by J. L. Beck
“You’re my wife, and I want you to be happy. This trip will allow you the freedom you seek, without me worrying about someone hurting you, or you running away.”
And just like that, I realize the freedom he is giving me is a false sense of hope. He doesn’t trust me, not really. He’s giving me freedom but only as much as he is allowing, and it’s on his terms. My stomach sours, and the idea of eating makes me nauseous.
“I thought when we married, you would trust me more and give me more freedom?”
“I am and will.” He takes a bite of strawberry and hands my plate, which is loaded with food, back to me.
“Only on your terms, though, right?” I scoff angrily.
I was so foolish to think that getting married would make things better. Foolish to think that Julian Moretti, the dark wolf of the mafia underbelly, would fall for me. All he wants to do is control me. Nothing has changed.
“Everything is on my terms, wife, you should know this by now. When your father is taken care of, and I have nothing more to worry about, you can be free. Now eat, we have a long day ahead of us,” he orders me like I’m a child, and I’m tempted to object, but what good would that do me. Not eating isn’t going to hurt anyone but me.
Begrudgingly, I pluck a piece of fruit off the plate and shove it in my mouth. I chew the fruit viciously with maddening anger like it’s the person I want to hurt.
A moment later, Lucca comes sauntering up to the table, and Julian excuses himself, leaving me to sit at the table alone, and I hope this isn’t a vision of the future. I’ve already lost my mother, and my father is soon to follow. I’m not sure what I will do if I can’t get Julian to see past his vengeful ways.
Is there a future of love and happiness for us, or were we doomed from the very start?
36
Julian
I stare down at the silver band on my finger. It catches in the light and feels strange on my finger. I’m a married man. Married to the enemy’s daughter. Married to a woman who knows nothing of the truth as to why I took her. A moral man would feel guilt, but I feel nothing close to that. Now, I hold all that Romero cares for in the world in the palm of my hand.
Marie packs our suitcases, and Elena sits on the bed and watches her. She tried to help, but I stopped her. I pay Marie an hourly wage to do the things that I want her to do. Elena needs to come to terms with that.
Leaning against the wall, I watch the two women talk and laugh while I drink a glass of whiskey. The day is still young, I know, but a union of marriage calls for a glass of whiskey. Dressed in a sundress that hugs her luscious curves and shows off the perfect swell of her tits, I have to stop myself from taking my wife into the bathroom and fucking her against the mirror to consummate our marriage properly.
Wife. She is my wife now. It seems surreal, almost as if this morning was a dream.
Marie keeps her head down, her eyes trained on folding the last few items for our suitcases as I stare at Elena. The idea of leaving this mansion and heading to the island makes me nervous, but I know Elena needs this, and a part of me needs it too.
No one will be able to reach her there, and any chance of her escaping is extremely unlikely. Plus, everything back here will be managed and taken care of. Lucca will be holding the fort down, and Zeke is searching for Romero, so I have a little time to relax and focus on us. All will be well.
I’m just anxious to get out of here and to the island. Downing the rest of the amber liquid in my glass, I walk over and set the crystal glass down on the nightstand. The sound causes Marie to jump a foot off the ground, and I bite the inside of my cheek to withhold a smirk.
“Go make sure your things are packed and ready to go. We’ll finish up here,” I dismiss her. Her eyes dart between Elena and me before she scurries away like a timid little mouse.
“Do you take pleasure in scaring everyone?” Elena questions as soon as Marie is out of the room. The defiance in her eyes glistens in the sun filtering in through the window.
“Do you want the honest answer or the one that will make you feel better?”
“Never mind.” Elena rolls her eyes at me.
“Fear keeps people in line. I’ve told you this before.” I step closer to the bed and zip up the suitcase, “Are you hungry? We have an hour-long plane ride, and then a boat will take us to the island. So, it will be a while before dinner.”
“Island?” She perks up.
“Is that the only word you heard out of that sentence?”
“Kind of.” She smiles widely. “We’re going to an island? What kind? Where is it?”
“It’s a private island in the Caribbean. We’ll fly down to Saint Martin, and from there, a boat will take us to the Island. Have you ever been to the Caribbean?”
“What do you think?” She frowns. “The furthest I’ve been away from home is Orlando. My parents actually took me to Disney for my eighth birthday.”
“You’ll love it, and I’ll be happy to take you to see the world if that’s what you’d like.” She gives me an uncertain look like she is doesn’t believe what I’m saying. “Where would you like to go?”
“I know it’s cliché, but I’ve always wanted to go to Paris.”
“Then we’ll go to Paris. Maybe in the fall.” Her smile widened at my words, and I’m already planning out the details in my head. “Come on, let’s get a light lunch before we head out.”
Elena gets up from the bed. I let her take the brace off after I called the doctor and confirmed she didn’t need it anymore. She loops her arm in mine like she did earlier this morning, but it already feels different now. More natural, more familiar, like her arm is supposed to be in mine… always.
I watch her raven hair dance in the wind as the boat glides over the water gracefully. I haven’t been able to take my eyes off of her all day. Not because I’m worried about her running, but because I’ve never seen her so happy. Never seen this twinkle of excitement in her eyes or this permanent smile on her lips. Her whole face lights up every time we see something new, and I can’t get enough of it.
If I could, I would spend the next hundred years traveling with her, simply to ensure this is how she’ll feel every day. I want her happiness, to always see her smiling. It’s grown on me, becoming the most important thing next to destroying her father in my life.
“Are you cold?” I ask when I see goosebumps pebble across her bare arms.
“A little, but I’m fine. I want to stay out here. I feel so free with the wind in my hair like I can do and go anywhere.”
“We can stay.” I wrap my arm around her and pull her into my side. Marie and Celeste are below deck, and I’d rather spend time with my wife alone anyway.
Security is already set up on the island. I’ll have fewer men there than I have around the mansion, but since the island itself is secure, and no one even knows where we are, we don’t need as many men.
“Is that it?” Elena squeals beside me as the island comes into view. It’s less than an hour boat ride from the mainland, but it’s far enough away to be secluded. It’s not even on a map.
“Yes, that’s it. Our home for a month.”
“I’m excited...” She looks out at the island in wonder, and I spend the rest of the ride watching her.
Ten minutes later, we arrive at the small dock at our private beach. I help Elena off the boat and walk her onto the shore.
Two of my men greet us and board the boat to get our luggage while I walk to the house with my eager wife by my side.
As soon as we step inside the house, the aroma of fresh roasted chicken greets us. I hired two extra maids, which got here yesterday, to make sure everything was perfect and ready by the time we arrived.
“Are you ready to eat?”
“Yes. No. I mean, I’m starving, but I also want to walk around and look at everything.”
“Let’s take a quick tour before sitting down for dinner then.”
We walk around the house, looking into each room. Elena acts l
ike a kid on Christmas morning, and every new room is a new present she is unwrapping.
“It’s beautiful.”
“It really is,” I say, looking straight at her. “Now, let’s eat.”
We walk back to the dining room, which is already set for us. A large flower arrangement in the center of the table, with various foods spread out around it.
Our first official dinner as husband and wife.
“Bring us some champagne,” I order. A few minutes later, two flutes and a bottle are brought to us. I open it with a pop and pour us each a glass. “Enjoy it while you can.”
“What do you mean?” Elena wrinkles her nose.
“You might be pregnant soon, and then you won’t be able to drink for nine months.”
“Oh,” Elena looks down at the table, chewing at her bottom lip. “I meant to tell you. I know it’s horrible timing, but when I went to the bathroom on the boat, I realized my period started.”
Disappointment slams into me. Partly because we won’t be able to have the perfect wedding night like I had planned, but mostly because her getting her period means she is not pregnant yet. I didn’t expect her to be after we only had sex a hand full of times, but it still saddens me that I’ll have to wait longer.
“I’m sorry,” Elena whimpers.
“Nothing to be sorry about. I would be displeased if we had waited, and tonight was our first time together, but since I thoroughly fucked you last night, I’ll be patiently waiting to fuck you again in a few days.”
Elena’s face turns crimson at my words. Not because she isn’t used to my dirty talk, but because one of the temporary maids is in the room, refreshing our drinks. Her embarrassment only makes me smile. The maid seems a little flustered as well but is smart enough not to make a sound before scurrying away.
The rest of the dinner goes pleasantly uneventful. When I lead Elena back to the bedroom, I expect her to want to go to bed right away. Instead, she tucks me into the bathroom.
“I want to take a shower.” I’m guessing from the way she is pulling me along, she expects me to join. I’ll gladly oblige.
I turn on the water and help her out of her clothes before I peel my own off. The shower here is just as large and luxurious as the one at home. There is more than enough room for both of us with the two rainfall showerheads.
Stepping under the spray, I close my eyes and let the hot water cascade over my face. I almost flinch when Elena comes up behind me, running her small hands over my back.
Turning, I face her and open my eyes. She has a mischievous twinkle in her gaze, and for a moment, I wonder what she is up to. That thought, along with every other, disappears when she lowers herself to her knees and wraps her delicate fingers around my already hard cock.
“Fuck,” I groan as she leans forward and takes me into her hot mouth. Her soft lips close around my length, and her velvet tongue runs along the underside. I place one hand on the cool tiled wall next to me, feeling the need to brace myself while I bury my other hand in her black hair.
She moves slowly and sensually over my length, taking me deep until I hit the back of her throat before sliding back out all the way. Her hand stays wrapped around the base of my cock as she keeps working the rest like a fucking pro.
It doesn’t take me long before I feel my balls tightening and the tingle at the base of my spine.
“I’m gonna come down your throat… you’re gonna swallow it,” I grit through clenched teeth, barely hanging on.
She moans and nods her head as much as she can with my cock in her mouth. I can feel the vibration of her moan through my entire body.
I try not to grip her hair tightly, letting her stay in control, but when I feel my orgasm rising, I can’t resist any longer. I wrap my fingers around her hair and close my fist, holding her in place as I shoot ropes after ropes of my release down her throat.
She keeps sucking until the very last drop, and I’m glad I left one hand at the wall for support because, fuck me, my legs might give out.
Releasing my cock, she gracefully gets back on her feet, licking her lips like she enjoyed herself very much.
“Sorry, my uterus messed up our wedding night.” She smiles cheekily.
“I’ll take that apology from your mouth every damn day.” Straightening up, I grab her hips and pull her close to me, molding her soft curves against my hard ones.
Leaning down, I take her lips, devour her like it’s the only thing I’ll need to survive. I plunge my tongue inside of her, tasting myself. The combination of our tastes is so intoxicating, my cock roars back to life. Fuck, I’m never going to get enough of her.
Not ever.
37
Elena
Three days. That’s how long we’ve been on the island. It’s strange to wake up in such a beautiful place every day and be able to walk right outside and onto the beach, especially after being locked inside a room, and only being allowed to leave when I’m told I can.
Together we have breakfast in the small nook that overlooks the beach. I can hear the waves as they rush toward the sandy shore. This entire place is beautiful beyond words, but like everything else in my life, it is darkness and control hidden beneath a nicely shaped box. I wish there were no restrictions on mine and Julian’s marriage. That I could be free of any chains.
“Are you not hungry?” Julian asks, interrupting my thoughts.
Looking up from my still mostly filled plate of food, I find him watching me. His dark gaze is penetrating as if he can see right through me and into my mind. My eyes catch on the glittering ring that adorns his finger. I still can’t believe we’re married. That he is mine, and I am his. I’m married to a mobster, a criminal that knows how to bend me to his will.
“My stomach has been a little upset,” I say, which isn’t entirely a lie.
Julian frowns. “I have some work to do, but I can always work on it tomorrow or later. I do not want to leave you if you’re not feeling well.” His protectiveness oozes out of him, charging the air around us. Still, I feel like I need to get some time away from him.
“No, no. I want to go for a walk along the beach, check out the island a little bit. It isn’t often that I get to go somewhere alone,” I tease.
A smile graces his lips a moment before he takes a drink of his orange juice. A man as cruel and dark as he shouldn’t be allowed to look so sexy. I find myself always watching him, and my mouth waters at the tightness of his muscles, the way he holds me, his scent, and taste. Everything about him turns me on. I shouldn’t want the man who took everything from me, and yet, I can’t deny my feelings either.
“You’re never alone, no matter where you go, I will always be there. Or at the very least not far behind you.” It’s not just a statement but a warning. He will be watching me, no matter where I go. I’ll never be free.
“Okay, I get it. You’re always watching me.”
“Yes,” his voice drops, and I shiver at the depth of it, feeling the sound deep in my core.
Part of me might be angered how we came together, and while knowing he won’t stop at anything to end my father, I can’t deny the pull I have to him.
It’s like sticking your hand into the flames of fire, knowing it’s going to burn while also knowing you have no other option. With Julian, there is no option, no alternative. He holds all the power, and I am a slave to his every move.
“I’m going to explore the island,” I say, pushing up from my seat.
The chair scrapes across the tile floor, and Julian’s brows pull together. “Are you trying to run away? I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that there…”
“Is no way off the island.” I finish his sentence, trying not to sound mocking. “You don’t have to tell me ten million times. I thought I was your wife. I’m starting to think I’m still a prisoner,” I sass.
Julian tosses his napkin down on the table. “Run along, my queen. Just know I’ll be watching you.”
I resist an eye roll and turn to walk away
, but I’m pulled backward, a second later, my back colliding with a firm chest. Julian’s hand sinks into my raven hair, and he tugs my head back, making the muscles ache at the angle. His hold is firm, controlling, and I shiver at the power he holds. His teeth skim my ear, and his intoxicating scent surrounds me. Danger and cinnamon, that’s what he smells like.
“I hope you plan to change your clothes before you leave this bedroom.”
Something inside of me makes me want to tempt the beast, to push back against the steel bars that keep me caged. “And what would you do if I said I wasn’t?”
In the blink of an eye, he’s released his grip on my hair and twisted me around to face him. The air rushes from my lungs as shoves me against the wall. The smile on my lips fades when his large hand circles my throat, and our gazes collide. His grip is like that of an iron shackle around my neck. Anyone else would be pissing their pants by now, begging for forgiveness, but somehow, I stand my ground and remain composed. I remind myself that I am his equal, not a doormat he can step on.
Like a feral wolf, his lips curl back, and he snarls his next set of words.
“I would chain you to my side, and never let you out of my sight. That’s what I would do.”
“Don’t you already do that?” I counter, looking him right in the eyes.
Zeroing in on me like I’m prey, his lips nearly graze mine as he says, “You’re fooling yourself if you think I’ve been treating you that badly. Now, change, or I will lock you in this bedroom for the rest of the day. We might be on an island, but my men are still here, and if they see even an inch of flesh they shouldn’t, I will put a bullet between their eyes. Do you want to be responsible for someone’s death?”
“No,” the word squeaks past my lips.
“Then change and get out of my sight before I fuck you until you beg me to stop, and believe me, I won’t be gentle.”