Mason cherished these moments—times when they'd just sit on the verandah, gazing at the stars and simply talking. It felt liberating to be free again, no longer under the thumb of some mafia boss. Though they were still hiding out in a small bungalow in the countryside, it was a comfortable life.

Mason sighed, resting his head on his boyfriend's shoulder. "Do you ever miss our old life?" he asked, the question unexpected but pressing. He needed to know if he was the only one feeling this contentment.