“Smile, Mrs. Greco. You don’t want to wear that resting bitch face in all our wedding photos,” I say, tightening my arm around her slender waist as we pose for the photographer on the steps of the cathedral. My wife digs her nails into my side as she plasters a fake smile on her face, and I chuckle.
“You will pay for that,” she hisses into my ear, and all it does is spur me on. She is still fuming over the stunt I pulled at the altar, and I am floating on a cloud. Nothing gets my juices flowing like an angry Catarina, and I fully intend to cash in later.
Life is good. Life isgreat.
I am married to a smart, gorgeous, feisty, sexy woman who challenges me with every breath. I didn’t realize how lacking my life was until she came back into it. She might want to slice my dick off or cut my throat, but at least it makes life interesting.
The photographer rearranges us so we are facing sideways and my wife’s back is against my chest. Draping my arms around her, I lean down and whisper in her ear. “Countless women would pay to be kissed like that by me, and yet you are angry.” I rub her hip through her gorgeous lace dress. “You are far too uptight, but I’ll address that problem later.”
“Your arrogance has blinded you to the truth, and you’ll be addressing nothing later,” she fumes through a forced smile.
“We’ll see.” I hold her tighter, reveling in the feel of her toned body pressed against mine. Blood rushes south, hardening my dick, like always in her presence, and I subtly nudge my growing erection against her.
“That’s enough for now!” she calls out, wrenching out of my arms and storming down the steps. She glares at the photographer as she passes by, heading in the direction of her crew. I watch her angry stance with a full hard-on straining behind my pants, wondering if there isn’t something wrong with me. Is it normal to get this turned on in the face of such blatant hostility?
“Is she still steaming over the kiss?” Fiero asks, coming up alongside me.
“She wants to rip my guts out and wrap them around my throat.”
He chuckles, rubbing his hands with glee. “I am looking forward to an even healthier bank balance in the morning.”
“She is holding on to her anger because it’s easier than accepting the truth of our attraction.” I grin at my friend. “But she won’t be able to resist me for long.”
“Famous last words, my friend.” Fiero clamps a hand on my shoulder. “At least life won’t be dull.”
“That is one thing I am definitely guaranteed with my new wife.”
I take a moment to appreciate my good fortune because it’s not every day I get married. The church bells are chiming, the bright blue cloudless sky cushions a majestic sun, and laughter and raucous conversation surround us as our guests linger and mingle before they will head to the prestigious five-star hotel where the reception is taking place.
I was glad when Catarina readily agreed to the hotel venue because Mama is not equipped to host the event at our family home, especially on such short notice. Besides, I don’t have any happy memories associated with my childhood or that house, and I would rather not start my married life with a celebration in that ghastly place.
“We should move,” Gabriele says, materializing at my side. “More press is arriving, and that’s never a good thing.”
“Agreed. Will you escort Mama to the hotel?”
“Of course.” He clears his throat and rubs the back of his neck. “I just wanted to thank you for coming through for me, for our family. It means a lot you would do this.”
“It’s not exactly a chore,” I say, my eyes automatically wandering to where my wife is surrounded by well-wishers.
“You look good together, and I believe you are a good match.” He pulls me in for a quick hug. “I hope it’s a happy marriage. Maybe some grandkids are just what Mama needs to fully put the past behind her and move forward.”
“That won’t be happening for a while. Catarina has a lot to do in New York, and she is already busy running the rest of her operation. It will be some time before she’ll be able to focus on raising a family.”
Gabriele smirks. “Accidents have been known to happen.”
“She has an IUD,” I say because the medical confirmed it.
“Pay the doctor not to replace it the next time,” he suggests, and my jaw hangs open. Gabriele is one of the most honest, noble men I know. It’s one of the reasons it’s been so hard for him to be a don. Being shady doesn’t come naturally to him, and doing some of the things he’s had to do often play on his mind.
I won’t have any such qualms. I’m quite prepared to do whatever is necessary to claw my way to the very top, and I won’t lose a minute of sleep over it either.
“Well, brother. I do believe you have shocked the shit out of me.” I slap him on the back. “Perhaps there is hope for you after all.”
* * *
“It’s time for our first dance,” I say, standing and extending my hand to my beautiful bride. The dinner and speeches are thankfully done, and this is the last big formality before we can let loose. God knows my wife needs it. She’s as tightly wound as a ball of string, and I’d say she has lockjaw from all the forced smiling she’s doing.
“Don’t pull any shit,” she warns, placing her dainty hand in my much bigger one. “Not unless you plan to sleep with one eye open tonight.”
