6 comments/ 9383 views/ 5 favorites To Save a Life By: Swilly Author's note: This story was an entry into FAWC (Friendly Anonymous Writing Challenge), a collaborative competition among Lit authors. FAWC is not an official contest sponsored by Literotica, and there are no prizes given to the winner. This FAWC was based around the theme of music, with four songs given to choose from. The song that inspired this story was Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast from Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance." It was removed due to poor communication on my part. I've altered the ending and have now submitted it as a standalone story. ***** Tomasso was wide eyed, his heart pounding in his chest as he sped down the Strada Adriatica in his tiny Fiat. The much bigger and faster Peugeot was right on his tail, and nothing he did put any distance between the two vehicles. Up ahead, a sharp curve in the road appeared. Tomasso pressed down on the accelerator, increasing his speed, desperately trying to pull away from his pursuers. He entered the curve with squealing tires as the car struggled to hold the road. The Peugeot surged forward, pulling to his left and nudging the rear of his car enough to cause him to lose control. The Fiat glided sideways, then went into a roll, flipping over the short retaining wall and onto the jagged rocks at the edge of the Adriatic Sea. The Peugeot pulled up and stopped and two men got out, stepping over the short wall and approaching the Fiat. Tomasso was covered in blood and struggling to get the door open when the men approached him. One of them raised his arm and pointed a gun at Tomasso. Before he could say a word, the man fired three quick shots, ending the life of Tomasso Marriotto on his twenty-first birthday. "Addio per sempre, Marriotto," the man muttered before he and his partner scrambled back to their car and sped away. * * * * Sergio sat in his dorm room, reading the letter from his mother again and again, tears welling up in his eyes. Tomasso was dead, undoubtedly murdered by someone in the Capurso family. He cried not only for his cousin, but also for himself. Sergio had longed to go back home to Bari after finishing college, but he now realized that would mean almost certain death. Forget the Hatfields and McCoys. The feud between the Marriottos and Capursos went back for centuries. It is difficult to believe such things would continue in modern times, but vengeance runs deep in Italy. In truth, no one alive today even remembers how this all started, but they keep the feud going nonetheless. Sergio was one of the few males left in the Marriotto family that still called Bari home. The rest were either dead, or had been run off by the Capurso family. For reasons unknown to anyone, the Capursos had never extended the feud beyond Italian soil, so many of the Marriottos had opted to emigrate to the United States and Australia in the early twentieth century. A small number of them had remained, refusing to give in to the hated Capursos. One by one, they died. Once a male of the feuding families reached his twenty-first birthday, he became a target. It was the reason that Sergio was sent off to college in the states by his mother. She had hoped he might be able to legally emigrate there after completing college. Now beginning his senior year, Sergio was only months away from being forced to return home, which would make him the newest target on the Capurso hit list. Unfortunately, family feuds don't qualify a person for political asylum. Sergio would have to apply for United States citizenship, then return home and wait. He knew there was no way he'd survive long enough to return to the states. He would have to find another way to remain in the country, and find it fast. * * * * Sergio sat at a table in the nearly empty bar, his best friend Jim sitting across from him. Each of them had only morning classes on Tuesdays, freeing them to spend the afternoon as they wished. Sergio wished to spend that afternoon getting hammered at his favorite watering hole. Jim sat across from him, having a difficult time believing the story he was being told. "Jesus, Serge," Jim laughed. "I've got to hand it to you. You are one creative son of a bitch." "I wish I was making it up, Jim, but I'm not. I'm a...what do they call them? Dead man walking?" "I'm sorry. Who the fuck put you up to this? Mike? Bob? Lee? Oh...it must have been Ellie. She loves fucking with people." Sergio let out a huge sigh and pulled a newspaper clipping out of his shirt pocket, handing it to Jim. Having taken four years of Italian in high school, Jim was able to comprehend enough of the article to realize that Sergio was telling the truth. The picture of Tomasso accompanying the article sealed the deal. He was undoubtedly a blood relative of Sergio. "Holy shit," Jim exclaimed. "You really weren't kidding." "No. I'm not. If I go back home, the next article will be about me." "What the fuck, Serge. Who the hell still does this shit?" Sergio shrugged and frowned. "Seriously," said Jim. "You fucking Italians and your vendetta bullshit. Why is it okay if you stay here then?" "No one really remembers why this started, but I think there was some kind of dispute over land. The Capursos just want us out of the country. After that, they don't care what happens to us." "So what are you going to do?" "I don't know. I can try to stay here and hide, but I'll never be able to work in a real job." "Oh, come on. This country is full of illegal immigrants. How do they do it?" "I don't know. Live in large communities with their own kind and keep to themselves for the most part, I guess. But let's be honest. They work in pretty menial jobs. I have no community to hide in, and how the hell would I support myself? What kind of life would that be?" "More of a life than your cousin had, Serge." Sergio fumed at his friend. "I need to find another way. Maybe...maybe I can get someone to marry me. Then I'd have a chance to stay here and get my citizenship." Jim looked at his friend with skepticism. Sergio fit the classic description of tall, dark, and handsome. With an athletic build, dark curly hair and light brown eyes, he made women swoon. Add in the Italian accent, and he'd wet more seats than a school full of toddlers. "Do I need to remind you that you've developed quite a reputation as a playboy, Serge? Do you really think you're going to get a woman to believe you fell in love with her overnight? And that you absolutely must get married immediately?" Sergio frowned and look at his friend. "Well, I can be honest with them. Maybe I can offer to pay them something. I don't know." "Come on. The world has changed, Serge, but not that much. Maybe little girls today dream of being doctors or lawyers, but I'm betting they also still dream about that fairy tale wedding too. Do you really think you're going to get someone to give that dream up to help some college Lothario with an unbelievable story?" "Well, I have to try, Jim. I have no choice," he said, looking up to see their friends Julie and Rich walking over to their table. "What's going on?" asked Rich as he took a seat. "We're just trying to work out a problem for Serge," replied Jim. "What's wrong?" asked Julie. "Is there something we can do to help?" "Yeah. You can marry him, Jules," quipped Jim. Julie laughed in response. "Oh, sure. Why not?" she giggled. "You may be the only one in our graduating class that Serge hasn't slept with, Jules. It's like you'd be pure on your wedding night," Rich added with a guffaw. "You're all a riot," Sergio snapped. He got up from the table in a huff. "I'll see you later. I have shit to do," he said and walked out of the bar. "What the fuck was that about?" asked Rich. "I really wasn't joking. Serge does have a problem. If he doesn't get married pretty quickly, he'll have to leave the country at the end of the spring semester." "So? Why is that a problem?" asked Julie. "There's some stupid fucking Italian blood feud back from where he grew up. If he goes there as an adult, they'll kill him." Rich burst out laughing. "Oh, yeah. Like Michael Fucking Corleone, huh? Maybe he can hire Luca Brasi as his bodyguard, you think?" "I'm not kidding, Rich. They just killed his cousin on his twenty-first birthday. He showed me the newspaper article. This shit is true." "Really?" asked Julie with an incredulous look on her face. "This isn't bullshit?" "I'm serious. Serge really is fucked if he goes back home." "Wow. What's he going to do?" "That's what I'm saying. His big idea is to get someone to marry him." "Maybe me marrying him isn't the worst idea," Julie slowly said. "Oh, come on," exclaimed Rich. The Feds would see right through that. No offense, but a big dyke marrying an Italian playboy? Who the hell is going to believe that? No. He needs to find a normal woman to marry him." "I'm not..." "Yeah, yeah. You're not a lesbian, Jules. We've heard it all before," Rich interrupted. "Cut the crap, Rich," snapped Jim. Julie sat back, stunned and hurt. She knew she wasn't like most women. She was always interested in sports, and as a child, played cars and guns and cops with all of the boys she grew up with. It was why she played on the intramural softball team, right alongside Sergio, Jim, and Rich. Everyone took it for granted that she was a lesbian, but they were wrong. She loved men, which is why she spent so much time bonding with them. Unfortunately, they appeared to look right through her when it came to sex, love and romance. Julie's appearance was nondescript at best. You could walk into a room devoid of people except for her and barely even notice her presence. She wasn't ugly. She just blended in. That ability to fade into the background served her well at times in her life, but it left her lonely and wanting. She was nearly twenty two years old, and she was still a virgin. In truth, she had never even come close to losing her virginity. As she sat there, she made up her mind to help Sergio. Maybe he wouldn't marry her, but she could damned well try to help him hook another girl. In truth, she had been crushing on him for the better part of a year, watching him tally conquest after conquest. Although she often dreamed of it, he had never taken even the slightest interest in her beyond their friendship. Even with all of that, she couldn't bear the thought of him being sent home to be murdered. She would do whatever she could to prevent that from happening. * * * * Julie shared an off campus house with three other women, all of whom had enjoyed a fling with Sergio. The women got along well enough that Julie was feeling some misgivings for what she planned to do, but it couldn't be helped. Besides, she thought to herself, all she was doing was playing a little matchmaker. She couldn't make one of the girls agree to marry Sergio. They'd have to do that themselves. She decided that she'd would work on Lindsay first, since she had dated Sergio the longest of anyone. Julie was sitting in the kitchen sipping coffee when Lindsay walked in, bleary eyed and still in her night shirt. "You're up early, Jules. What's that about?" Lindsay asked. "I have some errands to run before classes today. I figured I might as well get an early start." "Better you than me. I have such a hangover today. I need some coffee and food." "Pot's full," Julie replied. "Oh, God. You're the best, Jules," Lindsay answered, grabbing a cup from the cabinet and pouring herself some coffee. Taking a container of milk from the fridge, she splashed some into her cup and took a big swallow. Returning the milk to the fridge, she frowned when she realized there was virtually nothing else in there. "Damn it. There's nothing to eat. I need some comfort food pronto," Lindsay whined. "You want to go to the diner?" Julie asked. "Don't you have stuff to do?" "I didn't say I really wanted to do it. This is a perfect excuse for procrastination," joked Julie. "You don't have to ask me twice. I'm in. Just let me throw some clothes on and brush my teeth, and I'm good to go." "Okay. I'm pretty hungry myself. I'll wait in the car," said Jules as she poured more coffee into a sip and go cup and headed for the door. A few minutes later, Lindsay walked out the door and hopped into the passenger seat. Julie started the car and pulled out of the driveway, taking the back way to their favorite breakfast spot, Shorty's Diner. Scoring a spot right near the door, the women scrambled out and walked inside, the aroma of bacon thick in the air. A waitress seated them promptly, and they eagerly looked at the menu, stomachs rumbling. "I can never decide," moaned Julie. "I always want everything." "They should have that. A breakfast sampler! Why choose at all?" giggled Lindsay. "I can't attract men now," complained Julie. "The last thing I need to do is eat like that and gain weight. I might as well become a nun." "That's not true, Jules. You just need to meet the right guy." "Thanks for that, Lindsay. But we both know it's true." The waitress arrived at the table, pad and pen in hand. "Can I take your order?" Lindsay started things off. "I'd like a broccoli and cheddar omelet, buttered toast, and home fries. Can I have a chocolate shake too, and some ice water?" "Sure, Hon. And you?" the waitress asked Julie. "I'll have the banana French toast with a side of bacon, and an iced tea, please." The waitress smiled and went to put their order in. Julie looked at her friend and took a deep breath. Here goes, she thought to herself. "Speaking of guys...have you seen Sergio lately?" Julie asked. "Not really. I passed him on campus the other day, but I don't think he saw me." "No? Hmmm." "What?" "I think he really misses you. He's been asking about you an awful lot lately." "Asking about me?" "Yeah. I thought maybe you two had connected again or something." "No. Nothing like that. Well, what has he been asking?" "You know. How you were, what you've been up to. Are you seeing anyone." "He asked if I was seeing anyone?" "Yup. I told him no." "You know, he was the one that broke it off with me. I didn't want to end things." "Well, I think maybe he's having second thoughts about that now." "Interesting." "You should call him." "No way, Jules. If he wants to talk to me, he's gonna have to make the first move. He made the last move, right? I'm not going to be a stalker." "True. If he asks about you again, I'll do some more digging. If he seems interested, I'll tell him to call you, okay? But you can't tell him about this conversation, Lindsay. He'll never trust me again!" "I promise. Not a word about it," Lindsay said with a smile. The waitress returned with their plates full of food, and the women continued chatting while they ate. When they were finished, they returned home and got ready for classes. It would be a busy day for Julie, with a softball game scheduled for the evening. As she dressed, she thought about how she would approach Sergio later on. Once again, she felt pangs of guilt, but she pushed them away. Perhaps it was the pangs of jealousy that allowed her to do that quite so easily. * * * * Julie dug in at the plate, her left-handed batting stance copied from Bernie Williams, who had been one of her favorite players growing up. She waited on the high arc of the underhand pitch, then reacted, slapping the ball over the third basemen's head. She sprinted down to first base, then easily jogged into second as the left fielder chased down the ball and tossed it to the cutoff man. Sergio stepped in next, looking to at least tie the game. The outfield played him deep, so a single would easily score Julie from second. He smiled to himself, knowing there was no way he'd settle for a single. He watched two pitches pass by, one a ball and the other a strike, waiting for the pitch he wanted to hit. The pitcher was trying to keep the ball away, not giving up something Sergio could launch into orbit. On the third pitch, she made a mistake. Sergio's eyes lit up as he watched the big fat meatball float exactly where he'd wanted it. He reacted, and with a powerful swing launched the ball high into the air. The left fielder just turned and watched the ball sail by, clearing the home run fence by a good fifty feet. Julie waited at the plate to congratulate Sergio on the game winning drive. After the hand shaking and fist bumping and congratulations were complete, Julie sat next to Sergio on the bench, taking off her cleats and slipping into her sneakers. He was sitting back, sipping on a bottle of Poland Spring, lost in thought. "You going to Nappers, Serge?" "Huh? Oh, yeah. I could use a few beers." "Yeah. I heard. I'm sorry about your cousin...and your predicament. I...I wish there was something I could do to help." "Me too, Jules," said Sergio with a sigh. "But you can't. I'm going to have to figure this one out on my own." "Are you sure, Sergio? You're one of the best friends I have. I'd do pretty much anything for you. You know that, don't you?" "You're a good friend, Jules. I'll figure something out," he said to her. Julie nodded, but her heart felt crushed. Why should she be surprised, she thought. This is how it always was for her. It was quite clear that she wasn't someone Sergio would consider, even in his predicament. Even so, she had decided she would help him, and that is what she'd do. She choked back a sob, pausing before she responded. "Lindsay was asking about you today, by the way." Sergio turned to her. "She was? What did she say?" "Girls code. I can't reveal that kind of stuff, Serge," she said with a fake grin. "But you might want to call her." "She was awfully angry when I broke it off with her. I would think she'd never speak with me again." Julie got up and grabbed her equipment bag. "Just call her, Serge," she said with a sigh. She walked to her car and drove off, tears running down her cheeks, feeling horrible about herself. Was she really that invisible that a man whose life was at stake wouldn't even see her? Good old Jules. Everybody loved her, but nobody LOVED her. She decided to skip the bar, instead driving home with the intention of hiding in her bed. She pulled into the driveway and walked inside to find Lindsay sitting with Jill and Kim, her other two housemates. She waved at them, then walked into her bedroom. Lindsay got up and followed her in. "Are you okay, Jules? You look like you've been crying." "I'm fine. I just had a bad day." "You want to come out and sit with us? We have mojitos," Lindsay said, wiggling an eyebrow. "Nah. You girls have fun. I think I just need some sleep." "You sure?" Julie let out a huge sigh. "Yeah, thanks Lin. I'll be okay. I'm just tired." Lindsay gave her friend a hug, then left the room, closing the door behind her. Julie changed into a nightshirt and curled up in bed, snuggling a body pillow that was her nightly companion. Often, she would lie here and masturbate, thinking of Sergio and what she'd imagine it would be like to make love to him. On this night, though, the thought just made her feel like crying. Instead she buried her face into the pillow and fell asleep. * * * * Lindsay was sipping coffee and catching up on Facebook when her phone rang. She looked at the number and grinned. Sergio. She'd have to thank Jules later, she thought, completely oblivious to what might have upset her the previous night. She touched the screen, connecting the call. "Hello?" she answered, pretending she didn't know who it was. "Hi Lindsay," Sergio replied. "Well hello, stranger," she cooed into the phone. "You remember the sound of my voice, do you?" "Well, it was a bit of a challenge, what with the dozens of Italian playboys calling me all the time, Sergio. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?" To Save a Life "I've been thinking about you lately, Lindsay. I've been thinking about you a lot, and what a fool I was for breaking things off with you." "You weren't just a fool Serge. You were an ass." "I know, admitted Sergio, comically braying into the phone. "I'm sorry." Lindsay giggled at him. "So what is it that you've been thinking about?" "I'd love to take you to dinner and catch up. I...I miss you," he lied. In truth, Sergio liked Lindsay just fine, but his feelings for her stopped there. She was beautiful, but things just didn't click between them. He felt guilty about what he was doing, but he found ways to rationalize it to himself. Besides, who knew how their relationship would develop if he could get her to marry him. Maybe it would work out fine. "Oh really, Serge?" Lindsay pressed her supposed advantage, lightly putting the screws to Sergio. "Well, you're going to have to make it someplace good, Serge. A trip to the diner and a movie is not going to work on this girl like it once did." Sergio chuckled. "I was thinking more like dinner at Le Cirque and a Broadway play. You think that might work on...this girl?" "Maybe. If you play your cards right, playboy." "Friday. I'll pick you up at three, and we'll take the train into the city." "Oh, I guess," replied Lindsay, feigning indifference. "Perfect. I'll see you then, Lindsay." "Okay. Bye Serge." "Ciao," he replied, then disconnected the call. Lindsay put her phone down and smiled to herself, thinking she had the upper hand with Sergio for the first time. Meanwhile, Sergio was considering each step he was going to take before proposing to her. Despite his reputation as a playboy, Sergio was a decent guy. Unfortunately, the fear he felt was driving him to consider doing things he would never otherwise do. As Sergio sat there with a dozen condoms and a safety pin, he realized just how true that was. * * * * Lindsay settled into her seat on the train, leaning against Sergio and feeling his warmth. She knew she was in trouble the moment she had laid eyes on him again. When he came over and kissed her, she'd gone weak in the knees. He had hurt and angered her, but he was a sight to behold. It wouldn't take much for her to end up naked and in his arms, but she had to make it appear as if it would. The ride into the city was fairly quick, and they went up to the street and hailed a cab to get to Le Cirque. Once they arrived, they were seated promptly and browsed the menu together. "I think I'm going to get the scallops for an appetizer," Lindsay said. "I was looking at those too, but I think I want the risotto. If they make it even half as good as my mother does, I'll be a happy man." "I want a taste then, okay?" "Of course. How can I refuse a woman as beautiful as you?" Lindsay giggled. "You're laying it on a little thick there, buster. I like it though. Don't stop," she said with a smile. "My pleasure," he said with a gleam in his eye. "I think I'm getting the strip steak for my main course. You?" "Seared tuna steak. Not even a question in my mind about that." Sergio motioned for the waiter and they placed their order. The Sommelier arrived, and after a review of their food selections, they ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir. They went through the ritual of smelling and tasting the wine before it was poured for them. Once they were left alone, Sergio held his glass up in a toast. "To us, Lindsay." She smiled and they touched glasses, then took a sip of wine. "So, what made you call me, Romeo?" Sergio chuckled. "I told you. I had been thinking of you a lot. I missed you." "From what I hear, you've had your share of company, Serge. I doubt you were all that lonely." "Having company didn't keep me from missing you, Lindsay. I couldn't help feeling as if you were the one that got away." "Got away? Serge, you threw me away," Lindsay replied, anger creeping into her voice. "And I'm sorry for that, Lindsay. The more women I dated, the more I realized that I needed it to mean something. It meant something with you." Sergio could see that his words were having their intended effect on Lindsay, while they were tearing him apart inside. He felt like shit for doing this, but what else could he do. He wondered once again whether he should be truthful with her, but Jim's words kept ringing in his ears. He would have to put it out of his mind and continue. After dinner was finished, the couple strolled arm in arm to the Gershwin Theatre, where they would see Wicked. Sergio remembered that Lindsay loved going to plays and musicals, but knew that she didn't often get the opportunity. He was happy to find out that she'd not yet seen this one. The show was fantastic, with Lindsay raving about it as they left the theater and walked up Fifty First Street. "I wish we could stay here in the city tonight, Serge. I don't want to go back to the house with the girls." Sergio smiled as they turned the corner and walked down Broadway. "What?" she asked, nudging him with her elbow. "I know it was presumptuous of me, but I booked a room at the Marriot Marquis just in case you wanted to stay. We don't have to. I just thought...I wanted to make this night perfect for you. If you wanted to stay, I wanted to make sure we could." Lindsay came to a halt on the sidewalk, throngs of tourists weaving past them. She looked up into Sergio's eyes. "I want to stay, Serge. I missed you too. So much. And thank you for everything," she said, then reached up and gave him a needy kiss. Lindsay had already made up her mind that she'd sleep with Sergio, recalling the nights of incredible sex they had shared in the past. In truth, it had been the best part of their relationship. They walked the five blocks to the hotel, then checked in and went up to their room. Lindsay was looking out the wall of windows down onto Broadway, Sergio standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her as he nuzzled her neck. Lindsay leaned back into him and tilted her head to one side, moaning as she felt his lips, tongue and teeth on her soft skin. She remembered how Sergio would always take his time with her, teasing and tantalizing her, waiting until her desire built to a crescendo before touching her in a place that would give her release. He kissed his way up her neck, then turned her head and found her mouth with his, full lips on hers, tongues probing and entwined together. He moved one hand up her tummy and found a breast, lightly pinching the nipple through her dress and bra. Lindsay moaned with pleasure as his strong fingers toyed with her. Her pussy was throbbing with need, and he'd barely even touched her. She could feel his hard cock pressed against her ass as he kissed her, and she reached behind her to grab hold of him. Sergio broke the kiss. "Do you see what you do to me, Lindsay?" he asked as he gazed into her eyes. Lindsay smiled in return. "I need you to fuck me, Serge. Please. No teasing tonight. Just...take me," she begged. Sergio smiled, and began to undo each of the buttons on the back of her dress, leaving a trail of kisses down her back as each inch of her was unveiled. When every button was undone, he slipped the dress off her and tossed it aside. Scooping Lindsay up into his arms, he carried her to the king sized bed and gently laid her down on it. He unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off, revealing a muscular body with just the right amount of hair covering his bronze colored skin. Kneeling beside her, Sergio reached behind Lindsay and unsnapped her bra, removing it and tossing it aside. He leaned over and kissed her as his hands roamed over her skin, causing her to squirm and move her hips about with need. Lindsay reached for the button at the top of his pants, wanting to free his cock. "Not yet, Lindsay. This is your night first," he said. He kissed his way down her neck to her tits, playfully biting first one nipple and then the other before continuing his descent down her body. Lindsay gasped when he pulled her thong down and off, then pushed her thighs up and apart, exposing her shaved pussy to him. He locked eyes with her and licked his lips, causing her to hold her breath in anticipation. Sergio looked down at her cunt, noticing that it was already swelling. He could smell her need, which fueled his own. He used the fingers of one hand to pet her, feeling the wetness seeping from her before gently spreading her lips with his thumbs. Lowering his mouth, he took several long, bottom to top swipes with his tongue, tasting her and making her moan out loud. He then used his thumb to gently draw circles on her clit as he wiggled his tongue inside her. Lindsay had a hand on his head, scratching and gently tugging at his hair as he pleasured her. Sergio moved his mouth up to her clit, then slipped two fingers inside her as he sucked it into his mouth and flicked his tongue over it. He used his saliva to keep her clit wet while he drove his fingers back and forth in her, adding a third as he went on. He could feel the walls of her cunt clamping down tighter and tighter on his fingers as her orgasm approached, which made him assault her clit more ferociously. A moment later, Lindsay screamed out and bucked on the bed, her first orgasm crashing down on her. She pulled his hair hard enough to hurt, but Sergio didn't care. He let up on her clit, but she still clenched his fingers tightly inside her as he planted gentle kisses on her thighs and lower tummy. Gradually, her hold loosened on him, and he slipped his fingers out, but continued to kiss her everywhere. "Wait, Serge. I'm so sensitive," she whispered. He shook his head no, and planted a kiss right onto her clit, making her gasp. He kissed her like that more, sucking her lips and clit into his mouth, avoiding very direct contact but causing her to squirm and moan and gasp. When he sensed the time was right, he started with his tongue again, alternating big, wet laps over her entire cunt with small licks on and around her clit. Lindsay moaned and groaned and cursed as he pushed her past her hypersensitivity, pulling another orgasm from her that was so powerful she thought she'd pass out. Lindsay pushed him, pulling her body away from him as she rolled onto her side, her eyes closed, panting and shaking and mumbling incoherent words. Sergio crawled up the bed and laid down next to her, watching her and planting gentle kisses on her cheek and neck. She curled up next to him and clung, her body calming and her breathing gradually returning to normal. "Holy shit, Serge. Holy shit," she said with a giggle. "I love the way you taste," he said to her with a smile, causing her to blush. "I swear to God. You're going to kill me one day. I kind of forgot how good you are at that." "I've been foolish, Lindsay. I'll be foolish no more." Lindsay reached up and kissed him, a hand on his face. Sergio kissed back and his hands were on her body again. Lindsay pushed them away, then undid the button on his pants and reached inside, grabbing his stiff cock. She stroked him slowly, watching his eyes fill with need. He saw the pleading in hers, and got up and removed his pants and boxers, revealing his uncircumcised cock to her. Lindsay sighed when she saw it, and reached over to stroke it some more. She pulled the foreskin back a bit and used her thumb to rub the precum all around the head. Bringing her hand to her mouth, she sucked and licked the slick fluid from her thumb as he watched. Sergio grabbed his discarded pants and removed a condom from the pocket. Lindsay watched with interest and need. "My, we were overconfident, weren't we?" she asked him. Sergio opened the package, removing the condom and slipping it onto his cock. "Like I told you before, I wanted to make sure got whatever you needed tonight," he said as he grabbed her by the ankles and flipped her onto her back. Sergio had a moment of conscience, but he pushed it away. Not only was his life at stake, but nature was calling out to him. At that point, the animal in him would stop at nothing to fulfill the primal need within him. He rubbed his cock up and down her slit, and she yielded to him, opening up and accepting him within her. Sergio fucked her fast and hard, and Lindsay gave as good as she got. She wanted to hear Sergio grunt in her ear, and got exactly what she wanted several minutes later. By the time morning had come, the couple had fucked three more times, and they were happy, sore and exhausted. Lindsay had gotten up to shower, and Sergio had a moment alone to contemplate what he was doing. He liked Lindsay a lot. She was bright, beautiful, and sexy. They were friends, and she certainly liked him quite a bit. Was this really so wrong, he reasoned? He could make her happy, couldn't he? He spent a half hour trying to convince himself that which he couldn't, before pushing the thoughts from his mind. * * * * Over the ensuing weeks, Lindsay and Sergio began to see each other regularly. As much as she was happy to help, Julie tried to stay away from the couple as much as she could when they were together. She knew she was being ridiculous, and that she had no reason to expect any claim to Sergio. She found herself masturbating to thoughts of him more and more frequently, and ended up feeling more empty each time. It became increasingly difficult to avoid them, as Sergio started to spend more time at the girl's house. On a Friday evening of a particularly grueling week, Julie decided to stay in and watch movies. Lindsay and Sergio decided to join her, while Jill and Kim decided to go out clubbing. Julie managed to make it through one movie, but in the opening minutes of the second, she fell asleep, curled up on the loveseat across from the couch that held Lindsay and Sergio. Noticing that Julie was asleep, Lindsay and Sergio started to kiss and fondle each other. They could have moved to the bedroom, but there was a bit of a thrill pushing the limits with a sleeping Julie only a few feet away from them. The kissing and touching got heavy, and Lindsay slipped to her knees on the floor between Sergio's legs. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Julie was still sleeping, then opened Sergio's jeans and pulled his boxers down as best she could. He raised himself up so Lindsay could pull his clothes further down and out of the way. With one last look at Julie, Lindsay leaned forward and took Sergio into her mouth. He watched as she seductively stroked and sucked his cock, drawing back the foreskin and bathing the head with her tongue. She was taking her time and enjoying herself, no longer even looking up at him. She was making love to his cock at that point. Sergio sensed movement and glanced over at Julie. Her eyes were open, and she was watching the scene unfold before her. Sergio noticed that she'd slipped a hand down the front of her pajama pants and was rubbing herself as she watched. He locked eyes with her as Lindsay continued to bob her head up and down on his cock. As Sergio watched her, something happened. Julie was no longer good old Jules. It was as if a veil had been removed from over her, revealing the true woman within. A degree of shock set in as he suddenly saw her as irresistibly beautiful. It was Jules, and yet, it wasn't. She had hidden in plain sight for years, and now it seemed as if she revealed herself to him for the first time. They watched each other, Julie now furiously fingering herself and Lindsay picking up speed, trying to bring Sergio to his climax. In that moment, it was as if Lindsay wasn't even there. It was Julie that had him at the edge. Julie that drove his need and desire. Julie. It was Julie, he thought, as he thrust his hips forward and moaned out loud, filling Lindsay's mouth with his cum. As he watched, Julie closed her eyes and shook with her own orgasm, biting her lip to keep herself from screaming aloud. By the time Lindsay was finished kissing and licking Sergio's cock, Julie had closed her eyes again and was feigning sleep. Lindsay stood up and reached a hand out to Sergio. "C'mon. Let's go into the bedroom." Sergio got up and shuffled behind Lindsay toward the bedroom, his pants still around his ankles. He glanced over his shoulder at Julie, who was watching him with a smile. Whatever magic had occurred was still there. She was beautiful. * * * * The light of dawn slowly filled the room, finding Julie already awake. She was thinking about what had happened the previous night and was trying to get some perspective. Of course, that was difficult, as she had already made herself cum twice, and was now working on a third time. Bringing her fist to her mouth and biting her fingers, Julie shook with her third orgasm of the morning. She kicked the blankets off herself and lay there panting, naked and sweaty. What was that? Had Sergio really noticed her? Was it just a thrill for him to be watched? Questions raced through her mind as she lay there trying to figure everything out. Finally, she sat up and got out of bed, pulling on a pair of pajamas and walking out into the kitchen to make coffee. A few minutes later, Lindsay came out of the bedroom, sniffing the air. "God, coffee. Do I ever need a cup" she said, walking to the cupboard to get a mug. "You...are a life saver, Jules." "Yeah. Good old Jules, right?" "Are you okay, Jules?" "I'm fine," she lied to her friend. Sure, she thought. You're my best friend, and I've helped a man that doesn't love you trick you into a romance he doesn't want. And if that isn't enough, I'm lusting after him with every ounce of my being. And I intentionally let him watch me masturbate as you blew him. How much more fine does it get than that? Lindsay poured herself some coffee, then headed off to the bathroom. "Is it okay if I shower first?" she asked Julie. "Sure. Go ahead. My first class is cancelled today. I don't have to be there until ten." "Thanks, Jules," replied Lindsay as she closed the door behind her. Julie poured herself some coffee, and looked up as Sergio walked into the kitchen. He gave her a sheepish grin and looked away. "Hey Jules." "Sergio. And how did the love birds sleep?" Sergio followed suit and poured himself some coffee, taking his black. He looked at her again, and had a strong urge to pull her to him and kiss her. "Jules. I...last night..." "It's not often a girl wakes up to a porn flick being acted out right in front of her, Serge. Sorry if I was a little out of line." "That was kind of crazy, Jules." "Don't worry Serge. I won't say anything to Lindsay. I seem to be holding a lot of secrets from her for you. You owe me big time, mister." "I can never repay you, Jules. I...this isn't who I am. I feel horrible, but...at least Lindsay is happy, right?" "I don't know. I guess. It's just a fucked up situation, Serge. It would be nice if life was always black and white, wouldn't it?" "I wish it was that simple." "If this works, have you thought about what your life will be like, Serge?" "I can make her happy, Jules. We have fun together. The sex...well...the sex is good. She'll be fine, and I'll be alive. Who knows? I might end up surprised. You know, arranged marriages often end up quite successful." "I guess you're right. What else can you do?" Jules refilled her cup and walked into her bedroom, closing her door behind her. Tears began to flow from her eyes as she admonished herself. Stupid, stupid girl. What did you think? Did you really think you connected with this man last night? Do you think you mean anything to him beyond being his pal? Have you learned nothing in the first twenty two years of your pitiful life? Meanwhile, Sergio sat in the kitchen, lost in thought. What was it about Jules all of a sudden? Lindsay was beautiful. She was a tall, curvy, natural blond that turned heads wherever she went. Yet somehow, she paled in comparison to Julie. It was as if Lindsay was some facade in a fake movie town, all good until you looked closely at her. Julie was a real town, with all of the good and bad, and with a depth and substance about her. He had never seen it before, but now he couldn't avoid it. To Save a Life This is crazy, he thought. Things are going great with Lindsay. I have the ring. Soon, I'll ask her to marry me. Jules...well...she knows what I'm doing. It isn't like she stopped me at the beginning and said she'd wed me so I could stay here. Not even Jules, with nothing else going on for her, would do that for me, he thought. How could I tell Lindsay the truth and expect her to help me? How could I tell anyone? * * * * Sergio held the phone to his ear as his mother cried on the other end of the line. Several of the Capursos had accosted her at the local market, telling her they were looking forward to being the greeting committee when he returned home. He was filled with rage as he listened, thoughts of vengeance consuming him. They'd get him, he thought, but he'd take at least a few to hell with him. His mother wanted to hear none of that. "No, Sergio. You run if you have to, but you cannot come home. I wish...I wish I would have stayed in America when I had the chance. What a stupid, young college girl I was. Why did I return home?" She broke into sobs again, breaking Sergio's heart. "It's okay, Momma. I will stay, and I will send for you when I can." "Promise, Sergio. Promise Momma." "I promise, Momma. I will find a way to stay." "Buono, Sergio. Molto buono." * * * * Lindsay's hair was already a mess as she lay on her side, holding her head up with her hand and tracing a finger down Sergio's chest. "My God, Serge. When you go down on me like that, I think I must be touching the edge of heaven," she said with a happy sigh. "I guess my idea of skipping classes today doesn't sound too bad right now, does it?" "Hell no," she answered, reaching a hand down and grabbing his shaft in her hand. "You gonna fuck me, or is today all about lip service?" she said with an evil grin. "Oh, I'm going to fuck you, Lindsay" replied Sergio. At this point, he was accustomed to the stab of pain such words brought, the double meaning clear to him. He rolled over and grabbed a condom, opening the package and making a show out of putting it on. Lindsay watched in anticipation and need, breathing heavily and squirming on the bed. "Get on your hands and knees," Lindsay." She smiled and complied, then looked over her shoulder at him. "Mmmmm. You know how much I like it like this, Serge." She grunted as Sergio penetrated her with his stiff cock, pushing himself deep inside her. He grabbed her by the hips and pulled her tight against him, then purposely made his cock twitch within her. "Fuck. I feel you, Sergio." She wiggled her hips from side to side as Sergio began to move in a rhythm, using deep, long hard strokes. Lindsay loved that Sergio had stamina and staying power, fucking her far longer than anyone had ever done. She closed her eyes as he took her, lost in the feeling of his thick cock stretching her insides. Dropping to her elbows, she reached a hand underneath her and massaged her clit as Sergio continued his assault on her cunt. She managed two more orgasms before Sergio finally grunted and yanked her hard against him, unloading a torrent of cum and collapsing on top of her. When Sergio finally uncoupled himself from her, she rolled over and looked down at him. Intending to make a comment about his cock, she instead let out a screech. "Fuck, Sergio! The condom! Look at the fucking condom!" Sergio looked down, and saw that the condom had shredded. There was almost nothing left beyond the ring at the base of his cock. "Holy shit," he exclaimed. "Oh my God. This is fucking bad, Sergio. I track my cycles. I'm fertile right now. Jesus Christ. What the fuck am I going to do?" "Don't they have one of those pills?" he asked, already knowing she couldn't take them. "Yes. No. I can't take anything like that. My body can't tolerate them," she said, jumping up and running to the bathroom. Sergio followed her and watched as she did everything she could think of to remove as much of the ejaculate from her as possible. She led him back into the bedroom with tears in her eyes. "Damn it, Sergio. Didn't you feel? Why didn't you stop?" "I didn't know, Lindsay. I didn't. I'm sorry." "Shit. Just...shit." "Okay. Take it easy, Lindsay. We don't know that anything really happened yet anyway," Sergio calmly said. "Let's just see what happens, okay?" "Well, it's not like I have a choice, do I?" Sergio pulled her close and held her to him. "You know, I've been thinking about something lately anyway." Lindsay looked up at him. "I've been thinking...we are so good together. Well, fuck. This isn't how I wanted to do it, but I've been thinking about asking you to marry me." "Oh, come on, Sergio." "I mean it. I guess I've been more than thinking about it. I already have a ring." Lindsay sat up in bed. "You what?" "I bought the ring already. I was waiting for the right time to ask you." Lindsay sat in stunned silence. "I know we're still in college, but I just needed to do this." "I don't know, Sergio. This is all a bit much to absorb." "I know. But..." "We dated for a couple months and you dumped me. Now you're back for a couple more and you suddenly decided that you have to marry me? What am I supposed to make of that, Sergio? What?" "Lindsay. Let me explain." "Let you explain? Please do explain everything to me." "Why are you so angry, Lindsay?" "I think I need a beer," Lindsay replied, putting on a robe and walking out of the room. Sergio pulled on a pair of shorts and followed her. He was surprised to see Jill, Kim, and Julie sitting in the kitchen, eating sandwiches and munching on chips. "What's happening?" Kim asked. "What's happening is that Sergio is going to explain why he wants to marry me. Do you even love me, Sergio? "I adore you, Lindsay." "Adore me? What, exactly, does that mean?" Sergio let out a deep sigh and plopped into one of the chairs at the table. He looked at the four women and shook his head. "Okay. I can't do this anymore anyway," he said, directing his gaze to Lindsay. "Where I come from...I am a fugitive. Not from the law, but from some people that mean to do me harm. I can't go home. If I do, I will be killed. Not maybe. Going home will be a death sentence." "So you decided to trick me into marrying you so...what? So you can stay here and become a citizen?" "It was all I could think of, Lindsay. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." "I bet you are," Lindsay said as she started to laugh. "You find this funny?" Sergio asked her. "I've known all along, Serge. Right from the start, before you even called me again." "You what?" "That's right. Your good buddy Rich got a little tanked at a party and tried to hook up with me. When I blew him off, he told me about your predicament. I wasn't sure I could believe him, but I did a little research and found out it was all true." Sergio sat there in shock. "Were you even considering marrying me?" "Hell no," Lindsay snapped. She turned to Jules. "Jules, honey. I love you, but please don't try to play matchmaker for me. I know what you did and why, but...you shouldn't have gotten involved. This wasn't your moral dilemma to deal with." "I'm sorry, Lindsay. Really I am. I didn't know what to do." "I know, Jules. I don't know what I'd have done in your situation. Any choice you'd have made would have sucked for you." "Why did you play along then, Lindsay?" asked Sergio. "Are you kidding? Sergio, honey. A man that can fuck like you should know the answer to that. What, do you think only men enjoy sex? Hell no. And by the way, I'm on the pill, Serge. That little show I just put on? You deserved that," she said with a snarl. "Let me ask you this, though. Why didn't you just tell me, Serge? Why this big game?" "Why? Would you have married me Lindsay? Honestly? Would you even have considered it?" Lindsay looked at him and looked away. "I don't know." "Lindsay, you know." She looked at Sergio with a frown. "I don't think I would have. No." "Exactly. What about you, Jill? Would you have stepped up?" Jill shook her head no. "I wouldn't have either," chimed in Kim. "There you have it," said Sergio. "I felt horrible. Really horrible, but I was trapped. Do you girls think I would have found anyone that would have married me to save my life? Anyone?" Unable to listen any longer, Julie stood up and glared at Sergio. "You're such an ass, Serge." "What, Julie? What are you talking about?" "I would have done it, Serge. I would have done it in a second. But you...you didn't so much as even realize I was there. You never have, not like that anyway." "But you...you didn't say anything." "Of course I didn't. You dismissed me without so much as a thought." "I...I. Jules..." "But you noticed me the other night, didn't you?" Lindsay looked over at Jules. "What do you mean?" "When we stayed home and watched movies. I woke up while you were blowing Romeo on the couch. I watched. He watched me watch. I touched myself, and he watched that. We had a moment I'd say. It was the first time that Sergio ever really noticed me. Hell, it was the first time that any man has." "Oh my God," said Lindsay with a giggle. "He was so distracted in the bedroom that night. Almost as if he'd lost interest in me. He was thinking about you. Weren't you?" she asked, directing her question to Sergio. "What the hell. No more lies, right? Yes. I was. I don't know what happened. I..." He looked at Julie and smiled. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since. It's as if there was an opaque coating over you since I've known you, and the other night, it dissolved. I saw Julie for the first time. I saw who you really are for the first time. How had I never before noticed you? Now that I have, I can't believe what has been in front of me all along." Julie put a hand to her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. The three other women in the room looked over at her, and all gasped as one. As if by magic, they, too, saw what Sergio had seen. It was Julie, but it wasn't Julie. She was beautiful, captivating even. And yet, most people wouldn't even notice it. It was as if you needed a special pair of glasses to see her, and they had all been granted them. "Come on girls. Let's go into the living room," Lindsay said to Jill and Kim. "I think we should leave these two alone for a while." She grabbed Julie's hand and gave it a squeeze on the way out of the room. * * * * Lindsay reached up for the bouquet, but it was gleefully snatched away by Jill at the last moment. "Damn. Second place again, she laughed." "Hey Serge! You have any more relatives that need to come hide here in America?" Jill asked. "You'll have to find your own man," he answered, wagging a finger at her. The reception went on for hours, finally ending at midnight. After a short limo ride, Sergio carried Julie across the threshold and into the cottage they were staying at for the night. The couple left a trail of clothes leading into the bedroom, with Sergio removing the last bit of Julie's clothing as she lay on the bed. It was only two months since they'd gotten together, so Julie decided that she'd wait until this night for her first time. It turned out that Rich was right. She really was pure on her wedding night. Two months of anticipation had turned her body into a pile of nerves, and every look, touch and kiss by Sergio had felt like an electric shock shooting through her. He gently kissed her everywhere, his hands moving to and fro. She was slowly moving and grinding on the bed as he took his time, cranking her up one notch at a time as if she were an amplifier. He was naked, and she could feel the heat from his cock where it was pressed against her. "Oh please, honey. Please. Don't make me wait any longer," she begged. "I need you." Sergio moved between her legs, wrapping his arms under and around her, holding her face gently in his hands. He moved his hips slightly, and the head of his cock found her opening. He kissed her, then pulled away and watched her eyes as he thrust forward, her insides filled for the first time ever. She was shaking with excitement and need as he moved, kissing her softly and gently, never taking his eyes off of hers. It was not only her first time; it was his too. Sergio had never made love to a woman. But on this night, he did. She came for him, several times, before he filled her with his seed. He kissed away her tears of joy, and held her in his arms, man and wife, the unlikeliest of couples. * * * * Julie awoke first the next morning and looked down on a sleeping Sergio with a smile. She had never been this happy in her short life, and felt quite lucky to have been blessed as she was. She decided to go out and get them some coffee and a bite to eat. They didn't leave for the Caribbean until that evening, so they could spend the day relaxing. She didn't want to waste time leaving the cottage for food when Sergio woke up. There was something else she needed him to eat other than breakfast. She slipped into a pair of shorts, t-shirt and flip flops and quietly left the room. There was a coffee shop right next to the hotel, and Julie walked out of the cottage and headed over to it. Two men were sitting in their car watching her go. They looked at each other and nodded, getting out and walking to the door of the cottage. One of the men pulled a stolen pass key from his pocket. He slipped it into the lock and the door unlocked, as indicated by the little light turning green. The men quietly entered the room and walked over to the bed where Sergio was still sleeping. The larger of the two men grabbed Sergio by the ankle and yanked him out of bed and onto the floor. Sergio let out a yell, then rolled over and glared at the intruders. "Capurso," he growled. He slipped into his native Italian, questioning the men. "What is this? Why are you here? We are in America. I am supposed to be safe here." "You made a mistake, my friend. We cannot allow a Marriotto to be in our family," one of the men replied. "You will pay with your life." "What are you talking about," spat Sergio. "Julie isn't a Capurso. Her name is Caputo. Are you stupid as well as evil?" "Did it never strike you that the names were so similar, you fool? Her great grandfather changed his name when he came to America. She is a Capurso." "Not any longer," replied Sergio. She is my wife; a Marriotto now and forever." "There is no forever for you, Marriotto." Julie had ordered, then realized she had forgotten to bring her wallet. She told the counter person she'd be right back, leaving the coffee shop in a rush. She hurried to the cottage, hoping that Sergio was still sleeping. She slipped the key in the door, turned the handle and walked in. Sergio heard the door and saw that the Marriottos had turned to look at who had opened it. In a flash, Sergio was on his feet and leapt at the closer of the two men. "No," he screamed, crashing his shoulder into the man and driving forward, the two of them tumbling to the floor. There was a deafening sound as a gun went off and dropped to the floor. Sergio reached for it as he heard Julie scream. He held it to his assailant's head and pulled the trigger, sending blood, brain and bone everywhere. Rolling off, he set his sights on the other man, but was too late. The man had recovered and had his gun pointed at Sergio, squeezing off two shots that hit him in the torso. Sergio rolled and pointed his gun at the shooter, getting off a shot himself. The round hit the man in the forehead right between his eyes. He was dead before he hit the floor. Sergio could hear Julie whimpering by the door. He looked to her, horror registering on his face when he saw that she was covered in blood. He crawled over to her and held her in his arms, the two lovers bleeding from arterial wounds. They comforted each other as best they could as hotel employees and guests called the police and gawked at the scene. Sergio and Julie clung to each other as they left this world together, a Marriotto and Capurso bonded as one.