Because they have someone to look after, to love, and to live for.
My brothers have always been envious of my position, and the power and recognition that comes with it. They never said it out loud, but I sensed it nonetheless. And what man, who’s been stripped of everything, doesn’t want to return with a vengeance that’s catalyzed by strength and authority? It’s a natural desire and I will never fault them for it. However, the tables have turned.
Inow envythem.
I want a faithful wife, someone who’s the epitome of our family motto. “Loyalty ’til death” carries a heaviness, yet the vow offers more in return. To have a wife that’ll be the bearer of my children, the keeper of my secrets, and the protector of my person?
She is priceless.
This is why I won’t act on my desire for Violetta, because I cannot and will not ruin what Rafael has discovered in Carina. And I would do the same if the situation was related to Maximus and his wife Emilia. My family deserves the best and now that they have it, I won’t let anything get in the way.
Not even my desires.
However, there are some things that I can do for Violetta and that includes offering her the chance to experience life. Her father is a piece of shit and I’m fairly certain he didn’t allow her, or Carina, to participate in a number of things. So I’m going to give that to Violetta as a birthday present. And if I’m honest, it’s a gift to me as well.
Because watching her will be a joy all on its own for me.
I wake to the feel of Violetta’s body tucked securely within my arms.
My insomnia was still present last night, but I managed to steal a couple hours of sleep, which would normally be unlikely, especially while in unfamiliar territory. Yet, having Violetta close…
She was like an antidote.
I’m unsure whether or not this is a good thing. Does being around her sabotage my vigilance? Or is she what I need to claim the sleep that constantly evades me? I am of two minds concerning this, but dismiss it with intent to revisit the idea at a later time.
My reluctance to leave the bed, to leave Violetta, is nearly insurmountable since I know these private moments with her are coming to end. I want as many of them as I can while I’m still able.
Duty and responsibility will call at some point.
They always do.
I’m showered and dressed before she wakes. I quietly approach Violetta and drink in the sight of her, roving my gaze over tousled curls, pouty lips, and long legs hidden by the sheets. The hunger within, the inferno of desire that never cools, flares to life. It sizzles and burns in my gut, and then spreads.
I lean down and sweep my lips over the soft spot of her temple and whisper, “Happy Birthday,ribelle. I promise it’ll be the best one of your life.”
Then I leave before my discipline snaps and I lose the battle to my lustful urges.
Benito is awake and his eyes glitter with curiosity and a hint of anger. He’s reclining against the couch with one of his arms draped over the side and his legs sprawled, but that relaxed position doesn’t hide the way his entire frame stiffens when our gazes collide. None of this surprises me, given how much interest he’s shown in Violetta.
However, he needs to back the fuck off because neither one of us is having her.
“Benito,” I greet.
“Boss.” His tone is hard, severe.
“Problem?”
He cocks his head. “Maybe.” His gaze darts to the bedroom door and then returns to me. “Depends.”
I arch a brow to prompt him and then wait. Benito knows he can speak freely with me, as long as it’s not disrespectful. Open lines of communication are a strategy I employ, which enables me to suss out what people really mean when they speak. And I particularly pay attention to whatisn’tsaid. That gives me pertinent information, more often than not.
Benito exhales. “What are your intentions with her?”
Theheris obvious, but it’s clear I need to make my personal objectives known.
“You know I don’t give a damn what anyone thinks,” I say, “but there’s an exception to that, which is my family. I consider you a part of that, Benito, and for this reason I’ll tell you what you want to know. However, after today? You won’t fucking question me when it comes to Violetta. Clear?”
He nods, his expression still wary.
