“You could try?—”
“Shut the fuck up, Enrico,” my father snaps.
“We let him violate Isabella, and for what?—"
"Don't." Alessandro's expression hardens. "Don't you dare say her name. You’re not worthy to look at her."
A warm rush fills my chest. In all my life, no one has ever defended me against my family.
"The only reason you're still breathing," Alessandro continues, "is because I'm giving you one chance to convince me you weren't behind this."
My brother tries to maintain his composure, but his leg bounces nervously. It proves just how effective Alessandro is at intimidation and posturing. I know that his organization has been hurt by the loss of the men. That it was already strained after prolonged battles with the Bratva. But his bravado isso convincing that my brother and father are worried they’d overstepped.
"Are you threatening us?"
Alessandro laughed. "No, Enrico. I'm promising you. If I discover either of you had anything to do with those deaths, I will personally ensure the Vitale name is wiped from the earth."
“You and what army?—”
“Jesus Christ, Enrico.” My father looks like he wants to shoot my brother himself.
“I don’t need an army.” Alessandro points a finger at his head. “I’m smarter than you.”
“Not smarter than the person who tried to poison you?—”
Alessandro moves quicker than I’d ever seen, pressing his gun against my brother’s temple. “Is that an admission?”
My breath catches at the power of my husband. This is Don Dante. Is it weird that I am attracted to this lethal side of him? There is something intoxicating about the raw power, the absolute control. The way my father and brother, men who've made me feel small my entire life, shrink under his control.
“Fucking hell, Alessandro. Kill him if you’re going to or let us go. I might have some ideas on who tried to poison you.”
"You have one week," Alessandro says, lowering his gun. "Bring me proof someone else targeted my men or prepare for war."
I slip away before I am discovered. But I can’t shake the feelings of admiration and desire at seeing my husband work. The man in that room is dangerous, lethal, and oh, my God, so sexy. Iwant to feel those powerful hands on my body, be overcome by the intensity of him.
It’s after nine when my father and brother leave. I go upstairs wanting to take advantage of all this sexual energy flowing through me. I’m thankful for all the lingerie that was packed in my honeymoon suitcase and stored in my dresser now. I pull out a bold red teddy. I put it on, looking at myself in the mirror. I feel scandalous and silly. God, what if he thinks I’m being ridiculous?
The truth is Alessandro still doesn’t trust me, but he doesn’t act wary of me. He hasn't once directed his rage at me since that night. The night I told him I was falling for him. The night he didn't say it back but showed me with his body what he couldn't with words. Everything between us feels fragile but real. So I hope he’ll find me alluring and a distraction from the problems in his business.
I put on a robe and make my way down to the kitchen where I grab a bottle of wine and a glass, along with a cupcake, extras from a batch the cook made for Mirabella’s preschool.
I knock on the door.
“Come in.”
I feel giddy and nervous as I enter.
“The staff can do that,” he says when I set the wine and cupcake in front of him.
“I know, but I want to.”
He takes the wine and pours it into the glass. “This is nice. You didn’t bring a glass for you?”
I shake my head. “I wasn’t sure you’d take a break. I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you.”
He tilts his head, almost as if he’s confused by my words. Confused that someone cares for him.
"Thank you.”
