“Who did you tell?”
“The day she…died…I went to my father. Confessed everything. He told me it was okay. That my mother shouldn’t have asked me to keep a secret like that.”
“And her death?”
“We were told she died giving birth to Sergio—my brother must have been conceived that day I caught them in the garden. As Sergio grew, he looked so much like Rocco, and I figured they were both born from my mother’s lover, Stefano. As I got older, I heard whispers of Stefano going out to sea, drowning himself. I pieced it together.” His eyes find mine and there’s so much sadness there it threatens to break me. “I’ve carried the weight of the guilt of her death ever since.”
I reach out for him, resting my hand on his shoulder. “But it’s not your fault—”
He shakes his head. “I told her not to see him again. What if I hadn’t?”
His eyes pierce mine.
If he hadn’t kept his mother’s secret, John might have killed Stefano…and his mother would still be alive.
The measure of guilt he must carry brings tears to my own eyes.
“Oh, Luca. It’s not your fault. You were just a child.”
“I know. But still. Anyway, if we ever have children, I want them to know that their parents hold their vows sacred. That they can rest easy in the knowledge that you and I will never forsake one another.” He takes my hands in his. “I meant what I said to you, that night I climbed up into your room.”
I think back on his words.
Know this, once you’re mine—you’re mine, always. No matter what happens between us.
I assure him. “I feel the same. I won’t ever break our vow. We won’t. And if we do have kids. They will know it, just by looking at us, and the way we look at one another.”
He gives a smile to that. “Yes, they will.”
“Why didn’t you tell Rocco and Sergio what you knew?”
He gives his head a shake. “I still felt the weight of the promise I made to my mother. My father and I both agreed, it’d be better if the younger two didn’t know. And I never, ever wanted them to feel like less than a brother to me or a son to my father, because to us, they will always be our family.”
I think of the family vow, to never hurt another Romano. “You didn’t want them to know they weren’t Romano blood, did you?”
“No. For many reasons, but one of those reasons was Rocco’s impulsiveness. Even as a child he was quick to act. I thought it was best if no one knew, I thought the Romano vow would help protect him. Now…”
His words trail off and I think of Rocco. Of our car ride down to the shore the night. I see his face in my mind’s eyes and I just know…
I put my hand on knee. “He’ll come back. I can feel it. And when he does, will you forgive him?”
“We’ll see.” He gives my thigh a pat, standing from the bed.
Conversation closed.
His face is back to normal, washed of all emotion. Luca’s damn good about keeping his emotions in check, under his control. Always in control.
And now, I understand a little bit more why.
Because if he didn’t, they may have threatened to tear him apart.
He clears his throat. “Enough about Rocco. We’ve got company on the way.”
His hands go to his waist. He’s left the top two buttons of his shirt undone and a glimpse of his tan chest peeks out.
After hearing his story, I want to be close to him.
I raise my brows. “We have a little time.”
“We don’t have time.” He reads my gaze, laughing and shaking his head. “You are naughty, aren’t you? Twenty people to cook for and all you can think of is dessert.”
I shrug. “I’m all prepped. All I have to do is pull the platters from the fridge.”
“You’re an amazing wife. How’d I get so lucky?”
I give a laugh. “I don’t know? Forced her into an arranged marriage?”
I meant it as a joke, but my words make something change in his eyes. His teasing smile leaves his face.
“I was only teasing—”
His gaze hits mine, making my words stop. “I have something for you.”
What on Earth could it be? And what has him so solemn?
Well, more solemn than usual…
Nerves bundle in my stomach, making me uneasy. “What is it, Luca? Just tell me.”
“It’s not something to tell. It’s something to give.”
He goes back to the dresser, reaching into the top drawer. From it he pulls out a little red leather box.
As soon as I see it, I know where it’s from. It’s one of those little Bachman Jewelers boxes like the one he gave me the first gold band in. “You’ve bought me a present?”
Why does he seem so heavy, so focused?
It’s a gift, a piece of jewelry. Something to be happy to give.
Right?
He comes beside me on the bed, placing it in my lap. “Open it.”
With trembling fingers, I pick up the box, lifting the lid. Inside is another thin, gold band, an exact replica of the first.
I lift it from the box, holding it between my forefinger and thumb, searching for the engraving I instinctively know is there.
Luca
Will you be mine?
She whispers the words to herself. Her gaze tilts up to mine, confused by the gift. “But we’re already married.”
“It’s a question, sweetheart. One you need to answer.”
“One I thought I already answered.” She gives a laugh like our love is sure, certain, something that can be counted on.
And in that laugh, I already have my answer.
But I still want to hear the words. “What do you say, my love? If you were to have the choice, would you be mine?”
“Yes. Of course! Don’t you know that?” She slips the ring on over her wedding ring.
Now she has the first band, the ring with the diamond, and this one.
The story of our love.
She gives another laugh, throwing her arms around my neck. “You never have to ask again.”
I kiss her and as I sweep my tongue against hers a yearning ignites in my core.
Looks like we’re going to be a little late to greet our guests.
I break our kiss, whispering to her. “So you will be mine?”
“Yes.”
“To have?” I slide my hand beneath her skirts, finding the gusset of her panties. Already damp for me.
“Yes.”
I cup her sex. “And to hold?”
“Yes. Especially to hold.” She breathes a sigh as I stroke her over her panties. “And to fuck.”
My naughty girl.
“Such filthy language from my wife. What should I do with such a naughty girl?”
“Spank her?” Her eyes shine with mischief and desire.
“I think that’s just what I’ll do.”
I slip my hand from her dress, sitting on the edge of the bed, I tug her over my lap. She gives a little squeal as I pull her over my thighs.
I flip her dress up over her ass, smoothing my hand over her pretty pink panties. I bring my palm down with a light smack. “Let’s see if we can’t get your ass to be a matching shade of pink to your panties.”
“Oh, no, don’t spank me,” she breathes, all the while wiggling her hips for more.
Fucking adorable.
I love how much she loves to have my hands on her, to have her ass smacked, to have her hair pulled. Now, I bring my hand down again, smacking her ass, alternating cheeks. “I’ll bet your panties are getting all wet from your spanking, aren’t they? Should I check?”
“Oh, no. Don’t do that.” But she parts her thighs, eager to feel my fingers on her. I oblige, enjoying every second of our little game. I slide her panties down over her curves, baring her bottom.
Slipping my fingers between her thighs, I make her moan. Dipping in her entrance, I slicken my fingers with her arousal, sliding up her sex until I reach her
clit, circling until her hips move.
“You like that? Having my fingers on you?”
She gives her breathy answer. “Yes.”
“And you like having my fingers inside of you?” I slide them back down, cupping her ass with my palm, finding her opening with my fingers. I thrust both my fingers in her at once, loving how her pussy stretches to welcome me.
She gives a whimper as I thrust them back and forth inside her. Her hips rock, and she bucks shamelessly over my lap, searching for every ounce of pleasure she can find. “Yes. Oh, my God, yes.”
“And what about my cock? Would you like that inside you?”
She gives a moan.
I grab her hips, lifting her from my lap and bending her over the edge of the bed. People are arriving, I can hear the tires of their cars crunching over the gravel outside, the din of their voices as they greet one another.
We’ll have to make this quick.
But she’s already on the verge of coming. She writhes over the bed, her dress rucked up around her waist, her panties down around her ankles, her legs parted, a wetness glimmering between her thighs. “Please. Hurry.”
She glances up at me over her shoulder. The desire is so strong in her eyes, so thick in her voice, blood pulses through my already hard cock. Freeing it, I grab her hips, plunging inside her hot, slick opening.
Her fingers grip at the bedcovers as she moans with relief. “That feels so fucking good. Now, do it quick, before someone comes looking for us.”
“That filthy language again. I’ll have to spank you some more.” I thrust, burying my cock inside her. I give her ass a sharp slap.
“Oh!” she cries out in pain and pleasure as I thrust again, smacking again. The sound of my palm against her flesh echoes through the room. “Shh, Luca. Don’t—someone might hear.”
“Let them hear.” I give her ass another slap, fucking her hard.
The sound of a moan mingled with a whine rises in her throat. “I’m going to come.”
It’s so fucking sexy, hearing her say those words, knowing I’m the one who makes her say them.
I wrap my hands around her hips, going hard and fast and deep until she’s biting the covers to hide her screams. She locks so tight around me, her pussy milking the climax from my cock. I fuck her, our skin slapping together, chasing down my own pleasure until I’m growling in victory.
I give myself a few seconds to enjoy the pleasure throb through my veins. Then I give her ass one more satisfying smack. “Let’s go. We’re late.”
We clean up and arrange our clothing as quickly as we can, hoping to erase any evidence of our lovemaking.
But there’s no hiding the glow on her lovely face.
I take her hand in mine and with pride full in my chest, I lead my wife to greet our guests.
She will be mine.
We say our hellos. Felicity helps Esme pull heavy trays from the fridge.
Esme’s planned for a casual meal this Sunday and we opt to eat in the kitchen, standing around the island, a few sitting in chairs, snacking on the trays she’s prepared of meats, cheeses, and fruit, accompanied by her freshly baked bread.
I don’t think I’ve gone a day without a slice of it since she moved in. And I never want to.
Nonna and Sophia sit next to one another at the little table under the window, giggling like schoolgirls. My father and Lance devour prosciutto while discussing business matters. Sergio’s got friends over. They pile their teenage plates with heaps of food, taking off for the courtyard.
Esme and Felicity have gone off to walk the hills, wanting some privacy and quiet to chat.
Vincent dines with some of my uncles in the front room.
When he arrived, he greeted me with us usual handshake, but his reception was cold.
He’s still angry.
Rocco’s still missing.
Is the Romano Russo war still brewing? Just below the surface?
Was our marriage not union enough to bring peace?
These are the thoughts that worry me.
Daily.
But this is Sunday dinner.
And now, Esme comes in, her cheeks pink from the cool air, the brisk walk.
Today is for family.
Today is for happiness and contentment.
Today is for taking your wife in your arms and kissing her.
And so, that’s exactly what I do.
The queen of my heart.
The princess of my dark throne.
Epilogue
Cecily
Luca and Esme are so beautiful together, it hurts to look at them.
Will I ever have that?
They sit across the table from us, the game forgotten. They’re so…happy…staring into one another’s eyes, playing with one another’s fingers as they hold hands.
His fingers gliding over the newest gold band she wears on her hand.
Lucky girl.
Sergio clears his throat beside me. “Ah—lovebirds? Hello? Your turn to play.”
Luca whispers something in Esme’s ear about playing, and she blushes, giving a giggle.
Sergio rolls his eyes, throwing his cards down. He turns to me. “It’s no use with these two. Should we call it a night?”
I was eager when Esme invited me to the Romano estate to dine and play cards with her and Luca and his brother. I have to admit, my heart kinda fell when it was the baby of the family, Sergio, and not the oldest, Lance, who opened the door to greet me.
But who was I kidding? Lance is ten years older than me, hot AF, and is surely out with a beautiful woman on a Saturday night. Not waiting around to play cards with a little inexperienced virgin like me.
I’m so ready to go.
I stand from my seat, yawning. “It’s getting late. I think I’d better head home.”
That gets Esme’s attention. Finally coming back down to Earth, she looks up at me. “No! Don’t go yet!”
“I need to make curfew.”
She shoots me that pleading look of hers. The one she used to use to get me to go along with her pranks. “But you’re almost twenty. Surely your dad doesn’t give you a curfew.”
Not all of us are grown up married women, free to do as we like.
Cool the jealousy, Cecily. Be happy for your friend.
I smile, joking. “I not only have a father waiting by the door when I go out, but six brothers as well. I’m never late.” I grab my purse.
Luca stands from his seat. “She’s right. It’s late. We’ll drive you home.”
I want to spend more time with Esme, and I’m sooooo happy for them, but I don’t know if I can handle more of their precious, adorable, soul-crushing love in my face. I’d much rather call for a car than have to ride solo with the lovebirds, watching them as they give one another those secret smiles that make me ache with yearning.
Making me hope for my own happily ever after.
When we get outside to Luca’s pristine little green Alfa Romeo, I’m pleasantly surprised to find Esme slipping into the backseat with me.
I give her a nudge. “Alfa Romeo? More like Alpha Rom-e-o when your husband’s driving it.”
We giggle like girls, watching Luca slide into the driver’s seat.
He looks over his shoulder, giving us a stern look. “What’s so funny?”
It only serves to make us break out into another fit of giggles.
“Silly girls.” He shakes his head, turning on the radio to tune out our peals of laughter.
She grabs my hand. “Oh, I’ve missed you!”
Her words make a heaviness weigh in my heart.
She has no idea how much I miss her.
I guess, sometimes, growing up hurts.
If I can’t have Esme to myself, I’d settle for a Romeo of my own. With my overprotective older brothers always in the way, that’ll probably never happen. I’m destined to die an old maid, a virgin, probably spending my days babysitting my many nieces and nephews.
Sigh...
We r
each the castle and Luca pulls through the gates, the men waving him on. We follow the road around the back that leads to my family’s home, a smaller stone palace, a replica of the gray, square castle. As we pull up, I’m confused to see Lance Romano, standing outside my family’s front door, shaking hands with my eldest brother, Aldo.
A dark lock of hair hangs over his dark eyes. They sparkle with amusement, as he laughs at something Aldo’s said to him.
I tug on Esme’s arm, pointing at Lance. “What’s Luca’s brother doing here?”
She sits up in her seat. “I’m not sure.”
The car rolls to a stop. Aldo comes down the steps, opening the car door for me.
“Hey, baby sis. You made it just in the nick of time.” His tattooed covered arm hangs over the top of the car door as he looks at his watch. “A few more minutes and you’d be late.”
My face flushes, embarrassed to have him talk like this in front of everyone else, like I’m some little kid. My eyes flit to Lance.
I whisper at Aldo. “Why is he here?”
Aldo gives me a smile. “Just wrapping up a little business. We had something important to take care of. Come on, let’s get you inside.” He walks away, knowing I’ll follow.
Esme gets out the car to say goodbye, pulling me into a tight hug. She whispers in my ear. “What was that all about?”
“I have no idea.”
She gives me a look that lets me know she misses our old times, too. “Call me?”
“Of course. If you ever pick up anymore, Mrs. Romano,” I tease.
My calls often go unanswered.
“I will, I promise.” But her gaze is already leaving mine, going to Luca.
He’s beckoning for her to get back in the car. “Let’s go. Lance is coming with.”
I follow behind Aldo, going up the stairs, my eyes on Lance as he comes down them, headed to Luca’s car. His arm brushes against mine as he passes, his gaze holding mine just a beat longer than necessary. “See you soon, Cecily.”
My skin is fire where he’s touched. My mind spinning.
He said his words not as a goodbye, but a promise.
See you soon.
It fills me with hope.
Dark Throne: A Mafia Arranged Marriage Romance (Russo Royals) Page 17