Dropping the knife, I wash my hands in the sink at the corner of the room. Facing the men assembled. I take my time to roll the sleeves of my shirt down. "Let this be a reminder to you all about what happens to traitors.” I walk away and I retrieve my jacket putting it back on. “Clean this up.” It was a good thing that I had the foresight to wear dark clothing today.
I exited the warehouse with Dario and Dante trailing behind me. Ignoring the council members who were trying to get my attention to ask about my future bride.
Chapter 20
~Dominic~
Waking up this morning with my body wrapped around Elle’s was a novel feeling. Sure, I’ve had sexual encounters with a fair number of women in the past. But I’ve never brought any of them to my own bed. And I've certainly never stayed long enough to fall asleep next to a woman before now. Once the deed is done, I always leave. Until Elle. She is the only woman I don’t mind sharing my bed and my personal space with.
I didn’t think that I would ever want to commit to a woman after witnessing the train wreck of a marriage that my parents had. But there is something about her that triggers feelings that I’m not accustomed to. My instincts are screaming at me to protect her.
Marriage never crossed my mind until last night when the realization that she wanted to leave sunk in. I didn’t blame her for being angry. Blinded by panic, I found myself impulsively sprouting nonsense about protecting her through marriage. It’s all an excuse to keep her with me. I’ve never been one to lie to myself, so I acknowledge the truth. The truth is that I can’t bear for her to leave. But I’m not yet ready to admit to myself why.
After coercing an agreement from Elle to marry me, I didn’t send her back to her room. Instead, we made plans for our upcoming wedding. It was decided that the ceremony will be held here at the mansion. My position in the Cosa Nostra places certain responsibilities on my shoulders. When a Don marries a certain level of pomp and circumstance is expected.
We agreed to forego having the ceremony in St Patrick’s Cathedral for security reasons. Both my parents and grandparents were married there. Back in Italy our ancestors were Catholic, and their religious faith is sacred. I anticipateopposition because of this break from tradition. Particularly from the elite members of the Family who value tradition above all else.
We spoke late into the night. Elle eventually dozed off in my arms. I found myself studying her features. Memorizing them. Her silky, long black hair covered my chest like a blanket. I admired her porcelain skin, pert little nose, plump pink lips and thick eyelashes which fanned her cheeks in sleep. At some point during the night, I also fell asleep.
After waking with Elle in my arms, I received a phone call. Disengaging myself, I had taken the call in the walk-in closet attached to my bedroom to avoid waking her. It was Dario informing me that he discovered how the Albanians found out about Elle. Leo, one of the men who were left to look out for Elle after our time in the safe house was responsible. Dario had uncovered that Leo had a large sum of money deposited into his account recently. My good mood had instantly disappeared.
Dario had Leo taken to the warehouse to be dealt with. I’d instructed him to gather all the men for our little demonstration. Not wanting to wake Elle, who was curled up in my bed. Looking like she belonged there. I slipped out silently after getting dressed. Regretting that I would miss the experience having her wake up in my arms. On my way to the warehouse, I messaged Nico requesting that Serafina come over to the mansion to assist Elle with preparations for the wedding.
Now as I leave the warehouse much later, Dante and Dario, trail behind me to my car. We stopped to talk near our parked cars. “So, you're really going to go through with this marriage, Dom?” Dante asks, looking at me intently. “Yes, do you have a problem with this?” I challenge him. “No, it’s not that…it’s just that you’ve sworn that you would never marry.” “So can’t a man change his mind?”
“Dominic, you know that we can find another way to protect her, you don’t have to sacrifice your freedom.” This is from Dario who was quiet while observing the exchange between my brother and me. “I’ll be damn, you want to marry her, don’t you?” Dante gives me a look of enlightenment. “Those of us who know you, know that no one could force Don Dominic Vitelli to do anything he didn’t want to.” By this time, they’re both looking at me with amusement.
“I never thought that I would see the day that a woman would make you lose control like Elle did last night, brother.” They snort. “You both put on quite a show before you carted her off. You must have been quite persuasive because I remember Elle calling you an oaf who she will never marry. And don't forget her attempt to re-arrange your face, brother.” By now, they are both overcome with laughter. They are certainly enjoying themselves at my expense. Somehow, I’m unable to muster any anger at them. Instead, their antics cause me amusement.
When Dante can catch his breath again, he is suddenly serious. Resting an arm on my shoulders he says, “I approve of your choice Dom, she is the only woman that has ever had the courage to challenge you. And after she found out who you were she didn’t go running for the hills.” Dario adds. I nod, acknowledging that I'm happy that the men closest to me support my decision. Not long after we entered our vehicle leaving the warehouse.
Chapter 21
~Elle~
This is craziness. I was so pissed at Dominic last night. I still can’t believe that he called the hospital I work at and informed them that I wasn’t returning to work. The audacity of the man.
Then he had the nerve to throw me over his shoulder and march out of the dining room with me like a caveman. I try not to think about the looks on the faces of everyone present and the servants we passed as he carted me up to his bedroom. It was so humiliating.
And the thought of what happened in his bedroom brings heat to my cheeks, causing me to blush. I’ve been doing that a lot lately. I was putty in his hands once he’d brought me to an orgasm. The handsome devil knew exactly what he was doing. He had known that I’d agree to anything for the opportunity to further explore intimacy with him.
Honestly, I understand the reasons for his action, but that doesn’t mean that I’ve forgiven him for acting without consulting me. After all, it’s my life and my career. Something I’ve sacrificed for years to achieve. I’ve agreed to this marriage as I’m smart enough to realize that it is for my own safety.
Dominic has made it clear that the reason for a marriage between us is to keep me safe. It will also give us the opportunity to explore the attraction which exists between us. There was no talk of commitment. I’ll have to remind myself not to get emotionally attached. But if I’m honest with myself, that train has already left the station. I’ve already begun to develop feelings for Dominic.
After waking up this morning to his empty bed I was disappointed that he had already left. The only evidence that heshared the bed with me is how his scent clings to the sheets and my skin and the indentation left on his pillow by his head.
According to the bedside clock it was eight thirty in the morning. Throwing back the sheets, I realized that I was still wearing the same clothes from the night before. Not wanting the servants to find out that I had spent the night in their boss’s bedroom, I rushed down the corridor to my own room. That’s where I’ve been for the last hour after showering and changing into jeans and a T-shirt.
Reclining on the sofa in my room, I attempt to read again. There is a knock on the door. It was Anna who brought me a tray. “Good morning, Miss Elle. The boss left early this morning and he asked that breakfast be delivered to your room.” She walks past me to put the tray down on a small table in front of the couch.
“He also mentioned that Mrs Morelli will be joining you today to assist with preparations for the wedding.” “Thank you, Anna and please call me Elle.” She agrees and looks like she wants to say something but is holding back. So, I look at her with an encouraging smile.
“Ah, congratulations Miss, ah Elle on your engagement. I’m sure you and Mr. Vitelli will be happy. I’ve never seen him look at another woman the way he looks at you.” “Thank you, Anna.” She leaves me to enjoy breakfast. I’m left feeling a little uneasy. Seems as though everyone around us thinks that we are marrying for romantic reasons. I hate the idea of misleading them. I return to the couch and dig into my breakfast.
I wonder why Dominic had to leave the house so early in the morning and when he would be back? I think that I will explore the mansion while I wait for Serafina. As I’m about to leave my room one of the maids, Julie, informs me that there was a delivery for me. I follow her to the foyer, where there are stacks of boxes. I’m confused because I wasn't expecting adelivery. I rifled through one of the boxes and discovered that it contained my belongings from the apartment in Upstate..
How the hell did my things get here? Dominic! Damn it!! He has done it again. Even after our discussion last night about including me in any decision that affects my life. And only a few hours after I discovered that he had my belongings shipped—without first consulting me. Exasperating man. As I open a few more of the boxes confirming that these are indeed mine, I’m fuming with anger.
