Page 54 of Stolen Bride
“I certainly hope not, but as you can see, security and police have been amplified. I’m not a fire investigator, so I don’t have answers on the fires. Now, excuse us.” I lead Stella away from the woman who has taken an enviable stare at my wife.
“Jealousy is ugly on such a beautiful woman,” Stella says to the reporter.
I lean and whisper, “Mio angelo oscuro.” Stella smiles wickedly. Possessiveness looks great on her.
I lead her in, and we walk around to the bar. “Everyone, gather around.” Feet shuffle quickly as they tend to when I’m here. “I’d like to make a formal introduction before we open the doors. This beautiful woman you have seen here before. However, I haven’t properly introduced her as my wife, Stella Valentino. She should be treated as you would me, and you knowwhat that means. If anyone dares approach her, I want to know. Understood?”
They quickly cheer and agree. After they greet her with the respect fitting my wife, I lead her around to inspect the club. It’s something I do almost every time I come in. The place is perfect, including the extra cameras I added just in case we get some unwelcome visitors. My office has been triple-swept and thoroughly cleaned after the supposed fire at the club.
“It’s time to open. Do you want to go to the door, or would you rather wait in our lounge?”
“I have to use the ladies’ room.”
“Okay, but use the one in my office.” I kiss her lips and then nod toward Adriano. “Escort my wife upstairs, please.”
“Of course.” She follows his lead to the steps, and I watch as he acts the perfect guard for her. I’m glad there are some I can truly trust with her. Especially that big motherfucker. The next ten minutes are hectic as we let in the VIPs, and then finally I head up to my office. Adriano’s standing guard outside. “I told her it was best just to wait for you inside.”
“Good.” I turn the knob and see the sexiest sight. My pretty wife is sitting on the edge of my desk holding one of my blades, twirling it in her hand. “Are you planning to off me tonight?”
“No. Adriano wanted to make sure I was protected, so he showed me where you keep the special hiding spot.”
“Smart. You’re really good with knives, but maybe we’ll take you to the range. How would you like that?” I take the knife from her and set it down.
“Anything to keep this one safe.” She rubs her belly.
“Hopefully we don’t have that problem, Mrs. Valentino, but for now, I owe you a dance.”
“Do you have any music in here?” We have speakers in the club that connect to my office, but I can change it so I don’t have to hear the shit out there. I put on something slow and pull my wife into my arms. Holding her is always a pleasure, but watching others in the club dancing had never filled me with envy until I crossed paths with my little angel.
The song comes to an end, and she stares up into my eyes with a happiness that I can latch onto for my own. The only light I let in. “This is wonderful, Dame. Can we stay like this for another song?”
“For a while longer,” I whisper over her head, wanting to spend the rest of the night just the two of us. “You and I will have our own little night this week.”
“It’s a date, Mr. Valentino,” she says, brushing her lips on my shaved chin. I had to clean up for the club, but I didn’t leave it completely bare. “I want that between my thighs.”
“At your service.” I stop dancing and go to lift her on the desk, but she stops me.
“Not now, silly.”
“Can’t blame a guy. Look what you do to me.” I rub my painful erection on her mound.
“We better go outside and see what’s going on before we get carried away.”
“Sounds wonderful.” We exit the office and join Gabe and Gracie in the VIP booth with Adriano, who is surveying the floor below.
“Anything going on?”
“Nothing. The club is running as smoothly as ever, like nothing has ever changed, but we know differently.” We all understand that’s the farthest from the truth because not only has Rocco betrayed us, but the fire was a ruse while Benz had snuck inside and tried to break into the safes to steal information they believed was here, as if I didn’t have safety precautions everywhere. Sending in the fire department was their attempt to get more access to closed-off areas, but they underestimated my actual firewalls and my digital ones.
“We need drinks,” I say. “Amore, you want water? A virgin cocktail?”
“Water.” I press the button for service, and seconds later Sasha is up the steps. “Yes, Boss. What can I get you all tonight?”
“A refill for Gracie and Gabe, water, my usual, and…” I point to Adriano. “A chocolate milk.”
“I’m not trying to go to bed. I’ll take a water,” he grumbles. “I’ll be back in a minute.” She’s not gone long before returning with Adriano taking the tray. “Here you go. Will you be needing a refill in fifteen?”
“Sounds good. Thanks.”