughter was Alberti’s wife. I can’t believe that is little Bianca you often brought to the house.”
    “Yes, she has grown.” He watched the changes of color to her lovely eyes. The woman was as pretty as he remembered. She was sex ier, if that’s possible . T he red flame s on her cheekbones b eneath the moon was breathtaking . He had always thought she was beautiful and was saddened when she left. Luzo was heartbroken; he tried to conceal it but there’s nothing hidden between friends. “I’ve met your son. He has his father’s temperament aside from other things.”
    Maria laughed, “He’s a good man. His surly attitude is only an act.”
    Bruno nodded, “I suppose.” He replied looking toward the balustrade doors at the younger man approaching and smirked. “I came to say I’m leaving. I wanted to say hello earlier but you were surrounded by family and I didn’t want to interrupt.”
    “Oh, well it’s good to see you again.”
    “How long will you be in Palermo?”
    “Not long…a few days.”
    Bruno remained resolute when Alfonzo pushed open the heavy glass doors. He found the son as all sons were, rude. Alfonzo’s eyebrow was arched high , like his father’s would have been and he wore an undisguised scowl.
    “Mama, everything okay out here?”
    “I’m fine Alfonzo. This is Bruno DeMarco, a very good friend of your father’s and the man who tried to teach me Italian. I failed the course.” She laughed.
    Bruno chuckled and Alfonzo looked from one to the other, “Did I miss the joke?”
    Maria shook her head. Yes, Alfonzo was being abrasive and i