Adriano keeps glancing at me, then says, “I know it will take time getting used to not doing anything around the house.” Before the questions can even form, he answers them. “As mywife, you won’t lift a finger, Laurie.” A smirk tugs at his mouth. “I want you to save all your energy, so you can give me attention.”
While the aroma of a rich, creamy tomato sauce fills the air, he comes closer and wraps his hand around the back of my neck. Leaning down, he stops an inch from my mouth and says, “Your days of working yourself to the bone for a worthless piece of shit are over. In return, all I ask is that you stop fighting me, don’t try to run, and make an effort to get to know me.” He tilts his head slightly. “There’s more to me than being a capo with a large bank balance.” His expression turns pleading, which I think might be a rare sight. “Give me a chance, Laurie. I promise you won’t regret it.”
His words hit me so hard that for some reason my eyes start to sting with unshed tears.
My gut tells me he’s being sincere, and not wanting to be an asshole, I nod. “I’ll try.”
A stunning smile spreads over his face, then he plants a firm kiss to my mouth before going to check on the sauce.
Is it really that easy to please this man?
Chapter 16
Adriano
“So… uh… do you like to cook?” Laurie asks, her voice unsure and a little shaky.
“My mother loves to cook,” I reply while I grill strips of chicken. “Growing up, she gave my brother and me lessons.” A soft chuckle escapes me. “They’re some of my favorite memories.”
“It sounds like you’re close with your mother.”
“I’m very close with my whole family.” I let the meat simmer and stir the creamy sauce before grabbing the box of fettuccine and opening it. “You’ll meet my parents later today, and I’ll invite Remo, my younger brother, and my closest friends over so I can introduce you to them, as well.” I glance at Laurie and notice how her features tense. “Don’t worry, they’ll love you.”
“Uh-huh.” She fidgets with the mug, then asks, “I’m going to take a wild guess and say none of them will object to you forcing me to marry you after knowing me less than a week.”
“Your guess is right.” I place the pasta in boiling water and check the chicken and sauce before looking at Laurie again. “My father forced my mother, and theirs is one of the happiest marriages I’ve ever seen.”
Her eyebrows fly up. “Holy crap, so this crazy thing you’ve got going on runs in the family?” She only realizes what she said once the words are out, and her face instantly turns red. “I’m so sorry!”
I shake my head as I stare at the beautiful blush on her skin. “Hmm…”
Her eyes narrow slightly. “What’s the growl for?”
“I love it when you blush.” This time I’m the one speaking before thinking. “It feeds my predatory side. Like you’re something innocent I can corrupt.”
Laurie starts to blink faster, her lips parting as a look of shock ripples over her features, then she gulps, “Corrupt?”
Well shit, I’ve already put my foot in it, I might as well go all the way.
“Based on the way you were worried about sex and kinks, I assume you’re used to a man climbing on top of you, getting off, and going to sleep.”
Her blush deepens a hell of a lot, which tells me I’m right. I check the food and turn off the burners for the sauce and chicken.
I lean back against a counter and cross my arms over my chest while taking way too much pleasure in Laurie’s red face.
“That won’t be the case with me. I enjoy fucking as much as the next person, but I get the feeling it’s going to be a religious experience with you.” Completely out of her comfort zone, she just keeps blinking at me. “I plan to corrupt youin beduntil I’m the only fucking man you remember having between your thighs.” Shaking my head, I let out a dark chuckle. “I’m going to ruin every other man for you so completely, you’ll look at them and feel nothing. I want all your attention, every ounce of love you’re capable of feeling, and your undevoted loyalty.”
Pushing away from the counter, I strain the water from the fettuccine. I switch off the stove before walking to Laurie, and leaning down, I finish with, “Does that answer your question?”
Her throat bobs up and down as she swallows. “Yes.”
Lifting my hand, I cup her flaming cheek, loving the feel of the heat, and as I get lost in her incredible eyes, I admit, “I’m so fucked the moment you realize you hold all the power.”
I instantly regret the words and see the moment they sink into her pretty little head.
Laurie stands up, and I move a step back. Tilting her head, she stares up at me with something akin to hope.
“Are you just saying all these things to set me at ease, or…” Her expression turns pleading. “Is this real, Adriano? Do you mean everything?”
