Page 51 of Stolen Bride

“We so do.” My mouth latches onto my wife’s throat, marking her soft, sun-kissed skin.

“Mom, is looking forward to throwing a fabulous wedding and a baby shower, so don’t give her no shit, Damiano.”

“I’m not.” I toss my hands up, grumbling to myself. “When the fuck did I get weak around these women?”

My wife leans in and whispers, “You’re not weak, darling. You’re my dark hero and definitely so damn hard.” A moan escapes her parted lips, and my hand covers her mouth.

“Only for me, Wife. Only for me.”

“Always.”

We settle into the house, but there’s somewhere important I need to be. “Love, I’m sorry to do this now that we’re back home, but I have to go to work.”

“Is this about Rocco?”

“Yes.”

“Then you know I’m all for it. It’s been a long time coming, so do what you must. Besides, when are you opening up the club again?”

“The glass has been replaced and I’ll be inspecting it tomorrow, so hopefully we open by the weekend. That doesn’t mean your sexy ass can come in with those half-clothed outfits again.”

“What if I want to be spanked and thoroughly fucked five ways from Sunday?”

“That I can do, but plucking other men’s eyeballs out takes a lot of time out of my busy schedule, so it would be good if you’d just behave.”

“Fine. I’ll be a good girl and waiting in bed.” She pouts prettily, tilting her head up with her eyes gleaming, full of mischief. I can’t wait to dispose of my former associate so I can satisfy my willing bride.

****

We arrive at the location, and the sight of Rocco brings joy to my eyes. So far, everyone’s death has been unsatisfying to me, and almost all not at my own hand. He has betrayed more than myself; he sent one of my oldest allies to his death, leaving his family without a father and husband. That was more than distasteful—it deserved retribution, and I will be delivering it tonight.

“It’s so good to finally catch up with you,” I say. His eyes widen and he moves to run, only to slam into Adriano’s brick-wall frame. See, unlike the others, Rocco has never been tied up or trapped, just monitored. We didn’t want him to stew. I wanted a surprise when I finally met him. I didn’t want the off chance of him pulling a Baker. Adriano is the best and made sure that he never lost sight of him.

“Where are you going? We’ve been looking for you for so long, it’s a wonder we managed to find you alive after all of Jones’s and Baker’s acquaintances have seemingly died or disappeared.” He’s shaking, and all the color in his olive face has faded, turning him a hideous pale gray.

“I only just broke free from them. I tried to get back, but they had me tied up.”

“The fact that you lack respect for me says one thing, but your own lack of respect for yourself says a lot more. You’re a big pussy and full of utter denial that you’re about to die for your sins against me and mine.”

Adriano effortlessly holds him still as Rocco attempts to struggle away from his grasp. My first gut shot feels incredible. Blow after blow, I deliver shots to his body, working my fist into his frame, letting the sound of his bones crack play like music to my ears. “That’s for my wife; that’s for the time you’ve kept me on the hunt; that’s for ruining my businesses.” Each blow wears him down, but I don’t give in because his death will mean I get to sleep easier, even if it’s temporary.

“Come on. If you stop it, I’ll tell you who is after you,” he groans through the pain.

“Go on and spill, Rocco. It won’t save your life, but it will spare your pain. If the information is good.” As he tries to breathe, he spills his guts. Once I’ve gotten what I need, I endhis life with a quick bullet to the head. “Payment for services rendered.”

“Now—home, or are you ready to pay a visit to him?”

“No, I need eyes on him. Rocco can’t be believed, but I have no intention of keeping him alive a moment longer. Something isn’t adding up, so dig a little more. However, I need to make a pit stop before I go home and see my wife.” It’s time to right some other wrongs.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Stella

It was already morning when Damiano returned from his mission to dispose of a traitor, and I missed him terribly. It’s the first night we haven’t slept together since we confessed our feelings. What if we go back to where we were?

“Good morning, beautiful.” He leans in and kisses me as I drink my coffee. “I missed you.” He takes my coffee and sets it down.

“I missed you too,” I breathe against his chest.