The Slave of Pleasure
Chapter 79

Rachel

As Vincenzo and I walked down the hospital hallway, the cold light and the characteristic smell of the medical environment made me slightly uneasy, but something about having Vincenzo by my side, even after everything we had been through, brought me an inexplicable peace. We were almost at the exit when, suddenly, I came face to face with Nancy, who was in her "nurse mode", as she liked to say. She looked a mix of relief and concern. Her eyes shone when she saw us, but there was a slight tension in her expression, something that seemed to be left over from everything that had happened earlier.

"So, are you all right?" she asked, looking at Vincenzo with a welcoming smile.

Before I could answer, Vincenzo was quicker: "Everything is under control now, Nancy," he said, with a calm tone that surprised me. He was so calm and confident, unlike any other moment I had ever witnessed. Nancy let out a sigh of relief, but she couldn't hide the curiosity mixed with her concern. "That's good to know. A man like you can't be brought down by a mere lapse, can you?" he commented, giving her a wink.

I took the opportunity to intervene, trying to put Nancy's mind at ease. "Everything is fine now, Nancy. I'm sure he won't go through an episode like that again."

She smiled back, happy to know that everything seemed to be on track. Then, something unexpected happened: Vincenzo turned to Nancy, with that serious manner of his, but with a touch of gentleness that only those who paid close attention would notice. "Now that you and Rachel are friends," he said, "you can come to the mansion whenever you want, Nancy."

My eyes widened, and I had to control myself not to let out a laugh of astonishment. Had Vincenzo really just invited Nancy, the same Nancy who had destroyed one of his works of art and messed up the mansion, to come back to our refuge whenever she wanted? I didn't know whether to be surprised or delighted.

"But no alcohol," he pointed out, with an expression that mixed seriousness and humor.

Nancy laughed, and before I knew it, she had wrapped Vincenzo in a strong, spontaneous hug. He looked a little disconcerted, but he didn't pull away. She leaned in close and whispered, "You won't regret having me around, boss." "I already have,” he replied, his tone sarcastic, but a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

The moment had a touch of tenderness I never imagined I would witness. There was Vincenzo, so reserved and introspective, accepting Nancy into our routine. I wondered if he realized how much he was changing and opening up to the world. It was as if, little by little, he was overcoming the walls he had worked so hard to build.

As soon as Nancy stepped aside and gave us space to leave, the three of us walked together to the lobby. She gave me a knowing look, a mix of teasing and satisfaction. It was funny how Nancy, with her lightness and spontaneity, could penetrate Vincenzo's barriers in a way that no one else could.

As we continued walking toward the exit, I realized that his invitation was not just a kindness. It was a sign that he was beginning to trust, to allow himself to form new bonds. Vincenzo was a man marked by his past, and for him, opening himself up to friendships and connections was an act of immense courage. This simple invitation to Nancy represented much more than he let on.

At the hospital door, Vincenzo gave Nancy a brief nod and then turned to me. I looked at him and, without words, we understood each other. We had been through a lot together, and I knew he was recognizing the importance of it all. With each step we took, something new was born between us, and my heart warmed with the idea that, little by little, perhaps I was helping Vincenzo replace a new version of himself. A version that could include trust, complicity and, who knows, even love.

As soon as we walked through the glass doors of the hospital, I felt Vincenzo's hand hold mine, firm and secure, but with a touch of gentleness that made my heart race. He looked at me with a discreet smile, and his eyes had a shine I had never seen before. That look was not weighed down by the past, the distrust or the caution that he usually carried. It seemed like a genuine openness, a curiosity about what we could do, as if, for a moment, he had decided to explore the world with me.

"So," he said, with a lightness in his voice that surprised me, "what do you want to do?"

I stared at him, astonished, trying to understand if he was really asking that. Vincenzo was not the type of man to make that kind of casual invitation. I must have looked quite confused, because he soon laughed and continued, explaining: "Today, Rachel. What do you want to do today? Go to the beach? Go shopping? Get ice cream?"

My head was spinning at the offer. Vincenzo, the man m who always seemed distant and focused on his own plans, was inviting me to an uncomplicated and light day? Was he really willing to let me choose how we would spend the day? I felt an unexpected joy, an almost childish euphoria take over me. It was such a rare feeling of lightness that for a moment I forgot all the weight that used to surround our relationship.

"Yes!", I exclaimed, unable to hide my enthusiasm.

He raised an eyebrow, confused, and smiled, amused. "What exactly are you saying yes to?" he asked, with a tone of playful challenge.

I laughed and, with my heart racing, I gave his hand a light squeeze. "To everything!", I replied, grinning from ear to ear.

He laughed and, without letting go of my hand, followed the rhythm of my excitement as we ran together towards the limousine. The driver looked at us, surprised, but kept his cool. As I got into the car, my thoughts bubbled, imagining all the possibilities for that day. It was rare to see Vincenzo in such a good mood, open to new experiences, and I wanted to enjoy every second of this sudden enthusiasm.

As the car moved, Vincenzo looked out the window, thoughtful. I took the opportunity to observe his profile, his relaxed and almost serene expression. He seemed younger, lighter, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The openness and spontaneity he offered me now were a clear reflection of his growing confidence, and it moved me in an inexplicable way.

"So," he said, turning to me with that sparkle in his eyes. "You choose where to start."

I felt butterflies in my stomach with excitement. "How about ice cream first? I know an amazing ice cream shop on the way to the beach," I suggested, trying to contain my excitement.

He nodded, and the smile he gave me made me feel like I was flying. That afternoon, the air in the car felt lighter, almost as if we were entering a new chapter, something unknown but full of possibilities.

We stopped at the ice cream shop, and the way he chose the flavor, so undecided between chocolate and pistachio, was unexpectedly adorable. Vincenzo seemed a little out of his element, but at the same time, he was clearly enjoying the experience. He ended up choosing both flavors, and when he saw me smiling, he offered me the first spoonful, something so simple, but that meant so much to both of us.

It felt like freedom, as if, together, we were building a perfect day without any expectations or constraints. Vincenzo laughed at my over-the-top choices of ice cream toppings, and, little by little, I realized that he wasn't just participating he was truly enjoying the moment. And I was right there with him, living every second with the intensity of someone who dreams.

That day, the beach, the wind, the sound of the waves, and Vincenzo's laughter by my side created a memory that I knew I would never forget. With each moment, with each smile we exchanged, it was as if I had helped to break another piece of the armor he had built over the years. And for a moment, I imagined that maybe, just maybe, Vincenzo was finally learning to live and share his days with me.