"Now we are in what next?" Flack asked Mac "Take a hold of one of these" The ex-marine ordered passing him a tray filled with champagne glasses "You take the marquee I'll take the sitting rooms we can move about the place unnoticed whilst we look for Stella as soon as we find her we are out of here Ok?" "Gotcha" Flack nodded grabbing hold of the tray "Mom would be so proud" He joked heading off towards the marquee. The party seemed to be in full swing Mac mused whilst he moved around searching for Stella every square inch of Villa Rosa appeared to be filled to the brim with party goers dancing, drinking, eating he even spotted one young couple sneaking off up towards the Villa's bedrooms ….. An image of Stella and himself sneaking off next time the Mayor hosted a ball flooded into his mind and he flushed. Getting back on track he moved into the larger of the two sitting rooms but still no luck then he heard someone calling out "Stella…Stella come here sweetheart there is somebody I'd like you too meet."
Mac's heart skipped a beat as Stella strode out of the mass of people towards a frail looking elderly man stood with a middle aged couple …..Marco, Michael and Grazia Bonasera he recognized them from the files he'd read on the Bonasera clan. "Flack I've found her we are in the larger sitting room" Mac hissed into his ear piece "Get here now." Trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible Mac began passing out drinks to people keeping his eyes firmly on Stella she was nodding politely to something Michael was saying but Mac knew her too well her body language told him she was hating every second of this. "Looking good isn't she?" Flack grinned appearing next to Mac "Beautiful" Mac agreed "From now on we don't let her out of our sight first chance we get we are out of here." "Careful Mac look…." Flack pointed across the room to Joseph Bonasera who was making his way to join his parents, Marco and Stella "He can't see me Flack he knows my face" Mac told him "I'll stick with Stella you disappear for a while" Flack nodded "Soon as I can attract her attention I'll bring her to the rendezvous point alright?" "It will have to be won't it?" Mac sighed turning to leave the room.
"My my you do scrub up well little cousin" Joseph Bonasera sidled up to Stella "One could even say that you are a positive Aphrodite ……you couldn't blame a man for acting on his more primordial instincts around you tonight now could you?" "Joseph…." Marco slipped a fatherly arm around his nephew's shoulders tightening his grip he barely audibly whispered into Joseph's ear "That's why Joey there are two very big very heavily armed guards who's sole purpose in life is to protect my Stella from anyone and I do mean anyone who might wish her harm….." "That's good Uncle Marco…." Joseph managed a small laugh "Yes it is Joey yes it is your concern for your cousin's well being is duly noted" Marco slapped him on the back. "Now Stella has returned to us we are now one big happy family aren't we?" Grazia moved protectively in front of her son. "Yes we are…..Stella how about making your Uncle Michael a very happy old man and dancing with him?" suggested Michael. Stella stole a glance at Marco who merely nodded his ascent "Yes…I'd like that" She replied through gritted teeth and allowed her 'Uncle' to lead her to the ballroom.
The band was playing 'Isn't it romantic' as Michael and Stella began to dance he pulled her into a tight embrace so she had no choice but to rest her head on his shoulder she could feel his breath on her bare skin and his hands travelling along her back massaging her through the dress it made her want to wretch but she had to keep it together just long enough to make her escape. Inadvertently Michael had provided Stella with the opportunity she required to flee Villa Rosa the ballroom was crammed full of people dancing and her guards were struggling to keep tabs they had already lost sight of her and Michael twirling around she could see them moving about the place pushing past people trying to locate her all she needed to do was loose Michael. "This takes me back ….."Michael suddenly spoke "I danced here with your Mother same tune too…. The resemblance between you too really is amazing you know." "So I've been told….." Stella replied "Were you also told that she was mine long before Marco or Papatoka ever laid eyes on her….." He questioned. "Oh I know all about you and my Mother" Stella informed him "….Everything" Then she very deliberately jabbed an extremely expensive designer stiletto heel straight into Michael's foot "Aagh" He shrieked letting her go "So sorry two left feet me always been the same…." Stella tried not to smirk too much. "Looks like someone needs to sit the rest of this dance out" A very familiar voice called out "Maybe you should let a younger man take over" Before Stella could react Flack had waltzed her straight in to the throng of people out of sight of both Michael and her guards.
"Flack ….." She beamed happily "Not that I'm not glad to see you but what are you doing here" "Taylor & Flack associates at your service damsel's in distress the rescuing of a speciality" He grinned "Mac is here at Villa Rosa….." Stella felt as if she was in some sort of wonderful dream not only was Mac alive he was here and they would be together soon "Nothing short of a nuclear holocaust could have kept him coming for you he's keeping a low profile doesn't want Joseph recognizing him" Flack nodded "Soon as we pass the door on the right we go for it yes?" "Yes" She agreed wholeheartedly." Take me too him Flack ……too Mac" Stella pleaded as they darted in and out of the crowds in the ballroom dodging both her guards and Michael Bonasera she could hardly breath thinking he was nearby her heart was pounding so much "You're wish is my command Cinder Stella" He grinned pulling her outside onto a small terrace to avoid a rather red faced looking Michael Bonasera coming their way. Quickly he led her in and out of crowded rooms and corridors till they arrived at the Villa's kitchens motioning for her to wait a moment he poked his head around the door Flack spotted Mac in one corner pretending to stack trays of food whilst across the room a white hatted chef had his back turned to them slaving over a hot microwave. Mac silently mouthed "Well?" to which Flack nodded yes anyone would have thought that it was simultaneously Christmas, New years and his birthday by the size of the grin that appeared on Mac's face Flack decided. Signalling for Flack to stay put the younger man watched on in awe whilst Mac sneaked up behind the unsuspected Chef and did that cool Marine choke hold thing causing the man to pass out instantly without ever getting chance to squeak out a "Help!" "You really got to teach me how to do that one day Mac" He grinned.
"Mac? Mac are you Ok" Stella's worry filled voice echoed through the room as she impatiently pushed passed Flack not able to stand waiting any longer; Mac simply grabbed her around the waste then picking her up of the ground gently spun her around her arms somehow finding their way around his neck "I am now Stel ……I am now" He whispered placing her back down their arms safely entwined around each other and their foreheads meeting. "I love you Mac" She told him tearfully "Before Joseph abducted me at the Carnival I heard what you said I love you too." "I know" He mumbled back his chest felt fit to burst with pure joy "I know …..Everything will be Ok I'm gonna get you out of here Stella we are going home I love you so much…….." Their lips met in the most tender, deepest of kisses. "Ahem…." Flack cleared his throat trying to be tactful "Guys not that this isn't the most touching of moments and all but don't you think we should be getting out of her pdq? Then you can get a room or something" He shrugged. "I have a way out" Stella spoke up as she and Mac moved apart then quickly she filled them in on the wine cellar Et al "Sounds good to me better odds than running through a court yard filled with heavily armed Mafioso's anyway nice family by the way Stell …… they couldn't just grow grapes could they " Flack joked. "I agree we can pick Hawkes up later….Flack go see if the coast is clear" Mac instructed "Yes sir Sergeant Major Taylor sir" Flack gave him a mock salute and headed for the kitchen's door "Don't even think about it you two…..There will be no more making out whilst my back is turned" He waggled his finger as he left. "Good to see him getting back to normal" Stella grinned at Mac "If you say so" Mac grinned back "But I can't promise not to shoot him before this is over" He sighed sliding his hand over hers "Ready to go home?" He asked "Ready" She told him her fingers interlacing tightly with his.
Fortunately the wine cellar was only a stones throw away from the kitchen and with Stella leading the way the three of them managed to find their way there unscathed. "Stella this thing is locked" Flack hissed jangling the lock "That's alright I have the key" She said producing it from it's hiding place underneath her dress then she proceeded to open the door allowing them to enter. Mac quietly closed the door behind them "We need to hurry they must know you're gone by now" He told them both "Get'em off then boys" Stella ordered unzipping her dress "Do what?" Flack asked flabbergasted. "Flack that window is tiny" Mac explained tossing his jacket to the floor and unbuttoning his shirt "She's right the only way you and I are getting through it is in our underwear." "There must be some other way…." Flack argued "Drop 'em Flack this is no time for modesty" Stella insisted tossing her dress and shoes on top of Mac's mounting pile of clothes "That's easy for you to say your wearing sweat pants" He grumbled removing his own jacket and shirt. "Ok so now I can see why your so reluctant for anyone to see you in your boxers" Stella fell into a fit of giggles once Flack had finished undressing "This is not funny Stella…..they were a present from Jess last Christmas if you must know" Flack insisted red faced "Believe me Don this is downright hilarious …..Or should that be Super Flack?" Mac raised an amused eyebrow at his friend's choice of underwear "Can we please move on it that's alright with you Spartacus" He pouted. "Mark Anthony actually and I did it for the woman I love" Mac chortled "Why else do you think I'm wearing these?" Flack huffed "I don't have much else left of her do I?" "Ok enough both of you" Stella managed to get out between smirks "This is getting far too surreal and we still have work to do ……rest assured Donald your secret is safe with us."
"We need to get those bars of the window" Mac moved to examine them "They should come out easily enough I checked them out earlier" Stella eyed him from behind appreciatively …. Her Mac looked darn good in blue cotton boxers and tight black tee she decided; "Flack give me an hand here will you" Mac asked his friend "Thought you'd never ask" Flack grinned heading over to him and the two men began pulling at the same bar moving it easily "Looks like you were right Stell" Flack nodded. "That's my girl just as brilliant as you are beautiful aren't you little cousin" Joseph Bonasera's voice sneered from behind the trio making Stella sick to the stomach "Pity your leaving so soon isn't it?" "Joseph Bonasera" Mac growled out loud; reaching for his gun he realised that he and Flack had left their weapons on the floor whilst they prised the bars away "Stupid Mac real stupid" He berated himself as the three of them turned around to find that Joseph and a phalanx of black suited guards had guns pointing directly at them "I suggest you two gentlemen come over here and keep your hands where I can see them or I will shoot to kill" He indicated towards Stella obediently Mac and Flack moved either side of her. "Good boys…….Nunzio pick their weaponry up then go and find my Papa and Uncle Marco tell them to meet us in the study" He ordered one of his minions "You three I want you front and centre hands on heads anyone gets a sudden unexpected case of heroism and I shoot the other two understood?" He instructed "Yes" They chorused "Move it then" He snarled digging the barrel of his gun straight into Mac's back.
They proceeded to Marco's study almost as if they were walking in a New Years day parade Mac marching out in front Marco's gun firmly stuck in his back, Stella and Flack following after, each covered by two equal ferocious henchmen complete with semi-automatics. They arrived at the study to find Hawkes sitting on a sofa yet another burly guard waving a rifle in his face "I'm so sorry Mac……" He tried to apologize "Shut up" Joseph yelled at him nodding to the guard whose left fist smashed straight into Hawkes' nose. "That was completely uncalled for Joey……" Michael appeared from nowhere Grazia and Marco in tow "Somebody fetch a towel will you ….. He's bleeding all over the carpet" Michael complained and Grazia promptly disappeared "Haven't I always told you Joey never crap in your own black yard?" "Yes papa" He answered meekly. Spotting Mac and Flack Michael did a double take "What are we running a nudist colony now?" He shook his head in bemusement, "Is this really necessary?" Marco asked entering the study "I'm sure Stella can explain everything …..Can't you little one" He tried hopefully pushing her guard away and sitting her down next to Hawkes who was busy trying to stem his nose bleed. "What is there to explain she played you all along with this one big happy family bullshit" Michael hissed "Just like her whore of a mother always did ….. You were a blind fool then and you're just as blind now." "Don't you talk about Sofia like that" Marco grabbed his brother by the throat and slammed his head hard against the desk "Ever" he finished letting go and falling back into his chair all his strength evaporating into thin air.
"Which one is it……which one thinks he's the man good enough for my daughter" Marco announced suddenly sounding exhausted "Me" said Mac firmly; "Bring him here" He instructed Joseph "Move" He rammed Mac forward then he grabbed him by his head and shoved him to his knees "I will have her and you will have the pleasure of watching" He whispered into Mac's ear. "Name you do have one I suppose?" Marco pondered "Detective 1st Grade Mac Taylor NYPD crime lab" Mac replied through clenched teeth "Name, rank and serial number you really are a good little Marine now aren't you" Joseph smirked. "At least you've got the guts to come to Villa Rosa try and take her from me…… you willing to fight for her I'll give you that" Marco spluttered into one of his coughing fits "Pity I have to kill you see I got to maintain discipline in the ranks" He nodded towards Michael and Joseph "For Stella's sake if nothing else." "No…..Marco please no" Stella begged "Don't …..I'll do anything you want stay here with you always but don't hurt Mac let them go home to New York they wont come back if I ask them not to." "Absolutely not!" Mac roared out and struggled back to his feet "I'd rather be dead……die a thousand times a thousand times over than have you stay here" He raged at Marco "You May as well kill me now because it aint never going to happen. " "Good that's the reaction of the man I want for my daughter ….. Someone who loves her enough to die for her" He smiled approvingly. "I'm very happy for you both" Michael snarled "but we aint running a dating agency here either brother dear this is business and business is business I say we get rid of all four of them."
Again Marco rose from his seat jabbing a finger into Michael's chest "You so much as look cross eyed at my Stel……" but before he could complete his sentence Grazia re-entered the room carrying a stack of towels and a first aid kit "The last of the guests are leaving now" She told her husband. "See to him before he ruins anymore of the carpet" Michael indicated Hawkes "Right away" Grazia replied scurrying over to the injured Doctor's side. "I'm asking you for the last time Marco brother to brother kill them all of them" Michael stared down his brother unflinchingly "Prove to me and everyone else that Bonasera blood still runs through your veins don't sacrifice yourself for Papakota'." "She is my daughter" Marco told him in no uncertain terms "Mine and no-one but no-one will lay a finger on her or her friends do I make myself clear?" "You would choose that Greek bitch over us? Your own family?" Michael raged "See it's like I told you……" He told the assembled armed men in the room "Time for a new leader to take charge a new regime…… I'm sorry brother but you had your chance" He pointed his gun straight at Marco's head "No-one here left to obey you anymore." "I know what you did ……I know why my Mother left Villa Rosa" Stella calmly spoke up forcing Michael to pause briefly "What do you know little girl what could you possibly know? You were still in diapers" He hissed. Smiling thinly Stella began "I read her diary and I know you were in love with her too to the point of obsession followed her everywhere, sent flowers brought her gifts and it was you who brought her here to Villa Rosa to your Father's birthday party where she met Marco and even though she found out you were already married it still didn't stop you did it? You proposed to her said you would divorce Grazia but My Mother turned you down flat told you to go back to your wife said you were a friend but nothing more." "Yeah nothing more….." He spat out "Nothing more……" "That's the whole reason for this isn't it she rejected you chose your brother instead and then Professor P anyone but you" Stella baited him "You were nothing to her."
"I could have been …..Should have been" He howled out loud dropping his gun onto the Study's floor in anger "Nobody but nobody treats me that way ever …… I made her sorry for ever treating me like that I……." "You couldn't bear it could you? To see the three of us together a happy family ……I know you set Marco up to take the blame for a murder he didn't commit just so you could have Sofia under your control but that only made her hate you more didn't it? Well didn't it?" Stella yelled at the top of her lungs. "She should have loved me like I loved her….she was mine I would have given her anything she wanted ….done anything she wanted" He shrieked "She didn't want you did she? Or anything from you" Stella taunted standing toe to toe with him now "You disgusted her." "She needed to be taught a lesson I made her sorry I made sure that she never turned her back on me again……." Michael almost gloated "…….Made sure she never did it again." "What did you do? Oh god Michael what did you do?" For the first time since she'd met him Marco sounded afraid "I had to show her…..make her understand she couldn't make a fool out of me like she did you…….She was opening her legs for Papakota why shouldn't I have my turn?" Michael rationalized. Marco slid back into his chair holding his head in hands "I didn't know Stella….I swear I didn't know" He sobbed uncontrollably; "No-one did she never told anyone what had happened to her except Professor P that's why she left Villa Rosa she was terrified Michael would kill us both" Stella explained "She knew Professor Papakota loved her and that he would protect her you both with is life if needs be" Marco finished for her "Yes that's why he took us to America he thought we would be safe there" Stella nodded sadly. "That's why she was killed wasn't it?" Standing yet again Marco demanded to know grabbing his brother's throat "Wasn't it…….you couldn't risk me finding out the truth so you went to America pretending to bring her back home to me and then you killed her" He rasped tightening his grip around Michael who was almost purple "……..You let me think that it was my fault that I drove her away and that she hated me so much that she killed herself and our baby trying to escape from me……." "I didn't it was an accident tell him Grazia……….." Michael gasped..
Bang the gun shot sounded like something out of a Saturday morning cartoon but its affect was anything but comical; Marco let go of his brother and slipped back into his chair one last time blood pouring from the gaping cavity now in his chest staining the crisp white dress shirt he was wearing eyes on stalks Marco gently touched his chest with his fingertips which came back a deep scarlet colour "Oh Stella……." He rasped then his eyes shut. "Thank you sweetheart……."Michael stuttered rubbing his neck "Oh don't thank me darling" Grazia Bonasera smiled a cold thin smile and for the second time that night pulled the trigger of Michael's gun which she'd picked up unseen whilst attending to Hawkes' nose her second shot shattering Michael's temple into smithereens "Ah now that's the garbage dealt with it's your turn" She said aiming at Stella "Son…..if anyone so much as flinches blow them away" She practically cooed to Joseph "Anything you say Ma anything you say" He grinned. "Y'know Stella you really should have stayed dead everything would have been fine if Luka had just done the damn job he was paid for all those years ago….." Grazia sighed "You just can't get the staff can you" Flack muttered under his breath. "Michael didn't kill my Mother did he?" Stella asked softly "No that's the one thing he didn't do ……He was telling the truth for once in his worthless life he wanted to bring you both back to Villa Rosa he had no intention of letting either of you leave ever so he convinced Marco to send the three of us myself, Luka and Michael after her. He intended to have it all in due course Marco and I would have had shall we say 'accidents' then he would have had control over everything Sofia, you, my son Joseph …..Oh and the Bonasera family millions as a retirement plan of course. So you see Stella something had to be done pity I liked Sofia I really did but she had to go and you with her I couldn't afford to leave Michael or his brother with any little curly haired reminders of her running about the place ….."
"We found traces of blood….Stella's blood in the car her Mother was killed in" Mac put in; trading a knowing glance with Flack he shifted around every so slightly deliberately forcing Joseph to change position with him "That's my mom thinks of everything" He shrugged "Aint that right Ma?" Joseph smirked. "Not everything I'm still alive" Stella corrected him "An oversight I intend to rectify shortly" Grazia informed her "…..But first I'm going to give you exactly what you've been wishing for all these years the truth…….The night she died Luka, Michael and I thought we had caught up with your Mother we watched her drop Papakota off at his beloved museum but she must have seen us took off like a bat out of hell we chased her for a while then her car skidded off the road it had been raining that day and the ground was slippy Michael was hysterical thought you were dead so I made him stay put whilst Luka and I checked the car out. You were in the back seat crying you had cut your arm in the crash hence the blood." "My Mother….. She was still alive wasn't she?" Stella realized "Yes….. She was passed out in the driver's seat I saw my chance and I took it I told Luka she was dead sent him back to Michael told him to shut him up he was screaming his head off by then. I strangled your Mother with my bare hands and enjoyed every single minute of it I was finally rid of her. Then I told Luka to clean house whilst I drove Michael back to our hotel I told him and Marco that you had indeed been killed instantly in the crash they had no reason to doubt my word only I didn't know that Luka had spared you not until Papakota was killed and suddenly the name Stella Bonasera is making far to many headlines in certain circles. I couldn't risk either Michael or Marco guessing who you really were so I sent my son and Luka to finish the job and this time I told Luka it was either your life or his …… damn if he didn't double cross me again though he left Marco a letter telling him that you where still alive an insurance policy of sorts; Marco insisted Michael make Joseph bring you here full circle so to speak" Grazia finished her tale "Now Once upon a time is over it's time for you to say goodbye Stella."
Stella Bonasera had the physique of a dancer she had been told that often enough and in between processing crime scenes she spent a great deal of time keeping herself that way couple that with her years in the NYPD not to mention working with Mac Taylor she'd picked up more than a few self defence skills. Before Grazia could move to pull the trigger a third time Stella's fist shot out lightening fast striking the older woman square in the face causing Grazia to lose her balance "That one's for my Mother" Stella snarled "…..This one's for me" She punched Grazia again who fell into a heap on the Study's floor. "Ma!" Joseph yelped moving towards the two women giving Mac just the opportunity he needed the ex-Marine grabbed Joseph's arm, easily snapping it in two forcing him to drop his weapon then Mac rammed his elbows straight into Joseph's face causing him to fall to his knees groaning in pain. Flack head butted the guard closest to him then sucker punched the startled man into the middle of next week before he and Hawkes charged at another two equally as flabbergasted men. Mac grabbed Joseph around the neck in the same Marine choke hold movement he'd used earlier "You ever go near her again I will kill you" He told Joseph as he sagged in Mac's arms dead to the world. Simultaneously Stella grabbed Grazia's gun from the spot she had dropped it and before the stunned woman could react jammed the gun against her cheek "Call them off" Stella ordered her "I will only ask once." "Do it….do as she says" Grazia ordered her men "Guns ……tell them to drop them on the floor and I want them on their knees hands on their heads" Stella continued "You heard her" Grazia huffed slowly one by one each man obeyed. "Flack martial their weaponry, Hawkes you and I'll restrain them" Mac handed out assignments "Anyone moves shoot to kill understood." "Loud….."Hawkes began "……..And clear" Flack finished; the three men made short work of the job at hand using torn up curtains for manacles around both wrists and feet finally only Grazia remained unrestrained Stella still firmly holding a gun to her head.
"Your turn Mrs Bonasera" Mac smirked walking over to Stella and Grazia "No Mac….." Stella said simply cocking the trigger of her gun "She killed my Mother with her bare hands and enjoyed it ….left me to die she doesn't deserve to live." "Please Stella don't do this I know what she did but if you do this kill her in cold blood then you become her…… you do this Stel and it will destroy you inside and that would kill us both" He pleaded. "Listen to him Stella as cliché as it sounds she isn't worth selling your heart and soul for ….. believe me I know" Flack told her "This is forever nothing can ever wipe that slate clean it just eats away at you inside taking a piece at a time till there is nothing left." "Well it seems you may have Bonasera blood running in your veins after all" Grazia sneered up at her "Do it prove yourself your daddy's daughter." "That's where you're wrong my Stella is her Mother's daughter through and through she is better than that better than the entire stinking Bonasera clan combined ……." Marco's voice echoed through the room surprising everyone, "You not dead yet?" Grazia scowled "Oh don't worry my dear it won't be much longer I assure you…" He smiled weakly. "Stel?" Mac asked thoughtfully; nodding Stella released Grazia and gave him the gun "My heart and soul already belong to you" She whispered into his ear "I love you" He whispered back.
"Stella he's not got long he's lost too much blood" Hawkes was giving Marco a cursory examination "I'm sorry there is nothing anyone can do" He explained, "Don't be young man it isn't your fault….." Marco assured him his voice growing fainter. "Detective 1st Grade Mac Taylor of the NYPD crime lab will you come here please and bring my daughter with you" He gave one last order "Yes sir" Mac replied and they both moved to Marco's side whilst Hawkes returned to help Flack watch over Grazia and anyone else who might want to cause trouble. "Will you answ…..answer one question Detective Taylor? Do you love my daughter? Would you die for her?" Marco's voice was barely audible now "Yes I'd die for her" Mac answered truthfully "Stella is my life I'd die without her." "Give me your hand Stella" Marco asked which she did gladly "Do you love him?" "With all my heart" She smiled "Always." "Mac Taylor….?." Marco asked, Mac extended his own hand out Marco clasped it then he placed it over Stella's automatically their fingers entwined. "I'm so sorry that our time was stolen from us Stella if I could give it back to you I would" Marco managed a week smile just for her "I wish I could have known you better" She tearfully agreed "Don't cry…..I'm so proud of you Stella and I know Sofia would be too …..The proudest parents on the planet I know it's too little too late but your Mother and I loved….love you with all our hearts and no accident of DNA changes that in my heart you are and always will be my little girl……" "Papa I know" Stella sobbed "Hush……I said no crying……Mac Taylor will you grant a dying man his last wish?" Marco requested of the ex Marine "Yes Sir" Mac replied "Good I want you to promise me something my Stella deserves to love and be loved unconditionally, eternally I want you to promise me that you will do that I want your word that you will care for our girl protect her love her when I'm gone give her the life she had stolen from her" He wheezed out "You have my word" Mac promised him wholeheartedly "Good make babies lots of babies……" Marco's eyes closed "It's time Papa go to her……. Sofia's calling you home" Stella whispered to him planting a warm kiss on his cheek.
Mac Taylor awoke to the sensation of a warm body next to him Stella had slept through nearly all their flight home but given the past few weeks she'd had he guessed earned it; Marco it seemed had had the last laugh on his treacherous family from beyond the grave having sent detailed records of every illegal activity Bonasera Industries had been involved in for the past thirty years to Interpol shortly before the party had begun his way of protecting Stella Mac presumed and something he would always be grateful to the man for since it meant Joseph Bonasera would be collecting his pension long before he would be eligible for parole. Mac's gaze rested firmly on the aforementioned Stella currently her head was resting on Mac's chest and his arms were securely around her waist holding her close. Watching her sleep for a moment Mac couldn't quite believe how lucky he was she loved him! Stella Bonasera loved Mac Taylor he didn't quite know yet how they would work out a balance between their professional life and private one but if he had to flip burgers in McDonalds or sweep the streets then he would if it came down to a straight choice then Stella beat his job out each and every time. An idea flashed into Mac's mind grinning he placed a soft kiss on Stella's lips causing her to stir "Good morning gorgeous" He greeted her joyfully "Good morning yourself" She yawned and then returning the favour she planted a kiss on his lips "Mmmm I could get used to such nice wake up calls" She grinned as they parted "I'm in" Mac beamed. "Where are we?" She asked "Just flying over NY harbour" He informed her "Look there's Lady Liberty herself" He pointed out the Airplane's window. "She is beautiful" Stella remarked "The second most beautiful woman ever" Mac gaze locked with hers "Oh…..Mac" She reddened. "Oh geez will you two please get a room" Flack scowled from behind them "I can't believe I actually owe Messer money" He grumbled. "Chalk it up to experience" Hawkes chuckled in the seat next to him "Something to tell the grandkids Super Flack." "I swear if I hear one just one Super Flack crack when we get back to work I will hunt you down and kill you Sheldon" Flack huffed. Up in front Mac and Stella grinned at each other then very gently Mac cupped Stella's face with his hands "This is just the beginning of our story Stella I love you" He murmured placing his lips on hers "Oh believe me we got an whole Library ahead of us …. I love you Taylor" She murmured back her lips savouring the taste of him as they shared the deepest most passionate of kisses.
Finis (Well maybe!)
A/N: May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy Smacked/Smexy filled 2010. On the subject of Stella's paternity I'm going to let you decide Papakota or Marco the choice is yours. As for Mac and Flack in their underwear what can I say any excuse to undress them works for me! Keep your eyes peeled as this may not be the last we see of the Italian branch of Stella's family tree we'll have to wait and see! Thank you to everyone who asked about "Where the wild roses grow" it did get put on the backburner unfortunately but I am working on it keep your eyes peeled for that one too. Feedback as always greatly appreciated.
