Chapter Ten

July 1926

I shouldn't do this. 

I have to stop. 

But she couldn't.  

Pearl found herself in Duke’s suite at the luxurious Hotel Elysée, a playground for the rich and famous and, as luck would have it, just a short walk from The Black Rabbit. Seeing her upset, Duke had suggested they retreat there. “Let’s get you away from prying eyes,” he’d said. 

Once within the privacy of the room, however, her upset turned to something else. Her attraction for Duke had been waiting for an excuse — and her husband’s shocking behavior had just given her one.

Passion consumed them like fire, their lips mashed together with the intensity of long-lost lovers, and their tongues took turns stroking the other. The past ten months of escalating sexual tension finally enjoyed its long-awaited release.

Her nipples hardened, rubbing against his chest.

His cock hardened, pressing against her tummy. 

Desire tormented them both. 

Then, her conscience smacked her in the face. 

“I can’t,” she panted, breaking their kiss.

He cupped her face within the palms of his soft hands — hands that’d never found themselves dirtied by the deeds committed by men like Sterling. “Tell me you don’t feel the same burn for me that I feel for you.”

She turned her face to kiss his palm, covering his hands with hers. Wincing in emotional turmoil, she sharply inhaled and cried, “I have to leave…” 

Before Duke could respond, she fled from his room, not looking back until she stood outside the hotel, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. 

Duke had stood glued to the window, rubbing the ache in his trousers while waiting for the raven-haired beauty to appear below. Upon seeing her, his unfulfilled longing intensified to torturous levels. 

Pearl, do you know what you do to me? 

He decided then and there he'd need to change his strategy. 

◇◇◇

She walked back into the club, dreading facing her husband, yet knowing she must. Running off with Duke had been a mistake, and it scared her how close she came to almost breaking her marriage vows. Sterling was right — she was nothing before him. 

"He's trouble, Pearl." 

She turned her head to see James sitting in a chair against the wall, his face grimacing. 

Marching towards him with hands perched on her slender hips, she said, "Well, you might have told me that before I married him, James."

"I meant Duke." 

She sheepishly looked away at the mention of the movie star's name. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

James rose, towering over her. "Pearl, I'm just looking out for you… and Sterling." 

She nodded, knowing he spoke the truth, and she was still unable to meet his all-knowing gaze. James mistook her averted eyes for disdain towards him. He deeply regretted what she’d seen earlier. Since he’d first laid eyes upon her in that diner, he had viewed her as a delicate angel, much like his Anna. 

"You sore at me, Pearl?" 

Hugging herself, she shuddered at the earlier memory outside Sterling’s office. "I can't believe you'd do that to another man, James." 

"Do what? Hurt him before he hurts us? Pearl, that's how war works." 

"War? We're not at war here!" She yelled, finally looking him in the eyes, then upon seeing his pained expression, she softened. 

"Pearl, we're always at war. There's always someone waiting to take you down, and if you wanna survive, you've got to find the enemy first and strike first."

She shook her head, unable to comprehend his words. There'd been no war in Kansas. No enemy. It seemed like another life ago. 

"I learned that in boxing. Then, in the Great War and again trying to protect me and others in this big city." 

His eyes clouded with tears, and she couldn't help but lunge at him, wrapping her arms around his back and resting her cheek against his expansive chest. Despite his rough exterior and what he'd done, she knew in her heart James was a good man who only did what he thought was right. 

Returning her hug, he said, "Go find your husband, Pearl. He's been worried about you." 

He released her, then gently touched her arm as she started to walk away. "And, Pearl…"

She looked back over her shoulder. "Yes?" 

"Duke's not worth it." 

◇◇◇

"Where were you?" He uttered the words without a glance in her direction, keeping his back to her as he continued to stare out the window. 

"Out." Disappointed that his mood hadn't softened, she considered turning and walking back out the door. 

"Out where?" He snapped his head over his shoulder, seeking her eyes, daring her to lie to him.

She took a deep breath and considered her response. Do I lie? His glaring eyes shot her a silent warning not to try it. 

"With Duke. I ran into him, and we just went out for a bite to eat… to settle my nerves." 

"Did you sleep with him?" 

"No!" she covered her mouth with her hand after yelling the word, thinking she might somehow push the loud exclamation back inside. Would Sterling think she protested too much and doubt her?

Sterling strode toward her with intent and anger in his eyes. "If you're still mine, then prove it." 

She trembled, not wholly understanding his command yet fearing his possible meaning. 

He answered her questioning expression. "Give yourself to me. Now." 

Without waiting for her response, he gripped her upper arm, jerked her toward the mirror, and then moved in behind her. Pearl pulled against his tight grip to no avail. Their eyes met in the mirror, and her wide-eyed fearful expression failed to soften him.

He spread her legs wide by pushing on the inside of her thighs with his knee, and she flinched at the rough touch. What made it worse was witnessing his lascivious expression in the mirror. This fuck would be an act of angry lust, not love. After what she’d seen earlier, however, she didn’t know the extent of his cruelty, but knew now wasn’t the time to test those limits. She’d endure what she must. 

He raised her dress, bunching the fabric over her hips with one hand while his other unsnapped her bloomers. She heard him fumbling with his trousers behind her, and she struggled to hide her disgust from his watchful gaze in the mirror. 

"You’re mine,” he said softly, forcing himself into her depths. “Mine alone."

Pearl winced at the sudden intrusion in her pussy. The friction of his stiff shaft against her delicate, dry flesh pained her. 

"Say it," he demanded, fucking her harder. 

"I… I'm yours."

Her fingers gripped the table underneath the mirror, trying to keep her tummy from banging against the hard edge. Sterling continued to fuck her, each thrust deeper and more forceful than the last. Sounds of slapping flesh were the only sounds either heard. 

She shuddered as his cock ravaged her insides. Yet moments later, despite his undesired advances, her body betrayed her, trembling with an orgasm. He arrogantly smirked, witnessing the tell-tale signs marking her beautiful face in the mirror.  

"You are mine," he grunted, the intensity of his arousal — brutal. "Mine," he emphatically repeated, filling her with his seed. 

Chapter Eleven

August 1926

Duke had returned to Hollywood weeks ago, and Pearl had used the time since to reflect, taking a hard look at her life… and her husband. 

Her thoughts traveled back across the plains to Kansas. To her father, in particular. You weren't strong enough, Daddy, she thought with sorrow catching in her throat. She could see that now. Crops died. The farmhouse fell into disrepair. And there hadn't always been enough food on the table. 

But the biggest thing you did wrong, Daddy, was dying. You left Mama unable to live without you. 

Pearl had barely covered her travel and first month's rent with the sale of the broken-down farmhouse. As much as she hated what Sterling had done to that bartender, she hated the thought of ending up like her mama even more. 

Her eyes opened wide to her new reality. The mayor of New York City knew her name — because of Sterling. She lived her dream on the stage, night after night — because of Sterling. She slept on the softest sheets, wore the finest silks, and never worried about where her next meal would come from — because of Sterling. His toughness. His willingness to dirty his hands if it protected him and his. All these things about my husband will keep me from ending up like you, Mama. Doesn’t that make him “a good man?” And with those revelations, she found gratitude and, perhaps, love.

◇◇◇

"Who's that?" James asked, straightening upon seeing his boss's relaxed facial expression suddenly tense. 

"Looks like some surprise guests from Chicago. I'll take care of them." 

Sterling walked across the room and extended his hand to the slightly older man in the tailored, pin-striped suit, with hints of gray hair peeking out from his black band fedora hat. "Hello, Johnny. Welcome to The Black Rabbit." 

Johnny Greco, a Chicago mobster with a fat cigar dangling from his clenched teeth, shook his hand. "Sterling! How long has it been?" 

"It's been a while," He replied before glancing at the black-haired beauty on his arm. "Hello, Stella." 

"Sterling," she replied coolly. 

Johnny closely watched their exchange, and Sterling vowed Johnny would get no signs of envy from him. Stella wore the same green dress she'd worn that evening in his office. A coincidence? He thought not. I don't know what your game is, doll, but I’m not playing. 

Johnny broke the silence. "So this is your club I've heard so much about?" He eyeballed the opulent crystal chandeliers, sleek furniture, and expensive decor. "A classy joint." Shifting his gaze to Pearl singing on stage, he added, "Got yourself some real talent too, I see." 

A smile slid across Sterling’s face. "Yes, her name is Pearl… Rossini." 

Johnny raises his eyebrows. "Your wife? I hadn't heard." He turned to his wife, Stella, with a sneer in his voice that only she detected. "Did you know that, babe?" 

"No. No, I didn't." Stella lied with the same mouth she'd wrapped around Sterling’s cock not so long ago. Forcing a smile, she managed, "Congratulations, Sterling." 

"Thank you. Pearl’s one in a million." He couldn't help but boast, wanting to erase any thought she may have had that their last meeting was anything but a revenge fuck. "Now, I can get you a table here if you want to enjoy some jazz music, but I think the club below will be more to your liking." 

"Lucky's keeping you well-stocked, I hope." 

"Indeed. And as luck would have it, a seat’s open at the poker table tonight if you're interested — late cancellation." 

"Well then, count me in." 

Sterling beckoned a lovely young hostess toward them. "Belle, please escort our guests to the speakeasy." He turned his full attention back to Johnny, careful not to look at Stella again. "Enjoy yourselves, and I'll be downstairs shortly if you need anything." 

The men shook hands again, and Sterling rejoined James in the corner of the room. 

"James, I'll be down in the speakeasy the rest of the night. I want to make sure our Chicago friends enjoy everything my club offers. Let Pearl know, will you?" 

"Sure thing, boss." 

That night would prove to be a night of surprises when Duke walked into the club, settling into a booth in the back. Immediately, dazzling dames surrounded him. The movie star draped his arms around the pawing gals and had them dripping from his words. When he knew she wasn't looking, however, he stole a glance at Pearl. He shifted uncomfortably, tugging at his tightened trousers. LuLu Brooks has nothing on you, Pearl. 

The sight of Duke rattled her, disrupting the sureness she’d established inside her head about her life with Sterling. And seeing Duke surrounded by other gals, Pearl’s heart burned with jealousy. How had he moved on from her so quickly? She struggled to keep her voice from cracking while singing. Eyes attempting to settle on different faces in the audience repeatedly found themselves on the heartthrob. Duke, what are you doing to me?

And now, doll, let's see how much you want me. He’d decided to feign indifference in an attempt to stir her emotions and end the night differently than the last time he’d seen her. By the looks of things, his strategy was working. 

Her head spun seeing him again. There was just something about him. There’d always been something about him that deeply affected her. She’d never find peace until she further explored her connection with him. 

Duke perfectly times his exit with the end of her set. Again, he casually weaved his way between tables without a glance in her direction. As painful as it was to ignore her, he had convinced himself it was the only way to get her attention. 

Once off the stage and wishing to leave unnoticed, Pearl darted out the secret back door disguised as an antique bookcase. She forgot, however,  about the pair of dark blue eyes that never left her. 

Always watching.

Protecting. 

And now following. 

◇◇◇

She knocked on his hotel room door, shifting her weight back and forth with nervousness. When he opened the door, he pretended to be surprised to see her. 

“Pearl. Hi, I didn’t expect you.”

She responded with the anger that had boiled up inside her walking from The Black Rabbit. “Didn’t you? Did you think you could drop by the club and not speak to me… as if… goodness, like we’d meant nothing to one another?”

“Please, come in,” he gestured, deciding they should discuss matters behind closed doors instead of in front of any passersby.

She briskly strode past him, then turned sharply on her heels. “You hurt me!”

He threw his hands up, “Hold on now, gorgeous. You made your choice painfully clear the last time we saw each other. I was merely being a gentleman and stepping out of the picture.”

“I was confused.”

“And now?”

“Now, I want to know… no need to know… what this is between us. Pearl moved forward to where her full breasts touched his shirt. "I need you… please." 

At first, he made no motion. "Are you sure, gorgeous?" Because, once I start, there'll be no stopping.

His cock quivered, waiting for her answer, not sure he could take her walking out on him again. 

She looked into his eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm sure."

He kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear, "I’ll make sure neither of us forgets this night." Then, he lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her sweetly and gently tugging on her lips with his.

They took turns undressing each other, taking the time to kiss and caress the newly revealed skin. Pearl couldn’t help but draw comparisons to Sterling. Duke hung thick where Sterling was long. His light-colored body hair was a sharp contrast to Sterling’s black hair. 

"You're beautiful," Duke complimented while dragging his fingers down the sides of her arms and then up to trace circles around her nipples. Her flawless skin pinkened from his touches. 

"And you are so handsome," she purred, exploring the ridges of his fit arms and chest. He wasn't thickly muscled like James or broadly built like Sterling, but everywhere she touched was hard. 

Duke led her by the hand, lay her down on the bed, and climbed on top of her. Pearl found the weight of his body, pressing her into the mattress, profoundly comforting. He looked down upon her, his light-blue eyes glazing over with lust, or was it love? 

He passionately kissed her, both writhing against the other, their need reaching a painful level. He rolled off her to the side and watched her face as he slowly dragged his fingers down her tummy, over her mound, and gently slid them between her folds. He softly explored her crevices before parting her with two fingers and slipping a finger inside, gathering her wetness. 

"Duke." She moaned his name over and over while his finger stimulated her intimate skin. 

As her body squirmed, he slipped a second finger inside and started his steady finger-fuck. She rode his hand, needing more from him. Deeper. Harder. More. 

Duke had played many instruments, but his favorite was found between her legs. So finely tuned, and if he touched her right, she made the most glorious sounds — absolutely delicious noises of pleasure as his fingers stroked and strummed her sensitive, aroused flesh. 

He withdrew his fingers and reached down to lay his eager cock against her thigh. She looked down at his manhood; her entire body ached with need. With her hand, she encircled his cock, caressing him until he thought he'd cum right then and there.

He lowered his head to suck one nipple, then the other, making sure to give each a turn. He licked them with his tongue, and as she wiggled and moaned beneath him, he could no longer hold back. 

He positioned himself on top of her and slid his cock between her wet folds, allowing her insides time to adjust to his size. With almost painful patience, he watched her face… waited for her body… to indicate that she was ready for more. 

Only then he moved his hips, plunging into her juicy depths with the pleasurable movements of a skilled lover. Her small hands twisted the sheets into knots before finding a better hold on his backside. 

The sudden awareness that Duke was hers, at least at that moment — completely hers — filled her with as much joy as his hard cock. 

Duke and Pearl were so lost in the other that neither noticed the squirrelly man outside the window. His camera clicked away at the scandalous behavior captured through the opening of heavy fabric drapes that didn't quite meet in the middle.

So close. The strength of what was building was staggering. Toe-curling, heart-stopping fucking. If he'd stopped, she thought she'd die. 

Every muscle drew taut and then… released. 

They came together. Cried out together. 

There was only her. And him. For that moment, at least. 

Chapter Twelve

August 25th, 1926

In the doorway, she stood clenching her fists so tight her fingernails dug into her palms. Cautiously, she stepped into Sterling’s home office, watching him sitting behind his desk, his fingers combing through papers. 

“Darling…”

Her term of endearment caught him by surprise and had him raising an eyebrow. She'd been distant the last week; her green eyes had lost their sparkle, and she'd claimed she felt ill, so they hadn't made love. 

He put down his pen and leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him. Trying to soften me up for something, my lovely wife? 

When he didn’t respond to her, she took a few tentative steps toward him and continued, “I have something to tell you.”

Here it comes. Spill it, doll.

His silent stare further unraveled her, but she willed her feet to take a few more steps. Just say it, she told herself. “I’m…” She bit her lower lip and prayed he'd be happy about her news. “I’m pregnant.”

Just like that, his indifferent exterior crumbled, and he released an emotional sigh. His eyes lowered from her eyes, clouded with tears, to her belly. 

As she held her ground, trembling, waiting, he continued to sit in his chair, digesting her news. She'd only found out a few days ago, but the news led her to a final decision between Sterling and Duke. As for Sterling, not so long ago, he would have been ecstatic, but now, now his thoughts went to Duke, and he wondered if he might be the father. 

“Who’s the father?” He didn’t care that it was a crass question. Damn it. I need to know!

She rushed to his side, kneeling beside his chair. “You are, darling!”

He cupped her face within his hands and narrowed his eyes. “Did you sleep with Duke?”

She didn’t hesitate. “No, Sterling, I promise.” That was a lie, but he wasn’t the father — she was sure of it — so she’d reasoned no good would come from telling him that she’d slept with Duke a few days ago. 

Seeing he wasn’t convinced, she continued, “Yes, he’s my friend. He’s been there for me as a friend. That's all.”

One last question burned in Sterling's gut. “Do you love him?”

“No." She took hold of his hands. "Maybe I thought I might, but I was wrong. Don’t you see this baby changes everything? I want us to start over and be a family. I need our baby to have a family!”

He looked into her desperate eyes and couldn’t hold back his emotions any longer. He pulled her into his lap and cupped her face again, brushing his thumbs across her lips while his palms rested against her throat. He swore he heard her heart thumping wildly beneath her breasts. 

"Say something," she begged. 

His eyes burned into hers then his mouth captured hers in a passionate kiss. Her mouth opened, wanting to deepen their kiss, somehow thinking it would seal their new commitment to one another and their baby. Their kiss grew fierce, leaving them both breathless. When they finally pulled apart, they saw love in each other's eyes. 

She lay her head on his shoulder, thinking about all he'd done for her. He cradled her as if she was the most precious thing in his life. 

"I don't want to lose you. I couldn't…" His voice trailed into silence.

"You won't." 

But she had one last thing to do. She'd go to Duke's hotel and end things with him. I owe him an explanation.  

She sat upright on his lap. "Darling, as much as I'd love to stay on your lap all day…" she said, then leaned in to taste his lips again, "...I need to go to the club and rehearse. What time will you be there?"

“I have some business to finish here; then, I’ll be there later.”

He mashed his mouth against hers before lifting her off his lap and giving her a playful swat on her ass. She smiled and walked out, feeling lighter than when she'd arrived. 

He sat back in his chair, replaying the last thirty minutes in his head. A baby. I'm going to be a father.  

His thoughts then turned sour, remembering the private investigator who had called to say he had information to share. Does her relationship with Duke matter now? She’s chosen me. He rubbed his forehead, pondering his next course of action. Should I cancel the appointment? The jealousy still burning his gut gave him his answer. No, I need to know if she’s betrayed me. 

◇◇◇

James snapped upon seeing her leave Duke’s hotel again a week ago. The few threads of self-control snipped in two. Every waking moment since had been spent plotting. 

Finally. His chance arrived, and Duke never saw him coming. 

Hidden in the shadows, his hunter had perfected quick, stealthy movements. 

One jerk into the darkened alley. 

One under-arm choke-hold. 

One twist of the neck. 

One dead movie star littering a dirty alley in New York City. 

James’s rage left as soon as it had come. Satisfied he’d protected Sterling and Pearl, he calmly walked back to The Black Rabbit. If he was honest, it hadn’t just been for them. 

◇◇◇

After the private investigator had left, for a brief moment, Sterling thought maybe he got what he deserved — then it passed. No, Stella was of no consequence — a mere dalliance — Pearl's betrayal is different! He stormed back to his desk and snatched the photograph from the folder. It was proof that his wife was being fucked by his friend Duke — and by the looks of the picture, thoroughly enjoying the fuck. He should've known. Despite his wife's protests, he'd seen her attraction to Duke. 

Little did Sterling know that James had ended Duke's life barely an hour ago. And so, Sterling continued to nurse his Gin Rickey when he heard a knock at his door. 

He strode across the room and opened the door to find Chicago mobster Johnny Greco smoking a cigar, with two goons as his bookends.  

"Johnny? What brings you here?" 

Johnny didn't wait to be invited in and brushed past him, saying, "We've got business to discuss, Sterling." His goons fell in step behind him. 

Sterling was curious but not overly concerned by his impromptu visit. They shared mutual friends like Lucky Luciano, and maybe this was about the alcohol supply chain. 

"Have a seat, Johnny. Can I get you a drink?" 

"I won't be here that long." 

His tone bore a tad of something that Sterling couldn't identify. Definitely not what he'd call friendly, so Sterling took a seat opposite his uninvited guest.

"You know, Sterling, nothing gets past me. Nothing." Johnny sat comfortably in the club chair facing Sterling, unnerving him with his icy stare. "You disrespected me. Took my lovely wife to bed." He paused, letting his words sink in. "If I'm not in control, let people get away with disrespecting me, then I lose everything." 

The irony of his own words used against him was not lost on Sterling, and he knew at this point there was no use denying what he'd done. He chose his following words carefully. "Look… Johnny… Stella came to me. It… it just happened. You know how these dames can get in your head. I guess seeing her again stirred up old memories.” Sterling leaned back and attempted to sound sincere. “I messed up." 

Seeing no reaction from the mob boss, he upped his apology. “I’ll tell you what I’m gonna do, Johnny. I have a large supply of fine liquor, which arrived today. Take it.” 

Laughter erupted from Mr. Greco's mouth. "You are telling me what my wife's worth." He looked back at the associates he had brought with him. "Did you hear that, fellas?" 

They chuckled, and Sterling realized all too late his mistake. While worrying about the eight ball he’d suddenly found himself behind, he'd forgotten he still clutched the photograph of Pearl and Duke until Johnny reached across and snatched it out of his hand. 

"Well, well, what have we here? It looks like while you were fucking my wife, your wife was fucking around on you." He dropped the picture on the ground and then took a slow drag of his cigar.

"Now, I'm gonna tell you what I'm gonna do, Sterling. You ready to hear it?" 

Sterling simply nodded, holding his breath. 

"I think it's only fair that since you took my wife, I take yours." He took several puffs of his cigar before continuing with a voice coated with malevolence. "I will keep her for as long as I want — while you are alive, that is. Oh, the things I'm gonna do to her…" His mouth spread into a satisfied grin at the horrified look marking Sterling's face. "Let's go, boys. We have a stop to make."

"Johnny, we can work this out," Sterling begged, leaning forward in his chair and wringing his hands in frustration.  

Johnny simply rose from his chair and quietly walked toward the door. He paused when his hand grabbed the handle, then spewed a few final words over his shoulder. "So, how much do you still love your wife?" 

A few minutes later, Johnny and his associates walked out of the apartment building, making sure to bid a "Good evening" to the doorman. 

While you are alive. He thought about those words — their implication. Sterling was no stranger to the workings of the mob, and with no mob of his own and Johnny backed by Capone, he knew only one way to save Pearl from grossly unpleasant experiences at the hands of Johnny Greco. 

He cast a final glance at the photograph on the floor and knew that despite her betrayal, he still loved her… and their unborn child. No one was more surprised than Sterling at how fast his anger toward Pearl dissipated. I really do love you, dollface. 

Performing the most unselfish gesture of his life, Sterling Rossini leaped off his balcony.  

Epilogue

Duke's dead body was discovered hours after Sterling's death. The curious flocked to the newsstands to read about the deaths plastered on the front page of the New York Herald Tribune. 

Upon searching Sterling's apartment, the cops found the scandalous photographs of Duke and Pearl, and although they had no solid proof placing Sterling at the scene of Duke's murder, they surmised he killed Duke out of jealousy and then committed suicide. 

Duke's body was flown back to his family for burial in California. Sterling was to be buried in New York City. 

The day of Sterling's burial proved as dark as the day he had died. James stood beside Pearl, holding an umbrella over her head. Both their tears mixed with the rain puddling around their feet as Sterling's body was lowered into the ground and covered with dirt. They both stared at the graveside with bloodshot eyes — each suffering from their grief, guilt, and regret. 

"Mrs. Rossini…" 

Pearl turned around to see Lucky Luciano standing behind her. 

He reached for her hand. "Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your husband. He always held my respect." 

She accepted his hand and nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Mr. Luciano." 

"If there's anything I can do for you, please, just ask." 

"Actually, there is one thing." 

"Name it."

"I’ll be leaving New York. Can you find me a new owner for The Black Rabbit?"

"I’ll do you one better. How about if I buy it from you?" 

"I think Sterling would like that, thank you." 

Lucky moved over to shake James's hand. "James, Sterling trusted you, and that's good enough for me. If you want it, there's a place for you in my organization." 

James looked over at Pearl. "No, thanks, I'll be going where Mrs. Rossini goes." 

Lucky nodded his head and admired his loyalty to Sterling even after death. “You’re a good man, James,” he said before bidding them goodbye. 

“A good man.” His words reminded Pearl of her Mama’s wishes for her. She looked up at James, the man who’d always had her back no matter what. You are a good man, James. She couldn’t let him give up his life for her, though. He meant too much to her. "James, Sterling left you enough money in his will to start your own life… anywhere you want."

He looked down at her, his jaw set with absolute intention. "Pearl, I swore I'd protect him and his, which includes you and your baby. If you don't mind, I'm going to continue doing that. You're my family."  

Pearl rubbed her hand over her tummy. "Thank you, James. You are the only family we have left now. But, you should know I've done some bad things." Her downcast eyes revealed her shame. 

His finger lifted his chin, forcing eye contact. "I've done some bad things too."

She moved in front of him and took his hands in hers. "Well, what do you say we both start fresh somewhere new?" 

A smile crossed his face for the first time since he could remember. "Sounds good to me." He pulled her into his strong arms and planted a sweet kiss on her head. "So, where to, Pearl?" 

She looked up at him, returning his smile. "California. I want to see the sunshine." Another thought had been nagging her, so she had to offer. "And I will help you look for your Anna if you like." 

"That won't be necessary." His dark blue eyes penetrated her green ones. "I'm where I belong, Pearl." 

She rose on her toes and softly brushed her lips against his cheek. "Please… call me Dorothy." 

◇◇◇

Unseen watering eyes had watched the burial from a distance, then patiently waited for Pearl and James to leave. 

The driver stepped out and walked around to open the back door of the Rolls-Royce black Phantom, revealing a slender woman dressed head-to-toe in black. The raven-haired beauty stepped out of the car, clutching a single red rose. 

She walked to the graveside so slowly it was as if the ground caught each foot, hampering her forward movement, maybe protecting her from facing what lay ahead. 

Upon reaching the grave, she inhaled sharply and looked down at the dirt covering the man she loved. Tears wet her cheeks, hidden by the black veil. I don't want to say, "Goodbye." Not to you… 

She'd be the only person who’d visited his grave that day who knew the real reason for his death. She'd begged Johnny not to see him. Swore it wouldn't happen again. He hadn't raised a hand on her — knowing a much crueler way to punish her. 

Clutching her broken heart with one hand, Stella released the red rose with the other. It landed on the rose Pearl had left him, and she whispered two words — "Forgive me." 

◇◇◇