I'm not sure how to respond. Thank you? Glad I met your expectations? In the end, I say nothing, just nod as I pull the sheet up to cover myself.
Cesare's hand stops mine, pulling the sheet back down. "Don't hide from me, Vittoria," he says, warning in his tone. "Your body belongs to me now. I want to see it."
His words send fear through me, but I force myself to relax and let the sheet fall away. Cesare's eyes darken as he takes in my naked form again.
"Beautiful," he murmurs, trailing a finger along my collarbone. "You're going to be quite the asset."
That word, 'asset', stings. It reminds me of the true nature of our union. This isn't about love or even lust. It's about power, alliances, survival.
"What happens now?" I ask, voice barely above a whisper.
Cesare's expression turns serious. "Now you learn what it truly means to be a Mariano. You'll have responsibilities and expectations to meet. It won't be easy, but I trust you're up for the challenge."
I nod, trying to project confidence I don't feel. "Of course. I understand my role."
A small smile tugs at his lips. "We'll see."
He leans in, capturing my lips in a kiss that's both possessive and gentle. When he pulls away, his eyes are dark with renewed desire.
"Now," he says, hand sliding down my body, "let me show you more of what being my wife entails."
As Cesare's touch ignites a fire within me again, I push aside doubts and fears. This is my life now, for better or worse. I'm Vittoria Mariano, wife of one of the most powerful men in Boston's underworld.
Whatever challenges lie ahead, I'll face them head-on. I'm a Treacy woman, after all.
We bend, but we don't break.
As his lips trail down my neck, I close my eyes and give myself over to the sensations. For now, at least, I can lose myself in pleasure and not worry about what's coming.
But tomorrow? Tomorrow I'll have to figure out how to survive in this world as his wife.
I wake to find Cesare already gone from the bed. Sunlight streams through heavy curtains, and I can hear movement somewhere in the house—his children, probably, getting ready for the day.
My wedding day is over. My new life begins now.
I sit up carefully, muscles aching from last night. The events feel surreal, like they happened to someone else. But the soreness between my legs, the unfamiliar weight of the wedding ring on my finger, reminds me it was all too real.
A soft knock at the door makes me grab for the sheet. "Come in," I call out.
A young woman I don't recognize enters carrying a breakfast tray. She's probably in her twenties, with kind eyes and a gentle smile.
"Good morning, Mrs. Mariano," she says softly. "I'm Maria, one of the house staff. Mr. Mariano asked me to bring you breakfast and help you dress for the day."
Mrs. Mariano. The name sounds foreign on her tongue, foreign to my ears.
"Thank you, Maria," I say, accepting the tray. "Where is... where is my husband?"
"He had business to attend to this morning," she replies, moving toward the massive wardrobe. "He asked me to tell you he'll see you for lunch."
Business. Of course. Less than twelve hours married and he's already back to his empire.
Maria lays out clothes for me, a simple but elegant dress in navy blue. "Mr. Mariano selected this for you," she explains. "He thought it would be appropriate for your first day as part of the family."
I nod, nibbling at the toast on my tray. Everything tastes like cardboard.
"Mrs. Mariano?" Maria's voice is gentle. "Are you alright?"
I force a smile. "Just tired. It was a long night."
